You know how I’m always going on about how AI is subtly shaping our lives — from what pops up on our socials to how we make daily decisions? Well, I’ve decided to start a regular slot right here on the blog where I share the AI stories that actually excite me — especially when it comes to health, wellbeing, alternative healing, and yes… even the spooky stuff! Because honestly? It’s not all doom and gloom. Some of the ways AI in health and wellbeing is showing up are genuinely exciting… and maybe even a little bit magical.
I’ve been exploring how this tech can actually support us, especially when it comes to our physical and emotional health. And whether we like it or not, AI is already playing a big role in shaping our future — so the more we understand it, the more empowered we are.
Let’s dive into some of the incredible, slightly sci-fi ways AI in health and wellbeing is already making a difference — from helping people start families, to supporting mental wellness, and even catching cancer early (with just a drop of blood!).
AI in Fertility: From Zero to Hope
Imagine trying to conceive for 18 years with no success. That was the reality for one couple, until doctors at Columbia University used an AI system called STAR to help make pregnancy possible — and it’s absolutely mind-blowing.
This isn’t your usual fertility treatment. STAR uses artificial intelligence to scan semen samples from men with azoospermia, a condition where there’s little to no measurable sperm. Normally, a sample has 200–300 million cells, but in these cases, it’s basically zero.
Now here’s the wild part: STAR scanned 8 million microscopic images in under an hour — and found 44 viable sperm cells. That’s after human technicians had spent two days searching… and found none.
What’s really cool is that this technology was adapted from astrophysics algorithms — yep, the kind used to find new stars — to detect these tiny reproductive cells.
Right now, STAR is only available at Columbia University Fertility Center and costs around $3,000, which is way more affordable compared to IVF, which can range from $15,000 to $30,000 per cycle.
Why it matters: Fertility rates are dropping globally, and IVF is just not an option for many couples due to cost. AI in health and wellbeing could offer new, more accessible ways for people to grow their families.
Mental Health & AI: The At-Home Ultrasound Helmet
One area where AI in health and wellbeing is making a real splash is mental health — and honestly, this next bit feels straight out of a futuristic novel.
A company called Sanmai Technologies is developing an AI-powered mental health helmet. It uses focused ultrasound waves to treat anxiety and depression, without any needles or surgery. You just pop it on at home, and it sends gentle waves into targeted parts of the brain — calming the areas linked to low mood and stress.
Even cooler? It has an AI coach built-in that adapts the treatment to how you’re feeling day-to-day. It’s like having a mood-sensitive brain buddy guiding you through your healing.
Reid Hoffman (co-founder of LinkedIn) recently invested $12 million into the project, and they’re aiming to keep it affordable — around $500.
Why it matters: Mental health support is hard to come by, and not everyone responds well to therapy or meds. If this works (and early studies are promising), it could become a really valuable tool — not as a replacement for therapy, but as another option for support. And as someone who believes in gentle, intuitive healing, I think this has some real potential.
AI and Drug Discovery: Fast-Tracking New Treatments
I’ll always have a soft spot for alternative therapies and Eastern medicine — things that look at the bigger picture and not just the symptoms. But sometimes, medication is vital. And this is where AI in health and wellbeing becomes genuinely exciting.
Companies like Insilico Medicine and Exscientia are using AI to discover brand new drugs much faster than traditional methods. For example, Insilico used AI to develop a drug candidate for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in just 18 months — something that usually takes years.
Exscientia has already designed a drug for OCD that’s now in human trials. That’s lightning speed in pharmaceutical terms.
AI is also being used to repurpose existing drugs. Scientists are looking at whether treatments for things like rheumatoid arthritis could help with ALS — and AI is helping them figure that out much quicker than before. Another company, Atomwise, rapidly screened existing drugs to find treatments for viruses like Ebola — in days, not months.
Then there’s AlphaFold by DeepMind, which predicts how proteins fold. Sounds dull? It’s actually a massive deal. Understanding protein shapes helps scientists design way more targeted and effective medicines.
Why this matters: AI isn’t about replacing human care — but it could help us move beyond just managing symptoms and towards finding better, faster, more personalised treatments. That’s real hope.
AI for Cancer Detection: A Revolution in Blood Testing
Now this bit gave me goosebumps. Imagine detecting over 170 types of cancer… with a single drop of blood. That’s exactly what researchers in Berlin are working on using AI — and it could be a total game changer.
They’ve developed a tool called crossNN, which analyses tiny bits of genetic material in your blood. This lets doctors understand what kind of tumour you might have — even if it’s in a spot too risky to biopsy, like deep inside your brain.
It means less guesswork, less stress, and faster answers. And when it comes to something as serious as cancer, speed can save lives.
There’s also a clever bit of AI called AlphaGenome, which acts like a genetic detective. It deciphers your whole genome — not just the obvious parts — including what’s often called “junk DNA” (which, it turns out, is full of important instructions). This could help us understand rare diseases better, and even design tiny strands of DNA that activate in specific parts of the body. Yes, really.
Why it matters: Early detection is one of the most powerful tools we have in fighting cancer. AI in health and wellbeing might soon make that possible with nothing more than a blood test — no invasive procedures needed.
Final Thoughts: AI as a Supportive Ally, Not a Replacement
So, there you have it — from helping couples conceive after years of heartbreak to spotting cancers earlier than ever, AI in health and wellbeing is already changing lives.
It’s not perfect, and it’s certainly not here to replace holistic care, spiritual healing, or that all-important human connection. But in the right hands and with ethical use, AI can be a genuinely supportive ally.
Would you try something like the mental health helmet? Or do you feel a bit uneasy about AI getting involved in your wellbeing? I’d love to know your thoughts — let’s chat about it!
If you’re as curious about all this as I am and want to keep up with the latest in AI (especially the weird, wonderful, and wellness-related bits), there are some fab places to look. I love watching Matt Wolfe on YouTube — he breaks down all sorts of AI news in a way that’s actually easy to follow. Theoretically Media is another favourite of mine — Tim’s videos on AI imagery and video are brilliant if you’re into the more visual, creative side of things. There are also some really useful websites and newsletters out there covering AI developments, from mainstream tech to the more niche stuff. I’ll be sharing more of my favourite finds in future posts too, so keep an eye out if you’re into this kind of thing!
