World’s First Three Parent Baby Is A Boy

The world’s first three parent baby is an infant boy called Abrahim who carries the DNA of both his parents plus a tiny amount of genetic code from a third donor.

Abrahim’s conception and birth was made possible by an international collaboration of scientists and fertility experts in what has been described as a ‘milestone’ medical breakthrough.

His parents are Jordanian and a US medical team performed the egg editing procedure in Mexico using a technique which had been developed by UK scientists.

Genetic

The medical team combined the genes of three people – his parents and female egg donor – so that Abrahim could be born without a genetic condition which claimed the lives of his parents’ first two children.

The boy’s mother carries the genes for a neurological condition called Leigh’s syndrome which attacks the nervous system. Her first child died from the condition aged six and her second child only lived for eight months.

Leigh’s syndrome gradually inhibits a child’s mental and physical abilities from the moment they are born and sufferers typically die due to lung failure.

Abrahim’s mother has the defective genes in part of her cell structure called the mitochondria. In this case, one in four of the mother’s mitochondria have the mutation that causes Leigh’s syndrome.

Nucleus

The technique which allowed Abrahim to be born free of the disease involved taking the nucleus of his mother’s egg and transferring it into the outer part of a donor parent’s egg from which the nucleus had been removed.

It is the outer part of the egg which contains the mitochondria so it was hoped the technique would allow for a perfectly healthy child to be born once the egg was fertilized with the father’s sperm.

The technique has been carefully developed by UK scientists years, largely because they have had to get permission from the embryology regulator every step of the way.

It has yet to be used clinically in Britain and is not legal in the US which is why the procedure was carried out in Mexico where controls are not as strict.

Milestone

“This is a milestone technique,” said Dr John Zhang, who led the medical team from New York City’s New Hope Fertility Center. He added: “It proves for the first time that genetic information from three people can avoid disease. We now know reconstitution of human eggs can produce a healthy baby.”

The technique which led to the birth of baby Abrahim will be showcased at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s Scientific Congress in Salt Lake City next month.

How the “three parent baby” procedure is carried out:

1. Eggs are taken from a mother with damaged mitochondria and from a donor with healthy mitochondria.

2. The nucleus from the mother’s egg is removed and saved while the nucleus from the donor egg is removed and discarded.

3. The mother’s nucleus is inserted into the donor egg with the healthy mitochondria and this is then fertilized by the father’s sperm.

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Unluckiest’ Aussie Bitten by Venomous Spider on Penis Again

A 21-year-old Australian builder has tagged himself as the “unluckiest man in Australia” after being bitten by a Redback spider on his penis for the second time after five months.

Jordan, who withheld his last name, said that the spider bit him “pretty much on the same spot”. It was his first time to use a portable toilet again after his last incident with the Redback spider.

Jordan said, “This one is a bit sorer, it seems like it got a better shot at it this time”. He further added that. “I was like ‘I can’t believe it’s happened again. I looked down and I’ve seen a few little legs come from around the rim.”

He stated, “I’m the most unlucky guy in the country at the moment.”

After the first incident, he said that it made him wary of using portable toilets to do his thing. “After the first time it happened I didn’t really want to use one again,” he said.

Jordan’s workmates took him to Blacktown Hospital. Though since this is the second time that this happened, many of his workmates were able to see the lighter side of the incident.

He recalled that his workmates were worried the first time the incident happened. However, he said, “This time they were making jokes before I was getting in the car.”

Jordan’s humiliating ordeal is not yet over since the nurses at the hospital “started giggling” after he reported his injury. He said, “They remembered me from the last time it happened,” he further said. “Everyone was laughing, calling me the unluckiest man in Australia.”

The Hospital declined to give further details due to the patient confidentiality rule.

Redback Spider

The Redback spider is an endemic species of Australia and can be found across the continent. The red stripe in it’s upper abdomen is its distinguishing mark. Hence the name Redback. The spiders venom can cause intense pain, swelling and nausea and if not treated, can lead to death.

 

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Obama’s Last Legacy; Nominates First Cuban Ambassador in 50 years

President Obama nominated the first US Ambassador to Cuba in more than 5 decades on Tuesday. Disregarding adversaries, he reached out to President Raul Castro with the goal of reuniting the two countries.

Obama selected Jeffrey DeLaurentis, a career Foreign Service officer. He sat as chief of mission for the US in Havana since 2014 to handle the job.

