Imagine a world where parents can ensure their babies are born free from certain genetic diseases — simply by swapping out damaged DNA. Sounds like science fiction, right? But it’s not. In a groundbreaking development straight out of the UK, scientists have just reported the birth of eight healthy babies using a pioneering IVF technique that involves three genetic parents. This isn't just a fascinating piece of science news; it’s a potential game-changer in how families are created and how genetic diseases are prevented.
You might be asking, what exactly is this ‘three-parent’ IVF? And how does it work? Let’s dive into this extraordinary story from Gizmodo, which recently covered these births in detail (check out the full article here).
The Basics: Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy
In simplest terms, this IVF technique involves replacing the mother’s damaged mitochondrial DNA — the