Projects that might help accelerate strong reprogenetics

A new project from Berkeley Genomics (berkeleygenomics.org) seeks to accelerate the development of 'strong reprogenetics'—advanced reproductive technology that would allow parents to genetically enhance their future child, particularly increasing cognitive ability by several standard deviations. The initiative explicitly targets areas often underfunded due to government restrictions, venture capital caution over regulation, and philanthropic PR concerns. Key scientific areas include reproductive epigenetics (epigenetic sequencing and editing, stem cell culturing, gametogenesis), chromosome engineering (targeted crossover, missegregation, chromosome transfer), microfluidics (cell lysis, droplet manipulation), cell engineering (CRISPR-Cas9 and transposases), and statistical genetics.

The note is aimed at scientists, funders (philanthropy, government, commercial), and policy experts. The author wants to help fill gaps in datasets, cell lines, oversight, and public discourse that are neglected by academia and industry. Specific technical goals include creating gametogonia, manipulating individual chromosomes, and improving gene editing systems. The author acknowledges the difficulty of accelerating the field from the outside but believes targeted funding and the right intentions can make a difference. They are open to alternative strategies. The overall ambition is to create both the technical and social conditions for the responsible deployment of cognitive enhancement via reproductive genetics.