Georgia Warren
Win a trip to football heaven
Three-parent babies
Scientists have successfully transferred healthy DNA from one fertilised egg to another, raising the prospect of curing a range of inherited diseases.
ONE EGG TO ANOTHER
Scientists move DNA into a healthy fertilised egg
Babies with three biological parents could be conceived within three years, it was claimed last week. Scientists at Newcastle University unveiled a technique to grow human embryos from two fertilised eggs, transferring the healthy non-mitochondrial DNA from a faulty egg into one free of genetic defects. The researchers claimed their breakthrough would help women whose children are at risk of a range of inherited diseases including blindness and heart and liver failure. Critics called the work a step towards human cloning. However, Professor Doug Turnbull, left, who led the study, said: “What we have done is like changing the battery on a laptop. The energy supply now works properly but none of the information on the hard drive has been changed.”
NO MORE MUTATIONS
Untreatable genetic diseases can be cured
The Newcastle team’s breakthrough — it is the first time DNA has been transferred between human eggs — aims to stop mothers passing on defective mitochondrial DNA. Children born with genetic mutations in the mitochondria, the power units inside cells, are at risk of a range of untreatable diseases. Healthy DNA in eggs from women with mitochondrial disease was transplanted into the eggs of unaffected women donors. About 99.8% of their DNA come from the mother and father, and 0.2% from the donor. Eighty embryos were created with the new method, but under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) licence granted for the experiment, they had to be destroyed after eight days’ growth.
ETHICAL CRITICISM
Campaigners say child would have two mothers
The technique is controversial because it relies on both the parent and the donated eggs being fertilised and grown to the same stage of development. Before the scientists can continue with the research, the HFEA must rule on the ethical propriety of the practice. This includes consideration, for instance, of the acceptability of discarding the fertilised non-mitochondrial DNA from the donated egg. Josephine Quintavalle, of the campaign group Comment on Reproductive Ethics, called the technique a step towards human cloning, adding: “They are creating a child with two mothers. We have to find better ways to cure diseases.” Turnbull denied the child would have three parents, however, because the DNA from the donated egg would be minuscule.
KEY TO LIFE ETERNAL?
Scientists believe we could live to be 1,000
Scientists have identified the eradication of mitochondrial diseases as one of seven key milestones on the path to human immortality. Last September, 200 scientists gathered in Cambridge to discuss ways of extending human life span. This could be achieved not with a single “magic bullet” to cure ageing but instead by preventing genetic diseases and battling those of old age, such as Alzheimer’s, cancer and Parkinson’s. They believe if you successfully treat or cure such diseases, death will be postponed — perhaps indefinitely. A child born today can expect to live to more than 100 years, but some scientists suggest that, with the right breakthroughs, people alive today could live to be 1,000 years old.
Up-to-date industry sectors news at a glance: interactive heatmap, daily video and podcast
This week: Healthcare. Painful medicine for the economy is cause for concern for all
Win the chance to visit one of France's most beautiful regions. Plus: find out about its delicious food and impressive art history
Long gone are the days of damp tents and flimsy caravans: our guide shows you everything you need to know to 'glamp' in style
Enjoy further reading from where to find the best tradesmen to the new trend for 'bleisure' travel
Europe’s largest independent Jaguar Dealer group with 23 locations across the UK.
To view our latest New Car Offers and Jaguar Approved Vehicles visit Stratstone.com.
Cabriolet 2010
£43,850
Bedford
2006
£27,950
West Yorkshire
Six Figure Package
The Gap Partnership
UK - International travel
£68,672 + travel allowance
BMJ Group
Harrogate
£68,672 + travel allowance
AQA
Harrogate
£80,000+
Kpmg
London
Breathtaking interiors, indoor golf range, manicured grounds, enclosed courtyard, stunning pool, charming carriage house & additional 3 bedroom guest house.
£6,491,752 GBP
From £299,950 freehold.
Double Room with own Bathroom to Rent
£150pw
30% off key ready properties in Cyprus, guaranteed fast and easy finance. Prices from 89,000 Euros!
Visit Iceland with Discover the World for a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness this powerful force of nature. 3-night break from £312. Longer self-drive options available.
Sail from Southampton throughout 2010 & 2011 from just £279 pp. Book now for FREE parking or regional coach transfers!
Hand picked villas with pools with Quality Villas Ltd. Provence, St Tropez & more
For the best savings book your 2011 Celebrity Cruise
with Iglucruise.com now plus enjoy FREE parking or regional coach transfers.
Contact our advertising team for advertising and sponsorship in Times Online, The Times and The Sunday Times, or place your advertisement.
Times Online Services: Dating | Jobs | Property Search | Used Cars | Holidays | Births, Marriages, Deaths | Subscriptions | E-paper
News International associated websites: Milkround | Globrix
Copyright 2010 Times Newspapers Ltd.
This service is provided on Times Newspapers' standard Terms and Conditions. Please read our Privacy Policy.To inquire about a licence to reproduce material from Times Online, The Times or The Sunday Times, click here.This website is published by a member of the News International Group. News International Limited, 1 Virginia St, London E98 1XY, is the holding company for the News International group and is registered in England No 81701. VAT number GB 243 8054 69.
Your Comments
Order By: