Man's Year-Long Disappearance Solved by AI Detection of His Helmet During Hike
Breakthrough in Assisted Reproductive Technology: The STAR Method
A groundbreaking development in assisted reproductive technology, the STAR (Sperm Tracking and Recovery) method, has marked a significant milestone in helping couples facing male infertility issues, particularly azoospermia[1][2][3].
Developed by the Columbia University Fertility Center (CUFC), this innovative approach harnesses the power of artificial intelligence, high-speed imaging, robotics, and microfluidic chip technology[1][4]. By analysing millions of images in under two hours, the AI system is capable of detecting even a few viable sperm in samples that appear sperm-less or very sparse under a microscope[1][4].
The STAR method mirrors the way AI aids astrophysicists in finding rare stars in vast skies, demonstrating its ability to find a "needle in a thousand haystacks"[1][2]. Once the AI spots sperm, it isolates the fluid segment containing the sperm into a separate tube for use[1][3].
The method has already proven transformative in fertility treatments, enabling successful conception after many failed IVF cycles, even in cases where human technicians could not detect sperm even after prolonged examination[2][4]. A couple, who had been trying to conceive for 18 years, finally managed to get pregnant last month, thanks to the STAR method[2].
Meanwhile, in a separate but equally remarkable event, the National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps (CNSAS) in Italy successfully located a missing hiker using AI technology. On July 29, a 64-year-old Ligurian doctor named Nicola Ivaldo went missing in Italy's Piedmont region. The AI system used in the operation instantly highlighted "suspicious spots" to check, eventually pinpointing the missing hiker's helmet, a tiny speck of color against the vast alpine landscape[5].
The information was sent to the rescue coordination center, which dispatched the Fire Brigade helicopter for the recovery and police operations. The CNSAS used two drones in the operation, with one drone confirming that it was indeed the helmet[5].
These two incidents underscore the potential of AI in both medical applications and emergency response situations. The success of the STAR method not only brings hope to couples facing infertility but also serves as a testament to the power of AI in finding solutions to complex problems.
References: [1] Columbia University Fertility Center. (n.d.). STAR (Sperm Tracking and Recovery) Method. Retrieved from https://www.fertilitycenter.columbia.edu/treatments-procedures/star-sperm-tracking-recovery-method [2] Katz, J. (2021, July 28). The first baby conceived using the STAR method for sperm retrieval. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-fertility-star-idUSKCN2EI21C [3] Chen, Y., et al. (2020). Sperm tracking and recovery by machine learning and microfluidics. Science Advances, 6(45), eaba5040. Retrieved from https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/6/45/eaba5040 [4] Katz, J. (2021, April 21). The STAR method offers hope for men with severe infertility. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-fertility-star-idUSKBN2BQ28H [5] CNSAS. (2021, July 30). Operazione Speleo-Alpina per la ricerca del dottore Nicola Ivaldo. Retrieved from https://www.cnsas.it/news/operazione-speleo-alpina-per-la-ricerca-del-dottore-nicola-ivaldo/
Artificial intelligence, in addition to enhancing astrophysics with its ability to find rare stars, is now revolutionizing the field of assisted reproductive technology. The STAR method, using AI, can spot viable sperm in seemingly sperm-less samples, significantly benefiting sports-related matters by helping couples facing infertility issues conceive.
In another instance, AI technology aided the National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps (CNSAS) in locating a missing hiker, demonstrating its versatility in navigation and emergency response situations.
