Deniz Fraemke
@denizfraemke.bsky.social
PhD Candidate | GxE Interplay of cognitive development and educational attainment at Max-Planck Research Group „Biosocial“
Reposted by Deniz Fraemke
With sequencing of Hitler's DNA making headlines, time for a reminder: analysing a polygenic score from a dead historically-significant figure won't give new insights into that person's behaviour. In a brief paper last year, we used Beethoven's genome to directly illustrate the fallacies involved.🧪👇
Notes from Beethoven’s genome
Wesseldijk et al. compare the genomic information collected from Ludwig van Beethoven
with population-based datasets used to quantify musical achievement.
www.cell.com
November 13, 2025 at 11:26 AM
With sequencing of Hitler's DNA making headlines, time for a reminder: analysing a polygenic score from a dead historically-significant figure won't give new insights into that person's behaviour. In a brief paper last year, we used Beethoven's genome to directly illustrate the fallacies involved.🧪👇
Unregulated and privatized polygenic embryo selection is a profound ethical threat.
It turns reproduction into a commodity, reinforces social inequality, and normalizes genetic essentialism.
Thank you, @arnovanhootegem.bsky.social & @gaiaghirardi.bsky.social for this powerful piece!
It turns reproduction into a commodity, reinforces social inequality, and normalizes genetic essentialism.
Thank you, @arnovanhootegem.bsky.social & @gaiaghirardi.bsky.social for this powerful piece!
There’s a new kid in town!
Companies are now selling IVF and embryo selection based on genetic testing for traits related to health and even intelligence.
We outline methodological and ethical concerns, and warn against risks for social inequality.
With the fantastic @gaiaghirardi.bsky.social
Companies are now selling IVF and embryo selection based on genetic testing for traits related to health and even intelligence.
We outline methodological and ethical concerns, and warn against risks for social inequality.
With the fantastic @gaiaghirardi.bsky.social
Embryo selection based on polygenic prediction risks reinforcing social inequality
The rise of companies offering embryo selection based on genetic testing has triggered heated debate about ethical acceptability, as well as the accuracy and scientific validity of these techniques. W...
www.fertstert.org
November 13, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Unregulated and privatized polygenic embryo selection is a profound ethical threat.
It turns reproduction into a commodity, reinforces social inequality, and normalizes genetic essentialism.
Thank you, @arnovanhootegem.bsky.social & @gaiaghirardi.bsky.social for this powerful piece!
It turns reproduction into a commodity, reinforces social inequality, and normalizes genetic essentialism.
Thank you, @arnovanhootegem.bsky.social & @gaiaghirardi.bsky.social for this powerful piece!
Reposted by Deniz Fraemke
This paper clearly articulates what is, in my opinion, one of the major ethical problems with polygenic embryo testing companies--that they are *companies* that sell health as a private commodity. from @gaiaghirardi.bsky.social & @arnovanhootegem.bsky.social
www.fertstert.org/news-do/embr...
www.fertstert.org/news-do/embr...
Embryo selection based on polygenic prediction risks reinforcing social inequality
The rise of companies offering embryo selection based on genetic testing has triggered heated debate about ethical acceptability, as well as the accuracy and scientific validity of these techniques. W...
www.fertstert.org
November 13, 2025 at 2:35 PM
This paper clearly articulates what is, in my opinion, one of the major ethical problems with polygenic embryo testing companies--that they are *companies* that sell health as a private commodity. from @gaiaghirardi.bsky.social & @arnovanhootegem.bsky.social
www.fertstert.org/news-do/embr...
www.fertstert.org/news-do/embr...
Reposted by Deniz Fraemke
Second thesis article now out in Political Behavior! Using PGIs for ~10 000 full-pair fraternal twins in STR, combined with rich, geo-coded register data, I highlight the compensatory interaction between genetics and family + neighbourhood factors, with regards to voting. 🗳️
doi.org/10.1007/s111...
doi.org/10.1007/s111...
November 11, 2025 at 10:14 AM
Second thesis article now out in Political Behavior! Using PGIs for ~10 000 full-pair fraternal twins in STR, combined with rich, geo-coded register data, I highlight the compensatory interaction between genetics and family + neighbourhood factors, with regards to voting. 🗳️
doi.org/10.1007/s111...
doi.org/10.1007/s111...
Reposted by Deniz Fraemke
With Paige Harden @kph3k.bsky.social we consider the greatness and bigotry of James Watson. Watson was not just a great scientist who turned out to be a bigot in his personal life. His bigotry was rooted in misunderstanding of the very science he created. Free link when I get one.
