A biotechnology company in the U.S. has innovated new tool that could change the future of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Nucleus Genomics, a DNA testing and analysis organization has launched the world’s first software for genetic embryo selection. This new system allows parents to see detailed genetic information about their embryos before choosing which one to implant.
With this new software, parents can upload genetic data for up to 20 embryos from their IVF clinic. The tool checks for over 900 genetic conditions. These include risks for chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes and cancers as well as mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety.
The software also shows physical traits like eye color, hair color, height, weight and even signs to cognitive abilities like IQ. After analysis, parents get a detailed report, allowing them to compare embryos and choose one based on their personal priorities.
The goal behind the technology is to help parents choose embryos that are less likely to develop serious health problems. According to the company, this could give children a better chance to live a long and healthy life.
Kian Sadeghi, the 25-year-old founder and CEO of Nucleus Genomics, explained, this is just like adults using DNA tests to understand their own health. Now, parents can do it for their future kids too. He believes this kind of technology could be part of a movement to help people live longer lives.
Sadeghi’s inspiration for the technology came from a personal tragedy. He explained that incident, his 15-year-old cousin suddenly died in his sleep from a genetic disease. His family didn’t have any idea about this. That could have been prevented if they knew about his health condition. That incident made him realize the importance of genetic awareness and realize to create a tool that could stop this problem before it happen.
Not everyone thinks this is a good idea. Some people are raising ethical concerns. Critics argue that selecting embryos based on traits like health, intelligence or appearance could be a form of modern-day eugenics where only the “best” babies are chosen.
According to a policy expert, Emma Waters from The Heritage Foundation- this kind of technology could lead to situations where children feel unwanted unless they are “perfect”.
She warned by sharing a message online imagining a parent saying, “I picked you because you were healthy and smart and destroyed the others.”
Her point was that this kind of choice could be harmful emotionally and morally.
Currently, there are no strict rules in the U.S. about this kind of embryo testing so families can choose to use it if they want. It’s not clear yet if new laws will be made to control how this technology is used in the future.
This new tool gives parents a powerful option but also brings up big questions about what it means to choose a child based on their DNA.
