IVF baby born using revolutionary genetic-screening process

[CaseyJones]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2013/jul/07/ivf-baby-born-genetic-screening


The first IVF baby to be screened using a procedure that can read every letter of the human genome has been born in the US.

Connor Levy was born on 18 May after a Philadelphia couple had cells from their IVF embryos sent to specialists in Oxford, who checked them for genetic abnormalities. The process helped doctors at the couple's fertility clinic in the US select embryos with the right number of chromosomes. These have a much higher chance of leading to a healthy baby.

The birth demonstrates how next-generation sequencing (NGS), which was developed to read whole genomes quickly and cheaply, is poised to transform the selection of embryos in IVF clinics. Though scientists only looked at chromosomes – the structures that hold genes – on this occasion, the falling cost of whole genome sequencing means doctors could soon read all the DNA of IVF embryos before choosing which to implant in the mother.

If doctors had a readout of an embryo's whole genome, they could judge the chances of the child developing certain diseases, such as cancer, heart disease or Alzheimer's

[Warrior_of_Freedom]

and in 10 years you won't be able to have a baby if it doesn't pass the "screening" Or an unscreened baby will have higher health insurance costs.

[Reason]

and in 10 years you won't be able to have a baby if it doesn't pass the "screening" Or an unscreened baby will have higher health insurance costs.

Not sure that it would be unreasonable for a private health insurance provider to offer a discount for those who are screened... Essentially a very in depth physical?

Obviously the problem comes when we involve government in any capacity...

[aGameOfThrones]

GATTACA

[Feeding the Abscess]

Not sure that it would be unreasonable for a private health insurance provider to offer a discount for those who are screened... Essentially a very in depth physical?

Obviously the problem comes when we involve government in any capacity...

This.

This is fantastic technology, and can be used for tremendous good. As with everything else, the government ruins everything it touches. Everything. Without exception. Zero regulatory power is to be given. Zero R&D allowance is to be given. Zero 'oversight' authority is to be given.

Keep it free and it will prosper.

[VIDEODROME]

Does this baby's birth certificate come with a warranty?

[pcosmar]

GATTACA

no,, that's just a movie. :(

[QuickZ06]

We seem to be more God like as each day passes on.

[wormyguy]

The important thing here is that human ingenuity continuously creates technologies that are incredible; that would seem magical to a person only 20 years ago. Imagine if there were no longer any birth defects or genetic diseases; trillions of dollars added to the world economy, life expectancies going up a decade or more, and of course one major argument for/cost of socialized medicine demolished (caring for children born with severe birth defects).

[nobody's_hero]

I want a monster baby. Half alligator, half elephant, and half human. And yes I know that 3 halves is impossible but dammit Oxford, make it happen.

[Mani]

GATTACA


Exactly what I was thinking...


Everyone wants a healthy baby, so they go the IVF route to maximize their chances for a healthy baby....

And soon a generation of very healthy IVF born babies grow up, and start being the high achievers in various aspects of life, how many parents will want to give their children the best opportunities to succeed in life? It's a natural desire for a parent to give their child the best tools/opportunities/skills so they can do well. It won't take long for a significant portion of the population insists on an IVF baby. And insurance coverage for IVF children will be 1/10th the cost and yet 10 times better coverage (low heart disease, low cancer rates, no diabetes risks, etc.). The best universities and private schools seem to have a higher rate of IVF children, athletic scholarships seems to have a high proportion of IVF children, soon, an entire society begins to realize your child will be against SERIOUS odds of ever going to the best schools and getting the best jobs if they are not IVF born. Your child will be behind, will have no chance of a future beyond flipping burgers, do you want that??? And IVF becomes the norm.

And for those "LOVE Children" born the old fashioned way....Well they are the new janitors of the world. The new cashiers, and low wage labor force. The Have-nots.


Two worlds of people...The IVF healthy high achievers, the VALIDS....and the other people, the IN-VALIDS.

It will almost be like a self fulfilled prophecy. Already the wealthy people have better opportunities for their kids with private schools, and connections, nepotism, etc. And these wealthy people could be the EARLY ADOPTERS, as they can afford the expenses of IVF, when a new technology comes out it is usually expensive. So families which are already ahead, now give their children better health and other attributes. Who is to say we ONLY want healthier kids, what about kids with higher IQ? Smarter, faster, more physically gifted. Could we take attributes from both parents, all their attributes, and MOLD the child to have the MAXIMUM of both parents abilities? We already make jokes when 2 PH.D scientists marry (wow their kid is going to be Doogie Houser), or two beautiful people marry (wow their children are going to be super models), or when 2 gifted athletes marry (wow their kid is going to be a superstar athlete).

Now imagine if you can actually scientifically take the BEST of both parents, then your match making will be about finding the BEST mate to give your offspring the BEST traits. It won't be about just falling in love anymore, because your partner's traits will have a VERY REAL impact on the offspring.

The results could happen so fast, within 1 generation society changes to go this route.


Wow.

It was an amazing concept when I saw that movie, and here it is, the birth of it all which could make it a reality.

[Cap]

GATTACANo doubt.

[DGambler]

GATTACA

You read my mind, much like I read yours on the other thread.


And in honor of your handle, and I think it's very appropriate in this thread..... Winter is Coming!

[donnay]

Hitler would be proud. Designer babies to go with designer lifestyles of the rich and shameless.

/end of humanity.

[69360]

So in other words, they kill the embryos that don't pass?

I don't like it.

[Sola_Fide]

We seem to be more God like as each day passes on.

Yes, but our natures never change, and never will. Man will always be evil.

[aGameOfThrones]

So in other words, they kill the embryos that don't pass?

I don't like it.

Didn't Spartans used to kill babies if they didn't meet the requirements?

[Nobexliberty]

Didn't Spartans used to kill babies if they didn't meet the requirements? Spartans are overrated.

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIwU_jHk1yFqOYGum4k7pGmdadNWfiR mlhbOJWjkpBgjYy-GFI
The best Warriors in history were Caroleans^^

[nobody's_hero]

It was an amazing concept when I saw that movie, and here it is, the birth of it all which could make it a reality.

When do they start 'hunger games' for the underprivileged?

[Philhelm]

We seem to be more God like as each day passes on.

I'm not the God, just a God.