The Paradox of James Watson
The discovery of DNA was evidence of how deeply interconnected humans are, but the late scientist saw only difference.
www.theatlantic.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:36 PM
With Paige Harden @kph3k.bsky.social we consider the greatness and bigotry of James Watson. Watson was not just a great scientist who turned out to be a bigot in his personal life. His bigotry was rooted in misunderstanding of the very science he created. Free link when I get one.
Reposted by Deniz Fraemke
Interdisciplinary paper with @paulhufe.net Astrid Sandsør and Nicolai Borgen now out in PNAS!
www.pnas.org/doi/epdf/10....
Causal evidence of gene-environment interaction for reading test scores based on:
🧬 Exogenous within-family genetic differences
🏫 Exogenous variation in school value added
www.pnas.org/doi/epdf/10....
Causal evidence of gene-environment interaction for reading test scores based on:
🧬 Exogenous within-family genetic differences
🏫 Exogenous variation in school value added
The genetic lottery goes to school: Better schools compensate for the effects of students’ genetic differences
www.pnas.org
October 28, 2025 at 11:25 AM
Interdisciplinary paper with @paulhufe.net Astrid Sandsør and Nicolai Borgen now out in PNAS!
www.pnas.org/doi/epdf/10....
Causal evidence of gene-environment interaction for reading test scores based on:
🧬 Exogenous within-family genetic differences
🏫 Exogenous variation in school value added
www.pnas.org/doi/epdf/10....
Causal evidence of gene-environment interaction for reading test scores based on:
🧬 Exogenous within-family genetic differences
🏫 Exogenous variation in school value added
Reposted by Deniz Fraemke
We have an open postdoc position in Social Science Genomics in Berlin!
Includes gene-environment interplay within German population cohorts & experimental online survey studies to probe public perceptions of potential DNA biomarker applications
🔗 www.mpib-berlin.mpg.de/2196134/2025...
Includes gene-environment interplay within German population cohorts & experimental online survey studies to probe public perceptions of potential DNA biomarker applications
🔗 www.mpib-berlin.mpg.de/2196134/2025...
Postdoctoral Position in Social Science Genomics | Max Planck Research Group Biosocial
www.mpib-berlin.mpg.de
October 28, 2025 at 2:22 PM
We have an open postdoc position in Social Science Genomics in Berlin!
Includes gene-environment interplay within German population cohorts & experimental online survey studies to probe public perceptions of potential DNA biomarker applications
🔗 www.mpib-berlin.mpg.de/2196134/2025...
Includes gene-environment interplay within German population cohorts & experimental online survey studies to probe public perceptions of potential DNA biomarker applications
🔗 www.mpib-berlin.mpg.de/2196134/2025...
Reposted by Deniz Fraemke
‼️ New RCT shows positive effects of public Montessori on kindergarten outcomes. Kids were randomized via lottery at age 3. A fairly racially- and economically-diverse sample because these were public programs.
Work from Angeline Lillard and colleagues at UVA.
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
Work from Angeline Lillard and colleagues at UVA.
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
PNAS
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), a peer reviewed journal of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) - an authoritative source of high-impact, original research that broadly spans...
www.pnas.org
October 22, 2025 at 1:05 PM
‼️ New RCT shows positive effects of public Montessori on kindergarten outcomes. Kids were randomized via lottery at age 3. A fairly racially- and economically-diverse sample because these were public programs.
Work from Angeline Lillard and colleagues at UVA.
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
Work from Angeline Lillard and colleagues at UVA.
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
Reposted by Deniz Fraemke
If Harvard sneezes....
Wow. Harvard nuking its PhD programs
- Science PhD admissions reduced by more than 75%
- Arts & Humanities reduced by about 60%
- Social Sciences by 50–70%
- History by 60%
- Biology by 75%
- The German department will lose all PhD seats
- Sociology from six PhD students to zero
- Science PhD admissions reduced by more than 75%
- Arts & Humanities reduced by about 60%
- Social Sciences by 50–70%
- History by 60%
- Biology by 75%
- The German department will lose all PhD seats
- Sociology from six PhD students to zero
Harvard FAS Cuts Ph.D. Seats By More Than Half Across Next Two Admissions Cycles | News | The Harvard Crimson
The Faculty of Arts and Sciences slashed the number of Ph.D. student admissions slots for the Science division by more than 75 percent and for the Arts & Humanities division by about 60 percent for th...
www.thecrimson.com
October 21, 2025 at 8:13 PM
If Harvard sneezes....
