A Chinese biotechnology company is stepping up efforts to combine artificial intelligence (AI) with advanced genetic testing in a bid to improve the success rates of in vitro fertilization (IVF), while also tapping into growing demand for fertility services.
The move comes as China faces a deepening birth rate crisis. The firm, BGI Genomics, says it is developing AI-powered chromosome screening tools designed to make IVF treatments faster, more accurate, and more efficient.
The technology focuses on analyzing embryos before they are implanted, helping doctors select those with the best chances of developing into a healthy pregnancy.
In simple terms, the system uses AI technology to scan embryos for chromosome abnormalities.
Humans typically have 23 pairs of chromosomes, and any imbalance such as missing or extra chromosomes, can lead to failed IVF attempts, miscarriage, or genetic conditions. Traditionally, this kind of testing, known as preimplantation genetic testing, requires skilled specialists and can take time to interpret. By automating much of the analysis, AI can deliver quicker and more consistent results.
According to the company, its AI models are trained on large datasets of genetic information, allowing them to detect subtle patterns that may be difficult for human analysts to spot.
This means clinics can make faster decisions about which embryos to implant, potentially shortening treatment cycles and reducing the emotional and financial strain on patients who often undergo multiple IVF attempts.
The move comes as China’s fertility industry is gaining attention amid a sharp decline in birth rates. In recent years, the number of newborns in China has fallen to record lows, raising concerns about long-term economic growth and an aging population.
Despite the government easing its long-standing family planning policies including allowing families to have more children many couples remain reluctant to start or expand families due to high living costs, career pressures, and changing social attitudes.
As a result, more people are turning to assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF. Demand has been rising steadily, especially among older couples who may face greater fertility challenges. This has created a rapidly growing market for fertility clinics and related services, where success rates and efficiency are key competitive factors.
By integrating AI into chromosome testing, companies such as BGI Genomics are aiming to improve those success rates while also scaling up operations. Faster testing means clinics can handle more patients, while higher success rates can enhance reputation and attract new clients. Together, these factors could significantly boost revenues in a sector that is becoming increasingly commercialised.
At the same time, the use of AI in such sensitive areas raises important ethical and regulatory questions. Genetic data is highly personal, and experts warn that strict safeguards are needed to protect patient privacy and ensure that the technology is not misused.
There are also broader concerns about how far embryo selection should go, and where the line should be drawn between medical necessity and preference.
Chinese authorities have been strengthening oversight of the fertility sector in recent years, aiming to balance innovation with ethical standards. As AI-driven tools become more common, regulators are expected to play a larger role in setting guidelines and ensuring patient safety.
Analysts say the combination of AI and reproductive medicine could reshape the future of fertility treatment, not just in China but globally. If successful, the technology could make IVF more accessible, reduce repeated procedures, and improve outcomes for millions of families.
For China, the stakes are particularly high. While technological advances alone are unlikely to reverse the country’s declining birth rate, they may help address some of the medical barriers to childbirth. In that sense, innovations such as AI-powered chromosome testing are emerging as one small but significant piece of a much larger demographic challenge.
The U.S. military said it completed a sixth consecutive night of strikes on Iran late on Thursday, targeting logistics infrastructure and maritime ca...
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has called for a renewed round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks during a two-day visit to Kyiv, as Ankara seeks to r...
Following major layoffs in May, when Meta Platforms cut 10 per cent of its global workforce, 26 former employees have filed a lawsuit accusing the tec...
On 17 July, AnewZ's Daybreak focused on renewed U.S. strikes on Iran, the suspension of one of President Donald Trump's teleprompter aides and Volodymyr Zelenskyy's appointment of an acting defence minister.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev invited Chinese technology companies to expand investment in Kazakhstan during a business roundtable in Shanghai on 16 July, promoting the country as a regional hub for artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure.
Kazakhstan and China have signed more than $15 billion worth of commercial agreements during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s visit to Shanghai, expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence, digitalisation, transport and industry.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 17th of July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the reimposition of a U.S. naval blockade on all Iranian ports and warned that power plants and bridges could be targeted next week unless Tehran returns to negotiations.
The U.S. military announced that it has completed a new wave of strikes against Iranian military targets under U.S. President Donald Trump's orders. The operation targeted command centres, air defence systems, missile and drone facilities, and coastal surveillance sites across multiple locations.
India's investigation into last year's Air India crash that killed 260 people has entered its final stages, with investigators completing a transcript of the cockpit voice recorder and carrying out a psychological autopsy as they work towards a final report.
Nineteen years ago, at Barcelona's Camp Nou, Lionel Messi posed for a charity photo shoot with a five-month-old baby he had never met. On Sunday, that baby, Lamine Yamal, will face Messi in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final as Spain take on Argentina. A full-circle football story.
Russia's government is prioritising fuel supplies for vehicles delivering food to major retail chains as the country grapples with nationwide fuel shortages caused by repeated Ukrainian drone attacks on its energy infrastructure.
Portugal has become the first European Union member state to join HealthAI's Global Regulatory Network (GRN), as Europe prepares to implement new rules governing artificial intelligence across the bloc.
Nearly 7,000 people across the United States may have been infected with cyclosporiasis, a foodborne parasitic illness that causes prolonged diarrhoea. The outbreak has spread to 34 states, with health officials still trying to identify its source.
France has moved a step closer to legalising assisted dying after lawmakers approved landmark legislation that would allow some terminally ill adults to end their lives under strict conditions.
A brown skua seabird found near New Zealand's capital Wellington has tested positive for H5N1, marking the country's first detection of the bird flu strain.
Concerns are growing over a renewed cholera outbreak in Yemen, after years of conflict has left the country's healthcare system struggling to cope.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment