Tasmanian devil facial tumour research challenged: disease may not be declining after all

Cambridge scientists critique study that concluded the cancer was no longer a threat to species ’ survivalFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet ourmorning and afternoon news emails,free app ordaily news podcastCambridge researchers have challenged a previous study which had concluded that a facial cancer that devastated the Tasmanian devil population was on the decline.Devil facial tumour disease, a fatal cancer spread through biting and sharing of food, emerged in the 1980s. The spread of DFTD led to the species being listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 2008.Sign up for Guardian Australia ’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundupContinue reading...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Animals Wildlife Environment Cancer Tasmania Australia news Genetics Science Source Type: news