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Genetics testing startup Nucleus Genomics criticized for its embryo product: ‘Makes me so nauseous’
- Nucleus Genomics, a startup founded by Kian Sadeghi, recently faced criticism for its new product, Nucleus Embryo.
- The product claims to test IVF embryos for appearance, IQ, anxiety, and other health attributes, moving beyond traditional genetic testing for specific diseases.
- Nucleus uses 'polygenic scores' to determine complex genetic outcomes like intelligence and anxiety, which is controversial and not widely used in healthcare.
- While Nucleus defends its method with validated methods for common diseases, critics express disbelief and horror at the idea of creating designer babies.
- The startup, backed by investors like Founders Fund and Alexis Ohanian's 776, previously faced backlash for its Nucleus IQ product, criticized as 'bad science and big business.'
- Nucleus is not directly conducting tests but partnering with Genomic Prediction for IVF clinics, where parents can voluntarily upload genetic data for analysis.
- The controversial move by Nucleus has sparked discussions about the ethical implications of genetic testing for appearance and complex traits in embryos.
- The company's founder, Sadeghi, compares the acceptance of genetic optimization to IVF, stating that the technology is here to stay despite concerns.
- The announcement of Nucleus Embryo has stirred strong reactions, with some expressing disbelief in the efficacy of the product and others feeling uneasy about the implications.
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