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Foggy Frontier | Est. 2025
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Silicon Valley's Wild New Obsession: Designer Babies Are Now a Thing

An artist’s illustration of artificial intelligence (AI). This image depicts how AI could assist in genomic studies and its applications. It was created by artist Nidia Dias as part of the Visualising AI project launched by Google DeepMind.

Imagine designing your future child like you design your latest app – that’s exactly what’s happening in the Bay Area right now.

Nucleus Genomics, a startup founded by 25-year-old tech wunderkind Kian Sadeghi, is revolutionizing the world of reproductive technology with its controversial genetic testing service. For a cool $25,000, prospective parents can now optimize their future child’s genetic potential, selecting for everything from height to potential intelligence.

The Genetic Optimization Frontier

Sadeghi’s vision goes far beyond traditional genetic screening. While most IVF clinics test for severe genetic disorders, Nucleus pushes boundaries by offering predictions about future traits like body weight, hair loss, and even potential academic performance. Backed by tech luminaries like Alexis Ohanian, the company is positioning itself as the next frontier of reproductive technology.

The Ethics of Designer Babies

But not everyone’s thrilled about this genetic shopping spree. Critics argue that Nucleus treads dangerously close to eugenics, raising profound questions about genetic determinism and social inequality. Sadeghi, however, remains unapologetic, framing the technology as simply another tool for parental choice.

The Future is Customizable

Whether you see it as groundbreaking science or dystopian nightmare, one thing’s certain: the era of designer babies has arrived, and it’s coming straight from the heart of Silicon Valley. Just another day in the tech world’s relentless pursuit of optimization – this time, with human genetics as the ultimate playground.

AUTHOR: mb

SOURCE: SF Standard

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