THE CENTER FOR PREIMPLANTATION GENETICS, LABCORP
Embryos whose cells acquire too many or too few chromosomes have a diminished chance of surviving to full term. If they do survive, the abnormal count could result in Down syndrome or another chromosomal disorder. But some of these defective embryos can actually fix their genetic mistakes, according to a study reported last week at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology meeting in Stockholm, Sweden.
The idea was originally proposed in the 1990s, but with little evidence and a lot of skepticism, had quickly fallen by the wayside. The new study garners support for this controversial concept that, if true, is certain to impact patients and doctors involved in the infertility treatment, in vitro fertilization (IVF).
"I think this is an important phenomenon ...
