World’s first baby born by IVF done almost entirely by a machine

April 10, 2025

image of an oocyte being fertilized with a needle

(New Scientist) – A baby has been born after being conceived via IVF performed by a machine, with a medical professional merely overseeing the process

In one step, the machine uses an AI model to select the healthiest sperm cells for fertilisation, based on their appearance. In another, the machine immobilises the sperm by zapping their tails with a laser so they are easier to pick up. It later injects the sperm into already-collected eggs. A similar approach has been tested before, resulting in two live births, but some steps weren’t done by a machine. (Read More)