Scientists 'keep pigs' brains alive without a body for up to 36 hours'

The brains, which are not conscious, are kept alive through the circulation of an oxygen-rich fluid through the organs

Researchers in the US say they have managed to keep the brains of decapitated pigs alive outside of the body for up to 36 hours by circulating an oxygen-rich fluid through the organs.

While the scientists, led by Yale University neuroscientist Nenad Sestan, say the brains are not conscious, they add the feat might help researchers to probe how the brain works, and aid studies into experimental treatments for diseases ranging from cancer to dementia.