logo
Post readers react to elite's aim to create ‘super-babies'

Post readers react to elite's aim to create ‘super-babies'

Washington Post19-07-2025
Technology Post readers react to elite's aim to create 'super-babies'
'I'm torn,' one reader said. 'Having a child which would never develop a terrible disease ... would be wonderful. However, a little like playing god.'
(Camille Cohen/For The Washington Post)
By Michael Blackmon
and Alexandra Pannoni
July 19, 2025 at 7:00 a.m. EDT
Just now
1 min
Post reporters Elizabeth Dwoskin and Yeganeh Torbati published a must-read article detailing how Silicon Valley elites, including Elon Musk, are using novel gene technology to produce 'super-babies.'
The article set off a lively discussion in the comments section, where readers of various ages and perspectives sounded off.
Eager to hear more, we published a callout asking readers how far they would go to ensure a healthy baby and added a similar query to the prompt of the original article. We received more than a thousand responses.
Here are some of the best reader reactions, which have been lightly edited for length and clarity and are printed with permission.
Jessica Orlando,
37
Los Angeles
' I am coming at this question from a different perspective, having gone through IVF to combat infertility, and we now have an amazing son who is 19 months old. Our journey was different from many in that we went through four rounds of egg retrievals and embryo selections, but none made our doctor's cut for transplantation based on genetic testing given that the ones that made it each had what were considered genetic abnormalities. I personally reached my end point of doing more retrievals so we decided to transfer two abnormal embryos, asking our doctor to use the best quality that were available, and one of them grew into our son. He's wonderful and perfect in our eyes — no health issues or abnormalities and has an amazing personality and disposition. If we had followed our doctor's advice, he wouldn't exist today. '
Maggie Cooper,
43
Arlington, Virginia
' I am a carrier for cystic fibrosis (and have a mild form of the disease that presents in my lungs/sinuses), so my husband did genetic testing to see if he also was a carrier. While CF is not quite the early death sentence it used to be, it was not something we felt comfortable knowingly passing to a child. Thankfully he was not a carrier. Nine years ago, while I was pregnant with our first daughter, my husband was diagnosed with Stage 3 oligodendroglioma — a rare brain cancer. He had brain surgery and underwent radiation and chemo and, while there is no remission for this type of cancer, he has had no recurrence. He was adamant that we not have another child until his doctors could determine if his cancer was hereditary. After participating in natural history studies at NIH for many years, his doctors felt very confident that his cancer was not linked to genetics. We had our second daughter (via IVF) in summer 2023. '
Brenda Feeney,
79
Leesburg, Virginia
' I'm torn. Having a child which would never develop a terrible disease (Parkinson's, MS, etc.) would be wonderful. However, a little like playing god. Only the wealthy will be able to do this, so is their gene pool better than the rest of our? Most of the wealthy individuals we must endure today are cruel, vile and inhumane. Do we want more of these people? '
Paul Ojanen,
61
Duluth, Minnesota
' If you narrow selection over time, no matter what, you select for other unknown traits. As usual they are applying their very narrow field ... algorithms and computability ... to a process that needs randomness for long-term success. Eventually they'll succeed in what they want, a 'purebred' lineage, but with all types of unforeseen problems, just like purebred dogs. '
(Camille Cohen/For The Washington Post)
Jann Becker,
70
St. Louis
' We chose to adopt in part because I have bipolar disorder and substance abuse, both of which run in my father's family, that I didn't wish to pass on. Choosing to bear only the embryo(s) without a known problem is, to me, the most ethical choice for people who know there's a hereditary disease in their family that would seriously impact a future child's life. If all the women in a given generation used that process for a disease like, say, Huntington's, could be eliminated for that family — but that means all of those women would need to accept their own test results and undergo an invasive medical procedure before becoming pregnant. '
Anca Vlasopolos,
76
Centerville, Massachusetts
' These extraordinarily ignorant people know nothing about genetics and the bell curve. Geniuses do not have genius children. People on the lower IQ scale may have a very intelligent child. But the white-supremacy myth driving these attempts is merely what it is=racism. '
Justin Wilson,
36
Silver Spring, Maryland
' I love it! Knew the idea/process would eventually become a thing. It's concerning that so many of you think this is bad. Is it just envy? Irrational fear of technology? Something that could lead to a healthier population is undeniably a good thing in my book. '
Judy Pelowski,
66
Red Oak, Texas
' At my age, I'm not having any babies. However, I believe there's something to be said for natural selection. They've said for years that mongrel dogs are healthier than purebreds. … Are you really going to eliminate anyone who doesn't have a high enough intelligence level or might one day die? What if, during their lifespan, the low-intelligence individual can see things others can't or has strength the others don't have and saves someone? What if the unhealthy child is a genius? Who's going to do all the work that the designer babies can't do? Testing for terrible deformities or diseases that would not allow the child to make it more than a short time after birth, and only in a very pained way, yes. Testing that saves a person a life of pain, yes. Vanity testing? Are you sure you want to go that way? '
Chris Strohbeck,
67
Reston, Virginia
' I find it ironic that these so-called risk takers are so obsessed with eliminating any and all risk, whether perceived or not, whether scientifically supported or not. I am not in their age cohort, but it occurs to me that one of the most concerning aspects of advanced technology (AI topping the list) accelerated by young adults is that these entrepreneurs don't have enough perspective. It's not always true that age comes with wisdom, but time spent living a life does broaden your experience base, sharpen your decision-making, and develop your moral thinking. '
Francesca A.,
78
Oakland, California
' I became pregnant in 1986 after six years of trying various methods because of infertility. Because of my infertility, I was advised to wait and have an amnio rather than have a chorionic villus sampler test due to the risk of aborting the fetus in the latter test. Well, it turned out that my amniocentesis revealed our baby had the Trisomy 18 defect. Would pre-pregnancy genetic testing have indicated this as a possible risk? Obviously, in our case, finances would've been a factor, but I would never want to have to go through a late-term therapeutic abortion at almost 7 months again. '
Mary Redmond,
62
Philadelphia
' Prospective parents are 'rolling the dice,' like it or not. That's axiomatic from a genuinely scientific (Darwinian) perspective. These experts are con artists who add to the uncertainty. An old-fashioned fortune teller or astrologer might provide more 'value.' '
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Here's What ER Doctors Say Every Person Should Do After A Fall, Regardless Of Your Age
Here's What ER Doctors Say Every Person Should Do After A Fall, Regardless Of Your Age

