What We Inherit: How New Technologies and Old Myths Are Shaping Our Genomic Future

This accessible exploration from Trejo, a sociology professor at Princeton, and Martschenko, a biomedical ethics professor at Stanford, addresses the rise in tools used to study DNA, such as at-home genetic tests and embryo screening. As these technologies become more readily available, the authors argue, researchers and policymakers must confront harmful genetic myths to avoid deepening social inequalities. Most traits are the result of complex interactions between thousands of genes and one’s environment, the authors explain, warning that new genetic testing technologies could mislead people into overstating the impact of genes and undervaluing themselves. (People might, for example, come to believe that they don’t have the “genes” to be smart.) Similarly, the authors point out that commercial genetic testing, by fueling obsessions with ancestry, could perpetuate the idea that race is a reflection of genetic differences, a myth that has provided false justification for racism throughout history. The authors assess real-world applications of genetic testing, noting that screening embryos for various traits could reduce disease risks but also exacerbate health inequities due to unequal access to the expensive technology. Throughout, the authors provide clear explanations, often unpacking the complex nature of genetics through real-life stories. It adds up to a well-researched and nuanced look at emerging genomic research. (Feb.)