The Promising Role of Pigs in Human Organ Transplants
Introduction The global shortage of human organ donors has driven scientists to explore innovative solutions. Pigs have emerged as a groundbreaking option for transplants. Pigs are known for their similar organ size and function to humans. Pigs are being genetically modified by scientists to reduce rejection risks and prevent disease transmission. Recent advancements, including successful pig-to-human heart and kidney transplants, have showcased their potential to save countless lives. However, challenges like immune rejection and ethical concerns remain. In this blog, we’ll explore the science behind using pigs for organ transplants, recent breakthroughs, and the future of transplants from non-humans in addressing the organ donation crisis. Domestication of the Pig ( Sus scrofa domesticus) The scientific name of the domestic pig is Sus scrofa domesticus , a subspecies of the wild boar ( Sus scrofa ), which originated in Eurasia. Domestication of pigs began around 9,000 yea...