CNN 5 Things 5 Good Things: Updates to Our Favorite Stories From 2025: Pt. 1
Dec 27, 2025
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a neurosurgeon and CNN medical analyst, discusses groundbreaking advancements in xenotransplantation, highlighting progress in pig kidney transplants that could save countless lives. The free travel program for students is set to expand, encouraging exploration of diverse U.S. towns. Learn how goats are restoring a Tennessee nature reserve by clearing invasive plants. Plus, hear about community efforts like Southside Blooms and the Bar Fairies tackling drunk driving, with a powerful narrative of advocacy and change.
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Domestic Exchange Reduces Division
- The American Exchange Project creates a domestic 'study abroad' that reduces division by fostering direct conversations across differences.
- Over 99% of participating students reported positive conversations and 100% would recommend the program.
Goats Rewild A Tennessee Island
- Chattanooga's McClellan Island used goats as a practical solution after prescribed burns failed to control invasive plants.
- The herd cleared about five acres and the team recently planted 250 trees in cleared areas.
Pig Kidneys Moving Toward Mainstream Use
- Genetically modified pig kidneys are advancing from emergency use toward structured FDA clinical trials to test durability in healthier patients.
- Experts predict pig kidney options could reach the general population within 5–10 years if trials prove successful.