The dangers of animal-to-human transplants

The news that a pig virus may have contributed to the death of David Bennett, the world's first human recipient of a pig heart, was predictable.

The public doesn't like tinkering that could expose them toviruses that jump from species to species. Humane research methods and treatments for cardiovascular disease, including advanced computer modelling and engineered human and plant tissues, are proving far more accurate than trials and errors on animals.

Changing US law to presume consent for organ donation, as is the case in England, would make many more human organs available, and xenotransplantation, which is a real killer, should be thrown away. Julia Baines is a science policy manager.