New X-plane

NASA and Boeing had some very good news June 12 – the new X-plane, or X-66A as it is designated by the U.S. Air Force, which has extra-long, thin wings stabilized by diagonal struts, known as a Transonic Truss-Braced Wing concept. It also is the first X-plane specifically focused on helping the United States achieve the goal of net-zero aviation greenhouse gas emissions, which was articulated in the White House’s U.S. Aviation Climate Action Plan.

Working with NASA, Boeing will build, test, and fly a full-scale demonstrator aircraft with extra-long, thin wings stabilized by diagonal struts. The new X-plane seeks to inform a potential new generation of more sustainable singleaisle aircraft, the workhorse of passenger airlines around the world.

Houston Methodist Hospital reaches 10,000th transplant

Surgeons at Houston Methodist Hospital has successfully completed its 10,000th organ transplant, joining a small number of transplant programs in the nation to reach that milestone.

A 68-year-old man from Brownsville received a heart, making him the 10,000th transplant. He is with his family and recovering well.

“We are proud to have achieved this milestone for our patients, and we remain dedicated to continuing our tradition of excellence in transplantation. We owe our success to the entire team of health care professionals who work tirelessly to care for our patients, as well as to the generosity of our organ donors and their families,” said Dr. Mark Ghobrial, director of the Houston Methodist