In a major breakthrough for fertility science, researchers have developed a physics-based sperm selection technique that significantly improves IVF outcomes while slashing sperm selection time by up to 85%.
The new method, called viscosity-gradient micropatterning, uses layers of fluid with varying thickness to mimic natural sperm navigation. Only the strongest sperm—those that can cut through higher viscosity—make it to the central zone, revealing a unique corkscrew motion linked to higher quality.
Tested on 108 patients in a six-month study, the results were striking:
- Fertilization rate: 93.9% (vs. 90.3%)
- Day 3 embryo quality: 89.1% (vs. 81.8%)
- Blastocyst formation: 51.5% (vs. 44%)
Best of all? The method requires no new equipment—just a smarter way to use what’s already in the lab.
“This could become a game-changer in IVF,” say researchers. Faster, cheaper, and more effective, it promises new hope for couples worldwide.