Mini pig (IMAGE) Aarhus University Caption Pigs resemble humans more than mice and rats do. But because pigs are more expensive to use as a model organism in research into new medicines, the small rodents are used more often. However, better knowledge about what makes pigs and humans similar could make pigs even more valuable in developing new medicines for humans. The photo shows a pig that has been bred to study atherosclerosis. Credit Jesper Rais/AU Communication Usage Restrictions Remember to give appropriate credit to photographer License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.