A ray of hope for the devil of Tasmania
2006/03/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria
Scientists are very concerned about infectious cancer that affects the Tasmanian devil. Due to this disease, the population of this animal, which is already scarce, is drastically decreasing. However, researchers have seen that there are few specimens that have some resistance to the disease, which has given them hope.
Cancer is spread by bites and affects the face. Bulges are removed, protruding, even in the eyes and mouth, preventing eating. Finally, six months after the onset of the first symptoms, they die.
But now they have seen that three affected females have survived more than a year. This means they are resistant in part. Moreover, the populations of eastern and western Tasmania are not genetically equal, and evil has only spread among those of the east.
Therefore, the genes of both populations are now being studied to find out if there are genetic variants that offer resistance. Perhaps this is the first steps to getting a vaccine or treatment.
