Improving sperm retrieval for men with infertility issues using advanced technology.
Official title: Rare sperm screening and retrieval with a domain-adaptive deep learning-enabled microwell system.
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11164677 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, friendly way to find rare sperm in men who have azoospermia, which means they don’t have sperm in their semen, using advanced technology that could make the process easier and less invasive than current methods.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $742,966 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD115677-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11164677 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are men diagnosed with azoospermia, particularly those with non-obstructive types.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have azoospermia or those with obstructive azoospermia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new method for identifying and retrieving rare sperm in men diagnosed with azoospermia, a condition where no sperm is present in the semen. By utilizing a domain-adaptive deep learning-enabled microwell system, the project aims to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of sperm detection compared to traditional manual methods. This innovative approach could potentially reduce the need for invasive surgical procedures like microdissection testicular sperm extraction (microTESE) by identifying viable sperm in ejaculate samples. The research combines advanced microfluidics and artificial intelligence to create a more reliable solution for men facing infertility challenges.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the chances for men with azoospermia to have biological children without the need for invasive surgery.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been advancements in microfluidics and machine learning for sperm retrieval, this specific approach is novel and aims to address existing limitations in current methods.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shafiee, Hadi — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Shafiee, Hadi
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.