Summary:
Nucleus Genomics launches Nucleus Embryo, a product to test IVF embryos for traits like IQ and appearance
Uses polygenic scores, which are controversial for individual predictions
Public and VC backlash over ethical concerns of designer babies
Previous product Nucleus IQ was criticized as "bad science and big business"
Partners with Genomic Prediction but does not conduct tests directly
Nucleus Genomics: From Disease Risk to Designer Babies
Founded in 2021 by 25-year-old Kian Sadeghi, Nucleus Genomics initially aimed to calculate patients' risks for specific diseases. However, the startup has consistently stirred controversy with its products, which claim to correlate genetics with complex traits like IQ.
The Controversial Launch of Nucleus Embryo
On June 4, 2025, Nucleus Genomics announced its new product, Nucleus Embryo, via a tweet that read:
"Every parent wants to give their children more than they had. For the first time in human history, Nucleus adds a new tool to that commitment."
This product promises to test IVF embryos not just for disease risks but also for appearance traits (sex, height, hair color, eye color) and complex attributes like IQ, anxiety, and ADHD. The launch included a comparison menu to help parents choose which embryos to implant or discard.
The Science Behind the Controversy
Nucleus uses polygenic scores to predict these traits. While polygenic scores can estimate probabilities for certain conditions within populations, they are not definitive for individuals. The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) states that these scores only provide relative risks and are not yet routinely used by health professionals due to lack of guidelines.
Nucleus defends its approach, citing a 2018 paper that validated methods for five common diseases. However, applying this to traits like IQ and appearance has sparked outrage.
Public and VC Backlash
The announcement went viral, amassing over 4 million views and hundreds of comments. Many expressed disbelief or horror, with one VC tweeting:
"I was going to type something like Noah get the boat but honestly the reality of this just makes me so nauseous."
Previous Controversies
Nucleus has faced criticism before, particularly for its Nucleus IQ product, which claimed to measure genetic influence on intelligence. Critics labeled it as "bad science and big business." Sadeghi defended the methodology, but the leap to embryo selection has intensified scrutiny.
Current Partnerships and Practices
Nucleus is not conducting these tests directly but partners with Genomic Prediction, which works with IVF clinics. While many parents request intelligence tests, Genomic Prediction does not provide them. Parents can voluntarily upload genetic data to Nucleus for analysis.
The Future of Genetic Optimization
Sadeghi argues that genetic optimization, like IVF, will become mainstream:
"Not that long ago, IVF-1 sparked fear and the stigma of test tube babies. What was once controversial is now an everyday practice. The same is true with genetic optimization. The technology is now here and it’s here to stay."
However, the ethical implications of designer babies remain a hotly debated topic.
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