As the field of genetics sheds its sci-fi image and gains approval in the public eye, the possibilities unravel for mainstream commercial use. But some worry that if couples can use In-Vitro Fertilization to screen for disease during pre-implantation procedures, they could use it to select desired physical characteristics like eye color and gender as well, as dozens of couples from Australia have been traveling to the U.S. to do. But ScienceBlogger Daniel MacArthur from Genetic Future doesn't anticipate that this recent trend will catch on, and discusses why he thinks there won't be a large market for designer babies in the near future.
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Edited 2/2/09: The cited study discusses pre-natal genetic screening, not only embryo screening; I've updated some wording to reflect this, but it doesn't have any major impact on the overall message.
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