"Genetic Optimization" for Higher IQ Children Gains Traction in Silicon Valley
Demand Grows for Embryo Genetic Testing and IQ Prediction Services
In Silicon Valley, United States, "genetic optimization" aimed at increasing children's intelligence quotients (IQ) through embryo genetic testing is attracting attention.
On August 12 (local time), The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that startups offering genetic testing of human embryos are growing in California's Bay Area, where Silicon Valley is located.
These companies provide embryo genetic testing and IQ prediction services. Parents can refer to these results when choosing among multiple embryos, essentially offering a "customized embryo selection" service.
The cost ranges from as low as $6,000 (about 8 million KRW) to as high as $50,000 (about 70 million KRW). However, as more parents seek to have intelligent children, demand for these services is increasing.
Kian Sadeghi, founder of the embryo genetic testing startup Nucleus Genomics, stated, "Silicon Valley loves IQ," highlighting the pronounced tendency among Silicon Valley parents to prefer children with higher intelligence.
Experts have analyzed that this phenomenon reflects Silicon Valley's meritocratic culture. Professor Sasha Gusev, a statistical geneticist at Harvard Medical School, explained, "They believe they are smart, accomplished, and deserving of their positions because they possess good genes," adding, "Now, they have tools to ensure their children can be the same."
However, the accuracy of IQ prediction remains low. Professor Shai Carmi of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem noted, "Current models can only explain about 5 to 10 percent of the differences in cognitive ability between individuals," and said that, on average, IQ can be raised by only 3 to 4 points compared to random selection.
There are also concerns about potential side effects. Professor Gusev warned, "By selecting for high IQ, parents could unintentionally choose embryos with a higher risk of autism spectrum disorders."
This has sparked ethical controversy. Hank Greely, director of the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Law at Stanford University, questioned, "The idea that the wealthy will form a class with super genes, take everything, and leave the rest as workers is something out of science fiction," adding, "Is this fair?"
However, WSJ explained that in Silicon Valley, where top-tier kindergartens require submission of IQ test results and there is a high openness to new things, parents do not feel significant moral dilemmas.
Tzvi Benson-Tilsen, co-founder of the Berkeley Genome Project, emphasized, "Our goal is to enable parents to make genetic choices and raise their child's expected IQ," noting that this is a key distinction from government-led eugenics in Nazi Germany. He added, "Intelligent people may be able to create AI that preserves human values."
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