Organ Donation
The first live-donor kidney transplant occurred 52 years ago. Back then, and as recently as a decade ago, the biggest challenge was making the transplants actually work. Today, thanks to medical advances, most transplants are successful. But people continue to die every day because of organ shortages. It’s estimated that by the year 2010 100,000 people will be on waiting lists. A recent survey indicates that as many as 40% of potential kidney donors decide not to donate because of “financial concerns”. In this month’s issue of the American Journal of Transplantation, a group of medical, legal, economics and ethics specialists propose a system that they say could help solve the shortage problem. Doctor Robert S. Gaston, director of medical evaluation and patient treatment for UAB’s kidney transplant program, spoke with WBHM’s Tanya Ott.
Trump announces weapons for Ukraine and threatens Russia with tariffs
President Trump threatened to punish Russia with heavy tariffs on countries that trade with Moscow if the Kremlin fails to reach a ceasefire deal with Ukraine, while promising Kyiv weapons.
European trade ministers meet to forge strategy after Trump’s surprise 30% tariffs
The EU is America's biggest business partner and the world's largest trading bloc. The U.S. decision will have repercussions for governments, companies and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic.
Shackled for weeks: Federal report finds abuse of restraints in prisons
The Justice Department's Office of the Inspector General found widespread abuse of shackles in federal prisons. One prisoner was held in restraints so tight that he had to have a limb amputated.
Flood risk is widespread in the U.S. Few people have insurance for it
Climate change is increasing the risk of dangerous floods. But people often balk at the cost of flood insurance, especially since many doubt they need protection.
With social prescribing, hanging out, movement and arts are doctor’s order
Doctors are writing "social prescriptions" to get people engaged with nature, art, movement and volunteering. Research shows it can help with mental health, chronic disease and dementia.
I went on a date with my AI dream guy. Then I cried over shrimp
It started as a one-off dinner with a chatbot — a night of shrimp, sarcasm — then veered into something unsettlingly human.