New embryo testing company says it can predict lifespan, height and IQ of potential children
New embryo testing company says it can predict lifespan, height and IQ of potential children
Herasight is a genetic screening company that charges $50,000 to allow hopeful parents to analyze embryos for genetic information like lifespan, height and IQ in life.
Read the full article on CBS Science
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article presents information about Herasight and its embryo testing services. While it accurately reflects the company's claims, the scientific validity of predicting lifespan, height, and IQ from embryos is debated and should be presented with more nuance. The article leans towards promoting the company's claims without sufficient critical evaluation.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: Herasight charges $50,000 to analyze embryos for genetic information like lifespan, height, and IQ.
- Verification Source #1: Does not mention the price but confirms the company analyzes embryos for genetic makeup.
- Verification Source #3: Confirms the company provides reports ranking embryos by predicted health, lifespan, and traits.
- Verification Source #4: Discusses the concept of screening embryos for IQ, implying such services exist.
- Assessment: Mostly supported. The core claim about analyzing embryos for lifespan, height, and IQ is supported, but the $50,000 price is unverified by the provided sources.
- Claim: Herasight can predict lifespan, height, and IQ of potential children.
- Verification Source #1: States the company analyzes the genetic makeup of embryos.
- Verification Source #2: Mentions Genomic Prediction, a similar company, and its potential to influence educational attainment.
- Verification Source #4: Raises ethical questions about IQ screening and implies the possibility of such screening.
- Verification Source #5: States that screening human embryos for polygenic traits has limited utility.
- Assessment: Mixed. While the company claims to predict these traits, the scientific community expresses reservations about the accuracy and utility of such predictions, especially for complex traits like IQ. Source 5 directly contradicts the claim's reliability.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Source 5: Screening human embryos for polygenic traits has limited utility.
- Source 4: Beyond possible medical risks, IQ screening of embryos poses a host of broader ethical questions.