Fathers pass on four times as many new genetic mutations as mothers
Kari Stefansson, a researcher at the Icelandic genetics company, deCODE, which led the study, said that while new mutations led to variation in the human genome, which is necessary for evolution to happen, “they are also believed to be responsible for the majority of cases of rare diseases in childhood.”
The result of the study concludes that a 30 year old male parent passes on average 45 "gene mutations" to their offspring.
Of course this can be interpreted in many ways. We could also use this evidence to support designer babies with the understanding that there may be disease causing gene mutations.
- How do you think this result should be interpreted?
- Do we need follow up studies?
- If rare diseases can be detected and cured prior to birth should we do it?