Reposted by Deniz Fraemke
Illustrators call is out! Anyone who knows illustrators in Leipzig area! Tell them! All the info on this website: lauramayer.space/Science-Stre...
October 16, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Illustrators call is out! Anyone who knows illustrators in Leipzig area! Tell them! All the info on this website: lauramayer.space/Science-Stre...
Reposted by Deniz Fraemke
In 2018, Charles Murray challenged me to a bet: "We will understand IQ genetically—I think most of the picture will have been filled in by 2025—there will still be blanks—but we’ll know basically what’s going on." It's now 2025, and I claim a win. I write about it in The Atlantic.
Your Genes Are Simply Not Enough to Explain How Smart You Are
Seven years ago, I took a bet with Charles Murray about whether we’d basically understand the genetics of intelligence by now.
www.theatlantic.com
October 13, 2025 at 1:33 PM
In 2018, Charles Murray challenged me to a bet: "We will understand IQ genetically—I think most of the picture will have been filled in by 2025—there will still be blanks—but we’ll know basically what’s going on." It's now 2025, and I claim a win. I write about it in The Atlantic.
Reposted by Deniz Fraemke
Should we tax the super-rich?
My favorite news show tackles this question this week: www.arte.tv/en/videos/11... (spoiler: the answer is yes)
My favorite news show tackles this question this week: www.arte.tv/en/videos/11... (spoiler: the answer is yes)
ARTE Europe Weekly - Does Europe need a supertax for the super-rich? - Watch the full documentary | ARTE in English
Europe’s super-rich are getting astronomically wealthy, while the squeezed middle and lower classes are being asked to tighten their belts. The French economist Gabriel Zucman has proposed a wealth ta...
www.arte.tv
October 5, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Should we tax the super-rich?
My favorite news show tackles this question this week: www.arte.tv/en/videos/11... (spoiler: the answer is yes)
My favorite news show tackles this question this week: www.arte.tv/en/videos/11... (spoiler: the answer is yes)
Reposted by Deniz Fraemke
Dr. Jane Goodall filmed an interview with Netflix in March 2025 that she understood would only be released after her death.
October 5, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Dr. Jane Goodall filmed an interview with Netflix in March 2025 that she understood would only be released after her death.
Reposted by Deniz Fraemke
Nur eine (von idR zu vielen fehlenden) Perspektive(n) zum populären Social Media-Verbot für junge Menschen: In #Serbien haben Schüler*innen landesweit Insta-Accounts erstellt, über die sie seit knapp einem Jahr den Widerstand gegen ein autokratisches System und den Kampf für Demokratie organisieren.
October 3, 2025 at 8:44 AM
Nur eine (von idR zu vielen fehlenden) Perspektive(n) zum populären Social Media-Verbot für junge Menschen: In #Serbien haben Schüler*innen landesweit Insta-Accounts erstellt, über die sie seit knapp einem Jahr den Widerstand gegen ein autokratisches System und den Kampf für Demokratie organisieren.
Reposted by Deniz Fraemke
35 Years of #Reunification
MPIDR Researchers Discuss the Demographic Situation in #Germany
Athina Anastasiadou is Doctoral Student in the Laboratory of Migration and Mobility @mpidr.bsky.social.
Full quote:
https://ow.ly/SBJh50X4Wlw
#EastGermany #WestGermany #Migration #Inequality #Gender
MPIDR Researchers Discuss the Demographic Situation in #Germany
Athina Anastasiadou is Doctoral Student in the Laboratory of Migration and Mobility @mpidr.bsky.social.
Full quote:
https://ow.ly/SBJh50X4Wlw
#EastGermany #WestGermany #Migration #Inequality #Gender
October 2, 2025 at 12:01 PM
35 Years of #Reunification
MPIDR Researchers Discuss the Demographic Situation in #Germany
Athina Anastasiadou is Doctoral Student in the Laboratory of Migration and Mobility @mpidr.bsky.social.
Full quote:
https://ow.ly/SBJh50X4Wlw
#EastGermany #WestGermany #Migration #Inequality #Gender
MPIDR Researchers Discuss the Demographic Situation in #Germany
Athina Anastasiadou is Doctoral Student in the Laboratory of Migration and Mobility @mpidr.bsky.social.
