The Medical Thread

[cheerfulgreek]

Originally Posted by AKA_Monet

It's Franken-animals. They have "mostly human genetics" but grow in animals. Ironically, pigs have similar "structures" as humans and one can make transgenic easier from pigs. Also the there is not vertical transfers from infections like there would be with primates--namely monkeypox and other illnesses. Pigs can give something to humans, but I forget what they are...

If you're talking about certain organs that pigs can give to people I would have some concerns, because pigs are known to carry PERVs. I don't think people would be able to keep them dormant like pigs are able to do. Pigs would have to be genetically engineered in order for them to be totally free of the virus. I don't think they're going to actually start with actual organs though. As I can remember, based on what the article was saying, they'll more likely than not, start with insulin cells from the pancreas in order to treat people who are diabetic. I would really like to see something like this happen successfully. I also wonder how many people would be willing to accept an organ from a pig, once this procedure has been perfected.