Pig organ transplants back in the spotlight.

A specific type of pig cell could soon be transplanted into humans, according to a senior immunology researcher, reigniting the prospect of pig organs ultimately being used in life-saving operations.

The cells most likely to be used first are islet cells from the pancreas, which produce insulin and could be transplanted to help some people with type 1 diabetes to regulate their blood sugar.

Read more from the Sydney Morning Herald here.