World-first IVF trial reduces risk of babies inheriting diseases
One out of every 5,000 births is affected by mitochondrial diseases, which cannot be treated, and include symptoms such as impaired vision, diabetes and muscle wasting.
In 2015, Britain became the first country to approve an in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) technique that uses a small amount of healthy mitochondrial DNA from the egg of a donor -- along with the mother's egg and father's sperm.
Some have called the result of this process "three-parent babies", though researchers have pushed back at this term because only roughly 0.1 percent of the newborn's DNA comes from the donor.
The results of the much-awaited UK trial were published in several papers in the New England Journal of Medicine.
'Important reproductive option'
Out of 22 women to undergo the treatment at the Newcastle Fertility Centre in northeast England, eight babies were born. The four boys and four girls now range from under six months to over two years old.
The amount of mutated mitochondrial DNA -- which causes disease -- was reduced by 95-100 percent in six of the babies, according to the research.
For the other two newborns, the amount fell by 77-88 percent, which is below the range that causes disease.
This indicates the technique was "effective in reducing transmission" of diseases between mother and child, one of the studies said.
The eight children are currently healthy, though one had a disturbance of their heart's rhythm which was successfully treated, the researchers said.
Their health will be followed up over the coming years to see if problems arise.
Nils-Goran Larsson, a Swedish reproductive expert not involved in the research, hailed the "breakthrough".
The new technique offers a "very important reproductive option" for families affected by "devastating" mitochondrial diseases, he added.
Ethical review
Mitochondrial donation remains controversial and has not been approved in many countries, including the United States and France.
Religious leaders have opposed the procedure because it involves the destruction of human embryos. Other opponents have expressed fears it could pave the way for genetically engineered "designer babies".
An ethical review carried out by the UK's independent Nuffield Council on Bioethics was "instrumental" in conducting the new research, the council's director Danielle Hamm said Wednesday.
Peter Thompson, head of the UK's Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority which approved the procedure, said only people with a "very high risk" of passing on a mitochondrial disease would be eligible for the treatment.
Ethical concerns have also been raised over the use of mitochondrial donation for infertility in Greece and Ukraine.
French mitochondrial disease specialist Julie Stefann told AFP that "it is a question of the risk-benefit ratio: for a mitochondrial disease, the benefit is obvious".
"In the context of infertility, it has not been proven," she added.
Oxford University reproductive genetics expert Dagan Wells observed that "some scientists will be a little disappointed that so much time and effort has, so far, only led to the birth of eight children".
Among the children being closely monitored are three that showed some signs of what is known as "reversal", which is still little understood.
It is "a phenomenon where the therapy initially succeeds in producing an embryo with very few defective mitochondria, but by the time the child is born the proportion of abnormal mitochondria in its cells has significantly increased," he explained.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
France 24
a day ago
- France 24
Walking 7,000 steps a day a huge boost to health: research
The most widely promoted target for people tracking their number of steps is 10,000 -- but that figure reportedly originally came from a 1960s marketing campaign for a Japanese pedometer. To find a more scientific target, an international team of researchers sifted through 57 previous studies that covered 160,000 people. The results published in the Lancet Public Health journal found that walking 7,000 steps a day nearly halved people's risk of early death from all causes, compared to 2,000 steps. The study also looked into health problems not previously covered by research into step counts. Walking 7,000 steps a day was linked to people's risk of dementia falling by 38 percent, depression dropping 22 percent and diabetes decreasing 14 percent. It was also associated with lower rates of cancer and falls, though the researchers warned this was based on less evidence. "You don't need to hit 10,000 steps a day to get major health benefits," Paddy Dempsey, a study co-author and medical researcher at Cambridge University, told AFP. "The biggest gains happen before 7,000 steps, and then benefits tend to level off," he said. While people's speeds vary widely, 7,000 steps adds up to roughly an hour of walking throughout the day. Dempsey emphasised that people already managing 10,000 or more steps should keep it up. But he had a message for people who might find 7,000 steps daunting: "don't be discouraged". "If you're only getting 2,000–3,000 steps a day, aim to add an extra 1,000 steps. That's just 10–15 minutes of light walking spread across the day," he said. Andrew Scott, a researcher at the University of Portsmouth not involved in the study, said that "it demonstrates that overall more is always better". "People should not focus too much on the numbers, particularly on days where activity is limited," he added. The World Health Organization recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity a week. Nearly a third of people worldwide do not reach this target, according to the WHO.
