There is broad scientific consensus that intelligence is partly inherited and that genes play an important role. But identifying this incredibly complex trait with precise contributions from specific genes is a very difficult scientific challenge, and claims that it can produce significant “increases” in IQ in the context of cognitive testing are widely considered controversial.
While the science is far from perfect, at least one company, American startup Heliospect, appears to be preparing to publicly launch a service that allows parents of multiple IVF embryos to choose “desirable” traits. , such as height and IQ.
Complex traits such as IQ are not determined by a single mutation, but are affected by small contributions from thousands of genes that can only be detected with the emergence of vast genetic databases such as the UK Biobank.
Testing is done by taking DNA samples and looking for patterns. From an embryo, some cells are removed to provide DNA results that a company like Heliospect runs through its predictive algorithm.
Scientists can use the data to look for statistical associations between genes and a person's educational level (sometimes used as a proxy for IQ), risk for mental disorders, and other characteristics.
Genetic contributions can be summarized to form the so-called polygenic score. But These scores are based on probability and are not guaranteed. Environmental and random biological variation also plays a role. A fetus with an average score becomes a genius and vice versa.
Furthermore, in the broader context of society, access to healthcare, education, and a supportive family environment can have as much of an impact as genetic traits.
The company appears to suggest that couples who use its service can expect to have a child who is, on average, six IQ points smarter than a child born through natural conception. A 2019 study considering this hypothetical scenario estimated a significantly greater expected gain of 2.5 IQ points. It is impossible to establish the validity of Heliospect's claim, although independent experts have expressed skepticism.
One problem is that genes linked to good parenting (genes passed to children) contribute to educational outcomes. But these genes benefit the child by providing a kind and nurturing home environment rather than directly making him smarter.
Professor Hank Greely, of Stanford University in California, said he did not believe that studies to date had demonstrated the ability to make genetic predictions about the future intelligence of embryos accurate enough to produce anything more than profits.” “trivial.” “My first reaction was that it wasn't real,” he said.
Even accepting the supposed gain of six IQ points, this assumes that 10 embryos translate into 10 potential pregnancies, which is not true for most couples. For women ages 18 to 34, the average live birth rate per embryo transferred is 33%. It also drops to less than 10% for women over 40, according to statistics from the Commission on Human Fertility and Embryology. There is a gap between the eggs recovered and the embryos created. Many couples do not have 10 viable embryos to choose from, and for others, this requires unusually intensive and risk-free IVF cycles.
Beyond the potential medical risks, assessing the IQ of fetuses raises broader ethical questions. Some fear that this technology will lead to a Kataka-style stratified society. The 1997 science fiction film featured a world with a genetically enhanced upper class and a naturally conceived lower class.
Proponents of polygenic embryo screening often cite the success of animal breeding programs as evidence of the substantial benefits of trait selection. But others point out that pedigree programs can create undesirable “companion” effects. In one case, in the 2010s, scientists bred so-called “superchickens” after selecting generations of egg layers in an effort to increase livestock productivity. But the super chickens also turned out to be incredibly aggressive. When introduced to a farm environment, the flock descended into chaos, with some chickens pecking each other and dying. There is no guarantee that selecting for a high IQ in humans will not have unintended consequences.
