In a groundbreaking development, researchers have successfully revived pig kidneys that were frozen for over a year, marking a significant advancement in the field of organ transplantation. The kidneys, which closely resemble human kidneys in size, were stored at temperatures as low as -196°C, entering a glass-like state. After being thawed and tested, these kidneys not only regained their color but also exhibited functionality by producing urine, indicating their operational status. This promising milestone lays the groundwork for exploring whether similar techniques could be applied to human organ preservation and transplantation in the future.
Meanwhile, the nuclear energy sector is making strides to meet the growing electricity demands of our modern society. Constellation, the largest nuclear operator in the United States, has announced plans to enhance the capacity of existing reactors, aiming to add nearly one gigawatt of power across six plants. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Energy has granted Vistra a $1 billion loan to upgrade three of its plants. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to maximize the output of current nuclear facilities, which could provide a rapid increase in clean energy, particularly for data centers and other high-demand users. However, industry experts are analyzing just how much additional power can realistically be harnessed from these enhancements.
Source: The Download: reviving frozen pig kidneys and boosting nuclear power via MIT Technology Review