Gene Studio
In the UK, there are now eight babies who have something unusual – three parents! They have a dad, a regular mom (let's call her Mummy-I), and a second mom (Mummy-II). But Mummy-II won't be in birthday pictures or family vacations. She only gave a tiny bit – just 0.1% – of the baby's genes. That's like 1 part in 1,000!
Why did she help at all? Because that tiny bit of DNA can stop babies from getting a very serious illness called mitochondrial disease. It's rare, but dangerous, and right now, there's no cure. The special science used to fix this is called mitochondrial replacement. It's not about making 'perfect' babies with blue eyes or blonde hair – it's about helping babies be healthy.
Now, some people do try to make 'designer babies.' And they don't always need super high-tech labs. For example, sperm banks let parents choose donors based on traits like height or eye colour. In 2009, a clinic in Los Angeles even let parents choose things like skin and hair colour before the baby was even born!
A Chinese scientist named He Jiankui went much further in 2018. He edited genes to try to create designer babies. It was such a big deal that he was sent to jail for 3 years! But he's out now, and he says people are again interested in his work.
Still, just because we can do something doesn't mean we should. Wanting your baby to be super smart or super good-looking might not work out the way you expect. As the joke goes, if a smart man and a pretty woman wanted a baby with his brain and her looks, what if the baby ends up with her brain and his looks?
So – using science to help sick babies? Amazing. Using it just to try and create the 'perfect' kid? Not so smart.
Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer
Views expressed above are the author's own.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
China's 2-watt satellite laser outperforms Starlink with 1 Gbps speed from 36,000 km — is this a breakthrough for communication or a warning shot in space warfare?
Chinese satellite laser communication has taken a big leap in space technology. A satellite from China sent data to Earth using just a 2-watt laser from 36,000 km in space, reaching speeds five times faster than Starlink. While rumors claimed it "pulverized" Starlink, the truth is there was no attack, only a record-breaking data test. Scientists used a smart system to beat Earth's atmosphere and send the signal clearly. The space race just got a powerful upgrade—not with rockets, but with light. A Chinese satellite, floating 36,000 kilometers above Earth, has stunned the world by using a 2-watt laser to send data at speeds five times faster than Starlink. No weapons, no destruction—just a major breakthrough in space-based communication. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads No Starlink satellites were harmed — debunking the viral headline How China achieved record-breaking satellite data speeds with just 2 watts? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Adaptive optics corrected distortions in the laser beam caused by atmospheric interference. Mode diversity reception captured and decoded the distorted signal using multiple overlapping modes to preserve data integrity. Comparing Chinese laser satellite performance to Starlink internet speeds Understanding the real military context of China's laser technologies What the U.S. space force says about rising threats in orbit? Kinetic ASAT weapons (missiles that can physically destroy satellites) (missiles that can physically destroy satellites) Electronic jammers (used to disrupt satellite signals) (used to disrupt satellite signals) Cyberattacks on space infrastructure on space infrastructure And now, directed-energy weapons, like high-powered lasers Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The bigger picture: New era of satellite communications and space warfare Key facts you need to know about the Chinese satellite laser test: Key Point Details Laser power 2 watts Satellite altitude 36,000 km (geostationary orbit) Achieved data speed 1 Gbps (gigabit per second) Technology used Adaptive Optics + Mode Diversity Reception (AO‑MDR) Damage caused None — no Starlink satellites were affected Compared to Starlink About 5× faster than typical Starlink speeds (radio-based) Potential for military use Yes — future use in directed-energy weapons is plausible U.S. Space Force response Warning issued on rising Chinese space weapon capabilities Fot a laser strike, but a laser leap FAQs: In July 2025, Chinese scientists accomplished a breakthrough in satellite communication, successfully transmitting data from a satellite using a 2-watt laser beam over a staggering