DeLaurentis however, still needs confirmation from the senate before he gets the chance to occupy the post. Senate Republicans staunchly refused their president’s attempt to reconcile with Havana.

In a provocative statement, Republican Senator Marco Rubio, Florida said the nomination must not continue. In a statement following Obama’s declaration, he said, “This nomination should go nowhere until the Castro regime makes significant and irreversible progress in the areas of human rights and political freedom for the Cuban people and until longstanding concerns about the Cuban regime addresses theft of property and crimes against American citizens.”

Rubio, the son of Cuban Immigrants added, “Just like releasing all terrorists from Guantánamo and sending U.S. taxpayer dollars to the Iranian regime, rewarding the Castro government with a U.S. ambassador is another last-ditch legacy project for the president that needs to be stopped”.

The US re-opened the American Embassy in Cuba a year ago after the two countries reunited their diplomatic relations. After a series guarded discussions, Obama sent out DeLaurentis to along with US interests section. US and Cuba ended the 55 long years of cold war when they announced a historic détente in 2014.

DeLaurentis role in fortifying peace talks makes him the most sensible candidate for the post. Obama said in his statement “Jeff’s leadership has been vital throughout the normalization of relations between the United States and Cuba, and the appointment of an ambassador is a common sense step forward toward a more normal and productive relationship between our two countries”.

Obama’s formal nomination of DeLaurentis on Tuesday displays his assertiveness by the use his influence in overcoming the opposition. Only days before Congress takes a break for the November elections and months before he leaves office, Obama’s action shows his commitment on his Cuban policy. This is the one last major piece in his legacy.

The White House will face any opposition from the Senate. For the White House, having an ambassador in Cuba will strengthen US advocacies. These include improving the human rights situation and national security interests. Convinced it will make an impact on Cuba in having profound government policies and development in their society.

Obama stated, “Having an ambassador will make it easier to advocate for our interests, and will deepen our understanding even when we know that we will continue to have differences with the Cuban government”.

He defended his decision of DeLaurentis, saying, “Jeff is the type of person we want to represent the United States in Cuba, and we only hurt ourselves by not being represented by an ambassador.”

Jose Ramon Cabanas, the first Cuban ambassador in US since 1961, praised Obama for restoring ties with Cuba. Obama’s administration lifted the restrictions to commerce, trade and travel to to the island nation.

Eager tourists

American tourism increased in Cuba starting summer because of the Direct flights readily available, said Senator Patrick J. Leahy of Vermont. It only shows positive support of Obama’s administration in mending ties with Cuba.

However, congress at Capitol Hill still needs to approve lifting the trade ban to Cuba.

Leahy supports Obama’s decision of having DeLaurentis as ambassador to Cuba. He said, “We need an ambassador who knows Cuba, who is respected by the Cuban government, and who will stand up for U.S. interests and values. Jeff is that person.”

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Pope Francis: Those Responsible for Bombing Aleppo ‘Must Answer to God’

VATICAN – Pope Francis at a public speaking engagement in St. Peter’s Square has denounced the bombing of Aleppo in Syria. He pointed out that those responsible for killing civilians will have to answer to God. The Pope described Aleppo as “an already martyred city, where everybody is dying.”

Pope Francis said that he is “united in suffering through prayer and spiritual closeness” to the people in Aleppo. The Pope expressed “deep pain and strong worry for what’s happening,” he further said. “children and elderly … everyone is dying.”

“This is an imperative and urgent obligation. I appeal to the consciences of those responsible for the bombings, who one day will have to account to God”.  He urged all those involved to “commit themselves with all their strength to protect civilians”.

Once Syria’s largest city, Aleppo now comes in two parts – the government controlled west and rebel occupied east.

The Syrian government under President Bashar al-Assad along with its Russian backers were accused of committing “barbaric” action against the people. Consequently, Moscow   is challenging the accusation and considers the Western allies’ rhetoric as unacceptable.

The current situation in Syria is that the Russian-backed Syrian forces have unleashed a major operation on the ancient city. In addition, air strikes have resumed pounding the rebel-held eastern part of Aleppo overnight.

Aid groups working in Aleppo has determined that children constitute a large portion of casualties due to the air strikes. Furthermore, at least 100,000 children remain confined within the rebel controlled part of Aleppo.

