Health

New AI Model Revolutionizes IVF with Enhanced Accuracy

Published

2 weeks ago

15 July, 2025

editorial

A groundbreaking study published in Nature Communications has unveiled the Foundational IVF Model for Imaging (FEMI), an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) tool designed to enhance the accuracy of embryo assessment in in vitro fertilization (IVF). By training on a dataset of approximately 18 million time-lapse images, FEMI aims to replace traditional invasive testing methods, potentially offering a faster, cheaper, and more reliable approach to selecting viable embryos.

Understanding IVF success hinges on accurate embryo assessment and selection. Traditional methods suffer from limitations, including inconsistent standards, high costs, and variable regulations regarding preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) worldwide. These discrepancies in scoring systems and diagnostic tools can adversely influence IVF success rates, underscoring the urgent need for an efficient, non-invasive solution that alleviates the emotional and financial burdens on patients.

The Role of AI in IVF

Artificial intelligence has found a place in IVF by assisting in the prediction of embryo morphology and ploidy status, both critical for successful outcomes. Although previous deep learning models, such as STORK and ERICA, have shown promise in analyzing embryo morphology, they largely depend on image data and embryologist input. Researchers have worked to overcome these limitations by creating new models that demonstrate improved efficacy.

The Blastocyst Evaluation Learning Algorithm (BELA) can predict ploidy status without assistance from embryologists, but it is restricted to assessing embryo quality scores and ploidy status. The introduction of Vision Transformers (ViTs), which utilize a transformer-based architecture, allows for more complex pattern recognition in images and can handle large-scale datasets effectively. Nevertheless, the application of ViTs has been limited due to insufficient training dataset diversity.

The FEMI model employs the Vision Transformer masked autoencoder (ViT MAE) to facilitate self-supervised learning (SSL), reconstructing original images from masked inputs. This encoder-decoder structure promotes the understanding of essential characteristics within the dataset.

Performance and Clinical Implications

FEMI was trained on a diverse selection of time-lapse images captured from multiple clinics, specifically focusing on images taken after 85 hours post-insemination. To enhance feature learning, images were closely cropped around embryos, and the dataset was split into 80% for training and 20% for validation.

The study assessed FEMI’s predictive accuracy across various clinical tasks, including blastocyst quality scoring, ploidy prediction, blastulation time prediction, and embryo witnessing. The model’s performance was compared against several benchmark image and video-based models, including MoViNet and EfficientNet V2. Findings revealed that FEMI significantly surpassed all comparison models, particularly excelling in conditions of low embryo quality.

One notable achievement was FEMI’s accuracy in predicting ploidy status, where it performed exceptionally well, especially in predicting overall blastocyst scores and inner cell mass scores across multiple datasets. While FEMI’s success in embryo witnessing was evident, its performance in segmenting blastocyst components showed only marginal improvements compared to other models.

The ability to predict blastulation time accurately is crucial for embryologists, facilitating assessments of embryo quality and planning for subsequent procedures. In this regard, FEMI achieved a top-1 accuracy of 60.31%, closely trailing behind Embryovision’s 60.58% accuracy, highlighting the model’s competitive edge in the field.

Despite these promising results, the authors acknowledge limitations in the study. The segmentation and stage prediction tasks utilized the same datasets for training and testing, potentially affecting generalizability. Additionally, ploidy prediction tasks did not include mosaic embryos and were limited to data collected up to 112 hours post-insemination, despite viable embryos often developing beyond this timeframe. Moreover, the datasets primarily originated from high-resource clinics, which could restrict FEMI’s immediate application in lower-resource environments.

Notwithstanding these challenges, the authors advocate for FEMI’s potential as a foundational model, suggesting that it could serve as a backbone for other clinical prediction tasks—such as implantation and live birth—pending access to relevant labels. This study positions FEMI as a promising advancement in standardizing embryo assessment in IVF, with its self-supervised learning capabilities allowing it to generalize effectively across tasks.

As further validation and clinical trials are conducted, FEMI could evolve into a powerful decision-support system in reproductive medicine, ultimately improving IVF success rates and enhancing patient experiences.

Health

ViroCell and AvenCell Collaborate on CAR-T Therapy Development

Published

15 hours ago

30 July, 2025

editorial

ViroCell Biologics has entered into a strategic partnership with AvenCell Therapeutics to advance the development of allogeneic CAR-T therapies aimed at treating blood cancers. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the field of immunotherapy, with the potential to improve outcomes for patients facing these challenging diseases.

