{"id":13773,"date":"2026-10-13T08:48:42","date_gmt":"2026-10-13T13:48:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/president.missouri.edu\/blog\/?p=13773"},"modified":"2026-10-13T08:48:42","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T13:48:42","slug":"studying-pigs-to-save-and-improve-lives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/president.missouri.edu\/blog\/2026\/10\/13\/studying-pigs-to-save-and-improve-lives\/","title":{"rendered":"Studying pigs to save and improve lives"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Dr.<\/a>
Dr. Henry Wan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mizzou is recognized as one of the best foremost centers for swine genomics. Our facilities develop animal models to find solutions for the world\u2019s toughest diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer\u2019s disease and cystic fibrosis. In addition, our experts pioneer animal models for organ transplantation<\/a> in humans, contributing to a rapidly growing field with the potential to save thousands of lives. Mizzou researchers helped create animal models for the \u201cknockout\u201d process<\/a> that made many of today\u2019s advances possible. For researchers across the country, we continue to supply needed models, making Mizzou a destination for scientists at the forefront of progress in human and animal health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of these pioneers is Dr. Xiu-Feng Henry Wan, a Curators’ Distinguished Professor, who was recruited from Mississippi State University. Dr. Wan just received a $19 million NIH grant to investigate influenza and develop novel vaccines. This brings his total research award to over $60 million.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Swine<\/a>
Mizzou swine facilities<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

To continue this momentum of breakthroughs in swine research, we recently opened three new swine facility expansions with investments from the State of Missouri and the NIH. Each facility continues to strengthen Mizzou\u2019s role as one of America\u2019s leading research universities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To learn more about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n