In other news: Indonesia’s Mount Ibu erupts; First person to receive genetically modified pig kidney transplant dies

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Indonesia’s Mount Ibu erupts, spewing thick ash and dark clouds into the sky

Mount Ibu, a volcano in Indonesia’s North Maluku province, has erupted, spewing thick grey ash and dark clouds into the sky for five minutes. Officials said Monday that volcanic earthquakes at the mountain are still intense so there is a possibility of another eruption. After an eruption on Friday, the center raised the alert level for the volcano from 2 to 3, the second-highest level, which widens the radius of the area which should be vacated. Local authorities have prepared evacuation tents, but no evacuation order has been reported yet. Officials say 13,000 people live within a 3-mile radius of the crater.

First person to receive a genetically modified pig kidney transplant dies nearly 2 months later

The first recipient of a genetically modified pig kidney transplant has died nearly two months after he underwent the procedure. Rick Slayman underwent the procedure at Massachusetts General Hospital in March. The hospital’s transplant team says it is deeply saddened by Slayman’s passing and offered condolences to his family. They say there is no indication he died as a result of the transplant. Slayman’s family thanked his doctors, saying their efforts gave them seven more weeks with him. They say their memories from that time will remain in their minds and hearts.

‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’ reigns at the box office with $56.5 million opening

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“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” has reigned over the weekend box office. Studio estimates Sunday said the latest installment in the “Apes” franchise brought in $56.5 million in North American theaters. It was a much-needed surge for what could be an uncertain summer in theaters. Ryan Gosling’s “The Fall Guy” underperformed in ticket sales last week. This week it was No. 2 with $13.7 million. Zendaya’s tennis thriller “Challengers” was third with $4.7 million. “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” had the third best opening of 2024 so far, after “Dune: Part Two” and “Kung Fu Panda 4.”