The Morning Edition Designer babies: Healthier, better DNA? Or a gateway to eugenics?
Feb 22, 2026
Angus Dalton, a science reporter who investigates IVF and genetic testing, explores embryo selection and polygenic risk scores. He explains how companies rank embryos for many traits and the gaps in US regulation. He also discusses cost, racial bias in genomic data, societal pressures, and the tension between reducing disease and fears of eugenics.
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Embryo Ranking With Polygenic Risk Scores
- Polygenic risk scores try to rank embryos for thousands of traits beyond single-gene disease screening.
- Companies like Nucleus Genomics screen up to 20 embryos for ~2,000 traits and present parents a ranked "menu" on an iPad.
Heavy Marketing Meets Weak Clinical Evidence
- The technology is aggressively marketed in the US despite major scientific scepticism and limited clinical validation.
- Nucleus Genomics ran billboards promising "have a smarter baby" while fertility bodies say polygenic scoring lacks proven clinical effectiveness.
Australian Couple Testing Dozens Of Embryos
- An Australian couple told Angus Dalton they plan at least 10 kids and would test 60–80 embryos overseas to prioritise health and intelligence.
- They hoped higher-IQ embryos would make future homeschooling easier, driving their decision to access services abroad.