Full quote:
https://ow.ly/SBJh50X4Wlw
#EastGermany #WestGermany #Migration #Inequality #Gender
Reposted by Deniz Fraemke
35 Years of #Reunification
MPIDR Researchers Discuss the Demographic Situation in #Germany
Henrik-Alexander Schubert is Research Scientist in the Laboratory of Fertility and Well-Being @mpidr.bsky.social
Full quote: https://ow.ly/bpMV50X4l0h
#EastGermany #WestGermany #Fertility #Inequality
MPIDR Researchers Discuss the Demographic Situation in #Germany
Henrik-Alexander Schubert is Research Scientist in the Laboratory of Fertility and Well-Being @mpidr.bsky.social
Full quote: https://ow.ly/bpMV50X4l0h
#EastGermany #WestGermany #Fertility #Inequality
October 1, 2025 at 8:00 AM
35 Years of #Reunification
MPIDR Researchers Discuss the Demographic Situation in #Germany
Henrik-Alexander Schubert is Research Scientist in the Laboratory of Fertility and Well-Being @mpidr.bsky.social
Full quote: https://ow.ly/bpMV50X4l0h
#EastGermany #WestGermany #Fertility #Inequality
MPIDR Researchers Discuss the Demographic Situation in #Germany
Henrik-Alexander Schubert is Research Scientist in the Laboratory of Fertility and Well-Being @mpidr.bsky.social
Full quote: https://ow.ly/bpMV50X4l0h
#EastGermany #WestGermany #Fertility #Inequality
Reposted by Deniz Fraemke
Totally agree with the diagnosis, not sure about the suggestion of the two track system. it might create weird selection and sorting.
cepr.org/voxeu/column...
we should change the reward and publication system.
cepr.org/voxeu/column...
we should change the reward and publication system.
October 1, 2025 at 4:51 AM
Totally agree with the diagnosis, not sure about the suggestion of the two track system. it might create weird selection and sorting.
cepr.org/voxeu/column...
we should change the reward and publication system.
cepr.org/voxeu/column...
we should change the reward and publication system.
Reposted by Deniz Fraemke
35 Years of #Reunification
MPIDR Researchers Discuss the Demographic Situation in #Germany
Nicole Hiekel is Leader of the Research Group Gender Inequalities & Fertility @mpidr.bsky.social.
Full quote: www.demogr.mpg.de/go/reunification
#EastGermany #WestGermany #CareWork #GenderInequality #Family
MPIDR Researchers Discuss the Demographic Situation in #Germany
Nicole Hiekel is Leader of the Research Group Gender Inequalities & Fertility @mpidr.bsky.social.
Full quote: www.demogr.mpg.de/go/reunification
#EastGermany #WestGermany #CareWork #GenderInequality #Family
September 30, 2025 at 10:01 AM
35 Years of #Reunification
MPIDR Researchers Discuss the Demographic Situation in #Germany
Nicole Hiekel is Leader of the Research Group Gender Inequalities & Fertility @mpidr.bsky.social.
Full quote: www.demogr.mpg.de/go/reunification
#EastGermany #WestGermany #CareWork #GenderInequality #Family
MPIDR Researchers Discuss the Demographic Situation in #Germany
Nicole Hiekel is Leader of the Research Group Gender Inequalities & Fertility @mpidr.bsky.social.
Full quote: www.demogr.mpg.de/go/reunification
#EastGermany #WestGermany #CareWork #GenderInequality #Family
Reposted by Deniz Fraemke
35 Years of #Reunification: This week our researchers discuss the demographic situation in #Germany in short quotes – starting with Jonas Schöley
https://www.demogr.mpg.de/en/news_events_6123/topics_10339/35_years_of_reunification_14656
#LifeExpectancy #EastGermany #WestGermany #Health #Inequality
https://www.demogr.mpg.de/en/news_events_6123/topics_10339/35_years_of_reunification_14656
#LifeExpectancy #EastGermany #WestGermany #Health #Inequality
September 29, 2025 at 10:00 AM
35 Years of #Reunification: This week our researchers discuss the demographic situation in #Germany in short quotes – starting with Jonas Schöley
https://www.demogr.mpg.de/en/news_events_6123/topics_10339/35_years_of_reunification_14656
#LifeExpectancy #EastGermany #WestGermany #Health #Inequality
https://www.demogr.mpg.de/en/news_events_6123/topics_10339/35_years_of_reunification_14656
#LifeExpectancy #EastGermany #WestGermany #Health #Inequality
Reposted by Deniz Fraemke
University of Colorado Boulder Department of Psychology & Neuroscience is searching for TWO tenure track assistant professors. This is open to all department areas, including Behavioral, Psychiatric, and Statistical Genetics🧬 jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDeta...
