Pork Tips, Anyone?

Great. Now Mary Roach’s Stiff has me disturbingly interested in xenotransplantation, or “the transplantation of living, cells, tissues, or organs from one species to another, such as pigs to humans.” It is an entirely necessary procedure considering the dearth of viable organ donations made by humans.

Specifically, I’m fascinated by the similarity between human organs and non-human animals. I mean, of the entire animal kingdom, we are most similar to pigs. Pigs! Think of all the pork meat you’ve fried up and digested over the years before realizing this essential fact! Think of all the pork meat you will probably continue to consume, given that you are not religiously or ethically against it.

Here are some links that will be sure to upset anyone who is reading over your shoulder.