IVF Success Rates: Can New Research Improve the Odds?

Published

5 hours ago

November 22, 2024

RTX

While in vitro fertilization (IVF) has been a revolutionary infertility treatment since the birth of Louise Brown, the first baby conceived through the procedure in 1978, many couples still face a long and uncertain journey toward parenthood. Despite advancements in IVF techniques, the live birth rate per embryo transfer remains low for many patients. New research may hold the key to improving these odds.

IVF begins with a delicate process where eggs are fertilized outside the body and observed as they develop into embryos. Some fertility clinics offer a high-tech procedure known as time-lapse imaging, where embryos are photographed every ten minutes to monitor their progress. This technique, often presented as a way to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy, has become widely used and expensive—adding up to $700 in the UK or $500 in the US to an IVF cycle.

However, a study published in The Lancet in July 2024 cast doubt on the benefits of time-lapse imaging. The study, which reviewed over 1,500 IVF procedures, found no significant difference in live birth rates between those using time-lapse imaging and those who did not. Priya Bhide, a senior lecturer at Queen Mary University of London, who co-authored the study, noted that previous reviews had already suggested limited evidence for the technique’s effectiveness.

Despite the lack of clear improvements from time-lapse imaging, the broader field of IVF has made incremental progress over the years. For example, the success rate of IVF has tripled for women under 38 since the 1990s, and the live birth rate in the US has risen 1.6 times over the past decade. Still, for women aged 35 and older, the success rate per embryo transfer remains relatively low, around 30-39%.

The emotional and financial toll of IVF can be severe, with many patients undergoing multiple cycles, each costing thousands of dollars, and facing repeated failures. However, researchers are hopeful that new approaches could increase the chances of success.

One promising area of research is the development of better techniques for egg extraction. A new method being tested on dairy cows uses a specially designed needle that induces fluid turbulence inside the follicle to extract more eggs without damaging them. If successful in human trials, this technique could increase both the quantity and quality of retrieved eggs, potentially improving IVF outcomes.

Additionally, scientists in Spain are experimenting with magnetic nanoparticles that allow for the manipulation of eggs and embryos without direct physical contact. This method could reduce the risk of damaging delicate cells, which is a common concern in IVF procedures.

In Australia, researchers are investigating the use of light to measure lipid levels in embryos, which could offer new insights into their metabolic activity and potential for successful development. However, as with all new technologies, these methods still need extensive testing before they can be applied in clinical practice.

While IVF continues to offer hope for millions, researchers caution that even with new innovations, the road to a successful pregnancy remains uncertain. As IVF becomes more advanced, the challenge remains to make these techniques more effective and accessible, while managing the emotional and financial strain for couples.

Technology

UK Considers Social Media Ban for Under-16s Amid Safety Concerns

Published

2 days ago

November 20, 2024

RTX

The UK government is exploring a potential ban on social media for under-16s, according to Technology Secretary Peter Kyle. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Kyle emphasized that safeguarding children online is a top priority, stating he would “do what it takes” to ensure their safety.

Kyle also announced plans for further research into the effects of technology, including social media and smartphones, on young people. He noted the lack of “firm, peer-reviewed evidence” on the matter and said such data would inform future decisions.

Online Safety Act Enforcement

The announcement coincides with Kyle’s “letter of strategic intent” to Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, which will soon gain new enforcement powers under the Online Safety Act (OSA). The OSA, set to take effect in 2024, requires tech companies to take greater responsibility for the content on their platforms, particularly to shield children from harmful material.

Kyle stressed the importance of assertive regulation, calling on Ofcom to fully utilize its authority under the Act. “I just want to make sure that Ofcom knows that government expects them to be used,” he said.

Under the OSA, social media and messaging platforms face steep fines—potentially in the billions—if they fail to comply. Some platforms have already introduced changes, such as Instagram’s new teen accounts and Roblox’s ban on young children messaging others.

Calls for Broader Action

The Molly Rose Foundation, a campaign group advocating for online safety, welcomed Kyle’s efforts but urged the government to strengthen the OSA. “The public and parents back an updated Act that embeds an overarching duty of care on tech firms,” the group posted on social media platform X, calling for swift action from the Prime Minister.

Legal experts have cautioned that banning social media for young people is only part of the solution. Iona Silverman, a lawyer at Freeths, described the measure as “a drop in an ocean-sized problem,” pointing out that teenagers may still find ways to access harmful content. She called for a broader cultural shift and more proactive legislation to address the issue.

Lessons from Australia

The UK’s deliberations come after Australia announced plans to ban social media for children under 16. When asked if the UK would adopt a similar policy, Kyle said, “Everything is on the table,” but stressed the need for evidence-based decisions.

Smartphone Use Under Scrutiny

The debate extends beyond social media to smartphone usage among young people. Parliament is reviewing a private member’s bill addressing digital safety for children, with input from the Healthcare Professionals for Safer Screens group. Founder and GP Rebecca Foljambe highlighted growing concerns among health professionals about smartphone overuse.

While the government has stopped short of banning smartphones in schools, it has issued guidelines to promote effective restrictions. Kyle previously stated that the “battle over phone use in schools had been won.”

Critics, however, continue to call for more decisive action to protect children in an increasingly digital world.

Technology

Autonomous Vehicles Face Hurdles in Gaining Public Trust, Despite Rapid Growth

Published

4 days ago

November 18, 2024

RTX

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are already racking up millions of miles on public roads, but convincing the public to embrace driverless rides remains a significant challenge.

