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'Sperm sorter' to help minimise chance of genetic damage

Tuesday 17 June 2008

A new system which selects only the highest quality sperm for use in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) could reduce the possible transmission of genetic damage.

Laureate Professor John Aitken from the University of Newcastle, in collaboration with the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), said techniques such as IVF could allow infertile men with damaged sperm to produce children who may carry genetic damage as a consequence.

His 'sperm sorter' has been developed in conjunction with NSW biotechnology company NuSep and provides a novel, easy way to separate damaged and healthy sperm.

Professor Aitken, one of the world's leading reproductive biologists, will present his research and discuss the 'sperm sorter' at the Australian Research Council's (ARC) national Graeme Clark Research Outcomes Forum in Canberra tomorrow.

The University of Newcastle is matched by only one other university for the number of invited presentations at the prestigious national event.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Barney Glover said the University's strong representation at the Graeme Clark Forum was an endorsement of its competitive national research performance.

"We have a track record for delivering innovation and quality through extensive collaboration," he said.

"The University's strengths in health, energy and the environment, and science and engineering research consistently place us in Australia's top 10 research universities.

"Last year we secured more funding from the ARC and the National Health and Medical Research Council than ever before."

The Graeme Clark Research Outcomes Forum is showcasing the outstanding achievements of ARC Centres and researchers over the past 20 years.

Laureate Professor Graham Goodwin will speak on the software product ProcessACT, a tool for Advanced Control system design and implementation.

ProcessACT was developed at the University of Newcastle from ARC-funded research. It helps to optimise the performance of complex systems such as chemical plants, rolling mills, steel manufacturing plants, sugar mills and many other industrial processes.

Laureate Professor Graeme Jameson was invited by the Forum to present on his invention, the internationally-renowned Jameson Cell, and the flotation process for particle separation.

The Jameson Cell was invented in 1986 and is estimated to recover coal worth up to $5 billion each year in export earnings for Australia.

Media contact: Katie Porritt on 02 4921 5120 or 0418 445 888.