The 41st episode of the Progress Educational Trust podcast features Professor Alan Handyside – a pioneer of preimplantation genetic testing – explaining how and why it became scientifically possible, and also legally permissible, to test the DNA of IVF embryos.
This discussion originally took place at the PET Annual Conference (see BioNews 1320) and is chaired by Dr Philip Ball.
(If you can't see the podcast episode embedded below, you can listen to or download it via Spreaker.)
Listen to "The Origins of Preimplantation Genetic Testing" on Spreaker.
You can also find us on podcast apps and platforms including Apple, Google, iHeart, Spotify and others. Just search for 'Progress Educational Trust podcast', and subscribe via the platform of your choice. Alternatively, look out for future podcast episodes in BioNews.
We would like to thank Jon Nicoll (who created the opening and closing music for our podcast).
Register for these upcoming PET events:
- What Does the NICE Fertility Guideline Update Mean for You?, taking place online on Wednesday 15 April 2026 – register here.
- What Is the Impact of Fertility Treatment on Patient Health?, taking place online on Wednesday 22 April 2026 – register here.
- What Is the Impact of Fertility Treatment on the Health of Resulting Children?, taking place online on Wednesday 29 April 2026 – register here.




