In a presentation to the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Washington DC, Dr Pascal Gagneux warned scientists are already uncovering worrying signs.

In research conducted with IVF mice which were allowed to age, Dr Gagneux reported that females develop a pre-diabetic condition called metabolic syndrome, while male animals suffer hormonal problems.

In a further experiment, involving IVF and naturally conceived children who were taken on an excursion to the top of a 3,500 metre peak – in order to replicate the effects of ageing via lower oxygen levels – researchers found evidence of heart and artery malfunction in the IVF subjects.

“I think we can’t rule out that [IVF] could be shortening life span,” Dr Gagneux warned. It could also be introducing some very interesting costs in terms of metabolic syndrome.”

Dr Gagneux went on to express concern at the techniques employed during IVF, specifically the bathing of IVF embryos in a chemical cocktail during the period in which genes are manipulated prior to implantation.

“We’re engaging in an evolutionary experiment,” Dr Gagneux said. “I would compare it to high fructose corn syrup and fast food in the US. It took 50 years; it was fantastic, you got bigger and healthier, and now the US are the first generation that are shorter and heavier and die younger. But it took 50 years.”