A recent ride in one of Waymo’s self-driving cars through San Francisco highlighted the growing familiarity with this technology. The sight of driverless vehicles is no longer an uncommon one, and tourists no longer seem amazed as they pass by. Inside the vehicle, Waymo aims to ease passengers’ nerves by offering a welcoming atmosphere—personalized greetings, music, and screens displaying the route and surroundings—helping them feel more connected to the ride. The technology is designed to inspire trust, showing passengers what the vehicle “sees” as it navigates the streets.

Waymo’s efforts are part of a larger push in the autonomous ride-hailing industry. Although self-driving vehicles are operational in select cities worldwide, public hesitation remains a key barrier. Research indicates that safety concerns are one of the biggest hurdles for passengers in the U.S. and the U.K., with many still unsure about the technology’s reliability compared to traditional vehicles.

To address this, Waymo focuses on transparency. “It’s important that passengers understand where the car is going and know it sees what they see,” says Megan Neese, Waymo’s head of product and customer research. The company’s next generation of cars will feature forward-facing seats and a steering wheel, echoing the traditional taxi experience that could make passengers feel more at ease.

Launched in 2020, Waymo—owned by Alphabet, Google’s parent company—now provides 150,000 paid rides weekly across San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. While still small compared to ride-hailing giant Uber, which facilitates about 200 million trips globally each week, Waymo’s market is expanding.

Competitors like Amazon-backed Zoox are also working to gain consumer confidence. Zoox’s vehicle, set to debut in 2025, offers a drastically different experience. It is bi-directional with no windows or steering wheel, and instead, passengers sit facing each other, enjoying the ride in a more relaxed, amusement-park-like environment. To further build trust, Zoox has introduced a “Fusion Center,” where human operators can intervene remotely if necessary, similar to Waymo’s own response team.

In contrast, General Motors’ Cruise is working to overcome setbacks after a high-profile incident in 2023, in which one of its vehicles dragged a pedestrian. Despite this, Cruise has continued testing in Phoenix, Houston, and Dallas, with safety drivers behind the wheel.

The global push for autonomous vehicles is gaining traction, particularly in the U.S. and China. Waymo currently operates the largest fleet of autonomous vehicles in the U.S., with plans to expand to Austin and Atlanta by 2025. Meanwhile, China leads the world in testing, with over 16,000 autonomous vehicles approved for use in more than 20 cities.

Despite progress, widespread adoption remains a challenge. As regulatory frameworks evolve and AV technology advances, convincing the public to fully embrace autonomous vehicles will be crucial to the industry’s success. With companies like Zoox and Waymo competing for consumer trust, the future of self-driving taxis may hinge on how well passengers are able to trust and feel comfortable with the ride.

Technology

Electric Flying Taxis Face Turbulence Amid Financial and Technical Challenges

Published

1 week ago

November 15, 2024

RTX

Efforts to revolutionize urban air transport with electric flying taxis are hitting significant headwinds as key players in the industry face mounting financial pressures and technical challenges.

Among the most high-profile setbacks is the case of Volocopter, the German firm that had promised to debut its two-seater electric aircraft, the VoloCity, at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Instead of ferrying passengers, Volocopter was limited to demonstration flights, as the company scrambled behind the scenes to secure funding.

Failed attempts to secure a €100 million loan from the German government have pushed Volocopter to rely on Chinese automaker Geely, which is in talks to acquire an 85% stake in exchange for $95 million in funding. If finalized, the deal may see manufacturing shift to China, raising questions about the future of Volocopter’s operations in Europe.

Financial Struggles Across the Industry

The financial hurdles facing Volocopter are not unique. German EVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) company Lilium, known for its innovative jet-powered aircraft, entered insolvency proceedings in November after failing to secure a €100 million loan from Germany’s development bank. Despite boasting ambitious plans for 780 orders globally and €1.5 billion in previous funding, Lilium’s efforts to bring its radical designs to market have stalled.

Lilium is now seeking restructuring options, but its goal of beginning full-scale testing by 2025 appears increasingly uncertain.

Meanwhile, the UK-based Vertical Aerospace, led by OVO Energy founder Stephen Fitzpatrick, faces its own challenges. The company’s VX4 aircraft has shown promise, completing piloted tests and achieving its first untethered takeoff and landing in November. Yet setbacks, including a 2022 crash and the withdrawal of Rolls-Royce from a key supply deal, have compounded financial strain.

Vertical Aerospace is in talks with financier Jason Mudrick, whose firm has proposed a $75 million investment. While the deal could secure the company’s immediate future, it risks stripping Fitzpatrick of control.

A Glimpse of Stability

Amid the uncertainty, Airbus’s CityAirbus NextGen project appears to be on solid footing. The four-seater EVTOL aircraft, backed by Airbus’s deep resources and technical expertise, is on track to become a reality. Similarly, well-funded US companies like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation are progressing steadily toward production.

Questions About Profitability

Even as EVTOL companies inch closer to delivering their aircraft, profitability remains a looming challenge. Initial routes are expected to connect airports to city centers, but operational costs, particularly for pilots and batteries, cast doubt on their commercial viability.

Bjorn Fehrm, an aerospace consultant and former Swedish Air Force pilot, suggests the industry’s enthusiasm stems from the allure of pioneering technology. “No one wanted to miss out on the next Tesla,” he remarks.

As the sector grapples with turbulence, the promise of quiet, efficient urban air travel hangs in the balance.