Surgeons Perform Groundbreaking Pig-to-Human Liver Transplant in China

Chinese doctors have successfully implanted a liver from a genetically modified pig into a brain-dead human for the first time, announcing the breakthrough in the journal *Nature*. Conducted on March 10, 2024, at the Fourth Military Medical University in Xi'an, this procedure marks a significant step in addressing the global shortage of human liver donors. Pigs have increasingly been recognized as viable organ donors, with several successful kidney and heart transplants documented in the United States. Researchers believe gene-edited pigs could provide much-needed temporary relief for patients awaiting human liver transplants. The study involved an auxiliary transplant, allowing the patient to retain their original liver while monitoring the pig liver's function for ten days. The results showed that the pig liver performed well, producing bile and key proteins, according to Lin Wang, a co-author of the study. Experts caution that further research is essential before this approach can be considered a viable alternative to human donor organs. Peter Friend, a professor at Oxford University, called the results "valuable and impressive," but emphasized that they do not replace human liver transplants. Collaboration with U.S. researchers will continue to play a crucial role in advancing this promising field.

In a groundbreaking development, the China Ship Scientific Research Centre has unveiled a compact device capable of cutting undersea cables at depths up to 4,000 meters. This device, designed for dual use in civilian salvage and seabed mining, has the potential to disrupt vital global communication networks, as it targets armoured cables that facilitate 95% of data transmission worldwide, according to the South China Morning Post. Engineered by a team led by Hu Haolong, the device employs a diamond-coated grinding wheel that rotates at 1,600 rpm to cut through steel-reinforced cables while minimizing environmental disturbance. The design successfully addresses the challenges of high-pressure underwater conditions, utilizing a titanium alloy shell and advanced positioning technology for precise operation. While officials assert that the tool is intended for marine resource development, military analysts express concerns about its implications for global security, particularly near strategic locations like Guam, critical to U.S. military operations. This development is part of China’s broader efforts to expand its undersea capabilities and enhance its status as a leading maritime power.

Low-cost drone accessories from Chinese e-commerce platforms such as Temu and AliExpress are raising concerns about the potential for mainstream quadcopters to be easily converted into weapons. Researchers from Red Balloon, a security firm, have discovered various add-ons including AI-guidance modules and long fiber optic tethers, which can allow users to operate drones beyond the range of signal jammers. These technologies have been observed in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and similar items can be purchased for less than $300. Ang Cui, CEO of Red Balloon, expressed alarm over how inexpensive these products have become, emphasizing that they can empower anyone, from criminal groups to individuals with malicious intent, to conduct violent acts. "These are toys that are really amazing at killing people," Cui stated. The alarming ease of access to military-grade drone technology highlights the need for regulatory measures. However, Alibaba and Temu have yet to comment on the potential risks posed by these accessories. As the situation evolves, experts warn that weaponized drones may present significant threats to public safety.