Health: First Transplant of a Pig Kidney Into a Human
On March 16, doctors at Massachusetts General Hospital successfully transplanted a genetically modified pig kidney into Richard Slayman, a 62 year old man from Weymouth, Massachusetts. According to NPR, the operation took four hours to complete and is a crucial first step in a program aiming to provide humans who need organ transplants with genetically modified animal organs. This initiative aims to ease the current organ shortage as there are over a hundred thousand people on the waitlist for organs. According to CNN, 17 people die daily while waiting to receive an organ. Biotech companies have begun to experiment with genetically editing animal organs to be suitable for the human body. Biotech companies utilize a gene editing software called CRISPR in order to get rid of harmful diseases and to make sure that the human body won’t reject the organ, said “Time.”
Economy/politics: U.S. sues Apple over monopoly
On March 21, the U.S. Justice Department and 15 states sued the technology giant Apple in an antitrust lawsuit. According to BBC, Apple illegally tried to monopolize the smartphone market by turning messages from rivals’ phones green, creating a social stigma against having anything other than an Apple phone. Additionally, Apple faced allegations that it has been making iPhones hard to pair with smartwatches from rival companies, forcing users to buy Apple Watches. The lawsuit alleges that Apple used these methods in an abuse of power in order to maintain dominance in the market. This will be the third antitrust lawsuit Apple has faced since 2009.
Culture: Beyoncé’s new country album Cowboy Carter
On March 29, singer phenomenon Beyoncé will release an album of country music titled “Cowboy Carter.” This album will be a break from Beyoncé’s previous music which is primarily of the pop, dance, and electronica genres. Two singles from the album have already dropped, and have been met with enthusiasm and success. According to the “Houston Chronicle” the singles “Texas Hold ’Em” and “16 Carriages” have made Beyoncé the first African American woman to have a number one single on the Hot Country Songs chart. “Cowboy Carter” is a milestone moment not only for Beyoncé, but also for the primarily white genre of country music. Beyoncé spoke on how the album took five years to make and is inspired by her roots in Houston, Texas and her previous challenges with making music in the country genre. Beyoncé thanked fans for their support of her music and mentioned her hope that years from now, the mention of an artist’s race would be irrelevant as it relates to releasing genres of music.
International politics: Attack on Russia
On March 22, the popular music hall Crocus City Complex in Moscow was attacked. At least 137 people were killed, and 100 more were injured. Four men from Tajikistan are suspected of the attack and were arrested while trying to cross the border to Ukraine. In the pictures, their faces appear swollen and beat up. The Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stated that any claims insinuating Ukraine’s involvement “[were] planned provocation by the Kremlin,” and a way of justifying increased strikes on Ukraine. Although three of the suspects have already pleaded guilty, the court said that the pre-trial detention will last until May 22.
Sports: March Madness Tournament
“March Madness” is the annual NCAA Division I Men’s college basketball tournament. The Sweet 16 of March Madness 2024 were just announced according to Fox Sports. UConn and San Diego State, and Iowa State and Illinois will meet in the East region. Purdue and Gonzaga, and Tennessee and Creighton will meet in the Midwest region. In the south Region Houston will meet Duke, and Marquette — NC state. In the West region North Carolina and Alabama, and Arizona and Clemson. The Sweet 16 round will be held on Thursday, March 28, and Friday, March 29. There will be four games each day.
