Origins of domestic pigs
Domestic European pigs have a mix of European and Near Eastern ancestry until 6,000 years ago. After introduction to Europe, modern pigs lost their original genomic ancestry due to gene flow from wild boars.
Pigs
Articles tagged with Pigs
Why do mosquitoes choose us? Lindy McBride is on the case
Mosquitoes have evolved to specialize in humans, recognizing distinct human odors through a complex blend of compounds. Researchers study the behavior, genetics, and brain structure of disease-carrying mosquitoes to understand this specialization.
Video games offer clues to help curb animal disease outbreaks
Researchers developed video games to test disease control and prevention strategies, finding that a small shift in risk attitudes can significantly impact disease incidence. The model suggests that changing farmer behavior could make dramatic impacts on avoiding devastating outbreaks.
Pigs help scientists understand human brain
Researchers have used a new imaging method to analyze brain activity in live pigs, discovering that pig brains are better platforms for studying human neurological conditions. The study suggests a promising approach to determining biomarkers or brain signatures that lead to CTE diagnosis while patients are still alive.
Major stem cell discovery to boost research into development and regenerative medicine
Scientists have successfully derived Expanded Potential Stem Cells (EPSCs) from both pig and human cells, offering new opportunities to study human development and regenerative medicine. These EPSCs possess developmental potency, enabling researchers to investigate pregnancy complications and develop treatments for diseases.
Archaeological discovery upends a piece of Barbados history
A recent archaeological discovery in Barbados sheds new light on the island's early European settlement, revealing a previously undetected historic peccary introduction. The findings suggest that Europeans altered New World environments by introducing non-native species, contradicting accepted colonial history.
Wild pigs invade Canadian provinces
A rapidly expanding invasive species, wild pigs are threatening Canada's environment and agriculture. The species has spread across the country, from British Columbia to Ontario and Quebec, causing significant risks to farming and livestock production.
Vaccine for African swine fever may save our bacon
A new vaccine has been shown to be effective in preventing African Swine Fever in wild boar, with 92% protection rate. The vaccine can also pass on immunity via contact with infected animals, offering a potential solution to the spread of this deadly disease.
Cranberry oligosaccharides might help prevent UTIs
Researchers have identified cranberry oligosaccharides as potential anti-adhesive compounds that could help prevent UTIs. These complex carbohydrates were detected in the urine of pigs fed dried cranberry powder and showed activity against E. coli bacteria.
$17 million grant will explore immune cells in inaccessible tissues of the human body
The study aims to explore the differences between B cells and antibody-secreting cells in accessible and inaccessible tissues, which may impact autoimmunity, transplant rejection, and resistance to infections. The researchers will analyze tissue samples from 90-100 donors over five years.
Pig experiment raises ethical questions around brain damage
A groundbreaking experiment has successfully restored some functions and structures in donated pig brains for up to four hours after they were butchered. The result challenges the notion that mammalian brains are fully and irreversibly damaged by a lack of oxygen, raising questions about when to save patients and organs.
A 5,000-year-old barley grain discovered in Finland changes understanding of livelihoods
Researchers found grains of barley and wheat on the Aland Islands and in Sweden, dating back 4,300-5,300 years. The discovery suggests that small-scale farming was adopted by the Pitted Ware Culture from farmers of the Funnel Beaker Culture.
Thanks to pig remains, scientists uncover extensive human mobility to sites near Stonehenge
A study of pig remains around Stonehenge henge complexes reveals large-scale human movement across Britain during the Late Neolithic period. The findings suggest that feasts at these sites drew people and animals from throughout the country.
Prehistoric Britons rack up food miles for feasts near Stonehenge
A study by Cardiff University reveals that people and animals traveled extensive distances to participate in prehistoric feasting rituals near Stonehenge. The research found that pigs were sourced from locations as far away as Scotland and North East England.
Powering a pacemaker with a patient's heartbeat
Scientists have designed a pacemaker that harnesses the energy of heartbeats to regulate heart rhythm. The device was successfully tested in pigs and shows promise for creating a self-powered cardiac pacemaker.
Happy as a pig in muck?
