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For the first time in Britain, babies were born with the genetic material of three people. This is according to a report from The Guardian on Wednesday. When asked by the newspaper, the Embryology Authority (HFEA) confirmed that a small number of babies conceived by artificial insemination had already been born under an insemination program.
It is not the first time in the world that babies are born with three genetic parents, as there were similar cases in Mexico in 2016 and in Greece in 2019.
Avoid DNA diseases
The technique of mitochondrial replacement therapy is used to prevent damage in children that could result from hereditary defects in the mother’s so-called mitochondrial DNA.
Experts remove the nucleus from a fertilized egg from the mother and insert it into an egg from another woman whose nucleus – but not the mitochondria – had previously been removed. Mitochondria are cell powerhouses that also have genetic material.
However, the genome of the egg donor is limited to a very small number of genes in the child. 99.8 percent of the genome comes from the mother and father.
The program was run by the Newcastle Fertility Centre. However, the institute would not comment on the births, citing the personal rights of those affected, the Guardian reported. According to the paper, one in 6,000 babies is affected by mitochondrial gene damage. (SDA)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
