The future of organ transplants | May 14, 2025

Summary

On this episode of CNN 10, Koi Wire shares an update on the release of Edon Alexander, the last American hostage held in Gaza, and highlights the ongoing war's impact. The segment also dives into advancements in xenotransplantation, showcasing how genetically edited pigs could be used for human organ transplants. Dr. Sanjay Gupta discusses the science behind it, revealing how pig organs are made compatible with humans. The episode also celebrates life-saving CPR by a bystander, a powerful reminder of the importance of skills learned in school. Additionally, a heartfelt graduation message from Usher encourages the class of 2025 to dream big and be fearless architects of the future.

Takeaways

• 😀 Edon Alexander, the last known American hostage in Gaza, was released after being held by Hamas for 1.5 years, marking an emotional reunion with his family.
• 😀 Over 250 people were taken hostage during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, and there are still at least 20 hostages believed to be alive in Gaza.
• 😀 Kidney transplants are the most needed and commonly transplanted organ worldwide, with kidney disease affecting millions of people globally.
• 😀 Xenotransplantation, the practice of using animal organs (especially genetically modified pigs) for human transplants, could help address the transplant organ shortage.
• 😀 Dr. Sanjay Gupta's research on xenotransplantation involves modifying pig organs to make them compatible with human transplants, a process that could revolutionize modern medicine.
• 😀 Pigs are ideal candidates for xenotransplantation because their organs are similar in size and function to human organs and they can be genetically modified to reduce the risk of rejection.
• 😀 Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains how CRISPR gene editing allows for the removal of harmful genes from pigs and the insertion of human genes to make the organs more compatible with humans.
• 😀 Dr. Gupta offers advice to graduating seniors, encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones and reminding them that, in time, everything will be okay.
• 😀 Usher delivered an inspiring commencement speech at Emory University, urging graduates to be fearless architects of the future and pursue their dreams beyond social media pressures.
• 😀 A 15-year-old baseball player, Evan Tucker, was saved by a bystander's CPR after collapsing from cardiac arrest, highlighting the life-saving importance of CPR training.
• 😀 The word of the day, 'despondency,' refers to a state of low spirits caused by loss of hope or courage, and it was featured in the show's educational segment.
• 😀 Several shout-outs were given to groups like Miss Bower's class and the PACE program at Midland Care Connection for their dedication to staying informed and engaged with CNN 10.

Q & A

Who was Edon Alexander, and why was he significant in the news on May 14, 2025?

Edon Alexander was a 21-year-old New Jersey native who was held captive in Gaza for 1.5 years. He was the last known American hostage in Gaza, and his release was a major news event. He was freed by Hamas as part of a ceasefire negotiation and reunited with his family.

How many hostages are believed to still be held in Gaza, according to the report?

At least 20 hostages are believed to still be held in Gaza, and they are thought to be alive.

What is the most needed and commonly transplanted organ worldwide, and why?

The kidney is the most needed and most commonly transplanted organ worldwide. It is responsible for filtering waste and excess water from the blood, making it essential for patients with chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease.

What is xenotransplantation, and why is it significant?

Xenotransplantation is the practice of using animal organs for human transplants. It is significant because it could help address the shortage of human organs available for transplant, as more than 100,000 people are currently on transplant waiting lists.

Why are pigs commonly chosen as candidates for xenotransplantation?

Pigs are chosen for xenotransplantation because their organs are similar in size and function to human organs. Pigs also have relatively short pregnancies, making it possible to harvest multiple organs. Additionally, genetically modified pigs are less likely to carry viruses that could infect humans.

How does genetic editing help make pigs' organs compatible with humans?

Genetic editing, such as CRISPR technology, allows scientists to remove genes in pigs that would cause organ rejection in humans and introduce human genes to make the organs more compatible for transplantation.

What was Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s role in the documentary on xenotransplantation?

Dr. Sanjay Gupta hosted a documentary called 'Animal Farm,' where he explored xenotransplantation and the groundbreaking work being done to genetically edit pigs for organ transplants. He provided insight into the medical potential of this practice.

What advice did Dr. Sanjay Gupta give to graduating students?

Dr. Sanjay Gupta advised graduates to take comfort in the fact that things will be okay, and encouraged them to do something that scares them every day in order to push themselves outside their comfort zones and grow.

What life-saving action did Janette Wilmet take, and how did it impact the situation?

Janette Wilmet performed CPR on 15-year-old Evan Tucker, who collapsed during a baseball game due to cardiac arrest. Her quick action likely saved his life, as she continued CPR for about eight minutes until emergency help arrived.

What is the word of the day on CNN 10, and what does it mean?

The word of the day was 'despondency,' which means a state of low spirits caused by a loss of hope or courage.