A study published in PLoS ONE found that the type of pen a pig is shown in significantly affects how it is perceived by consumers. Straw bedding is rated as more natural and animal-friendly than concrete floors. The results suggest that even happy or sad expressions do not change perceptions of well-being.
Fiber composition in rice coproducts revealed in Illinois study
A University of Illinois study characterizes the chemical composition of fiber in rice and rice coproducts, which could lead to diet interventions for improved digestibility. The primary carbohydrates found were arabinoxylans, with varying ratios between arabinose and xylose influencing functionality.
Listeria in the feed: A dangerous hygiene problem in fattening pigs
Listeria contamination in fattening pig feed can cause severe illness and death, researchers warn. A study found that anaerobic ensilaging conditions can suppress bacterial growth, highlighting the importance of proper feeding procedures.
Researchers create algorithm to predict PEDV outbreaks
Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed an algorithm that can predict porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) outbreaks with approximately 80% accuracy. The algorithm uses weekly farm-level incidence data, including animal movements and environmental factors, to identify neighborhoods at high risk of PEDV spread.
Genetically modified pigs resist infection with the classical swine fever virus
Researchers developed genetically modified pigs resistant to classical swine fever virus using CRISPR/Cas9 and RNA interference. These tansgenic pigs can effectively limit CSFV replication and reduce disease severity, with stable transmission to offspring.
Face masks may protect hog farm workers and their household members from staph bacteria
A study found that face mask use significantly reduces the likelihood of finding drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in hog farm workers' nasal swabs. Household members of consistent face mask users also showed a significant reduction in bacterial colonization.
UFZ model in the fight against African swine fever
The UFZ model suggests that managing isolated outbreaks of African swine fever requires swift action, including the removal of 20% of dead wild boars to control virus spread. The model also recommends establishing a central core zone and buffer zone to prevent further spread, highlighting the importance of fast response times.
Team converts wet biological waste to diesel-compatible fuel
Researchers at the University of Illinois successfully converted wet biowaste into a diesel-compatible fuel using hydrothermal liquification. The new process meets current standards for diesel fuel and produces similar pollutant emissions to regular diesel.
Faecal transplant may protect premature babies from fatal bowel disease
A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Copenhagen has shown that faeces transplantation can significantly reduce the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in pigs born prematurely. The treatment involves transferring faeces from healthy donor pigs to the rectal opening, resulting in a 75% decrease in NEC cases...
Global trends in swine pathogens
Researchers analyzed over 57,000 publications on swine pathogens from 1966 to 2016, revealing emerging infectious diseases with increased research funding priority. Global networks of swine pathogen research were also mapped, showing regional collaboration patterns and colonial relationships.
Researchers at MU produce virus-resistant pigs, could vastly improve global animal health
Researchers at MU have successfully produced a litter of pigs genetically resistant to a deadly porcine virus by means of gene editing. The pigs lack the enzyme ANPEP, which is necessary for an infection, and were not infected when exposed to the TGEV virus.
Inflammation in the womb may explain why some babies are more prone to sepsis after birth
A new report in the American Journal of Pathology demonstrates a link between prenatal inflammation and postnatal immune status and organ function in preterm pigs. Prenatal exposure to bacterial endotoxin induced acute fetal lung and gut immune responses, followed by systemic inflammation after birth.
Biosecurity Research Institute studies African swine fever to prevent US outbreak
Researchers at Kansas State University's Biosecurity Research Institute are studying African swine fever to prevent a potential US outbreak. The virus has already spread throughout Asia and Eastern Europe, threatening the global swine industry.
Characterizing pig hippocampus could improve translational neuroscience
Researchers developed new electrophysiology techniques to study the pig hippocampus, confirming features comparable to rodents and non-human primates. This breakthrough establishes pigs as a promising preclinical research model for traumatic brain injury and epilepsy.
Clearing a xenotransplantation hurdle: detecting infectious agents in pigs
A new study has developed highly sensitive and specific assays to detect infectious agents in pigs, a crucial step towards ensuring the safety of xenotransplantation. The assays were validated on over 300 pig specimens and showed promising results, suggesting they can identify potential pathogens in donor pigs.
