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embryo

The first pregnancy with artificial intelligence: «It found the only two “active” sperm of a 39-year-old and 13 days later his partner was pregnant»

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor November 2, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

A 39-year-old man and his partner achieved pregnancy after utilizing artificial intelligence to identify viable sperm, marking what experts believe ‍to be the first accomplished pregnancy resulting from AI-assisted conception. ‌The breakthrough occurred‌ after conventional methods failed to yield results, and the AI pinpointed two active sperm cells⁢ from the man’s sample, leading to a successful ⁤pregnancy⁣ just 13 ⁢days later.

The case, which occurred as of November 2, 2025,⁣ highlights a potential new frontier in fertility treatment, ‌offering⁢ hope to couples facing challenges with‌ male factor infertility.⁢ Approximately half of all infertility ‍cases are attributed to issues with the male⁢ partner, often involving low⁣ sperm count, poor motility, or morphological defects.Current diagnostic⁢ methods can be subjective and time-consuming; this AI technology promises a more precise and efficient⁤ analysis, potentially ‍reducing the emotional and financial burden of repeated IVF cycles. The technology’s ⁤developers anticipate‌ further⁢ refinement and broader clinical submission, potentially⁢ revolutionizing the ⁢field of reproductive medicine and expanding options ‍for individuals and couples ‍struggling⁢ to conceive.

The AI system, developed‍ by [data not provided in source], analyzed a sperm sample using advanced image recognition and machine learning algorithms. Traditional semen analysis relies on manual microscopic examination,which can be prone to human error and may not identify subtle indicators of sperm viability. The AI was able to ‍identify characteristics indicative of ⁤fertilization potential ⁤that were previously undetectable. ⁢Following the AI’s selection,intrauterine insemination (IUI) was performed,resulting in ‌a confirmed pregnancy.

The⁢ couple, who wish to remain anonymous, had been ⁤attempting to ⁢conceive for several years without success. After multiple failed IUI and IVF attempts, they turned ⁣to the AI-assisted ⁣technology as a last resort. The partner is currently in the early stages of⁣ pregnancy, with all indicators pointing to a healthy advancement. Further details regarding the specific AI technology‌ and ‍the clinical protocols used are expected to be published in⁣ a peer-reviewed medical journal in the coming months.

November 2, 2025 0 comments

Business

Title: AI-Guided Sperm Recovery Leads to First Pregnancy in Azoospermia

by Priya Shah – Business Editor November 1, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

AI-Powered Sperm Recovery Method Leads to Frist Successful‌ Pregnancy, Columbia⁤ Researchers Announce

NEW ‍YORK,⁢ NY – In a‌ breakthrough for men ‍facing ⁢infertility, researchers⁢ at Columbia University ‌Irving Medical Center have announced ⁣the first successful pregnancy achieved⁣ using their novel AI-guided sperm⁤ recovery method,‍ dubbed STAR (Sperm Tracking and ⁣Recovery). The technology offers new⁢ hope for individuals diagnosed with azoospermia – the⁣ absence of sperm in ejaculate – who have⁣ previously faced limited options for ⁤starting a⁢ family.

The findings, published in The Lancet, detail how the ⁣STAR method successfully identified and retrieved viable sperm from⁣ a patient who had spent nearly two ⁤decades attempting to conceive, including multiple unsuccessful ⁣IVF cycles, manual⁤ sperm searches, and surgical sperm⁣ extraction procedures.

“You only ⁤need one healthy sperm to create an embryo,” explained Dr. Evan Williams, senior⁢ author of the study and Director ⁢of the Columbia University Fertility Center.

The STAR‌ method combines ‍high-powered imaging,⁤ artificial⁢ intelligence, and microfluidics to ⁤locate and isolate rare⁤ sperm cells within a semen sample. ⁢The system scans the sample, capturing over 8 million images in under an hour. AI algorithms‌ then identify potential sperm cells,‍ which are afterward isolated using a microfluidic chip containing tiny channels. A robotic arm then gently removes the ⁤sperm ⁢for⁢ use in embryo creation or cryopreservation.