distance of 36,000 kilometers—the height of geostationary orbit. The test, conducted by a team from Peking University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, achieved a downlink speed of 1 Gbps, far surpassing typical speeds delivered by SpaceX's Starlink development sparked global headlines, with some sources falsely claiming China had 'pulverized' Starlink satellites. In truth, no Starlink satellite was targeted or damaged. The experiment was purely focused on next-generation optical communication, not an act of warfare or original story that went viral on social media platforms suggested that a Chinese satellite had fired a powerful laser and 'destroyed' or 'damaged' Starlink satellites. This claim is completely inaccurate. In reality, the laser used was non-destructive and designed for communication, not 2-watt laser beam, operating in the near-infrared spectrum, was aimed at a ground station to demonstrate the ability to transmit high-speed data through the Earth's atmosphere. The feat was especially impressive given the challenges posed by atmospheric turbulence, diffraction, and weak signal strength over such long Chinese research team overcame the limitations of traditional laser communications by using a combined system of adaptive optics (AO) and mode diversity reception (MDR). This system is referred to as AO-MDR synergy. Here's how it worked:Despite the beam being only 2 watts in power—less than what many home lightbulbs use—it achieved data speeds of 1 Gbps, about five times faster than Starlink's average satellite internet operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX, uses thousands of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver internet service globally. While Starlink can reach download speeds ranging fromfor most users, the Chinese geostationary satellite reachedusing a fraction of the key difference lies in the communication method. Starlink primarily uses radio waves, while China's satellite used laser-based optical communication, which allows for higher bandwidth, less signal interference, and greater data integrity—especially over long this particular experiment was peaceful and scientific, it's important to note that China is also actively developing directed-energy weapons (DEWs), including high-powered lasers and microwave systems. These could eventually have anti-satellite (ASAT) military has proposed concepts such as submarine-launched laser platforms, which could stealthily target and disable satellites from under the ocean surface. These systems could use retractable masts equipped with high-energy lasers capable of blinding or damaging satellite sensors or communication to U.S. Space Force assessments, China is on track to field fully operational space-based or ground-based laser weapons by the late 2020s, raising concerns among Western defense analysts and Chance Saltzman, head of the U.S. Space Force, has repeatedly warned that China is developing a full suite of counterspace capabilities. These include:While the recent Chinese test was not part of any known military program, it does show that China's capabilities in satellite laser technology are progressing rapidly, and could eventually be repurposed for strategic or defense success of China's 2-watt laser satellite test signals a paradigm shift in space communication technology. If laser-based optical communications can be scaled and secured, they could dramatically reduce the need for massive low-Earth-orbit satellite constellations like Starlink, Amazon Kuiper, or the dual-use nature of this technology—meaning it can serve both civilian and military functions—raises alarms in global defense circles. While this test was a scientific milestone, it also highlights the increasingly blurred line between space innovation and space to misleading headlines, China did not fire a weapon at Starlink. The recent laser experiment was a landmark achievement in space-to-ground data transmission, proving that low-power lasers can outperform traditional communication satellites under the right this advancement also casts a spotlight on the rapid militarization of space, as countries race not just for faster data speeds—but also for dominance in now, it's a technological triumph. But in the near future, these capabilities could dramatically reshape both global communications and defense strategies in it only tested fast space communication—no damage was hit 1 Gbps, five times faster than Starlink.
Economic Times
3 hours ago
- Economic Times
China's 2-watt satellite laser outperforms Starlink with 1 Gbps speed from 36,000 km — is this a breakthrough for communication or a warning shot in space warfare?
