NEW YORK – In a groundbreaking medical breakthrough, a couple struggling with infertility for 18 years has successfully conceived a child with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) technology developed by the Columbia University Fertility Center.
The innovation, known as STAR (Sperm Tracking and Recovery), uses advanced AI algorithms and high-speed imaging to detect extremely rare and immobile sperm in men diagnosed with azoospermia—a condition where no sperm is found in the semen. Traditional methods often fail to detect such sperm, leaving couples with limited options.
The STAR system can scan up to 8 million microscopic images per hour, drastically reducing the time required to identify viable sperm. In one notable case, the system located 44 usable sperm in under an hour, compared to days of manual labor using conventional techniques.
These retrieved sperm were then used in a successful in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure, leading to the couple’s long-awaited pregnancy. They are now expecting their first child in December.
Dr. Zev Williams, the lead developer of the STAR system, described the technology as a game-changer. “We’re using the same tools we use to search for life on other planets to help create life right here on Earth,” he said.
The development has been hailed as a major advancement in the treatment of male infertility, which accounts for nearly 40% of infertility cases worldwide. The AI-powered procedure is also relatively affordable, costing less than $3,000, compared to traditional IVF cycles that often exceed $12,000.
Experts believe this innovation could revolutionize fertility treatments, offering new hope to countless couples across the globe. However, further clinical trials and regulatory approvals are needed before the technology can be widely adopted.
Reported by PakTribune Health Desk
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