Scientists have invented a device that can keep a brain alive and functioning independent from the rest of the body.

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center in the US were able to isolate the blood flow to the brain of a pig anesthatised with ketamine, while a computerised algorithm maintained the necessary blood pressure, volume, temperature and nutrients that the organ requires.

The team of neurologists reported that the brain activity saw minimal changes over a five-hour period, d