Evidently minipigs are all the rage… in the pharmaceutical industry?!!
“Minipigs are a most important species for dermatologic assessments. Minipig skin is a close correlate to human skin in comparison to the skin morphology of rodents, guinea pigs and rabbits. CBI has over 10 years experience with minipigs in dermatotoxicology studies and recommends them as the nonrodent species of choice. “ (http://www.compbio.com/dermatology-studies.php)
Species of choice! Wow. How flattering- don’t you wish someone would say that about you? If I were a minipig, my mini-apple stuffed cheeks would be blushing.
This is no joke. Its long past April Fools (but might give me some great ideas for next year). They even have whole scientific meetings dedicated to the minipig:
http://www.biologue.ku.dk/English_Version/Events/2007/MinipigSeminar/Minipig_seminar_Lund_final.pdf
Sounds like cult worship to me (although given the male propensity for bacon and other pork products this is nothing new… ooo- fabulous new marketable idea: Cadbury minipigs, bite sized bacon treats for Easter!).
I don’t know, I still like mice and rodents (as pets, not appetizers), but I do feel I missed out. I mean, how great would it be to say you did your PhD on minipigs!!!
Hi Shannon!
Just perusing your blog. you’re a very talented writer!