Sustainability Times
2 days ago
- Sustainability Times
'Humanity's Red Dawn Is Here': Scientists Claim Terraforming Mars Is Now Possible, Unveiling Astonishing Plans for This Bold New Frontier
IN A NUTSHELL 🚀 Terraforming Mars has moved from science fiction to scientific possibility, with significant advancements in planetary science and biotechnology. has moved from science fiction to scientific possibility, with significant advancements in planetary science and biotechnology. 🔬 Researchers propose increasing Mars's temperature and thickening its atmosphere to support liquid water and oxygen using engineered microbes. using engineered microbes. 💡 The study highlights the need for continued research, focusing on Mars's water reserves and soil chemistry, to understand the planet's transformation potential. and soil chemistry, to understand the planet's transformation potential. 🌍 Innovations from Mars research, such as drought-resistant crops and soil remediation techniques, could also address environmental challenges on Earth. As humanity's gaze stretches beyond Earth, the once fantastical dream of terraforming Mars edges closer to reality. Recent scientific advances suggest that transforming the Red Planet into a hospitable world is no longer mere speculation. However, the path to achieving such a monumental feat is fraught with challenges, from technological hurdles to ethical dilemmas. Scientists are now re-examining the feasibility of turning Mars into a second Earth, weighing the potential benefits against the colossal costs and risks involved. This exploration not only promises to redefine our understanding of planetary science but also holds the potential to revolutionize life on Earth. Rethinking the Possibility of Making Mars Habitable The concept of terraforming Mars has long captivated the imaginations of both scientists and science fiction enthusiasts. While the idea has been around for decades, it wasn't until recently that a comprehensive re-evaluation of its feasibility was conducted. According to Nina Lanza, a planetary scientist at Los Alamos National Laboratory, significant advancements in planetary science, geoengineering, and biotechnology over the past thirty years have opened new doors. To create an Earth-like environment on Mars, researchers propose increasing the planet's temperature and thickening its atmosphere. This could be achieved by deploying engineered microbes capable of photosynthesis, gradually generating oxygen and paving the way for more complex life forms. Such efforts would fundamentally alter our approach to the cosmos, setting the stage for future interplanetary settlements. 'It Didn't Burn My Eyes!': Scientists Finally Create a Real Tear-Free Onion That Keeps All the Taste Without the Crying Mars Terraforming Secrets Exposed While the possibility of terraforming Mars is tantalizing, researchers caution against rushing into such endeavors without comprehensive planning. The challenges are significant: understanding Mars's water reserves, carbon dioxide levels, and soil chemistry is crucial to determine the planet's potential for transformation. New geoengineering techniques might raise Mars's average temperature by several dozen degrees within decades, yet the physical, chemical, and biological limits remain largely unknown. The study underscores the necessity for ongoing research to delineate these constraints, ultimately guiding whether Mars should be terraformed or preserved as a pristine wilderness. This decision carries profound implications, not only for Mars but for future planetary exploration efforts. 'We Never Thought It Could Be This Huge': Astronomers Stunned by 10-Milky-Way-Sized Gas Thread Connecting Distant Galaxies Benefits Beyond the Red Planet The quest to transform Mars promises to yield dividends that extend far beyond the Red Planet itself. According to the study, innovations developed for Mars—such as drought-resistant crops, soil remediation techniques, and advanced ecosystem modeling—could address pressing environmental issues on Earth. The research serves as a vital testbed for planetary science, potentially validating theories or revealing knowledge gaps. Whether or not full-scale terraforming ever materializes, the knowledge gained from these efforts can drive significant progress in scientific understanding, offering new tools and strategies to combat climate change and environmental degradation on our home planet. A Complete Human Genome Built from Scratch: This Unprecedented Scientific Feat Could Transform Everything We Know About Biology The Path Forward to Transforming New Worlds Despite the excitement surrounding the potential to transform Mars, scientists acknowledge that many questions remain unanswered. The study suggests that mastering the art of terraforming could be a crucial first step toward exploring and potentially settling other destinations beyond our solar system. This renewed focus on the Martian world heralds a new chapter in planetary science and space exploration. As humanity stands on the brink of interplanetary colonization, the lessons learned from Mars will undoubtedly shape our approach to future extraterrestrial endeavors. The prospect of transforming new worlds invites us to consider the ethical and practical implications of altering foreign planets, challenging us to rethink our role in the universe. The dream of transforming Mars into a habitable world challenges us to push the boundaries of science and technology. As we continue to explore this audacious goal, the knowledge and innovations we acquire will not only redefine our understanding of the cosmos but also offer solutions to pressing problems here on Earth. With each step forward, we are reminded of our capacity for ingenuity and our insatiable curiosity about the universe. As we ponder the possibilities, we must ask ourselves: What will the next frontier hold, and are we truly prepared to embrace the challenges and opportunities it presents? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (23)
