Adversarial collaboration between a sociologist and a bioethicist explores the fraught future of genetic research. Daphne Martschenko and Sam Trejo spent a decade debating whether studying social genomics can improve equity, despite genetic research historically entrenching inequalities. Martschenko contends tests often justify existing disparities, while Trejo argues more data is better, even if benefits are unforeseen.

Their book, _What We Inherit_, dissects two dangerous genetic myths: the Destiny Myth, falsely separating genes from environment (e.g., eugenics), and the Race Myth, wrongly dividing humans into discrete biological groups. Crucially, they analyze polygenic scores, which aggregate small genetic influences, questioning their value and regulation. The core takeaway is the urgent need for improved science literacy to navigate these complex issues.