Are we really that replaceable?

A fascinating new book explores the science of regenerative medicine... and reveals just how close we are coming to defying ageing and illness

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Roach topic - replacing bits and pieces of the body. An early chapter sees the writer fly 6,000 miles to investigate the latest advances in animal-to-human transplantation. The process of transferring tissue or organs from one species to another is known as xenotransplantation. For organs, pigs are the most promising donors.

The stakes are particularly high in China, where cultural beliefs mean donation rates lag behind other nations.

Biotech firm ClonOrgan is cultivating the country's largest population of genetically modified pigs, so this is where Mary headed. But when her hosts stopped their car across the river from the high-tech facility that houses their donors, it became clear she was not going to get up close and personal.