Sustainability Times
3 days ago
- Sustainability Times
'Nuclear Fusion Just Got Real': Scientists Unveil Breakthrough That Could Deliver Endless Clean Energy and Erase Fossil Fuel Dependency
IN A NUTSHELL 🌟 The Dalton Nuclear Institute leads in nuclear research , exploring fission, fusion, and medical applications. , exploring fission, fusion, and medical applications. 🔬 Nuclear materials are crucial for reactors, enabling energy production and advancements in medicine and national security. are crucial for reactors, enabling energy production and advancements in medicine and national security. 🔥 Nuclear fusion offers a potential green energy solution, mimicking the Sun's energy production without carbon emissions. offers a potential green energy solution, mimicking the Sun's energy production without carbon emissions. ♻️ Addressing nuclear waste is essential, with the Dalton Institute pioneering solutions for safe and sustainable storage. The quest for sustainable energy has taken a monumental leap with the exploration of nuclear fusion. As the world grapples with climate change and depleting fossil resources, nuclear fusion emerges as a potential game-changer. This innovation promises an abundant, clean energy source, captivating the scientific community's imagination. The Dalton Nuclear Institute at The University of Manchester stands at the forefront of this revolution, exploring the vast landscape of nuclear materials and their applications in various fields, including medical advancements and national security. The Dalton Nuclear Institute: Pioneering Nuclear Research The Dalton Nuclear Institute serves as a beacon of innovation in the field of nuclear research. As part of The University of Manchester, it boasts the UK's most comprehensive academic nuclear research capability. The Institute's work spans a wide array of disciplines, from nuclear fission and fusion to medical applications and social sciences. By fostering groundbreaking discoveries, the Institute is reshaping the future of energy production. The collaborative efforts of experts like Aneeqa Khan and Patrick Hackett have positioned the Institute as a leader in the nuclear landscape, driving forward the understanding and application of nuclear technologies. Nuclear Materials: The Backbone of Modern Technology Nuclear materials lie at the heart of today's scientific and technological advancements. These materials are crucial for building reactors capable of withstanding the extreme conditions found in both fission and fusion processes. The ability to create reactors that provide energy to the grid, as well as experimental reactors that pave the way for future operational fusion reactors, hinges on the development of durable materials. Beyond energy, nuclear materials play a vital role in the medical sector, enabling precise diagnoses and innovative treatments. Additionally, they bolster national security by contributing to the safe and efficient operation of nuclear facilities. The Complexities and Potential of Nuclear Fusion Nuclear fusion, the process that powers the Sun, involves fusing atoms to release immense energy. Unlike fission, which splits atoms, fusion requires recreating solar conditions on Earth. This entails heating hydrogen isotopes to form plasma, reaching temperatures of 180 million degrees Fahrenheit (100 million degrees Celsius). Fusion is heralded as a green energy source since it produces no carbon emissions. Although it is still in its developmental stages, fusion holds the promise of providing a stable baseload of electricity. With its potential for secondary applications like hydrogen production, fusion is poised to be a cornerstone of a diverse, low-carbon energy mix in the future. Overcoming Challenges in Nuclear Fusion Research The journey to achieving commercial nuclear fusion is fraught with challenges. Among the primary objectives are demonstrating net engineering energy gain and developing materials that can endure the extreme conditions of fusion reactions. Researchers are also focused on breeding and handling tritium, a key fuel for fusion, and advancing techniques for remote handling and robotic maintenance. Despite these hurdles, investment in fusion is on the rise, and significant progress is being made. The field requires a skilled workforce, underscoring the importance of training programs. Global collaboration remains essential to harnessing fusion's potential and integrating it into the energy grid. Addressing Nuclear Waste: A Global Imperative Managing nuclear waste is a pressing concern that demands innovative solutions. Institutions like the Dalton Nuclear Institute are at the forefront of research aimed at safe, secure, and environmentally responsible storage of radioactive materials. Collaborating with industry and academic partners, the Institute leads initiatives such as the Nuclear Waste Services Research Support Office and the Sellafield Effluent and Decontamination Centre of Expertise. These efforts focus on addressing the challenges of decommissioning and remediation, ensuring that nuclear technologies can be utilized responsibly and sustainably. As we advance in the realm of nuclear fusion, the possibilities extend beyond energy production. The technologies developed for fusion, such as high-temperature superconducting magnets and advanced robotics, have applications across various industries. From transportation to industrial processes, these innovations could revolutionize sectors reliant on large amounts of heat. As the timeline for achieving successful nuclear fusion extends into the latter half of the century, what steps should we take today to ensure this groundbreaking technology becomes a reliable energy source for future generations? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (26)
