G: Unnatural Selection - Radiolab

What this episode covers

This past fall, a scientist named Steve Hsu made headlines with a provocative announcement. He would start selling a genetic intelligence test to couples doing IVF: a sophisticated prediction tool, built on big data and machine learning, designed to help couples select the best embryo in their batch. We wondered, how does that work? What can the test really say? And do we want to live in a world where certain people can decide how smart their babies will be? This episode was produced by Simon Adler, with help from Rachael Cusick and Pat Walters. Fact-checking by Michelle Harris. Engineering help from Jeremy Bloom. Special thanks to Catherine Bliss. Radiolab’s “G” is supported in part by Science Sandbox, a Simons Foundation initiative dedicated to engaging everyone with the process of science. Support Radiolab today at Radiolab.org/donate.

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

Introducing "Paper Trail": A new show from ProPublica about investigative journalism

May 18, 2026 ·4m

The Wicked Smoocha: Anglerfish Break A World Record

May 7, 2026 ·34m

The Forest Fairy: Aphids Reveal Hidden Harmonies

Apr 23, 2026 ·31m

The Greeting: Yo-Yo Ma's Humpback Whale Experiment

Apr 9, 2026 ·39m

The Red-Eyed Mascot: Loon Resilience in Minnesota

Mar 26, 2026 ·30m

The Snowball: Extreme Squirrels in the Arctic (Replay)

Mar 12, 2026 ·25m

Similar Podcasts

Trump, Inc. WNYC Studios He’s the President, yet we’re still trying to answer basic questions about how his business works: What deals are happening, who they’re happening with, and if the President and his family are keeping their promise to separate the Trump Organization from the Trump White House. “Trump, Inc.” is a joint reporting project from WNYC Studios and ProPublica that digs deep into these questions. We’ll be layout out what we know, what we don’t and how you can help us fill in the gaps. WNYC Studios is a listener-supported producer of other leading podcasts, including On the Media, Radiolab, Death, Sex & Money, Here’s the Thing with Alec Baldwin, Nancy and many others. ProPublica is a non-profit investigative newsroom.© WNYC Studios Pickle WNYC Studios Is it ever okay to tell a lie? What makes a real friend? And here’s a question: How much is a person’s life worth? Yikes, that’s a tough one! Join the cast of Pickle as we explore life’s stickiest wickets, with the help of curious kids – and the occasional elephant. It’s philosophy, made fun. WNYC Studios is a listener-supported producer of podcasts including Radiolab, Snap Judgment, On the Media, Death, Sex & Money and many others.© WNYC Studios Hunt Gather Talk with Hank Shaw Hank Shaw Wild foods expert and cookbook author Hank Shaw's audio adventures in foraging, fishing, hunting and cooking. You'll hears stories from the field, tips and tricks for working with wild foods, interviews with experts in fishing, foraging, cooking and hunting, as well as occasional "RadioLab" style audio stories. The Filter Podcast with Matt Asher The Filter The Filter is about how we perceive the world, the lenses through which we view our reality.The Filter is like: - Black Mirror but not fiction. - A darker version of Making Sense with Sam Harris - Radiolab minus the cool music and with 50% less storytelling - The Joe Rogan Experience minus stand-up comedians minus MMA minus about 12hrs per week of content - The Portal with Eric Weinstein but with Matt Asher - The Tom Woods Show but with 1600 fewer episodes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Radiolab?

This episode is 34 minutes long.

When was this Radiolab episode published?

This episode was published on July 26, 2019.

What is this episode about?

This past fall, a scientist named Steve Hsu made headlines with a provocative announcement. He would start selling a genetic intelligence test to couples doing IVF: a sophisticated prediction tool, built on big data and machine learning, designed to...

Can I download this Radiolab episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.