Surgeons transplant genetically modified pig liver into Chinese patient

Organ appears to function for 10 days, raising prospect of short-term use for those on transplant list

A genetically modified pig liver that was transplanted into a brain-dead patient appeared to function successfully inside their body for 10 days, according to the scientists who performed the groundbreaking procedure.

The surgery, at a Chinese hospital last year, is thought to mark the first time a pig liver has been transplanted into a human. It raises the prospect of pig livers serving as a bridging organ" for patients on the waiting list for a transplant or to support liver function while their own organ regenerates.