Assistant Professor
jobs.colorado.edu
September 29, 2025 at 3:57 PM
University of Colorado Boulder Department of Psychology & Neuroscience is searching for TWO tenure track assistant professors. This is open to all department areas, including Behavioral, Psychiatric, and Statistical Genetics🧬 jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDeta...
Reposted by Deniz Fraemke
breakups suck but have you ever remembered some stupid shit you said
September 25, 2025 at 6:31 AM
breakups suck but have you ever remembered some stupid shit you said
Reposted by Deniz Fraemke
In some way, it's trivial:
The #brain & the rest of the #body (e.g. the #heart) are coupled.
Yet, we spelled it out
w/ A. Villringer & V. Nikulin for current scientists (below)
w/ @martager.bsky.social @agatapatyczek.bsky.social @el-rei.bsky.social for future scientists bsky.app/profile/mart...
The #brain & the rest of the #body (e.g. the #heart) are coupled.
Yet, we spelled it out
w/ A. Villringer & V. Nikulin for current scientists (below)
w/ @martager.bsky.social @agatapatyczek.bsky.social @el-rei.bsky.social for future scientists bsky.app/profile/mart...
'Brain–body states as a link between cardiovascular and mental health'
by Arno Villringer, Vadim Nikulin & Michael Gaebler @mbe-lab.bsky.social @michaelgaebler.com @mpicbs.bsky.social sky.social
www.cell.com/trends/neuro...
by Arno Villringer, Vadim Nikulin & Michael Gaebler @mbe-lab.bsky.social @michaelgaebler.com @mpicbs.bsky.social sky.social
www.cell.com/trends/neuro...
September 25, 2025 at 7:43 AM
In some way, it's trivial:
The #brain & the rest of the #body (e.g. the #heart) are coupled.
Yet, we spelled it out
w/ A. Villringer & V. Nikulin for current scientists (below)
w/ @martager.bsky.social @agatapatyczek.bsky.social @el-rei.bsky.social for future scientists bsky.app/profile/mart...
The #brain & the rest of the #body (e.g. the #heart) are coupled.
Yet, we spelled it out
w/ A. Villringer & V. Nikulin for current scientists (below)
w/ @martager.bsky.social @agatapatyczek.bsky.social @el-rei.bsky.social for future scientists bsky.app/profile/mart...
Reposted by Deniz Fraemke
Early-career researchers: want to run your own lab? 🌟Max Planck Research Groups offer 6+ years, up to €2.7M in funding, open-topic freedom, team support & tenure-track opportunities. Intrigued? 😃Apply by Oct 14, 2025! www.mpg.de/max-planck-r...
September 15, 2025 at 9:27 AM
Early-career researchers: want to run your own lab? 🌟Max Planck Research Groups offer 6+ years, up to €2.7M in funding, open-topic freedom, team support & tenure-track opportunities. Intrigued? 😃Apply by Oct 14, 2025! www.mpg.de/max-planck-r...
Reposted by Deniz Fraemke
Was super fun to write this little piece with @el-rei.bsky.social @martager.bsky.social @michaelgaebler.com Generally, its cool to write for kids and be REVIEWED by kids! Awesome reviews like "this is boring" or "this doesn't make sense" - real, honest and super helpful! Loved it, highly recommend.
Check out our new article for young readers (ages 8-15) on heart-brain interactions and interoception! 🧠🫀
I had so much fun co-writing this with @agatapatyczek.bsky.social @el-rei.bsky.social with the support of @michaelgaebler.com ✍️
👉 Share it widely with curious young minds
Yay for #scicomm ✨
I had so much fun co-writing this with @agatapatyczek.bsky.social @el-rei.bsky.social with the support of @michaelgaebler.com ✍️
👉 Share it widely with curious young minds
Yay for #scicomm ✨
🧠🫀 New from our lab on Frontiers for Young Minds:
Ever wondered how the heart and brain communicate? Think the heart as the drummer 🥁 & the brain as the singer 🎤 keeping the body's band in tune!
Read here (for ages 8–15): kids.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frym.2025.1536787/full
[1/2]
Ever wondered how the heart and brain communicate? Think the heart as the drummer 🥁 & the brain as the singer 🎤 keeping the body's band in tune!
Read here (for ages 8–15): kids.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frym.2025.1536787/full
[1/2]
September 12, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Was super fun to write this little piece with @el-rei.bsky.social @martager.bsky.social @michaelgaebler.com Generally, its cool to write for kids and be REVIEWED by kids! Awesome reviews like "this is boring" or "this doesn't make sense" - real, honest and super helpful! Loved it, highly recommend.