Mucosal environment of older pigs helps newborn piglets with intestinal injury recover
Researchers found that juvenile pigs' mucosal environment can stimulate repair of intestinal injuries in newborn piglets. The study aims to understand why humans and other young animals have trouble repairing these injuries, with potential implications for treatments.
JE is transmitted to pigs as rapidly in Cambodian peri-urban areas as rural areas
Researchers found JE virus infection rates similar in rural and peri-urban pigs in Cambodia, with potential implications for vaccination strategies. The study's findings suggest that JE virus circulation is intense in both settings, highlighting the need for updated recommendations.
Japanese encephalitis also affects urban areas
A study by CIRAD researchers found that Japanese encephalitis circulates as intensely in Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital, as it does in rural areas. Vaccinating children remains the best way to protect humans, while vaccinating sows and controlling mosquitoes can reduce virus circulation.
New soft bioelectronic mesh tested on human wrist and pulsating pig's heart
Researchers developed a wearable and implantable device that measures electrophysiological signals and applies electrical and thermal stimulations. It was successfully used on a human wrist to monitor the electrical activity of heart and muscles.
UTMB researchers successfully transplant bioengineered lung
Researchers at UTMB have developed a method to bioengineer human lungs in a lab, without any medical complications. The study used a support scaffold made from lung proteins and successfully transplanted them into adult pigs, with the animals surviving for several months post-transplant.
Manure slipping through (soil) cracks
Researchers found that liquid hog manure increases water infiltration depth into cracking clay soils, but not beyond 39 inches. This discovery suggests not all clay-rich soils behave the same, and knowledge gaps remain about soil water flow in vertisols, especially with organic additions.
Monkeys benefit from the nut-cracking abilities of chimpanzees and hogs
Mangabey monkeys scavenge on nuts cracked by chimpanzees and hogs, accessing food sources not available otherwise. This behavior suggests elevated vigilance among mangabeys at these sites, potentially due to perceived predation risk.
Can nanoparticles be used to lower antibiotic resistance?
Engineers at the University of Houston are developing nanoparticles loaded with antibiotics to reduce dosages and prevent microbiome damage. The study, supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, aims to find alternative methods to combat antibiotic resistance.
Illinois study finds benefits and tradeoffs in feeding rice bran to pigs
A new study from the University of Illinois provides information on the effects of rice bran on growth performance and carcass quality of growing-finishing pigs. The results show that including 30% full-fat rice bran in diets improves gain-to-feed ratio without affecting carcass characteristics or meat quality.
Gene-edited pigs are resistant to billion dollar virus, study finds
Scientists have created gene-edited pigs that resist Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) by removing a section of the CD163 receptor. The research shows that these pigs do not become infected with the virus, which causes significant economic losses in the pig industry.
Pigs digest fiber efficiently even at high inclusion rates, study finds
Researchers found that pigs can ferment fiber in their hindgut without a decrease in efficiency up to 30% inclusion rate. The energy utilization from high-fiber diets is mainly affected by faster passage through the digestive tract, rather than fermentation capacity.
Pigs that digest their nutrients could reduce pork industry's carbon footprint
Genetically modified pigs have been shown to digest key nutrients in their feed, reducing environmental impact. The study found that these pigs can absorb more nitrogen and phosphorus from their grains, lowering emissions and improving feed efficiency.
Pig immunology comes of age: Killer T cell responses to influenza
Researchers have generated tools to understand the pig immune system's killer T cell responses to influenza, allowing for the design of more effective vaccines. The breakthrough research uses a unique line of pigs and can be applied to other important pig diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and African swine fever.
New pig virus found to be a potential threat to humans
A new pig virus, porcine deltacoronavirus, has been found to be transmitted to humans and other species through cellular receptors. Researchers have confirmed the virus's ability to bind to cells in pigs and other animals, raising concerns about its potential to cause disease.
Reducing tapeworm infection could improve academic performance, reduce poverty
A Stanford-led study reveals high levels of tapeworm infection among school-age children in China, which can cause cognitive deficits and epilepsy. The researchers propose solutions to reduce infections and improve education outcomes, including community education and medication distribution.
