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Debating the use of genomic tools and their societal impact
Over the past decade, the field of human genetics has produced an extraordinary range of discoveries-including the refinement of polygenic scores, which use a person's DNA to estimate their likelihood of developing a trait or disease. But are these new technologies ready to leave the research lab and be deployed in schools, fertility clinics, and the wider world? In What We Inherit, Sam Trejo and Daphne Martschenko offer different perspectives on the societal impact of the rapidly unfolding DNA revolution. Trejo, a sociologist and expert on the complex ways people's genes influence their life's trajectory, believes that new genomic tools-if used thoughtfully-can improve society; Martschenko, a bioethicist who specializes in the thorny social issues raised by biomedical advances, is more cautious. They debate both the risks and the opportunities posed by such new technologies as at-home genetic tests and polygenic embryo selection-all while engaging in a wide-ranging dialogue on ideology, biology, and social inequality.
While grappling with these new technologies, Trejo and Martschenko remind us that we inherited from our ancestors not only DNA but also wrongheaded ideas about genes. Together, they caution against two particularly harmful genetic myths: that genes determine an individual's future, and that race and genetics are inherently connected. A polygenic score, for example, is not a definitive marker for disease. And race is a sociopolitical construct, not a biological identity. Trejo and Martschenko argue that, to avoid exacerbating social inequality, we need to begin regulating genomic tools sooner rather than later. Sam Trejo is assistant professor of sociology at Princeton University, where he holds the Charles H. McIlwain University Preceptorship. Daphne O. Martschenko is assistant professor of biomedical ethics at Stanford University. "Martschenko and Trejo have written a remarkable book that opens up a contentious topic with passion, rigor, nuance, openness, and mutual respect. A must-read for anyone interested in genetics and human lives-and anyone searching for a respite from 'angry science.'"-Kathryn Paige Harden, author of The Genetic Lottery: Why DNA Matters for Social Equality
"Is DNA destiny? Are there genetic differences between races? Trejo and Martschenko tackle these difficult questions head-on, revealing how DNA both shapes and is shaped by the social world, and providing a crucial road map for responsible stewardship of genetic technologies. This compelling book illuminates how emerging genetic technologies could either deepen societal inequalities-or help us build a fairer, healthier future."-Dalton Conley, author of The Social Genome: The New Science of Nature and Nurture
"What We Inherit is a bold and timely interrogation of how genetics and myth collide. With clarity and courage, Sam Trejo and Daphne Martschenko remind us that we inherit not only DNA but also dangerous stories filled with bias. What makes this book especially compelling is how the authors, who do not always agree, invite us into their informed and nuanced dialogue-showing what healthy debate can look like. The result is a rare and essential guide toward a genomic future rooted in justice and care, and a framework useful for all fields and all difficult discussions."-Anna Malaika Tubbs, author of The New York Times bestsellers The Three Mothers and Erased: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden from Us
"What We Inherit takes scholarly debate and collaboration to a new level, transforming them into a stunning example of reciprocity and synergy across the sciences."-Rina Bliss, author of What's Real About Race? Untangling Science, Genetics, and Society
"What We Inherit is like eavesdropping in on the riveting conversation at the table next door-where two brilliant scholars are hashing out their po
Over the past decade, the field of human genetics has produced an extraordinary range of discoveries-including the refinement of polygenic scores, which use a person's DNA to estimate their likelihood of developing a trait or disease. But are these new technologies ready to leave the research lab and be deployed in schools, fertility clinics, and the wider world? In What We Inherit, Sam Trejo and Daphne Martschenko offer different perspectives on the societal impact of the rapidly unfolding DNA revolution. Trejo, a sociologist and expert on the complex ways people's genes influence their life's trajectory, believes that new genomic tools-if used thoughtfully-can improve society; Martschenko, a bioethicist who specializes in the thorny social issues raised by biomedical advances, is more cautious. They debate both the risks and the opportunities posed by such new technologies as at-home genetic tests and polygenic embryo selection-all while engaging in a wide-ranging dialogue on ideology, biology, and social inequality.
While grappling with these new technologies, Trejo and Martschenko remind us that we inherited from our ancestors not only DNA but also wrongheaded ideas about genes. Together, they caution against two particularly harmful genetic myths: that genes determine an individual's future, and that race and genetics are inherently connected. A polygenic score, for example, is not a definitive marker for disease. And race is a sociopolitical construct, not a biological identity. Trejo and Martschenko argue that, to avoid exacerbating social inequality, we need to begin regulating genomic tools sooner rather than later. Sam Trejo is assistant professor of sociology at Princeton University, where he holds the Charles H. McIlwain University Preceptorship. Daphne O. Martschenko is assistant professor of biomedical ethics at Stanford University. "Martschenko and Trejo have written a remarkable book that opens up a contentious topic with passion, rigor, nuance, openness, and mutual respect. A must-read for anyone interested in genetics and human lives-and anyone searching for a respite from 'angry science.'"-Kathryn Paige Harden, author of The Genetic Lottery: Why DNA Matters for Social Equality
"Is DNA destiny? Are there genetic differences between races? Trejo and Martschenko tackle these difficult questions head-on, revealing how DNA both shapes and is shaped by the social world, and providing a crucial road map for responsible stewardship of genetic technologies. This compelling book illuminates how emerging genetic technologies could either deepen societal inequalities-or help us build a fairer, healthier future."-Dalton Conley, author of The Social Genome: The New Science of Nature and Nurture
"What We Inherit is a bold and timely interrogation of how genetics and myth collide. With clarity and courage, Sam Trejo and Daphne Martschenko remind us that we inherit not only DNA but also dangerous stories filled with bias. What makes this book especially compelling is how the authors, who do not always agree, invite us into their informed and nuanced dialogue-showing what healthy debate can look like. The result is a rare and essential guide toward a genomic future rooted in justice and care, and a framework useful for all fields and all difficult discussions."-Anna Malaika Tubbs, author of The New York Times bestsellers The Three Mothers and Erased: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden from Us
"What We Inherit takes scholarly debate and collaboration to a new level, transforming them into a stunning example of reciprocity and synergy across the sciences."-Rina Bliss, author of What's Real About Race? Untangling Science, Genetics, and Society
"What We Inherit is like eavesdropping in on the riveting conversation at the table next door-where two brilliant scholars are hashing out their po