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Cyprus and Israel Join Forces For Groundbreaking Gene Editing Project

by News Editor

March 31, 2025

The Molecular Genetics Thalassaemia Department at the Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics (CING) has launched EDIT-4-IRON, an ambitious genome editing initiative aimed at transforming treatments for iron-related blood disorders.

Backed by a €200,000 grant under the “RESTART 2016–2020, Bilateral Collaborations” program from the Research and Innovation Foundation, this 36-month project strengthens scientific ties between Cyprus and Israel while reinforcing both nations’ positions as leaders in genetic and haematological research.

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A Pioneering Collaboration

Led by Dr. Carsten W. Lederer, Head of the MGTD and Associate Professor at CING, the Cypriot team includes haematologist Dr. Panayiota L. Papasavva and gene editing expert Dr. Petros Patsali. On the Israeli side, gene editing specialist Dr. Ayal Hendel, a professor at Bar-Ilan University (BIU), spearheads the project.

Both institutions bring extensive expertise to the table. CING, the national reference laboratory for rare anaemia research and diagnosis in Cyprus, has been at the forefront of gene therapy innovations. BIU, meanwhile, holds multiple patents in editing technology and is a national leader in advanced therapy medicinal product development for blood disorders.

Training The Next Generation

Beyond its scientific breakthroughs, EDIT-4-IRON will provide cutting-edge training opportunities. The project supports two PhD students—one in Cyprus (Azzam Mohamed Ahmed Abdelfattah) and one in Israel—alongside an MSc student in Israel, offering them hands-on experience in gene therapy technologies and international networking prospects.

A Revolutionary Approach To Iron Disorders

EDIT-4-IRON aims to revolutionise treatments for inherited and acquired iron-related haematological disorders (IHDs), such as transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia, non-transfusion-dependent thalassaemia, hereditary haemochromatosis, and polycythaemia vera. These conditions, often marked by iron overload or ineffective erythropoiesis, currently rely on small-molecule therapies that require lifelong administration and come with significant side effects.

By leveraging CRISPR/Cas and base editing technologies, researchers aim to create gene knockouts that induce an iron-restrictive state, potentially offering a long-term therapeutic alternative for thousands of patients worldwide.

A Data-Driven Approach

The project will rigorously evaluate the safety and efficacy of these gene-editing strategies through ex vivo and in vivo testing, using primary patient samples from Cyprus, cell lines, and murine disease models. This approach ensures that any breakthroughs can be translated into real-world clinical applications.

Setting the Stage For Innovation

EDIT-4-IRON officially kicked off on May 26, 2025, with a meeting between the Cypriot and Israeli teams to define collaboration frameworks, project milestones, and deliverables. With its combination of groundbreaking science, international cooperation, and a commitment to patient-centric innovation, this project marks a significant step forward in the fight against iron-related blood disorders.

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WhatsApp Introduces Parent-Supervised Accounts For Users Under 13

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 12, 2026

Enhanced Security And Messaging Control

WhatsApp has introduced a new type of account designed for users under the age of 13, allowing parents to supervise messaging activity. The accounts are limited to messaging and voice calls and do not include advertising features, reflecting growing demand from families for safer communication tools for younger users.

Streamlined Verification And Parental Oversight

Creating a supervised account requires a parent or guardian to complete a dual-device verification process using a QR code. This procedure links the child’s device with the parent’s account, allowing guardians to monitor certain activities. Once the connection is established, parents can receive notifications when their child adds, blocks or reports contacts. The system is designed to provide oversight while still allowing children to communicate with approved contacts.

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Restricted Features With Full Encryption

Several WhatsApp functions are restricted within supervised accounts. Access to Meta AI, Channels and Status updates is disabled, and disappearing messages are not available in individual chats. Despite these limitations, conversations remain protected with WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption, ensuring that messages and calls remain private between participants.

Controlled Interactions And Transition Options

Additional safety tools help pre-teens manage interactions with unfamiliar contacts. Context cards provide details about messages received from unknown users, including shared groups and the country where the account originated. Users also have the option to silence incoming calls from numbers that are not saved in their contacts.

Chat requests and invitations to join group conversations require a six-digit parental PIN before they can be accepted. As children grow older, WhatsApp will inform them about the option to convert their supervised profile into a standard account. Parents can postpone this transition for up to 12 months if they wish to maintain supervision for a longer period.

A Broader Commitment To Digital Safety

WhatsApp’s initiative builds on Meta’s longstanding efforts to enhance the safety of young users across its platforms, including Instagram and Facebook. With over 3 billion active users worldwide, WhatsApp is reinforcing its commitment to a secure digital environment. This move also coincides with regulatory trends in countries such as Denmark, Germany, Spain, and the U.K., where steps are being taken to restrict social media access for younger users.