Sci-Tech | Feb 13

Japan's First Specially Engineered Pig for Human Organ Transplant Born

TOKYO, Feb 13 (News On Japan) - A group including a venture company originating from Meiji University has succeeded in producing a special breed of pigs, developed in the United States for the purpose of organ transplantation in humans, using cloning technology.

This marks the first birth of piglets in Japan using this technique. The venture company, PorMedTech, which focuses on pig cloning technology and related research, announced the development. The pigs in question are genetically engineered miniature pigs by an American biotech firm, designed to reduce the likelihood of rejection when their organs are transplanted into humans. The group has successfully cloned these pigs from imported cells, and on the 11th, three piglets were born.

According to the group, this is the first time that pigs intended for human transplantation have been born in Japan. Research into pig-to-human organ transplantation has been gaining international attention in recent years as a means to secure a supply of organs for transplants. The group plans to supply these pigs to research institutions and aims to start research on transplanting their organs into monkeys within the year.

Hiroshi Nagashima, a professor at Meiji University and CEO of the venture company, said, "I am relieved that the piglets were born safely, but this is just the beginning. With this development, I expect discussions on clinical applications to progress in Japan. We want to advance our research with a focus on safety and also deepen the discussion on ethical issues."

Source: NHK

MORE Sci-Tech NEWS

JAXA's Moon Probe Survives Extreme Cold, Successfully Reconnects

Japan's space agency says it has reestablished communication with its moon probe, confirming that the spacecraft made it through the cold lunar night for the third time. (NHK)

Female Doctors Linked to Lower Mortality Rates in Women Patients

A study led by the University of Tokyo using medical data from the United States has found that women patients experience lower mortality rates and other health benefits when treated by female doctors compared to male doctors.

Japan and Europe Forge Partnership to Share EV Battery Data

An initiative led by Japan's Information-Technology Promotion Agency has seen the signing of a memorandum of understanding in Germany aimed at mutual data sharing concerning electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

< 2 3 4 5 >

Godzilla Strikes Tokyo City Hall

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government building has been 'attacked' by Godzilla, brought to life through the world's largest projection mapping.

Japanese Yen Slides to 34-Year Low, Hits 158 Against the Dollar

In a significant movement in the foreign exchange markets, the Japanese yen has once again depreciated, crossing the 158 mark against the U.S. dollar. This level marks the weakest the yen has been in approximately 34 years, signaling ongoing economic pressures and potentially major shifts in Japan's financial landscape.

Brave Seven-Year-Old Rescues Kidnapped Four-Year-Old Sister

In a remarkable display of bravery and quick thinking, a seven-year-old girl in Kitakyushu successfully rescued her four-year-old sister who had been kidnapped. The incident, which unfolded on April 13th, began when the siblings were approached by a stranger while playing on the street.

Unpacking Japan's Lavish School Lunch

Japan's Cabinet Office's Government Public Relations Office recently stirred controversy with a social media post showcasing an overly lavish depiction of school lunches, leading to a public outcry over the authenticity of the meals presented.

Gotanda JP Building Opens Doors with Hoshino Resort on High Floors

Tokyo's Shinagawa district welcomes a new landmark with the grand opening of the Gotanda JP Building on Friday, April 26, featuring a dog-friendly hotel by Hoshino Resort, co-working spaces, and a vibrant culinary scene.