New device selects sperm to improve chances of pregnancy

In 10 seconds? A new, low-cost device could help solve the problem of sperm not swimming in the right way in the female genital tract, which can be a hostile environment for most sperm anyway.

So, what does this device for, again? It’s about helping couples to get pregnant. Using the natural movement of sperm, engineering researchers have developed a microfluid chip that separates healthy sperm and allows it to be used in assisted reproductive techniques. The device is easy to use (but is not meant for the home), and consists of different chambers separated by microchannels. This chip allows motile and healthy sperm cells (i.e. those that can move) to be separated from the weak or the dead.