Genetic Optimization: The New Frontier in Reproductive Technology
For the first time, parents have the ability to design their unborn child, selecting desirable traits such as height, weight, and intelligence. This is made possible by "genetic optimization" tools, which use DNA screening of embryos to prevent disease while giving parents a unique ability to compare and choose traits that make up a healthier baby.
The company behind this technology, Nucleus Genomics, was founded by 25-year-old CEO Kian Sadeghi in 2021. Inspired by his cousin's death from a rare genetic illness, Sadeghi believes every parent has the right to know about their child's genetic makeup. The company has already helped thousands of families and offers a program called IVF+, which includes full DNA scans of both parents and up to 20 embryos conceived through in vitro fertilization.
For $30,000, parents can access this information, which is presented in a user-friendly menu format. The company screens embryo samples for over 2,000 traits and conditions, including eye color, hair color, intelligence, and even acne. It also estimates genetic predisposition to medical conditions such as depression, autism, and bipolar disorder.
However, critics have drawn comparisons to eugenics, with some arguing that this technology is creating an "ethical mess." Medical experts point out the need for more research and regulation before these technologies are widely adopted.
Despite these concerns, Sadeghi remains confident in his data, citing studies that show his predictors can better predict longevity from an embryo's DNA than any other genetic model. He also pushes back on the idea of creating a new class of "superhumans," arguing that DNA is not destiny and that the role of nurture and serendipity cannot be ignored.
As this technology continues to evolve, one thing is clear: parents will have more choices than ever before when it comes to their child's genetic makeup. Whether or not these tools are used responsibly remains to be seen, but one thing is certain - the debate over reproductive genetics has just begun.
For the first time, parents have the ability to design their unborn child, selecting desirable traits such as height, weight, and intelligence. This is made possible by "genetic optimization" tools, which use DNA screening of embryos to prevent disease while giving parents a unique ability to compare and choose traits that make up a healthier baby.
The company behind this technology, Nucleus Genomics, was founded by 25-year-old CEO Kian Sadeghi in 2021. Inspired by his cousin's death from a rare genetic illness, Sadeghi believes every parent has the right to know about their child's genetic makeup. The company has already helped thousands of families and offers a program called IVF+, which includes full DNA scans of both parents and up to 20 embryos conceived through in vitro fertilization.
For $30,000, parents can access this information, which is presented in a user-friendly menu format. The company screens embryo samples for over 2,000 traits and conditions, including eye color, hair color, intelligence, and even acne. It also estimates genetic predisposition to medical conditions such as depression, autism, and bipolar disorder.
However, critics have drawn comparisons to eugenics, with some arguing that this technology is creating an "ethical mess." Medical experts point out the need for more research and regulation before these technologies are widely adopted.
Despite these concerns, Sadeghi remains confident in his data, citing studies that show his predictors can better predict longevity from an embryo's DNA than any other genetic model. He also pushes back on the idea of creating a new class of "superhumans," arguing that DNA is not destiny and that the role of nurture and serendipity cannot be ignored.
As this technology continues to evolve, one thing is clear: parents will have more choices than ever before when it comes to their child's genetic makeup. Whether or not these tools are used responsibly remains to be seen, but one thing is certain - the debate over reproductive genetics has just begun.
! I mean, imagine having a supercomputer that can tell you exactly what traits your kid is gonna have before they're even born 
. It's like something out of science fiction, but at the same time it feels kinda inevitable. I'm not saying I love the idea of messing around with our genes, but at the same time... it's like we've been playing catch-up for a long time and this is finally happening.
. Part of me thinks he's onto something big here and wants to help people, but another part of me is just worried that we're tampering with the fundamental building blocks of life 
. And $30k for this info? Yeah, it's a pretty steep price tag 
.
. Like, I get it, there are concerns about over-regulation and all that, but can't we just have an open and honest conversation about this stuff? It feels like we're at a crossroads here and we need to figure out what's right for us as a society 
.
. I'm excited (and a little terrified) to see where this all goes 
. Is that just because of the genes or is there something else going on?
! But then you think about the pros & cons... 
Like, how do we even regulate this stuff? 
That's just not fair 
.
! And 25-yr-old CEO Kian Sadeghi is all like "I wanna make sure every parent knows their child's genetic makeup" 
. I get it, family matters 
.
Too many strings attached & we don't wanna create a new class of superhumans 
! DNA is just one part of the equation, there's so much more to it than that 
. Let's just say this tech has some serious potential & responsibility 
!
? That's wild 
! But what about all the potential issues 
? How will they regulate this stuff 
and how this tech impacts society as a whole 
. It's like, are we playing God 
it's like we're playin' god, but without all the drama and guilt... which is kinda scary, if you ask me 
Also, $30k is like, crazy expensive for something that's still experimental... what if it doesn't work out?! 
. You get to know your baby's genetic makeup before they even exist! It's mind-blowing stuff 
. I'm not saying it's all sunshine and rainbows, but I think the potential benefits far outweigh some of the risks 
. Can't wait to see where this tech takes us!
. Choosing traits like height and weight can feel really superficial, you know? Like, what about all the other stuff that makes someone who they are? Intelligence is cool and all, but what about creativity or empathy? It just feels like we're focusing too much on physical stuff when there's so much more to a person 
It sounds like a dream come true for some parents. I'm not sure about the eugenics comparison tho, but at least it's giving people more control over their genetic future. Kian Sadeghi is really brave to go against that criticism and keep pushing forward with his vision. 
". Give me a break. And don't even get me started on the whole 'superhuman' thing... like, hello, DNA is just one tiny piece of the puzzle, people! You can't predict everything with a fancy algorithm 
. This whole thing is giving me major sci-fi movie vibes, like they're playing God or something 
.