ST. PAUL, MINN. — The condition of 24 pork processing plant workers in Minnesota and Indiana who developed a mysterious neurological disorder last year have improved, but researchers said they still have some symptoms, according to The Associated Press. Each of the employees worked in or near areas where compressed air was used to extract pig brains.

Although researchers still don't know the exact cause of their illnesses, they believe the spray of liquefied pig brain tissue triggered an autoimmune response that caused nerve damage.

The study led by the Mayo Clinic indicates 17 workers were treated with immune therapy, such as steroids. Six others had no treatment but improved after they were no longer exposed to the brain tissue.

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