New babies born free of devastating genetic diseases using DNA from three people
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Eight healthy babies have been born in Britain with the help of an experimental technique that uses DNA from three people to help mothers avoid passing devastating rare diseases to their children. Mutations in mitochondrial DNA can affect multiple organs, particularly those that require high energy, such as the brain, liver, heart, muscles and kidneys. The new technique has spurred considerable interest in Australia, where mitochondrial donations are allowed under the law.
