Embryo Selection and Frontier Genomics with Dr. Alex Young – #111

Embryo Selection and Frontier Genomics with Dr. Alex Young – #111

From Manifold by Steve Hsu

May 7, 2026 · 1h 31m · Season 2

About this episode

Dr. Alex Young discusses genomic prediction and embryo selection in IVF with host Steve Hsu.

Dr. Alex Young, a statistical geneticist and assistant professor in the Human Genetics department at UCLA, joins Steve Hsu to discuss the cutting edge of genomic prediction. They cover his research on polygenic embryo screening in IVF (including the ImputePGTA method), family-based DNA analysis, missing heritability, and the implications of polygenic scores for traits like education and disease. Alex also discusses his recent battles with cancer. https://x.com/AlexTISYoung Chapter Markers: (00:00) - Alex Young Bio (06:36) - Biobank Era Genetics (10:49) - Missing Heritability Debate (27:18) - Embryo Selection Controversy (50:32) - Embryo Selection Backlash (53:42) - Mexico City Admixture Study (01:00:13) - Censorship Via Data Access Control (01:05:02) - Battle With Cancer and Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA) – Steve Hsu is Professor of Theoretical Physics and of Computational Mathematics, Science, and Engineering at Michigan State University. Previously, he was Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation at MSU and Director of the Institute of Theoretical Science at the University of Oregon. Hsu is a startup founder (SuperFocus.ai, SafeWeb, Genomic Prediction, Othram) and…

People in this episode

Host: Steve Hsu

Guest: Dr. Alex Young

Topics covered

  • genomic prediction
  • polygenic embryo screening
  • IVF
  • missing heritability
  • cancer
  • embryo selection

Keywords

  • genomics
  • embryo selection
  • IVF
  • polygenic scores
  • cancer
  • heritability
  • DNA analysis

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: UCLA, SuperFocus.ai, SafeWeb, Genomic Prediction, Othram

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