Microchip Proves Tightness Provokes Precocious Sperm Release (IMAGE) University of Montreal Caption Sperm cell release can be triggered by tightening the grip around the delivery organ, according to a team of nano and microsystems engineers and plant biologists at the University of Montreal and Concordia University. Concordia's nanobiotech team devised a microchip that enabled the University of Montreal biologists to observe what happened when pollen tubes -- the sperm delivery tools used by plants -- tried to negotiate a microscopic obstacle course. Credit Universite de Montreal and Concordia University Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.