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Mojtaba Khamenei: The Rise of Iran’s New Supreme Leader

                      A picture of Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is displayed on a screen in Tehran Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, has emerged as Iran’s new supreme leader following the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint U.S.–Israeli strikes. His appointment by the Assembly of Experts comes at a moment of profound crisis for Iran, as the country faces regional war, internal instability, and intense international scrutiny.  A Secretive Heir With Deep Establishment Ties Mojtaba, long considered influential behind the scenes, is a mid-ranking cleric with strong connections to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). His political rise signals continuity of Iran’s hardline establishment, despite the country’s ideological discomfort with hereditary succession.  A Leader Shaped by Conflict and Loss His ascension comes amid the “Ramadan War,” during which he was reportedly wound...

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A New Dawn in Genetics: Three-Parent Babies Offer Hope Against Hereditary Illness

 


In a groundbreaking medical milestone, babies born using DNA from three individuals have arrived healthy and free of inherited genetic disorders. This cutting-edge technique, known as mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT), offers a promising solution for families affected by debilitating conditions passed down through maternal mitochondrial DNA.

MRT involves replacing defective mitochondrial DNA in an egg with healthy mitochondria from a donor. The resulting embryo carries nuclear DNA from both parents and mitochondrial DNA from a third person—hence the term “three-parent baby.” While mitochondrial DNA accounts for less than 1% of total DNA, its impact on health is critical, particularly in disorders affecting energy production.

The technique, first legalized in the UK and later adopted in controlled cases worldwide, has sparked both celebration and ethical debate. Supporters hail it as a leap forward in genetic medicine, giving parents the chance to raise healthy children without the fear of inherited illness. Critics caution against potential unknown long-term effects and advocate for tight regulation.

The births mark a significant stride in reproductive science, opening doors not only for families with inherited disease but also for further exploration into gene therapies. It’s not just a scientific achievement—it’s a deeply human one, offering renewed hope where once there was heartbreak.



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