The space race just got a powerful upgrade—not with rockets, but with light. A Chinese satellite, floating 36,000 kilometers above Earth, has stunned the world by using a 2-watt laser to send data at speeds five times faster than Starlink. No weapons, no destruction—just a major breakthrough in space-based communication. Synopsis Chinese satellite laser communication has taken a big leap in space technology. A satellite from China sent data to Earth using just a 2-watt laser from 36,000 km in space, reaching speeds five times faster than Starlink. While rumors claimed it "pulverized" Starlink, the truth is there was no attack, only a record-breaking data test. Scientists used a smart system to beat Earth's atmosphere and send the signal clearly. Chinese satellite laser breaks communication records from 36,000 km in space- In July 2025, Chinese scientists accomplished a breakthrough in satellite communication, successfully transmitting data from a satellite using a 2-watt laser beam over a staggering distance of 36,000 kilometers—the height of geostationary orbit. The test, conducted by a team from Peking University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, achieved a downlink speed of 1 Gbps, far surpassing typical speeds delivered by SpaceX's Starlink network. ADVERTISEMENT This development sparked global headlines, with some sources falsely claiming China had 'pulverized' Starlink satellites. In truth, no Starlink satellite was targeted or damaged. The experiment was purely focused on next-generation optical communication, not an act of warfare or sabotage. The original story that went viral on social media platforms suggested that a Chinese satellite had fired a powerful laser and 'destroyed' or 'damaged' Starlink satellites. This claim is completely inaccurate. In reality, the laser used was non-destructive and designed for communication, not combat. The 2-watt laser beam, operating in the near-infrared spectrum, was aimed at a ground station to demonstrate the ability to transmit high-speed data through the Earth's atmosphere. The feat was especially impressive given the challenges posed by atmospheric turbulence, diffraction, and weak signal strength over such long distances. The Chinese research team overcame the limitations of traditional laser communications by using a combined system of adaptive optics (AO) and mode diversity reception (MDR). This system is referred to as AO-MDR synergy. Here's how it worked: Adaptive optics corrected distortions in the laser beam caused by atmospheric interference. Mode diversity reception captured and decoded the distorted signal using multiple overlapping modes to preserve data integrity. Despite the beam being only 2 watts in power—less than what many home lightbulbs use—it achieved data speeds of 1 Gbps, about five times faster than Starlink's average satellite internet speeds. ADVERTISEMENT Starlink, operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX, uses thousands of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver internet service globally. While Starlink can reach download speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to 250 Mbps for most users, the Chinese geostationary satellite reached 1 Gbps (1,000 Mbps) using a fraction of the energy. The key difference lies in the communication method. Starlink primarily uses radio waves, while China's satellite used laser-based optical communication, which allows for higher bandwidth, less signal interference, and greater data integrity—especially over long distances. ADVERTISEMENT While this particular experiment was peaceful and scientific, it's important to note that China is also actively developing directed-energy weapons (DEWs), including high-powered lasers and microwave systems. These could eventually have anti-satellite (ASAT) applications. China's military has proposed concepts such as submarine-launched laser platforms, which could stealthily target and disable satellites from under the ocean surface. These systems could use retractable masts equipped with high-energy lasers capable of blinding or damaging satellite sensors or communication payloads. ADVERTISEMENT According to U.S. Space Force assessments, China is on track to field fully operational space-based or ground-based laser weapons by the late 2020s, raising concerns among Western defense analysts and policymakers. General Chance Saltzman, head of the U.S. Space Force, has repeatedly warned that China is developing a full suite of counterspace capabilities. These include: ADVERTISEMENT Kinetic ASAT weapons (missiles that can physically destroy satellites) (missiles that can physically destroy satellites) Electronic jammers (used to disrupt satellite signals) (used to disrupt satellite signals) Cyberattacks on space infrastructure on space infrastructure And now, directed-energy weapons, like high-powered lasers While the recent Chinese test was not part of any known military program, it does show that China's capabilities in satellite laser technology are progressing rapidly, and could eventually be repurposed for strategic or defense purposes. The success of China's 2-watt laser satellite test signals a paradigm shift in space communication technology. If laser-based optical communications can be scaled and secured, they could dramatically reduce the need for massive low-Earth-orbit satellite constellations like Starlink, Amazon Kuiper, or OneWeb. However, the dual-use nature of this technology—meaning it can serve both civilian and military functions—raises alarms in global defense circles. While this test was a scientific milestone, it also highlights the increasingly blurred line between space innovation and space weaponization. Key Point Details Laser power 2 watts Satellite altitude 36,000 km (geostationary orbit) Achieved data speed 1 Gbps (gigabit per second) Technology used Adaptive Optics + Mode Diversity Reception (AO‑MDR) Damage caused None — no