LifeView

2019: Announcement

In November, 2019 the Genomic Prediction company announced creation of the test defining genetic predisposition and mental capacities of embryos before the procedure of extracorporal fertilization (EKO). The new solution was received by the name LifeView.

According to developers, by means of DNA can define predisposition of an embryo to 11 diseases and predict the low level of intelligence of the child. The test will be carried out before implantation of an embryo to a uterus.

Genomic Prediction announced creation of the test defining genetic predisposition and mental capacities of embryos before the EKO procedure

Among diseases which risk allegedly estimates LifeView — diabetes, heart troubles and five types of cancer. Besides, the test indicates embryos which will give rise to children with extremely low growth and intelligence.

IQ and appearance are defined by a mosaic set of genetic factors. And until recently scientists could not connect all elements of a mosaic together and approach editing a system of genes. But the Genomic Prediction company already offers creation of "score card" for embryos. Such card shows risks of development of diseases, defects, growth and approximate intelligence. Such approach to elimination of less suitable embryos was not pleasant to specialists in ethics any more.

The sociologist and Melinda Mills demographer from the University of Oxford says that this work became the first empirical check of screening of embryos on existence of the signs depending not on one gene, and from many. Similar tests began to be developed in the last decade when there was an opportunity to obtain data on markers in DNA of tens of thousands of people and on this basis to estimate the probability of developing of this or that disease at the owner of the tested genome. Though existence of any one option of DNA can hardly increase risk of cardiovascular diseases, the aggregate effect from hundreds or thousands of these markers can give an assessment which helps to identify people with rather high risk of these or those diseases.^[1]

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