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Hormones are central to reproductive wellbeing, and the integration of AI with hormonal science is helping clinicians make more accurate decisions during procedures like in vitro fertilisation (IVF). With fertility treatment costs high and cycles often limited, getting the best result from each attempt is essential—and AI is making that possible.

Using AI to Personalise IVF Treatment

During IVF, the ovaries are stimulated with hormones to grow follicles—the sacs that contain eggs. Clinicians monitor the growth of these follicles using ultrasound to determine the best moment to trigger ovulation. Traditionally, this decision is based on rule-of-thumb estimates, using only the size of the largest follicles.

However, a recent study led by Dr. Abbara has shown how AI can offer far more precise insights. The technology was used to identify which sized follicles are most likely to yield an egg. Results revealed that cycles with more follicles in the optimal size range led to improved egg retrieval and increased live birth rates.

“In future, AI will guide clinicians with a decision-support system to recommend the ideal time to trigger ovulation,” Dr. Abbara explained. “This could help us maximise outcomes with every IVF cycle.”

AI’s Broader Role in Reproductive Endocrinology

Dr. Abbara’s team is also exploring how AI can improve diagnosis and treatment for other hormonal conditions. For instance, menstrual disturbances often indicate anovulation (failure to release an egg), but diagnosis and medication selection can be tricky.

AI is now being trained to interpret large datasets of menstrual and hormonal patterns to identify the most effective treatments for restoring ovulation. “This approach can help us personalise treatments, make more informed choices, and reduce trial-and-error in fertility care,” he said.

Kisspeptin: The Game-Changer for Safer IVF

One of the standout breakthroughs in reproductive endocrinology is the study of kisspeptin, a naturally occurring protein essential for fertility. According to Dr. Abbara’s research, kisspeptin could make IVF significantly safer.

Overstimulation of the ovaries during IVF can lead to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)—a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. To avoid this, clinicians often reduce hormone doses or delay embryo transfer, sometimes compromising the chances of success.

However, kisspeptin reduces the risk of OHSS without sacrificing fertility outcomes. “This could simplify IVF protocols, improve safety, and potentially boost pregnancy rates,” he said. The next step: clinical trials to prove its superiority over current medications.

AMH: A Key Hormone in Diagnosing PCOS

Dr. Abbara is also leading research into anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), which plays a vital role in understanding polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). AMH reflects a woman’s ovarian reserve—the number of follicles remaining in the ovaries.

Women with PCOS often have elevated AMH levels due to the abundance of follicles. “Our research shows that the higher the AMH, the more likely PCOS features are present,” he explained. While AMH alone is not yet enough for diagnosis, it’s becoming a core part of new clinical guidelines.

In the future, AMH could potentially be used as a standalone marker to diagnose PCOS, although menstrual history and other indicators are still critical.

Bridging the Gap in Women’s Health Research

Despite the strides being made, Dr. Abbara stressed that women’s health has long been underfunded and under-researched. “We must do more to improve care and dedicate resources to research focused on women’s unique health needs,” he said.

Initiatives like the UK Government’s Women’s Health Strategy are pushing to close this gap. Dr. Abbara believes men in medicine must also play an active role—mentoring female colleagues, advocating for funding, and challenging outdated biases in clinical research.

“Women’s health must be at the forefront of medical innovation,” he said. “Through AI, hormonal science, and a renewed commitment to equity, we have the power to reshape the future of fertility and wellbeing.”

As AI continues to evolve, so too does our understanding of the delicate interplay between hormones and reproductive success. With passionate experts like Dr. Abbara leading the charge, the future of fertility care looks smarter, safer, and more inclusive than ever.

Reference: https://www.sunflowerhospital.in/how-ai-is-shaping-the-future-of-ivf-and-fertility-treatments/

and enabling human reproduction beyond Earth. Led by CEO Dr. Egbert Edelbroek, the company is developing innovative technologies to facilitate conception and early embryo development in space, laying the groundwork for future space colonization and advancements in fertility treatments on Earth.

The ARTIS Program: IVF in Space

Central to SpaceBorn United’s mission is the Assisted Reproductive Technology in Space (ARTIS) program. This initiative focuses on creating an in-vitro fertilization (IVF) process adapted for space conditions. The plan involves launching a miniaturized IVF lab, known as the ARTIS minilab, into low Earth orbit. During a six-day mission, female reproductive cells will be fertilized under simulated Earth-like gravity. After five to six days of development, the embryos will be cryogenically frozen and returned to Earth for further analysis. Initial missions will utilize mouse cells to ensure the embryos’ health and viability for implantation and birth on Earth. Future missions aim to progress toward using human reproductive cells, with the goal of determining the minimum gravity levels required for healthy embryo development.

Technological Innovations and Collaborations

The ARTIS minilab is a marvel of engineering, equipped with a life support system, microfluidic disc with micropump, micro-cameras, and an array of sensors to monitor subsystems and flight characteristics. SpaceBorn United collaborates with various international partners, including Ghent University in Belgium and Independence-X Aerospace in Malaysia, to advance this technology. Notably, the company has integrated its prototype with Independence-X Aerospace’s Microgravity Experiment Re-entry Capsule (MERCAP), which serves as the re-entry vehicle for the unmanned orbital laboratory.

