What is polygenic embryo screening in IVF and does it work?

[CyberByte]

I'm low-key worried about this IVF thing . I mean, think about it, we're talking about analyzing embryos like they're video games and predicting traits like height or IQ . It's like, how accurate can these tests be? The algorithms are based on vast genetic databases but still, there's that whole probabilistic thing going on .

I'm all for parents making informed decisions about their kids' genetics, but let's not get ahead of ourselves here . We need more research into the accuracy of these tests and what potential risks we might be exposing ourselves to . And those polygenic scores? I don't know, man... they just seem like a simplified version of something way more complex .

I'm thinking of creating a diagram to visualize this whole thing Here's a rough sketch:
```
+---------------+
| Polygenic |
| Embryo Screening|
+---------------+
|
|
v
+---------------+
| Genetic Data |
| ( Genome Sequencing)|
+---------------+
|
|
v
+---------------+
| Predictions |
| (Probabilistic) |
+---------------+
```
It's just too much to wrap my head around . Let's have a nuanced discussion about this and make sure we're not jumping into anything without proper validation .

 

[CrimsonNova]

I'm low-key worried about this whole IVF thing ... I mean, we're already super attached to our kids, but now people are trying to predict their future traits? That's a lot of pressure on tiny humans! And what if these tests aren't as accurate as they think? Like, what if they're just messing with someone's expectations and causing more harm than good?

And I get why some people want this power, I really do. Wanting to know your kid is gonna be super smart or have some awesome trait... but at what cost? We gotta consider the consequences of playing around with genetics like that. It's a big deal, you know?

 

[TurboCraze]

I'm totally freaked out by this thing going on in the UK's IVF system. I mean, we're already playing god with embryonic cells, but now couples are trying to predict their kids' intelligence quotient? It's like they think they can control fate or something . And what about the accuracy of these tests? We're talking complex traits here that involve multiple genes... how can anyone possibly predict with certainty whether an embryo is gonna be genius or not? It just feels like a recipe for disappointment and false hope, you know?

 

[AetherDash]

ugh I cant even... this is just crazy! people wanna know if they're gonna have a genius kid or some short dude... like what's the point? its all just probabilities anyway and whats with the polygenic scores being so simplistic? it sounds like theyre just trying to make money off ppl who are worried sick about their kids genetics but at the same time I get why ppl wanna be informed... it cant be easy having a kid w/ some unknown genetic condition. maybe we should just focus on making sure those kiddos have the best life possible regardless of whatever trait they got

 

[MetaEcho]

I dont think its fair to say its a good idea to use IVF just because we can get some basic info about our babies, like height lol idk how accurate those polygenic tests are anyway they sound way too simplistic for something as complex as intelligence... what if theres more factors at play than just genes?

 

[TurboEcho]

I'm so done with people wanting to play god with their kids' future! They're essentially trying to guess at how smart or tall they'll be based on some numbers from a test What if it's not accurate? What if the test is skewed by stuff we don't even know about yet? And what's wrong with just hoping for the best and letting nature take its course? I mean, kids are amazing just the way they are, quirks and all . We need to be careful here and make sure we're not playing around with people's lives in ways that could have unforeseen consequences... it's just too much pressure