In a first-of-its-kind surgery, a 57-year-old patient with terminal (晚期的) heart disease received a successful transplant of a genetically-modified (转基因的) pig heart and is still doing well three days later. It was the only currently available option for the patient. The historic surgery was conducted by the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC).

This organ transplant showed for the first time that a genetically-modified animal heart can function like a human heart without immediate rejection by the body. The patient, David Bennett, a Maryland resident, is being carefully monitored over the next weeks to determine whether the transplant provides lifesaving benefits. He had been considered ineligible for a traditional heart transplant at UMMC and several other leading transplant centers that reviewed his medical records.

"It was either die or do this transplant. I want to live. I know it's a shot in the dark, but it's my last choice," said Mr. Bennett, the patient, a day before the surgery was conducted. He had been hospitalized for the past few months.

Before the surgery, three genes, responsible for the rejection of pig organs by humans, were "knocked out" in the donor pig. Six human genes responsible for immune acceptance of the pig heart were put in. Lastly, one additional gene in the pig was knocked out to prevent unreasonable growth of the pig heart tissue, which totaled 10 unique gene edits made in the donor pig.

"This was a breakthrough surgery and brings us one step closer to solving the organ shortage crisis. There are simply not enough donor human hearts available to meet the long list of potential receivers," said Bartley P. Griffith, Doctor of Medicine, who surgically transplanted the pig heart into the patient. Daniel Maluf, Doctor of Medicine, said: "This event is the final achievement of years of research and testing from our multidisciplinary (多学科的) team and represents a beginning of a new era in the field of organ transplantation medicine."

Before traveling around the world, take some time and find out what sightseeing destinations are. Some of those spots that most guides mention are the following thrilling attractions.

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls has always been considered to be an incredible place worth taking pictures of. There are a lot of spots that tourists love. Some of them are very dangerous for people. Yet the brave are ready to overcome their fear for a shot of a lifetime.

Arctic Cliff Face

A cliff does not make the most comfortable place for camping. Camping on the ground is far safer anyway. Despite all the inconvenience, the new trend is rapidly gaining popularity among climbing enthusiasts and outdoor addicts.

Auckland's Sky Tower

Auckland's Sky Tower is popular with bungee jumpers. Some celebrities, such as Beyonce, have already tried it, which proves that the place is not only safe but popular as well. The tower is 630 feet tall. At the top of the structure there is an observation deck(甲板). Trust us, most of those reading this article would prefer to stay on the ground rather than climb up this scary structure.

North Yungas Road

The Road of Death is the right name given to a road in Bolivia. Hundreds of people die here every year. The major cause of all those accidents is the road. The problem is that it is too narrow and badly maintained while here the traffic is heavier than anywhere else. Nevertheless, it seems like tourists will continue visiting this strange road despite its scary nickname.

It's increasingly becoming clear that depression and insomnia (失眠) are often linked as interrelated disorders, and that they are often related in a variety of ways. In fact, some scientists have gone so far as to suggest that medical practitioners should be wary of diagnosing depression without evidence of sleep complaints by the individual.

According to a study from Harvard Health, as many as 75% of individuals with depression suffered from insomnia while 69% of people with insomnia also struggled with depression later on suggesting that the two disorders often go hand in hand. Issues with sleep due to depression can happen in various ways, including changes to sleep regulation processes or side effects of prescription medicine. This, in turn, may worsen symptoms of depression, but experts note that depressive disorders without insomnia or other sleep disorders are increasingly rare.

Both depression and insomnia are common disorders that cause people some disturbance worldwide. When dealing with either of these issues, the person can have difficulty maintaining a good quality of life. Scientists estimate that 40% of Americans will struggle with insomnia at one point in their life, while an estimated 17.3 million U.S. adults will deal with the symptoms of a major depression episode at least once per year.

But the good news is that treating one condition may improve symptoms of both. "You don't need to rush off to see a specialist; but there are other things we can do to take care of ourselves/' says Dr. Chisholm." Physical exercise is very important lor good sleep and protective against depression, as are healthy eating habits and staying off alcohol. Make sure you stay active and go back to the things that interest you and give you pleasure. Opening up to a trusted friend about your struggles with insomnia or a depressed mood may also help. And sleeping pills should be taken only for a short time, if at all, because you may develop a dependence. Plus, the medicine won't address underlying causes of your insomnia/'