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Max Stammnitz
Tasmanian Devils Face Threats from Rapidly Evolving Facial Cancers 
A genetic study tracked the evolution of two transmissible cancers currently ravaging populations of Tasmanian devils.
Tasmanian Devils Face Threats from Rapidly Evolving Facial Cancers 
Tasmanian Devils Face Threats from Rapidly Evolving Facial Cancers 

A genetic study tracked the evolution of two transmissible cancers currently ravaging populations of Tasmanian devils.

A genetic study tracked the evolution of two transmissible cancers currently ravaging populations of Tasmanian devils.

tasmanian devil

A tasmanian devil with its nose in the air
Deadly Facial Tumors Spur Tasmanian Devil Evolution: Study
Christie Wilcox, PhD | Jun 16, 2021 | 6 min read
The largest study to date of the animals’ genetics provides robust evidence that they are adapting to survive a highly lethal, contagious cancer scientists feared would cause their extinction.
a Tasmanian devil peaks out of a hollow log
How to Reintroduce a Long-Lost Species
Shawna Williams | Oct 20, 2020 | 9 min read
Conservation biologist John Ewen discusses the recent reintroduction of Tasmanian devils to mainland Australia after a 3,000-year absence and issues that need to be considered when bringing long-departed animals back into an area.
animals catch cancer infographic
Infographic: When Cancers Become Parasites
Katarina Zimmer | Apr 1, 2019 | 3 min read
Only a handful of contagious cancers are known to exist, yet they have attracted an increasing number of researchers worldwide trying to understand how and why they arise.
Human Cancer Drugs May Be Effective in Tasmanian Devils
Shawna Williams | Apr 9, 2018 | 2 min read
A new study reveals similarities between the transmissible cancers that infect the endangered marsupials, and hints at ways to treat them.
Tasmanian Devil Cancer Immunotherapy
Bob Grant | Mar 13, 2017 | 2 min read
Researchers in Australia claim to have successfully used immunotherapy to treat devil facial tumor disease.
Week in Review: August 29–September 2
Jef Akst | Sep 2, 2016 | 3 min read
Roger Tsien dies; the CRISPR patent dispute you’ve never heard of; immunotherapy for Alzheimer’s; Tasmanian devils developing resistance to transmissible cancer
Tasmanian Devils Developing Resistance to Transmissible Cancer
Abby Olena, PhD | Aug 30, 2016 | 2 min read
The marsupials’ genomes show evidence of a rapid evolutionary response to selection imposed by devil facial tumor disease.
Tasmanian Devil Antibodies Fight Cancer
Jef Akst | May 9, 2016 | 1 min read
The proteins could be the key to stopping the transmissible facial tumor disease that is threatening the species.
Second Contagious Cancer Found in Tasmanian Devils
Anna Azvolinsky | Dec 29, 2015 | 3 min read
A second fatal, transmissible cancer has been identified in the already endangered species.  
The Devil’s Details
Jesse Jenkins | Nov 1, 2014 | 4 min read
With the iconic Australian marsupial carnivore on the brink of extinction, Tasmanian researchers race to unlock the immunological mysteries of a disease threatening the species.
Poor Little Devils
Jesse Jenkins | Oct 31, 2014 | 1 min read
See the devastating infectious cancer that may drive the Tasmanian Devil to extinction.
Genome Digest
Cristina Luiggi | Mar 7, 2012 | 3 min read
Meet the species whose DNA has recently been sequenced.
Genome Digest
Megan Scudellari | Jun 28, 2011 | 2 min read
Meet the species whose DNA has recently been sequenced.
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