NGS Pre-Implant Genetic Screening Technology (next-generation sequencing), which allows, inter alia, relatively quickly and inexpensively detect chromosomal abnormalities in obtained as a result of IVF embryos, successfully passed the first test. In the United States, the first, similar testing is still at the embryo stage, the baby is “out of the test tube”. Clinical trials of NGS method will be presented 8 July in London, at a conference of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE). Society where genetically trusted people – the elite, and all others – “unworthy”, well shown in the movie “Gattaka” (1997) ” 
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Connor Levy was born May 18 in Philadelphia. (USA). His parents, 36-year-old Marybeth Scheidts and 41-year-old David Levy, for a long time could not conceive the child in a natural way and three times unsuccessfully tried to do it by intrauterine insemination until they are included in NGS international clinical trial program, led by infertility specialist Dagen Wells (Dagan Wells) from Oxford University (UK).
The reason why the couple was included in the program was suspicion that their embryos, as a result of natural fertilization, and as a result of the IVF procedure, have chromosomal abnormalities, which does not give them the opportunity implant in the uterus.
After a standard IVF procedure performed at the Main Line clinic Fertility in Pennsylvania, 13 embryos were received. After a five-day cultivation of each of them was allocated several cells that were sent to Oxford for genetic screening. Testing showed that although all the embryos looked perfectly normal, the correct chromosomal only three of them had a set.
Based on screening results, one of the healthy embryos was successfully implanted into the uterus of sheydes and after nine months Connor was born. Is expected in a few months in the usa on light will appear another child who has passed a similar genetic NGS screening.
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According to Wells, if the success of the entire series of clinical testing, screening for chromosomal abnormalities using the NGS method in the coming five years can enter the standard set of medical research, required for IVF. Its comparative cheapness and speed of receipt results are ensured due to the fact that in this case not sequencing of the entire genome is performed, but only counting chromosome numbers.
At the same time, the NGS method makes it possible to carry out a genome-wide sequencing, which allows you to assess the risk of development in the future child neurodegenerative, cardiovascular and oncological diseases, and, in principle, to select embryos for many other signs.
Commenting on fears that the introduction of the method into widespread practice may lead to rampant fashion for “designer” kids, Wells expressed the opinion that the likelihood of such a development of events is low: “IVF is too expensive and uncomfortable without any warranty the appearance of the child as a result. I do not think that people will decide on this difficult path, if they do not have serious grounds “.
US time