Starlink satellites were affected Compared to Starlink About 5× faster than typical Starlink speeds (radio-based) Potential for military use Yes — future use in directed-energy weapons is plausible U.S. Space Force response Warning issued on rising Chinese space weapon capabilities Contrary to misleading headlines, China did not fire a weapon at Starlink. The recent laser experiment was a landmark achievement in space-to-ground data transmission, proving that low-power lasers can outperform traditional communication satellites under the right conditions. But this advancement also casts a spotlight on the rapid militarization of space, as countries race not just for faster data speeds—but also for dominance in orbit. For now, it's a technological triumph. But in the near future, these capabilities could dramatically reshape both global communications and defense strategies in space. Q1: Did the Chinese satellite laser really destroy Starlink? A: No, it only tested fast space communication—no damage was done. Q2: How fast was the Chinese satellite laser data transmission? A: It hit 1 Gbps, five times faster than Starlink. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates. NEXT STORY
NDTV
5 hours ago
- NDTV
Why Do You Feel So Thirsty After Eating Salty Food? Science Has The Answer
You finish a plate of chaat, a packet of chips, or maybe some Chinese noodles, and suddenly, you feel unusually thirsty. You reach for a glass of water, and sometimes even that does not feel enough. Quite a familiar feeling, is it not? But have you ever wondered why salty food makes us feel this way? The answer lies in how our body tries to maintain balance. Salt, or sodium chloride, plays an important role in several bodily functions. And when we consume more salt than we need, the body responds by asking for more water. But that is not all. Some recent studies suggest that the story might be a bit more complex than expected. Let us break it down. Also Read: 8 Genius Tricks to Reduce Excess Salt in Curries What Does Salt Do To The Body? Our body needs salt to function, but in small amounts. Salt, or sodium, helps with muscle function, nerve signals, and fluid balance. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends less than five grams of salt intake a day, which is about one teaspoon. It is believed that having salty food increases sodium levels in the blood, which pulls water from our cells and makes us feel thirsty. But a study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation found that when salt levels go up, the body produces more urea, a compound that helps hold on to water while getting rid of salt. Making urea takes energy, which might explain why salty meals sometimes leave you feeling hungrier too. A long-term study, conducted by researchers from Helmholtz, the German Aerospace Centre, looked at how salt affected fluid intake during a simulated Mars mission. Surprisingly, participants on a high-salt diet did not drink more water. In fact, they drank slightly less. Instead of triggering thirst, the body adapted by producing more water internally. This process involved the liver, muscles, and kidneys working together to manage hydration. Here too, the researchers found that urea played a key role in the body's water retention, while excreting excess salt. This means, while salty food may make you feel thirsty in the short term, your body might be doing more behind the scenes than we realise. Also Read: Are You Trying To Cut Back On Salt? FSSAI Has The Perfect Tips For You Photo Credit: Pexels How Does The Brain React To Excess Salt? The hypothalamus, a part of the brain, monitors hydration. When it detects high sodium levels, it sends out a thirst signal. That is why you suddenly feel like you need a drink, as explained by experts at the Cleveland Clinic. Is Salt The Only Thing That Makes You Thirsty? Salt is a common trigger, but other foods and lifestyle factors can also leave you reaching for water: 1. Sugary foods: Sugar pulls water from your cells during digestion, which can leave you feeling dry. 2. Caffeine and alcohol: Both are diuretics, meaning they make you urinate more and lose fluids. 3. Processed foods: Packaged items like breads, biscuits, and sauces often contain hidden sodium, even though the food might not taste salty. 4. Hot weather or exercise: Excess sweating leads to fluid loss and increased thirst. 5. Health conditions: Lifestyle conditions like diabetes and certain medications can affect hydration levels as well. Also Read: Are You Sprinkling Excess Salt Over Your Food? Stop Now! Here Are 5 Easy Ways To Stay Hydrated 1. Drink water regularly: Do not reach out for a glass of water just when you feel thirsty. Instead, sip it throughout the day to stay balanced. 2. Pair salty meals with water-rich foods: Cucumber, watermelon, oranges, and tomatoes have high water content that helps maintain the fluid level in the body, making you feel less thirsty 3. Limit packaged snacks: Almost every packaged snack contains more sodium than you realise, even if it does not taste that salty. 4. Cook with less salt: Limit salt use in your daily meals and rely more on natural flavours, herbs, and spices to spruce up your meal. 5. Skip sugary or caffeinated drinks: These are diuretic in nature and can be harmful, especially when you are already thirsty. In fact, these drinks can worsen dehydration in your body. Eat healthy, stay fit! Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information. Advertisement About Somdatta Saha Explorer- this is what Somdatta likes to call herself. Be it in terms of food, people or places, all she craves for is to know the unknown. A simple aglio olio pasta or daal-chawal and a good movie can make her day. For the latest food news, health tips and recipes, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and YouTube. Tags: Salt Effects Of Having Too Much Salt How To Control Salt Intake Show full article Comments
