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Bob and all - The fact of the matter is that pig cells do "take" when placed in the human brain. One of the participants in Genzyme/Diacrin's Phase 1 study died from an unrelated condition. An autopsy of his brain showed that the implanted cells had indeed survived. I am a member of this first group of 12 patients. It has been over 4 years since my procedure and I am here to tell you that it has made an enormous difference in my life. Before the surgery I used a cane, then a walker, and finally a wheelchair was needed more frequently. I couldn't cut food very well, my speech was poor, etc. Now, the cane, walker, and wheelchair are in the garage. Two weeks ago I traveled alone to Washington, DC. This would have been impossible before the operation. I am NOT cured nor do I feel this medical technology is for everyone. And we have no idea how long the cells will function. But the facts are simple. I am doing and feeling better. Again, read my online diary about all this: http://www.geocities.com/jimcfinn/index.html Warmly - Jim