In the reported case, STAR analyzed a 3.5 mL semen sample, identifying two ‍viable sperm cells within approximately two hours. These cells were used to create two embryos, resulting in a successful pregnancy.

“the field has⁢ really ‍been challenged to find ⁤a ‍better way to ‌identify ⁤and retrieve viable sperm cells ‍in men with exceedingly low sperm counts,” Dr. Williams stated.

The development of STAR was a collaborative effort, bringing together experts ‌in‌ advanced imaging, microfluidics, and reproductive endocrinology. “Our team included experts…to⁢ tackle each individual step required to find and isolate rare sperm,” said Hemant Suryawanshi,assistant professor of reproductive sciences at Columbia University Vagelos College of⁣ Physicians and Surgeons and project leader.

While the initial results are based on a single case, researchers are optimistic about the potential‌ of STAR to overcome significant hurdles in male infertility treatment. Larger clinical studies are currently underway ‌to ⁤evaluate the efficacy of the technology in a broader patient population.

The research was supported by Columbia University‍ Irving Medical Center.further details can be found⁤ in the published study: Suryawanshi, H., et al. (2025). First clinical pregnancy following AI-based microfluidic sperm detection and recovery in non-obstructive azoospermia.The‍ Lancet. doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(25)01623-X01623-X)

November 1, 2025 0 comments

Technology

Title: Rare! Dinosaur Eggs Found Perfect After 70 Million Years

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor October 25, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Rare, Remarkably Preserved Dinosaur Egg Discovered in Patagonia

RIO NEGRO, ARGENTINA – A team of paleontologists in Argentina has⁢ unearthed an exceptionally well-preserved dinosaur egg, estimated to be ‌over 70 million years old. The discovery, made in the ⁢Neuquén Province of Patagonia, is being hailed as remarkably ⁣rare, notably given the egg’s pristine condition.

The egg was ‌found alongside a nest of others, ⁣according to a post on the Laboratory of⁤ Comparative Anatomy and Vertebrate Evolution’s (LACEV) Instagram page. Team leader Federico Agnolín, a world-class anatomist, is pictured holding the egg, wich appears almost like a hard-boiled egg.

“This is moast likely the first discovery of⁢ this person in South America,” reads the description accompanying‌ one video clip. The post further states, “As you can see, this fossil is over 70 million years old, and SHE WAS NOT ALONE, WE FOUND HER NEST.”

Scientists believe the egg belonged to Bonapartenykus, a small, carnivorous theropod dinosaur that lived during the late Cretaceous period. “it’s very rare to find carnivorous dinosaur eggs, especially in these conditions,” explained researcher José ⁣Luis Muñoz, noting that sauropod (long-necked dinosaur) eggs are ‌more commonly found. He described the egg as “round,like a ‌giant ball,with a thicker shell.”

Experts explain that carnivorous ‌dinosaur eggs are less frequently discovered due to the smaller population of⁤ meat-eating dinosaurs and the fragility of their eggs, which were ancestral to modern birds. “their eggs ‌were more like birds, as it was this lineage of carnivorous⁣ dinosaurs that would give birth to birds,” Muñoz said.⁤ “Therefore,⁢ the eggs will be more fragile, with much thinner shells, and more susceptible to damage.”

The egg and other finds from the site will be transported to the Argentine museum of Natural Sciences for ‌further examination. Researchers will conduct a ‍detailed scan to determine if the fossil shell contains ⁣an embryo.

Muñoz expressed hope that the egg contains an embryo,which could confirm the dinosaur’s species and provide insights into dinosaur evolution. “If it was a carnivorous dinosaur, this ‌finding would teach us, such as, how dinosaur eggs evolved into birds,” he stated. “It can show what the cubs‍ are like, how they were when they were born, ‌whether they are fully developed or not. Any‌ information it ‌provides⁢ will be ‍very new and engaging.”

