Summary of Science News from Reuters

The medical world was rocked by the news of the first human to receive a transplanted pig kidney passing away. The groundbreaking procedure, which took place earlier this year at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, had given hope to many patients suffering from end-stage renal disease. The hospital released a statement expressing their deep sadness at the sudden passing of Mr. Rick Slayman, the recipient of the genetically modified pig kidney. However, they clarified that there was no indication that his death was a result of the transplant.

In other news, Boeing’s Starliner mission, which was set to carry astronauts into space, has been delayed once again. The spacecraft’s propulsion system faced technical issues, pushing the launch date back to at least May 21. This setback is just the latest in a series of delays for the program, which has been plagued by delays and budget overruns.

On a more positive note, a new study has shed light on the history and oceanic voyages of the remarkable baobab tree. Known for its distinctive appearance, with contorted branches that resemble roots, the baobab tree has long been a mystery in terms of its origins and history. However, genomic analyses of all eight recognized species, along with ecological and geological data, have finally revealed the tree’s story.

Lastly, Jeff Bezos-backed Blue Origin is set to resume space tourist flights after a nearly two-year pause. The NS-25 mission, scheduled to lift off from Launch Site One in West Texas, marks the end of the company’s hiatus from crewed operations following a mission failure in 2022. The launch window for the flight is set to begin at 0830 CT (1330 GMT) on Sunday.