Embryo Selection via DNA Testing: Insights on IQ, Longevity, and Beyond

Quick Summary

• Nucleus Genomics plans to offer genetic analysis for ranking IVF embryos based on probabilities for up to 900 conditions, including diseases such as Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and cancers.
• The service will cost $5,999 for analyzing up to 20 embryos. Parents receive detailed reports on traits like appearance (eye/hair color), IQ, and disease risks.
• IVF utilization is growing globally: the market was $19.6-25.3 billion in 2023 and could reach $35-38 billion by 2030.
• Countries excelling in IVF usage per capita are Israel (subsidized costs), Japan, and Denmark; costs elsewhere vary substantially.
• Approximately 800,000 babies are expected from IVF procedures by 2025:

– China: ~300,000-400,000
– Japan: ~150,000-200,000
– United States: ~110,000-120,000

• Genetic counselors can assist parents with understanding results before selecting embryos.
• Prior advancements include AI techniques developed in 2021 for visual embryo evaluation using automated data processing.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The ability to rank embryos through genetic testing represents a significant technological advancement with profound ethical considerations. While India is not currently mentioned among the top countries utilizing IVF extensively (China leads globally), the growing affordability of genetic services could influence future dynamics here-especially considering India’s rapidly advancing healthcare technologies.

For India’s large population burdened by infertility challenges amid social stigma around childlessness in some regions (e.g., rural communities), such tech-centered solutions could theoretically enable families greater autonomy over reproductive choices while addressing certain hereditary health concerns early-on economically viability_key Hurdle