In a world where technology seems to have no bounds, a controversial practice is emerging, one that could redefine the future of humanity. Welcome to the era of commercial eugenics, where the pursuit of genetic superiority is not just a concept but a reality for some.
Arthur Zey and his partner, Chase Popp, are proud new parents to their one-month-old son, Dax. They believe their little bundle of joy is the epitome of perfection, and they have science to thank for it. Unlike traditional parenting, Zey and Popp attribute their son's remarkable traits to the advanced technology they utilized during his conception.
Last March, they had the unique opportunity to choose from six embryos, each carrying a different genetic makeup. With the help of genetic analysis, they predicted future characteristics such as height, IQ, and various health markers for each embryo. It was a decision that would make Dax a pioneer in this brave new world.
Cradling Dax, Popp, a 29-year-old elementary school teacher, proudly states, "When people call him a designer baby, I take it as a compliment. Yes, he is a designer baby, and we're proud of it."
Zey, a 41-year-old technology product manager, wishes his parents had access to such technology when he was conceived. He believes that if it's within one's means to improve their child's life, it's a responsible and compassionate choice.
But here's where it gets controversial...
The service, offered at exorbitant prices, is largely funded by Silicon Valley's tech elite, who are obsessed with creating a super-race of enhanced humans. They believe that genetic alteration is necessary for humanity's survival, even suggesting that AI might eventually outsmart us, requiring a select group to keep up with its advancements.
This sounds like a plot straight out of a dystopian sci-fi movie, reminiscent of Gattaca, where a genetically superior elite class rules over an inferior underclass. In the film, naturally conceived 'invalids' are barred from top professions, a stark warning about the potential inequality fueled by eugenics.
And this is the part most people miss...
In 2018, Chinese scientist He Jiankui claimed to have created gene-edited babies, a move that landed him in prison for violating medical regulations. He was released in 2022 and remains determined to continue his research, but with a warning for those with non-medical aims. He believes it's a Nazi-like experiment and that scientists working on such enhancements should be arrested.
It's unclear which billionaires or startups he's referring to, but at least three Silicon Valley-backed companies are investigating embryo editing, despite bans on human embryo research in most parts of the world.
One such startup, Preventive, has raised $30 million for its research and is backed by notable figures like Sam Altman and Brian Armstrong. Armstrong envisions a future where Gattaca-style IVF clinics offer genetic testing and embryo editing to 'accelerate evolution.'
The risks and ethical dilemmas are numerous. What if healthy genes are targeted incorrectly, or DNA is disrupted with unintended consequences? Who decides what's a medical issue and what's an enhancement? Will this technology exacerbate inequality or be misused by authoritarian governments? What if a mistake is made and passed down generations?
While gene editing in embryos is still decades away, a few companies offer genetic screening. Nucleus Genomics, backed by PayPal founder Peter Thiel, analyzes traits like acne, hair color, and anxiety. Herasight, the company Zey and Popp used, offers screening for IQ, height, and various risk factors.
Jonathan Anomaly, Herasight's director, believes that alarmist rhetoric over eugenics is preventing parents from choosing their child's genetic makeup. He argues for individual autonomy, stating that the science has advanced quickly and will continue to do so.
However, many of the traits Herasight screens for are polygenic, making it nearly impossible to predict outcomes accurately.
Zey believes in the potential for a future divide between the genetically enhanced and unenhanced, but he's optimistic that the enhanced cohort will help humanity progress. He's confident that Dax will be among the best, with his chosen embryo boasting the best longevity and IQ predictions.
While the technology is currently exclusive to the super-rich, Zey and Popp were given access for free as an early proof of concept. Caplan believes there's a market for this, even if it's just a sliver of hope being sold.
So, what do you think? Is this a step towards a brighter future or a slippery slope towards a dystopian reality? The debate is open...
