In a breakthrough that will possibly redefine the future of organ transplantation, a team of surgeons in China have successfully performed a transplant using a genetically modified pig lung into the chest of a 39-year-old brain-dead man. The lung functioned for nine days and opened up unprecedented insights into xenotransplantation, the practice of transplanting animal organs into humans. Although the experiment was short-lived, it has ignited hope to amass the millions left waiting each year for life-saving transplants.

For decades, the worldwide shortage of donor organs has stranded millions waiting for a life-giving transplant that might never occur. In the United States alone, over 103,000 individuals were waiting in line for an organ transplant in 2023, but fewer than half received one. Each day, approximately 13 patients die while waiting. And now, an experimental procedure from China is testing the limits of science: for the first time, surgeons have implanted a genetically engineered pig lung into a human.

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The recipient, a 39-year-old male who was declared brain-dead following a hemorrhage, survived for nine days with the transplanted lung before the experiment was terminated at the request of his family. Although the organ did not survive long-term, the procedure represents a dramatic advance in xenotransplantation, the utilization of animal organs in humans.

On May 15, 2024, a surgical team at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University performed the historic surgery. The donor organ was taken from a genetically modified miniature pig with six CRISPR edits intended to render it compatible with human biology. The edits silenced three pig genes that induce immune rejection and introduced three human genes that control inflammation and immune response.

The lung was carefully transplanted into the man's chest; the other lung was left intact to support function. Over the following hours, the medical team watched for signs of "hyperacute rejection," the immediate and catastrophic immune response that usually destroys foreign organs within minutes. To their surprise, this did not occur.

But soon difficulties arose. By the 24-hour mark, the new lung began to develop inflammation and fluid retention. By day three, there was antibody-mediated rejection. Although there were initial indications of stabilization, the transplant lung was unable to combat the overwhelming immune response. On day nine, in accordance with family desires, physicians discontinued the experiment.

Why Lungs Are Harder to Transplant?

While kidneys and hearts have challenges to overcome in transplantation, such as size matches, lungs have their own set of challenges. Their intricate structure, suited for oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange, predisposes them to injury and inflammation. In addition, lungs are the only transplanted organ completely exposed to the external environment — each breath introduces bacteria, viruses, pollen, and toxins that the immune system needs to screen out.

Achieving the balance between suppressing the immune system sufficiently to avoid rejection but not so much that the patient is lethally susceptible to infection has been one of medicine's most formidable challenges. Indeed, repeated success with human-to-human lung transplants was only made possible in the 1980s, two decades after kidney and heart surgery had been successfully accomplished. Introducing cross-species transplantation into the equation yet again increases the science's complexity.

The Global Organ Shortage Crisis

The World Health Organization has projected that only 10% of the world's demand for organ transplants is now being filled. In the United States, the supply-demand gap increases yearly even with attempts to raise donor registration levels. With developments in organ preservation and sharing networks, still thousands of patients never receive the opportunity for an operation.

This is where xenotransplantation may revolutionize things. Pigs have emerged as the animal donor of choice due to their organ size, physiological proximity to humans, and ease of genetic modification. Pig heart valves have been successfully implanted in humans for over 30 years. Genetically altered pig kidneys and hearts have been transplanted into human recipients more recently with varied degrees of short-term success.

Historical Timeline of Xenotransplantation Milestones

Over the last few years, there have been a proliferation of milestone procedures that have registered global attention:

• In 2022, American surgeons implanted a genetically altered pig heart into a living patient, who lived for two months.
• Last January 2024, a Massachusetts man received a genetically altered pig kidney and remains alive with the organ functioning.
• Chinese scientists tried to transplant a pig liver into a brain-dead patient, results being limited.

The pig lung transplant represents a new frontier, pushing the boundaries of xenotransplantation research. Every effort gives valuable information regarding how animal organs respond in humans and what the largest hurdles are.

What Makes This Pig Lung Different?

The pig lung utilized in the Guangzhou experiment was obtained from a Bama miniature pig kept in a pathogen-free facility by Clonorgan Biotechnology based in Chengdu, China. This provided the assurance that the animal was not exposed to infections that would otherwise be passed on to the human recipients.

It is the CRISPR alterations that rendered this experiment possible. By deleting pig genes for sugars identified as "foreign" by the human immune system and adding human immune-regulating proteins, researchers sought to "humanize" the lung. Although the rejection reaction still happened, the failure of hyperacute rejection — long the most immediate hurdle — to occur indicates that gene editing is closing the gap.

What Are The Medical and Ethical Challenges Beyond This Medical Miracle?

Despite this milestone, experts caution that pig lungs won’t be saving lives in hospitals anytime soon. The risks of infection, rejection, and long-term complications remain significant. In addition, the ethical considerations of using animal organs, particularly genetically modified ones, are far from resolved. Critics argue that resources might be better invested in advancing bioengineered or lab-grown organs rather than relying on animals.

