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Pig-human chimeras contain cell surprise

Posted by (Brent Edwards) on Wed 14 Jan 2004 - 20:17
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According to New Scientist, cells from pig-human chimeras show unusual cells: cells with DNA that were created by both human and pig parents. These cells are sensitive to both pig and human diseases, and they could be a way for diseases to pass between species.

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ciaran_skye — Thu 15 Jan 2004 - 01:22
#3301
Your rating: None Average: 2 (1 vote)

Actually this story is scary! Don't forget that some of the worst plagues in human history were ones that jumped the animal-human barrier.

People have called me Furry for years...but more Robin Williams than Robin Hood.

Keep Louisville Weird

Anon — Thu 15 Jan 2004 - 07:08
#3302
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But at the same time, it's also hopeful for research. Some of the deadliest diseases we have, we can't cure because we have no proper animal models to study. This may actually allow us adequate animal models to cure some of our ails.

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About the author

Chip_Unicorn (Brent Edwards) — read stories — contact (login required)

an Unicorn from Seattle, WA

The truth will make you fret.