Yahoo

time13 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Here's What ER Doctors Say Every Person Should Do After A Fall, Regardless Of Your Age

People of any age are susceptible to falling, but older adults are especially at risk. Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury death for people over the age of 65 and were responsible for nearly 3 million emergency room visits for older adults in 2021, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control. No matter your age, it's important to take falls seriously, emergency room physician Dr. Joe Whittington told HuffPost. 'Whether it's a young person who brushes off a fall or someone older who thinks it's just a part of aging, it's important to understand that falls can lead to complications like infections or long-term disability,' said Whittington, who runs the Dr. Joe MD TikTok account. 'Prevention is key. Keeping up with regular physical activity, making environmental adjustments and knowing what to do after a fall can significantly reduce risks.' We asked Whittington and other ER physicians what they'd advise people to do after a fall, including tips to help prevent this type of incident. Here's what we learned: First, do a full-body check for injuries. Related: Before you even attempt to get up, do a full-body check for pain, 'particularly in the head, neck, or spine, as well as possible fractures or dislocations,' Whittington said. You should also look out for abrasions, significant swelling, severe pain or the inability to move any part of your body, ER physician Dr. Jordan Wagner told HuffPost. 'This step is crucial to avoid worsening a potential fracture, dislocation, or internal injury by moving too quickly,' said Wagner, also known as 'Doctor ER' on YouTube. 'If you notice any sharp pain or have difficulty moving, stay there and call for emergency help if a phone is nearby.' Move slowly. Related: Sudden movements can worsen hidden injuries like sprains or fractures, Wagner said. Other serious fall-related injuries like internal bleeding or concussions may not be apparent right off the bat. 'If you feel dizzy, nauseous or in significant pain, stay still and call for help. Getting up too quickly can worsen an injury,' Whittington said. If you hit your head, seek medical care ASAP. If you hit your head during the fall, get evaluated by a medical professional immediately — even if you feel OK at first, Wagner advised. 'Symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, headaches, or nausea could indicate a concussion, brain bleed, or a more serious injury,' he explained. 'Brain bleeds, in particular, can be life-threatening and often develop at different rates, so you might not notice severe symptoms right away. Head injuries are tricky and can escalate quickly, so it's always better to be safe than sorry.' Know that falls can be especially dangerous for those taking blood thinners, as these medications can 'increase the risk of potentially life-threatening bleeding, especially after head trauma,' former emergency medicine physician Dr. Jessica Singh, founder and CEO of Sukhayu Wellness, told HuffPost. If you're experiencing other concerning pain or symptoms in general, you should seek immediate medical care, she added. Treat any minor injuries at home. Related: 'If there's no immediate sign of a serious injury, take deep breaths and apply ice to any sore areas,' Wagner said. 'Ice helps reduce swelling and prevents further damage.' Don't try to 'tough it out,' he added. 'It's important not to push through pain or discomfort after a fall.' If you've injured a limb, elevate it to minimize swelling, Whittington advised. 'For example, if you've twisted your ankle or injured your knee, keeping it elevated above your heart helps the healing process,' he said. 'Don't ignore what seems like a minor injury. Early care can prevent more serious issues later.' Afterward, reflect on factors that led to the fall. After a fall, set aside some time to figure out the root cause of the incident, taking into account both personal and environmental factors. 'For instance, was the fall a result of slipping on ice or a wet surface, a missed step, an accident primarily caused by someone else, a lack of appropriate balance, support, and/or safety precautions, or an external situation?' Singh said. 