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. He presented his research and discuss the 'sperm sorter' at the Australian Research Council's (ARC) national Graeme Clark Research Outcomes Forum in Canberra on 18 June 2008.