Lungs are notoriously difficult organs to transplant; many are thrown away because they’ve expired or were too ill for transplant. However, that may all change with the ex-vivo organ support system (EVOSS). EVOSS is an organ carrier that mimics the conditions lungs experience inside the human body, being warm instead of ice cold. Donor lungs in this environment thrive; injured lungs heal enough to be fit for transplant and all lungs survive up to 48 hours compared to the 6 hours they get using traditional donor organ preservation procedures. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