The partnership aims to leverage ViroCell’s expertise in cell manufacturing and AvenCell’s innovations in CAR-T technology. By combining their strengths, the two companies hope to accelerate the production and availability of these therapies, which use genetically modified T cells to target and destroy cancer cells.

Impacts on the Field of Immunotherapy

CAR-T therapy has already demonstrated remarkable efficacy in treating certain types of blood cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma. Nevertheless, the traditional approach to CAR-T therapy often relies on autologous cells, which are derived from the patient’s own blood. This process can be time-consuming and expensive, leading to delays in treatment.

The allogeneic approach, which utilizes donor cells, has the potential to streamline production and reduce costs. According to industry estimates, this shift could make CAR-T therapies more accessible to a broader patient population, addressing a critical need in oncology.

The collaboration between ViroCell and AvenCell is particularly timely, as the demand for effective cancer treatments continues to grow. It is estimated that blood cancers affect over 1.2 million people in the United States alone, underscoring the urgency of advancing therapeutic options.

Looking Ahead

As part of their partnership, ViroCell and AvenCell plan to initiate clinical trials within the next year. These trials will evaluate the safety and efficacy of their allogeneic CAR-T therapies in patients with blood cancers. The research teams are optimistic that their work will lead to significant breakthroughs in treatment protocols.

The collaboration is also expected to attract interest from investors and stakeholders in the biotechnology sector, as successful development could position ViroCell and AvenCell as leaders in the immunotherapy market. In a recent statement, representatives from both companies expressed their commitment to improving patient care through innovative solutions.

With the potential to redefine treatment paradigms in oncology, the partnership between ViroCell and AvenCell could pave the way for new therapies that not only enhance survival rates but also improve the quality of life for patients battling blood cancers.

Health

Researchers Identify New Genetic Mutation in Invasive Strep Bacteria

Published

19 hours ago

30 July, 2025

editorial

A team of researchers from The University of Osaka has discovered a novel genetic mutation in Streptococcus pyogenes, a bacterium responsible for strep throat, which is significantly associated with severe invasive infections. This mutation affects a ferric ion transporter within the bacterium, which in turn weakens its growth in human blood. Unique to Japanese strains, this finding indicates a previously unknown pathogenic mechanism that could pave the way for new treatment strategies.

The study comes at a critical time, as cases of invasive strep infections in Japan surged in 2024, raising alarms among health officials. The high mortality rate associated with severe infections underscores the urgent need for enhanced understanding and new therapeutic options.

Comprehensive Genomic Analysis Reveals Key Findings

The researchers conducted an extensive analysis of 666 strains of S. pyogenes, comprising 311 samples from Japan and 355 from various other countries. By employing cutting-edge pangenome-wide association studies, the team uncovered numerous genetic changes linked to the bacterium’s ability to cause severe infections. Among these was a previously unseen mutation affecting a gene responsible for the bacterium’s iron acquisition, a critical nutrient for its survival.

Interestingly, the study revealed that many genes previously thought to contribute to serious illness were actually common among less harmful strains. This suggests a paradigm shift in understanding how some strains become more virulent; it may not solely depend on acquiring harmful genes but could also involve the loss of genes that otherwise suppress their pathogenic potential.

Dr. Masayuki Ono, the lead author of the study and an assistant professor at the Graduate School of Dentistry at The University of Osaka, emphasized the significance of their findings. He stated, “This research significantly advances our understanding of severe invasive strep, especially within the Japanese population.” The comprehensive genomic analysis, which utilized advanced supercomputer techniques and experimental validation, offers a promising pathway for developing therapies that target the mutated iron transporter.

Implications for Future Research and Treatment

The implications of this research extend beyond Japan. The pangenome-wide approach showcased the potential of large-scale genomic analyses to unravel complex disease mechanisms. This methodology could serve as a valuable tool for future research into other infectious diseases, enhancing our overall understanding of microbial pathogenesis.

The findings have been published in the journal eLife, contributing to the growing body of knowledge surrounding S. pyogenes and its invasive capabilities. As researchers continue to explore the intricacies of this bacterium, the hope is that new preventive measures and treatments will emerge, ultimately reducing the burden of severe invasive infections worldwide.

The study represents a significant step in infectious disease research, highlighting the importance of ongoing surveillance and genetic analysis to combat emerging health threats.

