FDA OKs trial of pig livers as dialysis-like treatment for liver failure
Washington, April 15: US researchers will soon test whether livers from a gene-edited pig could treat people with sudden liver failure – by temporarily filtering their blood so their own organ can rest and maybe heal.
The first-of-its-kind clinical trial has been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration, according to pig producer eGenesis, which announced the step Tuesday with its partner OrganOx.
An estimated 35,000 people in the US are hospitalised each year when their liver suddenly fails. There are few treatment options and death rates as high as 50 per cent. Many don’t qualify for a liver transplant or can’t get a match in time.
The new study, which is expected to get underway later this spring, is a twist on the quest for animal-to-human organ transplants. Researchers won’t transplant the pig liver but instead will attach it externally to study participants. (AP)
Spanish police arrest two linked to cat smuggling ring based in Mallorca
Madrid, April 15: Spanish police have arrested two people in connection with the sale of exotic felines on the internet.
The authorities seized 19 animals, including a caracal and two servals, in an operation in Manacor, on the Balearic island of Mallorca, the Civil Guard said in a statement Thursday.
More than 40 irregular animal passports from countries such as Russia, Belarus and China were also found.
The operation began in March last year when the Civil Guard became aware of a couple in Palma de Mallorca who were raising servals, caracals and hybrids with domestic cats to sell them using social networks. The suspects are alleged to have offered for sale white tigers, clouded leopards – for which they were asking 60,000 euros ($68,000) – Eurasian lynxes, hyenas, black leopards and pumas. (AP)
Starbucks imposes new limits on what baristas can wear
Washington, April 15: Starbucks is imposing new limits on what its baristas can wear under their green aprons.
Starting May 12, employees will be required to wear a solid black shirt and khaki, black or blue denim bottoms. Shirts can be short- or long-sleeved and collared or collarless, the company said in a memo released Monday. Starbucks will give each employee two free T-shirts. (AP)