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

Do Bears Prefer Acorns or Berries?

Bear sightings across Japan have already climbed to nearly twice the level recorded during the same period last year, prompting entry bans in mountain areas behind Kyoto’s Ninna-ji Temple and the cancellation of hiking events in Kansai, while new research suggests that the key to reducing encounters may lie in understanding what bears eat in each region.

Copper Thieves Target Japanese Shrines

Copper roofing panels were stolen from several shrines in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, including a city-designated cultural property, in the latest case amid a nationwide surge in copper thefts targeting shrines and temples across Japan, where soaring metal prices have fueled crimes that leave historic religious buildings damaged, exposed to the elements, and facing repair costs of millions of yen.

1200-Year-Old Temple on Miyajima Reduced to Ashes

Flames broke out on the morning of May 20th on Miyajima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture, home to one of Japan's World Heritage sites, destroying Reikado Hall near the summit of Mount Misen.

From Bento Boxes to Garbage Bags, Rising Costs Hitting Daily Life Across Japan

Uncertainty surrounding the situation in the Middle East is beginning to affect daily life in Japan, as concerns over crude oil supplies spread to restaurants, cleaning services and even household garbage disposal systems across the Kansai region.

Tochigi Robbery-Murder Suspect’s Wife Posted Dance Videos on Social Media

A 25-year-old woman arrested as a suspected ringleader in a robbery-murder case in Tochigi Prefecture once posted cheerful dance videos on social media and was remembered by those who knew her as an energetic and outgoing young woman.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Sci-Tech NEWS

Japan to Issue Safety Warning on Vasculitis Drug After 20 Deaths

A safety alert is expected to be issued as early as May 21st over Tavneos, a drug used to treat vasculitis, after 20 patients who took the medication died from serious liver dysfunction, according to people familiar with the matter.

Digital 3D Underground Map Visualizes Sewage and Gas Pipes

As aging underground infrastructure becomes an increasing concern across Japan, the city of Yokkaichi in Mie Prefecture has developed a digital underground map designed to improve the management of sewer, water, gas, and electrical systems.

20 Deaths in Japan Linked to Vasculitis Drug

Japan's Health, Labour and Welfare Ministry said on May 18th it had instructed Kissei Pharmaceutical to report the facts surrounding the deaths of 20 patients who had taken a treatment drug for vasculitis.

Real-Life Flying Carpet Floats in Midair

A mysterious object floating softly through the air has captured widespread attention online, with researchers at Nagoya University developing an ultra-lightweight material that appears to behave like a real-life “flying carpet.”

Japan Greenlights Coverage for iPS Parkinson’s Treatment

Japan has approved the application of public health insurance to a regenerative medicine product using iPS cells to treat Parkinson’s disease, marking the world’s first practical use of iPS cell-based regenerative medicine.

Crack Found in Nuclear Plant Turbine Covering

A crack was found in the cover surrounding the high-pressure turbine at Kansai Electric Power’s Mihama Nuclear Power Plant No. 3 reactor in Mihama, Fukui Prefecture, following a steam leak that occurred last week, the utility said.

Japan Brings Back MMR Vaccine for Children

Japan has approved the domestic manufacture and sale of an MMR vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, and rubella with a single injection, paving the way for its use in children aged one and older.

Steam Leak Forces Shutdown of Japan's Mihama Nuclear Reactor No. 3

A steam leak was detected early on May 8th at the Mihama Nuclear Power Plant's Unit 3 in Fukui Prefecture, prompting Kansai Electric Power to manually shut down the reactor.

< 2 3 4 5 >