Explore the world of genetic optimization with Nucleus Genomics, a startup aiming to help families rank and select embryos through a unique dashboard. The discussion critiques the ethics of treating genes like assets and highlights the societal implications of genetic hierarchies. Humorously likening embryo selection to video game character creation, the hosts reveal the controversial aspects of this biotech endeavor while connecting it to emerging AI technologies in a thought-provoking manner.
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insights INSIGHT
Genetic Optimization Dashboard
Nucleus Genomics offers a software platform for genetic optimization by evaluating embryo DNA pre-IVF.
It provides disease risk, traits, and IQ markers, enabling ranking and selection of embryos like managing assets.
insights INSIGHT
Embryos as RPG Characters
Users can min-max embryo traits in the dashboard, emphasizing selective genetic traits like intelligence or athleticism.
This likens embryo selection to creating a character sheet in a role-playing game.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Founder Names Embryos Feature
The founder of Nucleus Genomics, a 25-year-old college dropout, values naming each embryo in the dashboard.
This personalizes embryo selection, starting conception at the genetic optimization dashboard.
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We dive into Nucleus Genomics, a startup backed by the Founders Fund, that wants to help you evaluate, rank, and name your embryos in a pre-IVF dashboard designed for “genetic optimization.” We talk about the junk science and wild ideologies that drive these desires to treat your genes and children like assets to be managed – with the ultimate goal of creating and enforcing a society ordered by genetic hierarchies. We then wrap up by tying these biotech visions to their AI counterparts in the “Gentle Singularity.”
••• This 25-Year-Old Biotech Founder Says His Startup Can ‘Optimize’ Embryos for Intelligence https://www.inc.com/ben-sherry/kian-sadeghi-says-nucleus-genomics-can-optimize-embryos-for-intelligence/91198815
••• Controversial genetics testing startup Nucleus Genomics raises $14M Series A https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/30/controversial-genetics-testing-startup-nucleus-genomics-raises-14m-series-a/
••• Genetics testing startup Nucleus Genomics criticized for its embryo product: ‘Makes me so nauseous’ https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/06/genetics-testing-startup-nucleus-genomics-criticized-for-its-embryo-product-makes-me-so-nauseous/
••• OpenAI wins $200m contract with US military for ‘warfighting’ https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jun/17/openai-military-contract-warfighting
••• This is the gentle singularity? https://www.bloodinthemachine.com/p/this-is-the-gentle-singularity
••• China shuts down AI tools during nationwide college exams https://www.theverge.com/news/682737/china-shuts-down-ai-chatbots-exam-season
Standing Plugs:
••• Order Jathan’s new book: https://www.ucpress.edu/book/9780520398078/the-mechanic-and-the-luddite
••• Subscribe to Ed’s substack: https://substack.com/@thetechbubble
••• Subscribe to TMK on patreon for premium episodes: https://www.patreon.com/thismachinekills
Hosted by Jathan Sadowski (bsky.app/profile/jathansadowski.com) and Edward Ongweso Jr. (www.x.com/bigblackjacobin). Production / Music by Jereme Brown (bsky.app/profile/jebr.bsky.social)
This Machine Kills