Imagine a world where devastating hereditary diseases could be wiped out before birth. This vision just took a massive leap toward reality with the birth of babies conceived using DNA from three individuals. Pioneered by UK scientists, this innovative technique aims to circumvent some of the most fatal genetic disorders we've battled for decades. But how exactly does this work, and what does it mean for those struggling with fertility today?
In a recent BBC article, researchers revealed how these babies were born free from hereditary disease, utilizing mitochondrial replacement therapy. This method involves replacing mitochondrial DNA—which is passed down exclusively from the mother and can carry mutations responsible for severe illnesses—with healthy donor mitochondria from a third individual. The result? A child with nuclear DNA from two parents but mitochondrial DNA from a donor, effectively creating a