Reprogrammed stem cell-derived neurons survive long-term in pigs with spinal cord injuries
Researchers successfully grafted induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural precursor cells into the spinal cords of genetically identical adult pigs, eliminating the need for immunosuppression measures. The grafted cells survived long-term and displayed differentiated functionality without causing tumors.
Researchers find genetic 'dial' can control body size in pigs
A genetic 'dial' controlling body size has been discovered in pigs, with decreased size observed at varying levels of gene expression. The study found that pigs with normal gene expression were average-sized, while those with one copy expressed had a 25% reduction and those without any expressed had a 75% reduction.
Living close to a livestock farm linked to lowered allergy risk among adults
Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine found that adults living closer to farms had lower rates of allergic sensitization, with proximity to pigs and cattle being particularly significant. Long-term exposure to farm environments was also associated with reduced allergy risk.
If pigs could fly
A recent study by University of Guam researcher Ann Marie Gawel suggests that feral pigs might be an unlikely forest ally in regenerating native plant species on the island. Pigs were found to have a positive impact on seed dispersal in limestone karst forests, whereas deer had negative effects.
ArunA biomedical study published in Stroke, exosomes improved recovery in stroked pigs
The study published in Stroke demonstrates that neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (NSC EVs) improved tissue and functional recovery in pigs following ischemic stroke. The results also showed NSC EV treatment was neuroprotective, eliminated intracranial hemorrhage, and improved behavior and mobility.
New coronavirus emerges from bats in China, devastates young swine
A new coronavirus identified in bats is linked to the devastating death of nearly 25,000 piglets in China. The virus, named SADS-CoV, does not infect humans and was contained through swift action by farmers.
Pig model of Huntington's offers advantages for testing treatments
A team of scientists has established a pig model of Huntington's disease using genetic engineering technology, offering a practical way to test treatments. The pig model closely matches human symptoms and provides advantages over existing mouse models in terms of size and delivery of treatments.
Anti-viral components in soybean meal may promote growth and health in pigs
Researchers found that soy-derived isoflavones and saponins have anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant effects on pigs. These compounds promote growth and help pigs recover faster from PRRSV infection.
Kansas State University researcher studies risk of African swine fever in feed
African swine fever virus may survive in feed ingredients, posing a significant risk to the U.S. swine industry. Researchers are working to understand this risk and develop mitigation tools to prevent the virus from being introduced through feed.
Prenatal choline intake increases grey and white matter in piglets
A study found that prenatal choline intake increases grey and white matter in piglets' brains. Piglets from mothers with sufficient choline had higher concentrations of grey and white matter, while those from deficient mothers had smaller brain regions.
Neuroimaging reveals lasting brain deficits in iron-deficient piglets
A study found that iron-deficient piglets exhibit reduced iron content and structural deficiencies in key brain regions, including the hippocampus. After iron supplementation, these deficits persisted, highlighting the long-lasting impact of early-life iron deficiency on brain development.
Tiny drug-delivering capsules could sustain transplanted insulin-producing cells
Researchers have developed tiny capsules that can sustain transplanted insulin-producing cells, increasing their viability and function. The capsules contain a drug that improves cell survival in low-oxygen conditions.
Farmed seafood and livestock stack up differently using alternate feed efficiency measure
A new study found that farmed fish and shrimp convert protein and calories in feed to edible products at rates similar to livestock. Researchers assessed feed composition, feed conversion ratios, and nutritional content to provide a more complete understanding of feed efficiency across species.
Copper hydroxychloride in diets fed to weanling pigs improves performance and health
Research at the University of Illinois found that copper hydroxychloride improves growth performance and reduces diarrhea in weanling pigs. The supplement also shows less frequent and severe diarrhea, with improved final body weight and daily feed intake.
Prebiotics in infant formula could improve learning and memory and alter brain chemistry
A study found that prebiotics in infant formula can enhance memory and exploratory behavior in piglets, suggesting a potential link between gut health and brain development. The researchers also discovered changes in volatile fatty acid concentrations and serotonin levels in the brains of pigs fed with prebiotic supplements.