Cedric has good genes. This feisty Tasmanian devil(Sarcophilus harrisii) named Cedric by researchers has something other devils do not have. Its not just sex appeal, but he probably has that too. The Independent reports Cedric is immune to the cancer that is killing devils to the point of extinction. The cancer forms tumors on the animals' muzzle and because the cancer is contagious it is spread when the animals fight--and Tasmanian devils fight a lot, hence the name--over food or mates. The disease takes root in the mouth and tumor development pushes out teeth. Many devils die of starvation. When Cedric was injected with killed cancer cells, his immune system formed antibodies. His half brother Clinky was not so lucky. The development holds the only hope so far in the five year battle to save the animal from certain extinction. Cedric could be the foundation of an effective vaccine and a breeding program to immunize other devils. Before now the only solution appeared to be a quarantine program in which uninfected devils would be trapped and transported to one of the island's isolated peninsulas or offshore islets. Half the population has been killed in the last decade and two thirds of Tasmania is affected by the disease. There may be only 20,000 devils left. If Cedric survives and other disease resistant devils are located, a program to immunize the remnant can be undertaken. Good on ya, Cedric.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Hope for the Devil
Cedric has good genes. This feisty Tasmanian devil(Sarcophilus harrisii) named Cedric by researchers has something other devils do not have. Its not just sex appeal, but he probably has that too. The Independent reports Cedric is immune to the cancer that is killing devils to the point of extinction. The cancer forms tumors on the animals' muzzle and because the cancer is contagious it is spread when the animals fight--and Tasmanian devils fight a lot, hence the name--over food or mates. The disease takes root in the mouth and tumor development pushes out teeth. Many devils die of starvation. When Cedric was injected with killed cancer cells, his immune system formed antibodies. His half brother Clinky was not so lucky. The development holds the only hope so far in the five year battle to save the animal from certain extinction. Cedric could be the foundation of an effective vaccine and a breeding program to immunize other devils. Before now the only solution appeared to be a quarantine program in which uninfected devils would be trapped and transported to one of the island's isolated peninsulas or offshore islets. Half the population has been killed in the last decade and two thirds of Tasmania is affected by the disease. There may be only 20,000 devils left. If Cedric survives and other disease resistant devils are located, a program to immunize the remnant can be undertaken. Good on ya, Cedric.