The Network State Podcast #35 - Noor Siddiqui
Jan 16, 2026
Noor Siddiqui, founder of Orchid, pioneers in whole-genome embryo screening for genetic diseases. They discuss the evolution from biological chance to choice and how societal perceptions of embryo screening are changing. Noor highlights the clinical importance of early genetic screening in preventing severe health conditions. The conversation also touches on the evolving political landscape surrounding technology and reproduction, emphasizing the need for compassion in bioethical discussions.
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Aggregate Burden Of Rare Diseases
- Thousands of rare genetic diseases are individually rare but common in aggregate and mostly affect children with few treatments.
- Screening embryos can prevent severe suffering, miscarriages, and infant deaths driven by genetic causes.
Families Devastated By Monogenic Disorders
- Noor recounts families who had children with terminal monogenic disorders like lissencephaly and lost careers to caregiving.
- She says those parents started ORCHID so future children could avoid the same suffering.
Single Bases Can Drastically Change Traits
- Single base-pair changes can create dramatic phenotypes like gigantism or achondroplasia.
- Small DNA edits therefore can have outsized effects on health and development.