Ethical Considerations and Research Roadmap

Ethical considerations are paramount in SpaceBorn United’s research. The company has secured approval from the Ethical Committee at Ghent University, enabling ground-based experiments at Ghent University Hospital’s IVF Lab. These experiments are crucial for validating the safety and efficacy of space-based reproduction technologies. SpaceBorn United is also developing a multi-decade research roadmap that encompasses all stages of reproduction, from conception to potential natural reproduction in space. This comprehensive plan includes symposiums that bring together experts in biomedicine, space technology, ethics, law, geopolitics, and space business to address the multifaceted challenges of space reproduction.

Implications for Earth and Beyond

While the primary focus is on enabling human reproduction in space, the technologies developed by SpaceBorn United have significant implications for fertility treatments on Earth. Innovations in IVF technology and early embryo development could lead to improved success rates and new treatment methodologies. Moreover, understanding how human biology adapts to space environments can provide insights into human health and resilience, benefiting medical science as a whole.

Looking Ahead

SpaceBorn United’s pioneering work represents a critical step toward realizing the dream of human settlements beyond Earth. By addressing the complex challenges of reproduction in space, the company not only contributes to the feasibility of long-term space colonization but also drives advancements in reproductive science and technology on Earth. As research progresses, the prospect of human life beyond our planet becomes increasingly tangible, marking a new era in space exploration and human potential.

Expanding the Scientific Horizon

Beyond the technical and medical innovations, SpaceBorn United’s work is also reshaping the broader conversation around the future of space exploration. The company’s advisory board includes globally recognized experts such as Rick Tumlinson, a pioneer in space advocacy, and Professor Chris Mason, known for his work on genetics and spaceflight. Their involvement strengthens the scientific credibility and strategic vision of SpaceBorn’s roadmap.

Meanwhile, efforts to test the resilience of reproductive cells under spaceflight conditions continue. Initial hypergravity tests have shown promising results, with oocytes maintaining integrity under up to 9G forces. Upcoming space missions will further explore the impact of microgravity, partial gravity, and radiation on embryo viability, refining both the technology and protocols necessary for success.

As collaboration grows and international interest intensifies, SpaceBorn United is firmly positioned at the forefront of one of space exploration’s most profound challenges—proving that life can not only survive but begin anew beyond Earth.

Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39677198/

Recent insights from medical professionals shed light  on the profound connection between restful sleep and enhanced fertility outcomes.​

The Underestimated Pillar: Sleep in Fertility Treatments

Sleep is a cornerstone of overall well-being, yet its significance in reproductive health is often overlooked. Dr. Richa Jagtap, Clinical Director at NOVA IVF Fertility, emphasizes that sleep disturbances can disrupt hormonal balances essential for reproduction. “Adequate sleep is crucial for regulating hormones like cortisol and melatonin, which in turn influence reproductive hormones,” she explains. Disruptions in sleep patterns can lead to imbalances that may adversely affect ovulation and menstrual cycles, thereby impacting fertility.​

Hormonal Harmony: The Sleep-Fertility Connection

The body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm, plays a pivotal role in regulating hormone production. Melatonin, known for governing sleep-wake cycles, also possesses antioxidant properties that protect eggs from oxidative stress. Furthermore, sleep influences the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), both vital for ovulation and overall reproductive function. Insufficient or poor-quality sleep can disrupt these hormonal cascades, potentially diminishing the effectiveness of fertility treatments like IVF.​

Empirical Evidence: Sleep’s Impact on IVF Outcomes

Studies have delved into the correlation between sleep patterns and IVF success rates. Research indicates that women who consistently achieve 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night have higher pregnancy rates compared to those with irregular or insufficient sleep. Sleep deprivation has been linked to decreased implantation rates and increased miscarriage risks. These findings underscore the necessity of prioritizing sleep as an integral component of fertility treatment protocols.​

Strategies for Enhancing Sleep Quality During IVF

Recognizing the importance of sleep is the first step; implementing strategies to improve it is equally vital. Dr. Jagtap offers practical recommendations:​

1. Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Going to bed and waking up at the same time daily reinforces the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.​
2. Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Engaging in calming activities before bed, such as reading or meditation, can signal the body to prepare for sleep.​
3. Limit Exposure to Screens Before Bedtime: The blue light emitted by phones, tablets, and computers can interfere with melatonin production. It’s advisable to avoid screens at least an hour before sleeping.​
4. Optimize the Sleep Environment: Ensure the bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. Investing in a comfortable mattress and pillows can also enhance sleep quality.​
5. Monitor Caffeine and Alcohol Intake: Both substances can disrupt sleep patterns. Limiting their consumption, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime, is beneficial.​
6. Seek Professional Help if Needed: If sleep disturbances persist, consulting a healthcare provider or sleep specialist can provide tailored interventions.​

The Psychological Dimension: Stress, Sleep, and IVF

Undergoing IVF can be an emotionally taxing experience, with stress and anxiety often accompanying the process. This psychological strain can further impair sleep quality, creating a vicious cycle. Incorporating stress-reducing techniques such as yoga, deep-breathing exercises, or counseling can alleviate anxiety, subsequently improving sleep and potentially enhancing IVF outcomes.​

Conclusion: Integrating Sleep into Fertility Wellness

While medical advancements continue to elevate the success rates of fertility treatments, it’s imperative not to overlook foundational aspects of health, such as sleep. By acknowledging and addressing the profound impact of sleep quality on reproductive health, individuals can take proactive steps to optimize their fertility journey. As Dr. Jagtap aptly summarizes, “Prioritizing sleep is not just about rest; it’s about creating an optimal environment for conception and overall well-being.”

Reference: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1389945724005410