The Death of Sir Robert Edwards

In terms of darwinian biology, the fitness of an organism is determined by their ability to pass on their genes through the production of offspring. For many reasons however, this is not possible for numerous couples who hope to conceive a child, but who's biology doesn't allow them to do so.

In the beginning of the 20th century if a couple were infertile then they wouldn't have been able to have a child of their own, and that would have been the end of the story. This all changed in 1978 with the birth of Louise Brown, the first child born through a treatment called IVF which produces what is now termed 'test tube babies'.

In the common age, IVF is a common scientific procedure known by the majority of the general public which has resulted in the birth of millions of children. The implications of this have now been overlooked and taken for granted. The fact that children are now born, who would previously have been unable to exist is an astonishing feat in the scientific development of the human race, allowing the previously considered infertile to produce children who share their DNA.

This treatment was developed by a man who millions of people now owe their lives to, Sir Robert Edwards, who died today aged 87. Before his death, Sir Robert was awarded a nobel prize and a knighthood  in recognition of his contribution of potentially the most important practical application of biology within the last 100 years.

Sir Robert once remarked that there was nothing more special than having a child, a belief shared by many whom he helped achieve their life ambition. The field of science and biology has lost a great man today, but his legacy will be carried on in the generations he helped create. 

What are your opinions on this monumental biological development? Comment below or email newsinscience@gmail.com with any questions.