October 25, 2025 0 comments

Health

CoQ10 May Revitalize Fertility in Aging Women: New Research Highlights

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor September 17, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

CoQ10 as a⁤ Potential Support for ⁣Female Fertility

Emerging research suggests that Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may ⁣offer benefits for women experiencing infertility, notably those with issues⁤ related to ovarian function, oocyte‌ quality, polycystic ovaries, or pelvic inflammatory disease. Studies indicate CoQ10 impacts key factors in reproductive success, though further examination is needed to ⁤fully understand its efficacy.

A randomized controlled‍ trial (RCT) focusing on young women with diminished ovarian reserves demonstrated positive effects from CoQ10 supplementation. participants receiving CoQ10 ⁢exhibited a higher number ⁤of eggs⁢ retrieved, improved fertilization‌ rates, and a greater ‍proportion of high-quality embryos compared to a ⁤placebo group. Notably,⁤ the rate of canceled embryo transfers due to poor embryo development decreased significantly in the CoQ10 group, falling from 22.89% ⁤to 8.33%. ‌Though, this same study, ⁤and others reviewed, did not find ⁣a statistically significant difference⁣ in‌ clinical pregnancy or live birth rates, suggesting CoQ10’s impact might potentially be more ‍pronounced on intermediate reproductive markers than on overall pregnancy outcomes. The‌ review also noted⁤ improvements in hormonal balance and metabolic markers in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) who supplemented‍ with ⁣CoQ10.

Laboratory research supports⁤ these clinical observations. In vitro studies showed that adding CoQ10 to ⁣the culture medium used for maturing oocytes increased maturation rates from ⁣48.9% to 75.7%. The benefits of CoQ10 also appear to be amplified when combined with other treatments; synergistic effects⁣ have been observed when used alongside Vitamin E and non-pharmacological interventions like transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation.

Research suggests CoQ10 may address underlying factors contributing to infertility by counteracting ovarian aging, mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction, and reducing damage to oocyte DNA.‌ Current use-case dosing recommendations,based on‌ available studies,range‌ from⁢ 200 mg/day for women undergoing standard In ‌Vitro ‌Fertilization (IVF) to 600 mg/day for those with diminished ovarian reserve. While generally considered safe, a human safety ceiling of 1,200 mg/day has ‌been identified, with potential gastrointestinal side effects reported at higher doses. The ‍safety‌ of CoQ10 supplementation during pregnancy and lactation remains unconfirmed‌ and requires ‍further study.

the available evidence points to CoQ10 as a⁣ perhaps valuable therapeutic agent in reproductive medicine.Its ability⁤ to enhance cellular energy production and provide antioxidant protection may directly address the age-related⁣ decline in⁣ oocyte quality often seen‌ in female infertility.

However, significant research gaps remain. Larger, more ⁤extensive clinical trials are⁤ needed ⁣to establish standardized dosage protocols and treatment durations for diverse patient populations, including‍ those with PCOS or⁤ premature ovarian failure. Future research should also ‌investigate the ⁣synergistic ⁣effects of CoQ10 when used in ⁤conjunction with‌ other‍ therapies to ‌optimize treatment strategies and fully⁢ determine its role in improving fertility outcomes.

September 17, 2025 0 comments

Technology

OCT Imaging Reveals Embryo Transport Mechanism in the Oviduct

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor July 16, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Hear’s a breakdown of the provided text, focusing on the key aspects of the research:

Main Topic: The research uses advanced imaging techniques, specifically Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), to study the biomechanics of the oviduct (fallopian tube) and how it transports embryos in a mouse model.

