Infertility, miscarriages and diseases or genetic syndromes: How can embryo research contribute to overcoming challenges related to human reproduction and which tests are useful in pregnancy? The September issue of bild der wissenschaft addresses these questions and the developments in embryo research.
From the union of the egg cell with the sperm cell to the first cell divisions to the formation of the body shape and finally birth: Fascinating processes are at the beginning of all of our lives. It is a subject that in many ways encompasses scientific, ethical or even philosophical aspects. This complexity is also reflected in the developments in the field, as can be seen in the title theme “At the beginning of life”.
Why embryo research can be useful
In the first sub-article, bdw author Rainer Kurlemann deals with scientific research into human embryonic development. For ethical reasons, it is subject to comparatively strict restrictions in Germany, among others. For example, no surplus embryos from fertility clinics may be used for examinations. Some scientists consider this to be outdated. In Great Britain, on the other hand, the regulations have been relaxed.
Kurlemann reports that some new insights into the early stages of life have already been gained there. He describes how the scientists study cell mechanisms and the role of genetics in embryonic development. In addition, in the article “Research on early cells” he shows what opportunities the results could offer couples who want to have children. Specifically, dangerous multiple pregnancies and miscarriages can be prevented in the future. This topic is rounded off by a large graphic with explanations of early embryonic development. Processes and procedures in the laboratory are compared to natural growth in the uterus.
A critical look at the meaning of tests
Kurlemann then deals with developments in the possibilities for examining unborn babies during pregnancy. Couples today have to carefully weigh up what they want to know about their unborn child and what they don’t. Because there are not always medical advantages and difficult ethical questions arise. Experts therefore recommend examinations for serious heart defects during pregnancy in order to be able to initiate treatment at an early stage. In the case of other diseases and risks, however, early knowledge does not appear to make sense.
Kurlemann reports that the use of so-called non-invasive prenatal tests in particular has opened up new possibilities that raise critical questions. With this method, a comparatively simple analysis of the blood of a pregnant woman is sufficient. If the sample contains many DNA fragments from chromosome 21, this is an indication that your child has Down syndrome. Could this lead to more abortions in trisomy pregnancies and a trend towards “perfecting” children? The article “Healthy and cheerful” raises these questions.
You will find the cover story “At the beginning of life” in the September issue of bild der wissenschaft, which will be available in stores from August 16th.