How it works, per NYT:

• Pigs' organs contain antigens that the human body naturally tries to fight, so we often reject unmodified pigs' organs. But scientists have modified a breed of pigs to remove the problematic PERV gene.
• Yes, it's really called the PERV gene.
• With that taken care of, biotech money has flowed in, and one company's strain of pigs "were used by a team in Maryland to keep a pig heart beating in a baboon for 945 days."

What's next: "The first pig-to-human skin graft using live cells is set to take place this month in Boston," the NYT reports, and an upcoming clinical trial "will install ... pigs’ kidneys in dialysis patients who are unlikely to be considered for human-donor organs."

The Carr Fire Pet Rescue and Reunification group is a network of about 35 volunteers, Myers writes.

What they're doing: They are responsible for the effort in reuniting families with their pets more than two months later after the fires were finally extinguished.

• The group goes to great lengths to catch animals — many of which are injured and traumatized, Myers writes. They stake out areas where missing pets have been spotted and trap them using food for bait.

By the numbers: Nearly 80 pets have already been reunited with their owners, Robin Bray, the field coordinator for the group, told the Associated Press.