Health

Portsmouth Evaluates Future of Tottenham Keeper as Fratton Move Looms

Published

21 hours ago

30 July, 2025

editorial

Portsmouth Football Club is currently assessing the future of former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Joshua Griffiths, who is vying for a permanent deal at the club. After leaving the Premier League side this summer, Griffiths has expressed a strong desire to establish himself at Fratton Park, where he has been training and competing with the team.

Griffiths, who has been recognized for his impressive performances while on loan at various clubs, is looking to solidify his position at Portsmouth. The 21-year-old shot-stopper has showcased his skills during training sessions and pre-season friendlies, catching the attention of the coaching staff. His previous experience in the league could add significant depth to Portsmouth’s squad as they aim for a successful campaign in the upcoming season.

Potential Deal and Competitive Landscape

The discussions surrounding Griffiths’ potential signing come at a crucial time as Portsmouth prepares for competitive fixtures. The League One club is keen on strengthening its roster, particularly in the goalkeeper position, where competition remains fierce. The management is weighing the benefits of bringing Griffiths on board against other potential candidates.

Portsmouth’s head coach, John Mousinho, has been vocal about the importance of building a diverse and capable team. He noted that adding a goalkeeper of Griffiths’ caliber could enhance the squad’s overall performance. “We are looking for players who can not only contribute on the pitch but also fit into our club culture,” Mousinho stated during a recent press conference.

As the club evaluates its options, Griffiths’ aspirations align with Portsmouth’s goals. The team is focused on making strategic moves that will bolster their chances of promotion back to the Championship. The connection between Griffiths and Portsmouth could prove beneficial for both parties, especially if a deal is finalized.

Future Prospects and Fan Sentiment

Fans are already speculating about Griffiths’ potential role within the team. Social media platforms have seen discussions about how his experience could bring added stability to Portsmouth’s defense. Many supporters have expressed enthusiasm at the prospect of welcoming a player with Premier League experience to their ranks.

The decision regarding Griffiths’ future will likely come soon, as the transfer window remains open. Portsmouth’s management is under pressure to make timely decisions that will positively impact the team’s performance. The club’s ambitious plans for the season hinge on effective signings, and Griffiths is a key figure in their current strategy.

As Portsmouth moves forward with its evaluation, the club remains committed to fostering talent that aligns with its long-term vision. Whether Griffiths will don the Portsmouth jersey in the near future remains uncertain, but discussions are ongoing, and anticipation builds among fans and players alike.

Health

Portsmouth’s Ben Killip Saves the Day with Late Penalty Stop

Published

1 day ago

29 July, 2025

editorial

Portsmouth FC secured a hard-fought draw against the Hawks on October 15, 2023, thanks to a remarkable last-minute penalty save by goalkeeper Ben Killip. The match, which took place at Fratton Park, saw Portsmouth struggle to maintain their lead, ultimately relying on Killip’s heroics to avoid defeat.

The game started positively for Portsmouth, who displayed attacking intent early on. However, as the match progressed, they faced mounting pressure from the Hawks, who capitalized on defensive lapses. Portsmouth’s inability to convert opportunities into goals became increasingly evident, leaving fans concerned about the team’s attacking capabilities.

Killip’s performance was pivotal, particularly in the closing moments when he faced a penalty after a controversial foul in the box. With the score tied at 1-1, Killip dove to his left, expertly denying the Hawks a potential victory. His save not only preserved the point for Portsmouth but also showcased his growing reputation as a reliable shot-stopper.

Player Ratings and Future Prospects

In his assessment of the match, journalist Neil Allen highlighted Killip as the standout player, calling him the “main attacking threat” for Portsmouth. Allen also questioned the team’s strategy moving forward, implying that the current squad composition may not be sustainable for future competitions.

Despite the late drama, Portsmouth’s overall display was described as “disappointing.” The team’s inability to control the game against lower-league opposition raised serious questions about their readiness for upcoming fixtures, especially with critical matches in the FA Cup on the horizon.

Fans will be eager to see how Portsmouth adjusts in their next outing. With Killip’s confidence boosted by his late save, there is hope that the team can rally and improve their performance in the coming weeks. The challenge ahead will require not only better finishing but also a more cohesive approach to match management.

As Portsmouth prepares for their next challenge, the pressure is on to convert potential into results. With Killip at the helm, supporters can remain optimistic about the team’s prospects despite the current setbacks.