Advances in reproductive technologies are forcing us to reconsider what it means to be parents, even at the genetic level. While IVF allows parents-to-be to use eggs and sperm donated by others, who may or may not play a role in the life of the resulting child, it’s not just about IVF. Technologies that result in babies with three genetic parents are already in use. And others that allow four or more genetic parents could be available in the near future.
This kind of progress inevitably raises vital questions. What has a genetic contribution that may or may not make a person a parent? Is there an ideal number of parents a child can have? And when it comes down to it, do genetics really matter? Read the whole story.
—Jessica Hamzelou
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Required readings
I’ve combed the internet to find you the funniest/important/scary and fascinating stories about technology.
1 Elon Musk plans to cut thousands of Twitter workers
Cutting the company’s workforce by around 75% would have a serious impact on its ability to curb harmful content. (WP$)
+ Twitter has told workers to ignore media speculation. (Bloomberg$)
+ The platform is not always a total viper’s nest. (FT$)
2 billion in funding could jump-start the US battery materials industry
But while the cash injection is a welcome boost for the industry, there is still a tough road ahead. (MIT Technology Review)
3 How a major ransomware group flew under the radar
Schools and hospitals make up most of their targets. (via cable $)
4 Inside the boom and bust of China’s technological ambitions
Its rapid progress scared the US enough to hit it with restrictions. (Bloomberg$)
5 No one knows why federal law enforcement kidnapped protesters in 2020
And there is still no record of their arrests. (The edge)
6 Nuclear fusion is ready for an image overhaul
There has been much anticipation, but progress has been slow. (New Scientist $)
+ Maybe controlled chaos is the way to go. (Inverse)
7 The fitness industry is in dire need of reform
It rarely lives up to its promises of healthy living. (Neo.Life)
+ How do strong muscles keep your brain healthy? (MIT Technology Review)
8 TikTok is captivated by fast food workers
The clips give them a behind-the-scenes look. (New Yorker $)
+ Real estate agents are also involved. (WSJ$)
9 We may never catch the worst chess traps ♟️
Maybe we need to make peace with that. (The Atlantic $)
+ Hans Niemann is suing Magnus Carlsen in the ongoing cheating row. (motherboard)
+ I was there when: AI dominated chess. (MIT Technology Review)
10 Instagram’s new anti-bullying measures could work
Pushes reminding users to be kind seem to have the desired effect. (Voice)
quote of the day
“Like any physicist, I am wholeheartedly against promoting quantum mysticism or anything with completely unfounded claims.”
