In Mexico, scientists are using pigs to search for missing persons

• Scientists are using pigs to investigate the conditions of the burial of missing persons.
• In Mexico, over 130,000 people have gone missing, which is the highest figure in Latin America.
• The project unites scientists and families of missing persons to search for new solutions.

In Mexico, scientists are experimenting with new methods for searching for missing persons, using pigs as a "probe" for people. This project started in 2023 in the state of Jalisco, where over 15,500 people have gone missing. Scientists train pigs in clothing and keep them in different conditions to teach how this impacts the surrounding environment.

The project brings together researchers from the University of Guadalajara, the National Autonomous University of Mexico, and the University of Oxford. They are using a companion geophysical and biological cartography for data collection, which could help to locate the missing. The use of pigs allows studying how different burial conditions impact the surrounding nature, for example, on the growth of plants.

Since 2007, nearly 6,000 mass graves have been discovered in Mexico. According to UN data, the number of missing persons in Mexico exceeds 130,000, which is the highest figure in Latin America. Scientists believe that new technologies could assist in the searches, although results are still not evident.

The problem of missing persons

Missing persons in Mexico have become a widespread problem since the start of the war on drugs in 2006. Many families remain without support from the authorities in their searches, relying on evidence and their own resources. This results in only about 10% of cases being successfully resolved.

The project, launched in 2023, aims to unite science and active measures to solve this social problem. Scientists believe that their approach could generate new solutions, but also emphasize that technology is not a panacea.

The role of families

Families of missing persons are taking an active part in the project, providing important information for the searches. Researchers believe that collaboration with families is key to success. Some families, who are searching for their loved ones, express doubts about the effectiveness of new methods, while others are hopeful for positive results.

Tags: Research