Towana Looney, who had been on dialysis for eight years, became the fifth American to receive a gene-edited pig kidney transplant at New York University Hospital. The transplant was a success, with the kidney immediately turning a healthy color and functioning properly. This groundbreaking procedure is expected to become a lifesaving technology for many patients suffering from organ failure.
Groundbreaking Gene-Edited Pig Kidney Transplant Offers Hope to Organ Failure Patients
Background:
The search for effective and life-sustaining organ transplants has led to groundbreaking advancements in medical science. In recent years, the use of animal organs has emerged as a promising solution to the shortage of human donor organs. However, compatibility issues between human and animal organs have hindered the widespread adoption of such transplants.
Gene-Edited Pig Kidneys:
Gene editing techniques, particularly CRISPR-Cas9, have made it possible to modify animal organs to reduce compatibility issues. Scientists have successfully edited pig genes that code for molecules that trigger immune rejection in humans. These gene-edited pigs can now provide organs that are more closely compatible with human recipients.
Towana Looney's Transplant:
In October 2022, Towana Looney, an 62-year-old woman with end-stage kidney disease, made history as the fifth American to receive a gene-edited pig kidney transplant. The transplant was performed at New York University Hospital by a team led by Dr. Robert Montgomery.
The transplant was a success, with the pig kidney immediately turning a healthy color and functioning properly. Ms. Looney's condition has remained stable since the procedure, and she has shown no signs of rejection.
Significance:
The successful transplant is a major milestone in the field of organ transplantation. It demonstrates the potential of gene-edited animal organs to overcome the shortage of human donors and provide a life-saving solution for patients suffering from organ failure.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. How does gene editing make pig kidneys compatible with humans?
Gene editing techniques remove or modify specific genes in pigs that code for molecules that trigger immune rejection in humans. This allows the pig kidneys to be more closely compatible with human recipients.
2. What are the advantages of gene-edited pig kidneys over human donor kidneys?
Gene-edited pig kidneys have the potential to provide a readily available supply of organs, reducing the waiting time for patients in need. They also have the potential to improve compatibility, reducing the risk of rejection and the need for immunosuppressive drugs.
3. How long will it be before gene-edited pig kidneys are widely available for transplantation?
The timeline for widespread availability of gene-edited pig kidneys depends on the results of ongoing clinical trials and regulatory approval processes. It is anticipated that it will take several years before the procedure becomes routine.
4. What are the concerns about gene-edited pig kidneys?
There are concerns about the potential for long-term rejection, the transmission of animal viruses to humans, and the ethical implications of using animal organs in humans.
5. What are the next steps in research on gene-edited pig kidneys?
Ongoing research is focused on improving the compatibility of pig kidneys by further modifying pig genes, monitoring the long-term outcomes of recipients, and addressing ethical concerns. Scientists are also exploring the use of gene-edited organs from other animals, such as pigs and cows.
A college student shares her personal journey of becoming a vegetarian, despite facing challenges and health concerns. She then delves into an ethics class she took, where the concept of marginal cases were discussed. Following an article by philosophy professor Alastair Norcross, she concludes that even though individual action may seem insignificant, refusing to consume factory-farmed meat holds moral significance due to the potential to prevent immense suffering for animals.
On October 24, the global community commemorates World Polio Day to honor the legacy of Dr. Jonas Salk and the efforts of countless individuals and organizations in the fight against polio. This highly contagious and potentially deadly disease, once a widespread epidemic, is now largely preventable thanks to the development of a life-saving vaccine. India's successful eradication of polio serves as a testament to the importance of strong vaccination programs and collaborations in public health initiatives.
As winter arrives in India, so does the hazardous air pollution. Delhi NCR's AQI has already crossed the 400 mark, making it crucial to invest in air purifiers, especially after Diwali. Dyson, Qubo, HomePure, and Philips have launched high-quality air purifiers with advanced features to tackle different types of pollutants and create cleaner indoor air. With prices ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 1 lakh, these purifiers are a practical and timely purchase for a healthier living.
In a recent family vlog, Indian celebrity couple Shoaib Ibrahim and Dipika Kakar shared their "natural" hair care routine for their son, using a homemade mask made with rice flour, flax seeds, and coconut oil. However, experts warn that what works for adults may not be suitable for babies, whose sensitive skin and scalp could react to the ingredients. While the ingredients may improve hair texture, they do not necessarily promote hair growth. Instead, a healthy diet and good scalp care are more important in maintaining healthy hair.
A recent consumer study has found multiple brands of soft contact lenses in the U.S. to contain "forever chemicals" that can be harmful to both the body and the environment. The study, conducted by the nonprofit organization Environmental Health Sciences, tested 18 varieties of popular contact lenses and found all of them to contain markers for PFAS. Brands such as Acuvue, Alcon, and CooperVision were among the list of affected products. This news serves as a cautionary lesson on the potential risks of overusing contact lenses.
On the birth anniversary of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the ‘Missile Man’ of India, tributes pour in on social media celebrating his life, vision and impact. A visionary scientist, inspiring leader and true patriot, Dr. Kalam's humility, compassion and constant interaction with students continue to inspire generations. His tireless efforts in defense, science and youth empowerment have strengthened India's path towards self-reliance and his legacy continues to motivate young minds to dream big and work hard for the nation.
Recent studies have found that extreme heat, particularly when combined with high humidity, can have a significant impact on mental health. A study in India showed that when wet bulb temperature exceeded 27°C, the probability of reporting severe depression increased by 0.5%, even when the temperature was slightly lower. This finding is consistent with global reviews that have linked high temperatures to mood disorders, increased hospital admissions for psychiatric conditions, and even elevated suicide risk. The Lancet has also published evidence that rising temperatures worldwide are a growing threat to emotional and cognitive health.
In a meeting with university officials in Udaipur, Rajasthan Governor Hari Bhau Bagde stressed the importance of incorporating India's ancient knowledge traditions into academic research. He highlighted the deep repository of knowledge in India since ancient times and urged scholars and scientists to draw upon this tradition in their work. Bagde also suggested making ancient texts available in university libraries for study and research purposes, in order to shape the intellectual abilities and love for the nation among the younger generation.
John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis have been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics for their pioneering research into quantum mechanical tunnelling. Their discovery has opened new possibilities for quantum technologies, and will be formally presented on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death. This announcement follows the tradition of recognizing transformative contributions to science, and the award carries a prestigious prize of 11 million Swedish kronor.
The US-Japanese trio of Mary E Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi have won the 2025 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine “for their discoveries concerning peripheral immune tolerance". Through their research, they have shown how the immune system is kept in check and why serious autoimmune diseases do not affect everyone. Sakaguchi found a new class of T cells, while Brunkow and Ramsdell discovered the explanation behind a specific mouse strain's vulnerability to autoimmune diseases. Together, they have significantly advanced our understanding of immunology and autoimmune diseases.