Aid Severely Needed

World Health Organization is calling for an “immediate establishment of humanitarian routes” into Aleppo. Reports on the ground indicate that hospitals are in dire need of supplies. Emergency patients are coming in almost non-stop and emergency personnel as well as supplies simply aren’t sufficient.

The US have pledged to give an extra $364 million in humanitarian assistance to those affected by the Syrian conflict.

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EU: Cyber Criminals Offer Services to Militant Groups

Cyber criminals now offer their services to militant groups. This provides such organizations the method to attack Europe through the internet. However they have yet to utilize this form in any major attack, according to EU police agency Europol.

In its yearly cybercrime threat assessment, it mentioned, “There is currently little evidence to suggest that their cyber-attack capability extends beyond common website defacement.”

Militants seeking services presented by computer experts skilled in illegal cyber activities may take advantage of the Darknet. Also known as the dark underbelly of the web, where one can find a lot of illegal services and goods. “The availability of cybercrime tools and services, and illicit commodities (including firearms) on the Darknet, provide ample opportunities for this situation to change,” Europol said.

Rising number of incidents of Cyber Crime

In general, the report discovered that accessible techniques in cybercrime continues to develop. Incidentally, a number of the European Union’s member states accounted for increasing incidents of cyber crimes. More in fact, than traditional misdemeanors.

Rob Wainwright, Europol Director stated: “Europol is concerned about how an expanding cybercriminal community has been able to further exploit our increasing dependence on technology and the internet.” He added: “We have also seen a marked shift in cyber-facilitated activities relating to trafficking in human beings, terrorism and other threats.”

Some of the highly illegal software and activities are “Ransomware.” This is a kind of malicious software which blocks access to a database until an amount of currency is paid. “Phishing” attacks on prominent individuals – “CEO fraud” – to obtain highly personal details. And video streaming of rape, child abuse and other pornographic and deplorable actions.

Furthermore, ATM fraud was also on the rise. These are of a new type of fraud which does not require physical presence.

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U.S. Deployment of THAAD Anti-Missile System to South Korea Expedited

The United States, plans to hasten the setting-up of the THAAD anti-missile system to South Korea. A high-ranking US diplomat for the region said the tempo of North Korean missile tests prompted the decision. He also said that Washington intends to commence deployment “as soon as possible”.

Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel mentioned ongoing discussions between the US and allies such as the European Union. The deliberations centered on refusing international banking access to North Korea due to their missile and nuclear tests.

According to him, the Pentagon handles matters concerning the timetable of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system’s deployment.

He also added, “Given the accelerating pace of North Korea’s missile tests, we intend to deploy on an accelerated basis. I would say as soon as possible.”

To the question of whether they consider the plan “a done deal”, his answer was, “yes.”

Meanwhile, Commander Gary Ross of the Pentagon declared that installation of THAAD would proceed “as soon as feasible.” He did not go into details however.

China fervently disagrees with THAAD deployment. On the other hand, experts say that the country’s support for sanctions on North Korea would be crucial.

Increased cooperation with China

Russel said the US and its partners gained a lot of progress in collaboration with China on sanctions. All due to mutual distress on North Koreas intensified nuclear program. Although “an awful lot more” improvement in China’s support would be appreciated.

He stated that they gained “a very constructive and honest candid set of ongoing conversations” with China regarding new sanctions. And further: “I hope you will see, as one of the products of that, real headway in the discussions.”

About the financial aspect of the sanctions Russel said, “We are in discussions with our partners, including the EU, about tightening the application of sanctions and pressure, including and particularly to deny North Korea access to the international banking infrastructure.”

The US, Japan and South Korea also plan on interrupting North Korea’s proceeds from coal and citizens working abroad. Additional cooperative efforts are being discussed.

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Singapore Cries Foul Over China Newspaper’s Fabricated South China Sea Story

Singapore’s Ambassador blamed one of China’s primary state run newspapers of inventing reports regarding Singapore’s stand on South China Sea territorial dispute. However, the newspaper publication shrugged off the accusations and stood firm on its story.

The Global Times reported on September 21, that Singapore raised the South China Sea issue during the summit of Non-Aligned Movement in Venezuela. Singapore included an International Tribunal’s ruling in the Philippine’s favor in a case it filed to counter China’s claims

The tabloid, run by China’s Communist Party, reported that opposition from “many” countries blocked Singapore’s effort.

The Times referred to an anonymous “person in the know”.

