Animal Surprises: Pig Donor Organs, Surprising evidence of animal intelligence, and How Potassium Lowers Blood Pressure

KSQD 4-10-2024: This episode explores the cutting-edge of medical science and the wonders of the animal kingdom. We'll discuss a remarkable first – the successful transplant of a genetically modified pig kidney into a human. Could this breakthrough pave the way for the future of organ donation? On a different note, did you know cows are being engineered to produce human insulin, potentially revolutionizing diabetes treatment? We'll also uncover surprising animal intelligence; Parrots playing computer games and bees trained to solve puzzles reveal just how smart some of our animal friends can be. In a fascinating twist, we investigate the genetics behind obesity in Labrador Retrievers and learn how dogs might be able to detect PTSD flashbacks. We examine a groundbreaking discovery of tiny RNA molecules within bacteria. These have the potential to unlock entirely new gene sequences within the microbial world. We'll also explore the link between potassium and blood pressure, discussing how simple dietary changes could lead to major health benefits. For those interested in nutrition, we'll address optimal protein intake and strategies for a balanced vegan diet. Also, a warning about the current overuse of gabapentin and pregabalin for pain is creating a 50% increase in hospitalizations for COPD.