But to patients presented with the stark reality of organ deficiencies, the prospect of a limitless alternative source is difficult to resist. Families who agree to such experimental surgeries do so in the belief that their contribution will help pave the way for a future where others will not have to wait in vain.

The results of the Guangzhou team, reported in Nature Medicine, highlight both the potential and dangers of xenotransplantation. Though rejection is still the biggest obstacle, the advancements within a few years are remarkable. What was previously considered science fiction is slowly becoming a reality, though through industrious trial and error.

For the time being, lung xenotransplantation is an experimental frontier and not a clinical option but as genetic engineering progresses and our understanding of immune regulation becomes more profound, it may one day be able to assist in revolutionizing transplantation medicine. If researchers can one day bypass the immune system's hurdles, the 103,000 individuals already on the US transplant waiting list and hundreds of thousands worldwide may at last have new hope.

Measles Outbreak in Disneyland: Health officials in Orange County sounded alarmed after they confirmed a recent measles case in a child who visited Disneyland last week. The Orange County Health Care Agency said on Saturday that the child was an international traveler who arrived at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The child then went to Disneyland on Wednesday and that is what became the potential exposure window.

As per the health authorities there could be two possibilities of getting the disease:

• Goofy’s Kitchen in Disneyland Hotel, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday
• Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, 12:30 p.m. to closing on Wednesday.

Health authorities said they are coordinating with Disneyland to contact employees who may have been exposed to measles. According to Orange County health officials, visitors present at the theme park during the identified period could develop symptoms between seven and 21 days after exposure.

Measles Spreads Easily, Experts Warn

Dr Danielle Curitore, a pediatrician at St Joseph Heritage Providence, explained NBC Los Angeles that measles is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets.

“Very similar to these respiratory viruses, but even more so because it can be in a close setting and if that person with measles sneezes or coughs and transmits some respiratory droplets, you are exposed,” she said. “And that room that they’ve been in is also contagious for at least two hours after they left.”

Measles Outbreak In Disneyland: Vaccination Remains The Strongest Protection

Doctors emphasize that individuals who have received the measles vaccine, particularly the recommended two doses, are generally well protected against the disease. Those who have not been vaccinated face a significantly higher risk of infection.

Read: Measles Elimination Status In The US Is ‘Not Really’ At Risk, CDC Says As Cases Surge

“Your best protection is to be vaccinated, so if you’ve been vaccinated against measles and you’ve received your two doses of measles vaccine at any point, those are usually given in childhood but you do continue to be immune as you get older,” Dr Curitore added.

New Measles Cases Reported In Southern California

Health officials have confirmed at least five new measles cases in Southern California, prompting renewed warnings and surveillance. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to limit further spread and identify potential exposure chains.

What Is Measles?

Measles, also known as rubeola, is an extremely contagious viral illness that typically causes high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a characteristic rash that begins on the face and spreads downward across the body. It spreads through respiratory droplets and can lead to severe and sometimes fatal complications, including pneumonia and inflammation of the brain known as encephalitis.

Although it is preventable through the safe and effective MMR vaccine, measles remains a serious threat in many regions. There is no specific cure, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Measles Outbreak In Disneyland: Common Symptoms To Watch For

Experts say measles symptoms often begin with signs similar to a common cold, including cough, congestion, and high fever. Some patients may also develop conjunctivitis.

“Sometimes it just starts out like the common cold cough congestion: high fever sometimes conjunctivitis can be part of it,” Dr Curitore said. “Then day three to five, you get that very classic measles rash, which usually starts on the face, center of the body.”

Cancer is not just a medical diagnosis, it is also a deeply personal journey towards recovering. Ever story is different, every experience and struggle of cancer patients is different. This is why the theme of World Cancer Day 2025-2027 is 'United By Unique'.

Every year on February 4, World Cancer Day is observed to raise awareness among the population about cancer. The day also aims to encourage prompt detection and prevention and support global initiatives to reduce the cancer burden.

World Cancer Day 2026: Origin

For the first time, World Cancer Day was celebrated on February 4, 2000 at the World Cancer Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium which was held in Paris.

The Charter of Paris Against Cancer signed by global leaders and the Union for International Cancer Control established this day to be officially known as Cancer Day to promote research, prevent cancer, and improve patient services.

World Cancer Day 2026: Theme

The theme 'United by Unique' is part of the three year long campaign from 2025 to 2027 that highlights that every cancer journey is unique. However, the theme highlights that despite this uniqueness, care could be promoted by staying united and to decrease inequalities. It also focuses on person centered care, compassion and seeing the person before the patient.

The campaign of World Cancer Day notes: "People-centred care is an approach that focuses on the needs, values, and active participation of individuals, families, and communities in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of care. This approach represents a fundamental shift in how health and cancer services are designed and delivered, placing those impacted by cancer at the heart of health systems."

World Cancer Day 2026: Significance

World Cancer Day plays a vital role in promoting awareness among population. It also brings attention to early detection and initiates discussions about the symptoms that people may have missed which later turned out to be cancer. Furthermore, this day also helps people fight the stigma and misinformation around cancer.

