Jonathan Anomaly

Once viewed as reckless experimentation, germline gene editing is re-emerging as a serious scientific frontier. With base and prime editing now able to correct single-letter mutations with remarkable precision, researchers are beginning to demonstrate embryo edits that could one day eliminate devastating inherited diseases. The stakes, however, are profound: these are permanent, heritable changes passed to every future generation. This session examines the cutting edge of germline engineering—how far the science has advanced since CRISPR’s clumsy early days, what challenges remain around mosaicism and long-term safety, and where the ethical boundaries must be drawn. Should we consider germline editing only for rare, fatal conditions when no other reproductive options exist? Or is there a pathway to broader medical use under strict safeguards? Join leading scientists, ethicists, and policymakers as we debate whether rewriting inheritance is an act of compassion—or a step too far.

Preimplantation genetic testing transformed IVF by enabling the screening of embryos for aneuploidy and severe monogenic diseases. Today, rapid advances in genomic datasets, AI-driven modeling, and large-scale validation are pushing reproductive genetics into a new phase defined by polygenic embryo testing. In this talk, Jonathan explores how polygenic prediction works, how risk models are validated, and why predictive power has improved dramatically in recent years. As tools evolve, clinicians and researchers are beginning to assess complex traits shaped by many genes, opening new possibilities for disease risk reduction and embryo selection based on multifactorial characteristics. At the same time, breakthroughs in genome editing and delivery technologies are bringing germline engineering back into scientific and policy conversations. As selection and editing begin to converge, reproductive genetics is moving beyond screening toward intentional genetic design. This forward-looking talk examines the science, implications, and emerging realities shaping the next frontier of human genetic intervention.