Key Findings/Concepts:

OCT as a Tool: OCT is highlighted as an ideal technology for this study because it provides:
Label-free 3D imaging: No need for dyes or markers.
High resolution: captures structural details within the oviduct. Fast imaging: Allows visualization of dynamic processes.
Oviduct Function: The oviduct plays a crucial role in supporting pregnancy and early embryo development. Challenges in Studying the Oviduct: Studying the oviduct is technically tough, especially its biomechanics.
Methodology:
Mouse Model: The study uses mice as a model organism.
Implantable Window: A surgical window is implanted in the mouse to allow direct optical access to the oviduct.
Measuring Cilia Beat: As cilia are too small for direct OCT imaging, their movement is inferred from fluctuations in the OCT signal.
4D OCT Imaging: this technique (3D + time) is used to capture the oviduct’s muscular activity and the propagation of contraction waves.
Oviduct Structure and Function:
ampulla: Where fertilization occurs.
Isthmus: Closer to the uterus, where embryos develop and move bidirectionally. bidirectional Embryo Movement: The research reveals how the oviduct achieves this movement.
“Leaky peristaltic pump” Model: The oviduct functions like a pump:
contractions: Push fluid and embryos forward.
Relaxation: at earlier contraction sites, relaxation pulls fluid back.
Constricted Lumens: At turning points, constrictions can temporarily halt backward movement, leading to net forward displacement.
Importance of the Research:
Understanding Normal Processes: This is the first study to use these advanced imaging methods to understand normal embryo transport in the oviduct.
Potential Clinical Applications: The findings could led to better strategies for treating:
Ectopic Pregnancy: When embryos implant outside the uterus, often in the fallopian tube.
Certain Forms of Infertility: Where oviductal function might be impaired.
Future Directions: The researchers plan to investigate abnormal transport processes that lead to ectopic pregnancies.

Key People Mentioned:

Huan han: Doctoral candidate in Shang Wang’s laboratory.* Shang Wang: Leads the laboratory where the research is conducted.

In essence, the research uses cutting-edge imaging to demystify the complex mechanical processes within the oviduct, revealing it as a refined “leaky peristaltic pump” responsible for guiding early embryo development and transport. This understanding has significant implications for reproductive health.

July 16, 2025 0 comments

Technology

Discovery of a genetic dimmer switch controlling embryonic development

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor June 28, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Scientists Discover Genetic ‘Dimmer Switch’ for Embryo Development

Unlocking the Secrets of Gene Expression

Researchers have identified a previously unknown mechanism that regulates gene activity during embryonic development. This discovery could lead to breakthroughs in treating diseases by controlling gene expression, offering unprecedented possibilities for precision medicine and personalized therapies.

A team at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS) investigated how genes are switched on and off during embryonic development. The study, published in Developmental Cell, was led by **Dr. Irène Amblard** and **Dr. Vicki Metzis**. Their work focused on the gene Cdx2, which dictates the timing and location of spinal cord progenitor cell production. The goal was to comprehend the processes governing this brief window of expression.

The ‘Attenuator’ Element

The team discovered a DNA element, an “attenuator,” which reduces gene expression in a time- and cell-type-specific way. Unlike enhancers or silencers, which broadly switch genes on or off, the attenuator acts like a “genetic dimmer switch.” Altering this element enabled the researchers to adjust the duration and strength of Cdx2 expression.

Disrupting this switch in mouse embryos confirmed its crucial role in shaping the developing body plan. This breakthrough opens avenues for programmable gene expression, allowing for precise control of gene activity in space and time.

“We’re excited because previous research suggests that our genome may harbour many different types of elements that finely tune gene expression, but they’ve not been easy to identify. If we can address this challenge, this holds enormous potential for unlocking new ways to treat diseases by fine-tuning gene expression where and when it’s needed.”

—Dr. Vicki Metzis

This research could have significant implications. For example, the global gene therapy market is projected to reach $13.79 billion by 2028 (Fortune Business Insights, 2023). Precise control over gene expression could revolutionize treatments for diseases caused by gene misregulation.

Implications for Medicine

The study, backed by Wellcome and the Medical Research Council, expands our understanding of how non-coding DNA governs gene regulation. These findings could inform novel therapeutic strategies, including the design of new gene therapies and improved treatments for various conditions.

The discovery highlights the potential to develop treatments that selectively adjust gene expression in specific tissues. This approach could address diseases stemming from gene misregulation, offering a promising pathway toward more effective and personalized medicine.

June 28, 2025 0 comments

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