Selecting Human Embryos for Height, IQ Based on Polygenic Scores Won't Work Well, Study Suggests

HOUSTON – Polygenic scores derived from large genome-wide association studies can at least partially explain the variability seen in complex human traits, such as height or cognitive ability. Combined with the ability of preimplantation genetic testing to scan the entire genome of a human embryo, this has raised the specter of "designer babies" where prospective parents choose embryos based on traits they find desirable.