'What other external factors, including medications, alcohol or substance use, may have contributed to the fall?' Think, too, about the reasons that may have contributed to such as a health condition or whether you were rushing, distracted or multitasking when the fall occurred, Singh said. She also pointed to research showing that while falls often occur after slipping or tripping, 'external factors are seldom the sole cause of an elderly patient's fall. In almost all cases, patients' comorbidities and health status are involved,' according to a 2015 study. Assessing the entire situation will help you get appropriate medical care and have better safety measures in place moving forward, Singh said. Reduce fall hazards in your home. Related: Making some adjustments to your living space — such as decluttering — could save you a trip to the emergency room, Wagner said. 'Keeping a clean and organized living space, especially in high-traffic areas, is essential,' he said. Other common tripping hazards include loose rugs and cords, pets, walkers, canes and stairs. 'Many people trip on stairs because they're moving too quickly, not paying attention to their footing,' Wagner said. Making sure your home is well-lit is one of the most overlooked ways to prevent a fall, Whittington said. 'Many falls happen at night or in dimly lit areas. Adding night lights or brighter bulbs in key areas, especially in hallways, bathrooms, and stairs, can drastically reduce the risk of a fall.' Proper footwear with slip-resistant soles and assistive devices (such as grab bars, reaching tools and fall alarms) can also improve health and safety, Singh said. Small changes like these can 'make a huge difference, especially for older adults or people with limited mobility,' Whittington added. Stay active. In the wake of a fall, you may become overly cautious and scared of it happening again, which can make you more sedentary. But it's so important to stay active and to continue doing the things you enjoy. 'Immobility is associated with deconditioning and greater fall risk. Research has shown that fear is commonly experienced after a fall, leading to reduced physical activity and increased risk of falling,' Singh said. Whittington also highlighted the importance of staying active and working on your balance via practices like yoga or tai chi, which can 'greatly reduce the risk of falls,' he said. 'As we age, we lose muscle strength and flexibility, which affects our balance. Strengthening muscles and practicing coordination helps your body respond better to slips or trips, potentially preventing a serious fall.'This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful: Also in Goodful:

SpaceX Crew-11 astronauts arrive in Florida ahead of launch to space station
SpaceX Crew-11 astronauts arrive in Florida ahead of launch to space station

Yahoo

time32 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

SpaceX Crew-11 astronauts arrive in Florida ahead of launch to space station

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The next four people to launch to the International Space Station have arrived at their launch site. NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, together with JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Kimiya Yui and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov flew on a NASA aircraft from Ellington Field in Houston, Texas to Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida on Saturday (July 26). They touched down at Space Florida's Launch and Landing Facility (LLF) at 1:12 p.m. EDT (1712) GMT. "We are absolutely joyed to be here at Kennedy Space Center," said Cardman, Crew-11 commander. "This is the first moment when it's really starting to feel real. This is the beginning of a week when things will feel progressively more and more real as we approach our launch." Cardman, Fincke, Yui and Platonov are scheduled to launch as the members of SpaceX's Crew-11 aboard the Dragon "Endeavour" on a Falcon 9 rocket from KSC's Launch Complex 39A on Thursday (July 31) at 12:09 p.m. EDT (1609 GMT). Should the flight go as planned, they will dock to the orbiting laboratory next Saturday (Aug. 2) to join the station's Expedition 73 (and later Expedition 74) crew. "Boy, it's great to be back," said Fincke, Crew-11 pilot." "One of the last times I landed on the at the [LLF] was on space shuttle Endeavour, and now we get to go on another endeavor, a Dragon Endeavour, this time." On Friday, mission managers gave their 'go' for launch preparations to proceed after concluding a flight readiness review. "We're looking forward to launching soon," said Fincke. Solve the daily Crossword