Stanley Loh, Singapore’s Ambassador to Beijing, sent a direct letter to The Global Times editor in chief Hu Xijin. Loh said the articles written were “false and unfounded”. He added “Contrary to the claim fabricated by the Global Times, the Singapore delegation did not raise the South China Sea or the tribunal ruling at the NAM Summit,”

Singapore declared their frustration with the publication for falsely reporting details. Loh said, “We are disappointed that an established newspaper published this irresponsible report replete with fabrications and unfounded allegations with no regard for the facts.”

The paper nevertheless, stood by their source. Hu, the editor in chief, responded to the accusation in the paper’s official micro blog. He determinedly vouched for the story and insisted that their source was “serious and reliable”. Therefore, he said he cannot accept the allegations of the Singaporean Ambassador.

U.S. jets aimed at China

Hu also stated that although Singapore did not have any claim to any of the disputed territories of the South China Sea, it sided with the Philippines and Vietnam. It even allowed U.S. combat aircraft to operate from its soil. He further said that it was no secret that the warplanes’ target was China.

A spokesman from China’s Foreign Ministry said they noted the reports. Both countries must also mutually appreciate and respect each other’s basic interests.

 

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Cooler Heads Prevail Amid Rising Tension Between India and Pakistan

War between two nuclear capable nations is what apocalyptic movies are made up off. However, this time, the threat of nuclear war looms not from the usual suspects between the US and Russia or from China for that matter, but between two warring countries fighting over their border.  The fight is between India and Pakistan.

The two nation have already clashed four times since the British relinquished its control over India in 1947. Three of the skirmishes were in Kashmir, over the Himalayan region. New Delhi and Islamabad are both claiming the entirety of the region. This resulted in a massive military buildup, which makes Kashmir one of the most militarized in South Asia. The two nation is divided by a de facto border known as the Line of Control (LoC). Since both countries have nuclear capabilities, a potential apocalyptic collision is a possible horrifying scenario.

World attention has been focused on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi since the attack on the Indian military outpost on Sept 18. Four gunmen were able to cross the LoC and killed eighteen soldiers in the Kashmir town of Uri. The attack is the worst of its kind in more than two decades. Pakistan rejects India’s presumption that the gunmen came across the LoC from the Pakistan side of the border.

Clamor for a strong response is growing among the people, as well as with close allies of the Prime Minister. Ram Madhav of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have upped the ante with a war-like rhetoric. He said that the days of Indian restraint is over. “For one tooth, the complete jaw. If terrorism is the instrument of the weak and coward (sic), restraint in the face of repeated terror attacks betrays inefficiency and incompetence. India should prove otherwise.”

Indian Media has also demanded that the country to show that it will not take the murder of 18 soldiers sitting down. The uncertainty is growing on what will be the next move by the Indian government following the Uri attack.

Last weekend, Prime Minister Modi gave a speech that had the world breathe a sigh of relief, at least for the time being. Modi is stepping up efforts to pressure Pakistan diplomatically rather than the use of military force. At a BJP meeting in southern India, Modi said. “I want to tell the people of Pakistan, India is ready to fight you,” he added. “If you have the strength, come forward to fight against poverty. Let’s see who wins. Let’s see who is able to defeat poverty and illiteracy first, Pakistan or India.”

Experts believe that Modi’s approach is a result of India recognizing the downside of a military confrontation. India’s growing economy which has one of the fastest growth in the world, would have adverse effect and would definitely pull down their sustained growth. Happymon Jacob, an expert from Delhi’s Jawaharla Nehru University stated. “Having gone through some discussion, the government of India has come to the conclusion that you can only escalate this diplomatically and politically, which is exactly what they are doing.”

Ashok Malik, a senior member at the Observer Research Foundation think tank sees India’s situation as volatile. The Prime Minister domestically faces pressure “to be seen to be doing something in response to this attack.”

On the global scale however, India needs to build “an even stronger case against Pakistan and emphasize that [terrorism linked to] Pakistan is a challenge not just for India but also the rest of the world.”

Adding Diplomatic Pressure

India also withdrew from the upcoming summit for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. The regional meeting will be in Islamabad. This is to add to the diplomatic pressure India is currently undertaking on Pakistan.

Although the world can sleep better with Prime Minister Modi’s approach, the possibility of a military confrontation will always be an available option.  Malik said. “I don’t think Modi has given up on the military option for the remainder of his term [in office, which expires in 2019].”

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