Core Viewpoint - A groundbreaking in vitro fertilization technique called nuclear transfer has successfully helped eight babies born healthy, aiming to prevent the inheritance of mitochondrial DNA diseases [1][2][3] Group 1: Technology and Results - The nuclear transfer technique involves transferring nuclear DNA from the mother's fertilized egg to a healthy donor's enucleated egg, preventing the transmission of pathogenic mutations from the mother's mitochondria to the offspring [1][2] - Out of 22 cases, eight babies were successfully born, with one mother still pregnant; six out of seven mothers had smooth pregnancies, with only one case of a rare complication [3] - Among the eight babies, five showed no detectable pathogenic mitochondrial DNA mutations, while the others had mutation levels significantly below the clinical threshold for disease [3] Group 2: Ethical Concerns and Safety Discussions - The technique has faced ethical controversies, with critics expressing concerns about potential unknown impacts on future generations and the possibility of opening doors to genetic manipulation [4] - Despite ethical concerns, scientists emphasize the safety of the technique, noting that the levels of mitochondrial abnormalities in the babies are insufficient to cause disease [5] - The research is seen as a significant scientific innovation, providing hope for women who have no other options to avoid hereditary diseases [6] Group 3: Societal Impact and Future Prospects - The technology offers unprecedented hope for families affected by mitochondrial diseases, with testimonials from parents expressing relief and optimism [7] - The research is expected to pave the way for more couples to achieve safe pregnancies, potentially opening new avenues for the prevention of mitochondrial diseases globally [7]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a groundbreaking study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) that reports the birth of eight healthy "three-parent babies" through mitochondrial donation, which offers hope for families affected by mitochondrial diseases [2][3][11]. Group 1: Mitochondrial Diseases and Their Treatment - Mitochondrial diseases, caused by pathogenic mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), primarily affect high-energy organs such as the heart, brain, and muscles, often leading to severe health issues and lack of effective treatments [2][5]. - The technique involves transferring the nucleus of an egg from a mother with pathogenic mtDNA into a donor egg that has had its nucleus removed, allowing for the birth of children without the mother's mitochondrial diseases [5][7]. Group 2: Birth of "Three-Parent Babies" - A total of 22 women with pathogenic mtDNA mutations underwent mitochondrial donation treatment, resulting in the successful birth of eight children (including a set of twins), with the oldest being over two years old and the youngest under five months [16]. - Among the eight children, five have shown no health issues, while others experienced minor, treatable conditions, indicating initial success in preventing mitochondrial diseases [16][18]. Group 3: Ethical Considerations and Future Outlook - The technique raises significant ethical questions and has been the subject of intense debate, leading to the UK being the first country to legislate and regulate mitochondrial donation for clinical use [9][20]. - Despite the promising results, researchers urge caution due to the small sample size and short follow-up period, as some children still carry low levels of maternal pathogenic mtDNA, necessitating further long-term studies to confirm safety and efficacy [20].