Not running or cycling — this 10-minute dumbbell workout builds strength and cardiovascular endurance
Not running or cycling — this 10-minute dumbbell workout builds strength and cardiovascular endurance

Yahoo

time39 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Not running or cycling — this 10-minute dumbbell workout builds strength and cardiovascular endurance

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The CDC recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week. While hopping on the treadmill or an elliptical is a great way to do that, sometimes staying stagnant on a machine can get boring. I actually love a good treadmill run, but pregnancy and childbirth have forced me to take an extended break. I still need to get my daily cardio, though, so I decided to scroll through Instagram for a little inspiration. I landed on fitness influencer Synthia Diane's recent 10-minute workout, and it seemed promising — since I had two dumbbells and 10 minutes to spare, I gave it a try. If you've just started to work out regularly, I'd recommend meeting with a certified personal trainer before attempting this routine yourself. That goes double for those who are postpartum, like me. How to do Synthia Diane's 10-minute dumbbell workout You'll need a pair of light or moderately heavy dumbbells for this workout. If you have both options available, you may want to switch between them depending on the exercise. I used five and ten-pound weights. There are four exercises in this routine, each done for five reps. You'll circuit through each exercise for as many sets as you can until you reach the 10-minute mark. The exercises are: Alternating squats Sumo squats Triceps extension Front raises Since I recently returned to exercise, I expected this routine to be challenging. I was actually surprised by my stamina in the first two sets, so I decided to pick up my pace for the remaining minutes. Here are my other observations after finishing Sythia's workout. It's easily adaptable for most levels I love AMRAP ('as many rounds as possible') workouts like this one, and one of the main reasons why is that they're doable for most people. You can go as slow or as fast as you want, take breaks when needed, and push yourself in ways that feel safe and appropriate without falling behind. Since my first two sets didn't knock me out as much as I thought they would, I decided to pick up my pace for the time I had left. I always felt strong and in control throughout the movements, although I did begin to fatigue by the end. I ended up doing nine sets in 10 minutes, which I'll try to beat the next time I try this workout. That's another reason I love AMRAPs — you can always challenge yourself to complete more rounds on your next try. If you're advanced, you may want to add more reps I liked that Synthia kept the moves at five reps each, as that allows you to move quickly through the circuit and keeps things from getting too tedious. That being said, I felt like I needed a few more reps of each exercise to feel a muscle burn. When I made it to five rounds, I decided to up my reps from five to eight, and that did the trick. If you're no stranger to dumbbell work, you may want to add a few extra reps too. The upper body exercises were a cardio 'break' The squat variations definitely got my heart pumping, so it was nice to take a little breather on the tricep extensions and front raises. Because my heart rate dropped and my breathing slowed, I was able to really hone in on my form and make sure my core muscles were engaging properly. When I cycled back to the squats, the brief 'recovery' allowed me to keep my pace up and add some more reps to each round. This was an observation I can take back to my running practice, when I'm ready. Taking brief intervals where I run slower (or even walk) can keep me going for longer. My heart rate was elevated, but not as high as when I run According to my Apple Watch, this workout kept me at around 140-145 beats per minute on average. My heart rate is usually around 155-160 for most of my runs, so I didn't get quite the cardio punch as I do when pounding the pavement. Still, this was a fantastic full-body strength routine that had some cardiovascular benefits. The 10 minutes went by in a flash, so if you're looking for a quick workout, this could fit the bill. Benefits of AMRAP workouts AMRAP workouts are a highly efficient way to build muscular endurance, improve cardiovascular health, and even sharpen your focus. You can go at your own pace and work at your ability level, which means they're appropriate for nearly everyone. AMRAPS also provides a discernible way to measure your progress. As you get stronger and more conditioned, you will be able to complete a greater number of rounds with each new attempt. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button. More from Tom's Guide Forget tight hips — try these 5 mobility moves to unlock stiff hips and build stronger glutes Ditch crunches — try these 5 kettlebell exercises instead to sculpt your abs, strengthen your core and improve balance Runners, you need to read this — study suggests a simple training tip could be the key to avoiding injury

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store