10 months ago
US Startup Offers Genetic Optimization for Future Babies
A company called Nucleus Genomics is offering a service to help parents choose the best embryos for IVF.
They can check for diseases and also things like how tall or smart a baby might be.
This has caused some people to worry about the ethics of choosing a baby's traits.
The company's ads in New York have led to a big increase in people wanting this service.
Meanwhile, scientists in the UK are working on a project to create human DNA from scratch, which could help find new treatments for diseases.
Nucleus Genomics offers embryo screening for health conditions and physical traits like height and intelligence.
The service costs Rs 8 lakh ($8,999) and includes DNA sequencing of up to 20 embryos.
The company's ad campaign in New York has led to a 1,700 per cent increase in sales.
The Wellcome Trust donated Rs 117 crore (10 million pounds) for a project to create human DNA from scratch.
The project aims to create a fully synthetic human chromosome as a proof of concept.
- Who
- Nucleus Genomics, a US-based fertility startup
- What
- Offering embryo screening to predict a baby's height and intelligence
- Where
- New York subway
- When
- Ad campaign started on November 14
- Why
- To provide genetic optimization for future babies
Key facts
- Company
- Nucleus Genomics
- Service Cost
- Rs 8 lakh ($8,999)
- Service Details
- Full DNA sequence of up to 20 embryos
- Screening Categories
- Hereditary diseases, cancers, chronic conditions, appearance, cognitive ability, mental health
- Sales Increase
- 1,700 per cent since November 14
- Wellcome Trust Donation
- Rs 117 crore (10 million pounds)
- Project Aim
- Create a fully synthetic human chromosome
Quotes
Nucleus Genomics
A US-based fertility startup offering embryo screening services.
“Nucleus provides over 2,000 genetic analyses spanning hereditary diseases, cancers, chronic conditions, appearance, cognitive ability, mental health, and more.”
NDTV
“Each analysis includes a detailed report, which shows your embryo's result and the science behind it.”
NDTV
Dr Julian Sale
Part of the project at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge.
“The sky is the limit. We are looking at therapies that will improve people's lives as they age, that will lead to healthier ageing with less disease as they get older.”
NDTV