The impact this day made last year was great. As per the World Cancer Organization Report, in 2025, 900 activities around cancer were conducted in 102 countries. Over 600 people shared their stories in different forms, including texts, videos, art, and more. The campaign reached over nine million engagement, with six billion impressions.

World Cancer Day 2026: What Is Happening In India?

India is witnessing a sharp rise in its cancer burden, with recent reports highlighting a steady year-on-year increase in new cases. Experts link this surge to a mix of modern lifestyle changes, widespread tobacco consumption, environmental exposure, and limited access to early screening in several regions. Estimates from the National Cancer Registry Programme place the lifetime risk of developing cancer in India at roughly 11 per cent, though this risk varies significantly across different states and populations.

In metropolitan hubs such as Delhi, as well as in states including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu, the number of newly reported cancer cases has climbed into the hundreds of thousands. This trend reflects not only a genuine rise in incidence but also improved diagnostic systems and reporting mechanisms that are helping identify cases more accurately.

Tobacco-related cancers continue to account for a substantial share of cases, particularly among men. At the same time, shifting lifestyle patterns, urban pollution, and environmental hazards are contributing to the broader increase in cancer rates across the country.

India’s cancer response framework includes preventive strategies such as awareness drives, early screening programmes, and vaccination initiatives like the HPV vaccine to reduce cervical cancer risk. Despite these efforts, significant gaps remain in terms of healthcare access, early diagnosis, and public awareness, which continue to challenge effective cancer control nationwide.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a surprising tax reduction for India's fishers and marine industry, and experts say it is good news for you too.

Until now, fish caught by Indian vessels beyond territorial waters and brought back to the country for mass consumption has been treated as import, attracting customs duties and integrated goods and services tax (GST).

The combined tax burden raises costs and compliance issues, which discouraged people from deep-sea and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) fishing as well as

However, during her Union Budget 2026 presentation, Sitharaman proposed that fish caught in the EEZ and high seas by Indian fishing vessels are treated as duty-free when brought into Indian ports and treated as exports when landed at foreign ports.

This means that the market availability for Omega-3 packed fishes including salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring and sardines will significantly increase as their existing steep prices see a tremendous fall.

What Are Fish Oil Omega-3s?

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats known for their crucial role in brain function and overall mental health. Fish oil is particularly rich in EPA and DHA, which are vital components of cell membranes and have strong anti-inflammatory effects in the body.

These omega-3s play a critical role in human development, and they are primarily found in fatty fish and fish oil. Since many people do not consume enough fish, supplementation is often recommended to ensure adequate intake of these essential fatty acids.

Although the body can convert another type of omega-3, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), into EPA and DHA, this process is not highly efficient. As a result, fish oil supplements may provide a convenient way to ensure optimal levels of omega-3s.

READ MORE: NHS Doctor Says This Oil Instead of Cod Liver Is The Best Omega-3 Source

Some popular sources of Omega-3 include:

• Salmon
• Cod Liver Oil
• Algae Oil
• Oysters
• Nuts and seeds, such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts
• Plant oils, such as flaxseed oil, soybean oil, and canola oil
• Fortified foods, such as eggs, yogurt, juices, milk, etc.

How Omega-3s Improves Brain Health

EPA and DHA are essential for maintaining brain function throughout life. These fatty acids are abundant in the brain's cell membranes, helping to preserve cell health and facilitate communication between brain cells.

Research has shown that a lack of omega-3 can lead to cognitive impairments. In animal studies, diets deficient in omega-3s resulted in reduced DHA levels in the brain, leading to deficits in learning and memory. In older adults, lower DHA levels have been linked to a smaller brain size, which may indicate accelerated brain ageing.

Maintaining sufficient levels of omega-3s can help support cognitive function and may reduce the risk of age-related brain decline.

The optimal dosage varies, but research suggests that 1,000–2,000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil daily is a good starting point. People with depression should look for supplements with higher EPA content. It is pertinent to note that people should consult health experts before starting fish oil supplementation.

Import Duty Decreased On Cancer Drugs

These imported, specialized cancer treatments, particularly targeted therapies and monoclonal antibodies, often cost thousands, placing a massive financial burden on patients, leading to lifelong debts.

In this year's Union Budget, Sitharaman also proposed reducing import duty tax on 17 cancer drugs and seven medicines for rare diseases, which will in turn, help patients seek proper care on a timely basis.

Deshmukh commented: "India is witnessing a steady and alarming rise in cancer cases, where late detection, prolonged treatment and high medicine costs often lead to preventable complications and loss of life. Against this backdrop, the Union Budget’s decision to remove customs duty on 17 cancer drugs and 7 medicines for rare diseases stands out as a truly progressive and patient-first measure.

"Affordability remains one of the biggest hurdles in cancer care, forcing many families to delay or discontinue treatment. By reducing import duties, this move has the potential to significantly lower the cost of advanced and targeted therapies, making them accessible to a larger section of patients."