Who believes that the Australian breakthrough may save Tasmanian devils (AFP)?”
SYDNEY (AFP) – Australian researchers have cracked the genetic origin of the deadly cancer that is threatening to wipe out Tasmanian devils, raising hopes Friday that the animal’s future is safe. Australian National University scientists said they have unlocked the genetic “fingerprint” of the contagious cancer which starves the dark, furry marsupial to death by disfiguring its face so badly it cannot eat. “It’s a uniquely horrible cancer, and it is critical to know about it at the genetic level,” Professor Jenny Graves said. “It has wiped out around 60 percent of the world’s devils and is likely to lead to their extinction in the wild within 30 to 50 years.” The scientists made the discovery by comparing the genes active in both healthy and sick Tasmanian devils, an animal now found only on the southern Australian island from which it derives its name. They found that the origin of the cancer was a tumour of a type of cell that normally wraps itself around nerves to insulate them. The
Australian breakthrough may save Tasmanian devils Fri Jan 1, 12:52 am ET SYDNEY (AFP) – Australian researchers have cracked the genetic origin of the deadly cancer that is threatening to wipe out Tasmanian devils, raising hopes Friday that the animal’s future is safe. Australian National University scientists said they have unlocked the genetic “fingerprint” of the contagious cancer which starves the dark, furry marsupial to death by disfiguring its face so badly it cannot eat. “It’s a uniquely horrible cancer, and it is critical to know about it at the genetic level,” Professor Jenny Graves said. “It has wiped out around 60 percent of the world’s devils and is likely to lead to their extinction in the wild within 30 to 50 years.” The scientists made the discovery by comparing the genes active in both healthy and sick Tasmanian devils, an animal now found only on the southern Australian island from which it derives its name. They found that the origin of the cancer was a tumour of a ty
