Are there any sources (besides this rather fantastical article) that BGI-Shenzhen is conducting large-scale research into the genetics behind human intelligence, and that if so that research is going towards some sort of comprehensive national eugenics policy? Has anyone else written about this sort of project? Or is this all just (rather misguided) wishful thinking?
> After a couple of generations, it would be game over for Western global competitiveness.
I would expect that providing proper nutrition, health care, and primary and secondary education to the majority of Chinese children (especially those in the marginalized countryside) would be far more important than having a handful of rich families gestating designer babies.
> Are there any sources (besides this rather fantastical article) that BGI-Shenzhen is conducting large-scale research into the genetics behind human intelligence
> if so that research is going towards some sort of comprehensive national eugenics policy?
Now that, as far as I know, is mere speculation, albeit speculation that has been bandied about by many more individuals than just the author of this piece.
> After a couple of generations, it would be game over for Western global competitiveness.
I would expect that providing proper nutrition, health care, and primary and secondary education to the majority of Chinese children (especially those in the marginalized countryside) would be far more important than having a handful of rich families gestating designer babies.
e.g. iodine deficiency:
1996: "The World Health Organization says that of the estimated 1.6 billion cases worldwide of iodine deficiency, nearly a third, or 500 million, are in China." http://www.nytimes.com/1996/06/04/world/china-confronts-reta...
2006: "After a 10-year government campaign, over 90 percent of people use iodized salt, still leaving 100 million facing deficiency." http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/16/health/16iodine.html