Topic: Nervous culprit found for Tassie devil facial tumor disease

[Orstio]

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Cells that protect nerves are the likely origin of the Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) that has been devastating Australia's Tasmanian devil population, an international team of scientists has discovered.

Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) is a transmissible cancer that affects only Tasmanian devils and was first reported in 1996. It is spread by biting and quickly kills the animals. The disease is characterised by large tumours, mostly on the face and mouth, which often spread to internal organs.

The research collaboration, led by Australian scientists, has found that DFTD originates from cells called Schwann cells, which protect peripheral nerve fibres.

The results have been published today in the international journal Science.

[Sarah90]

This has been taken further by a local GP (Alison Bleaney) and a marine ecologist, (Dr. Marcus Scammell) in the NE area of Tasmania where many tests were done re plantation trees (genetically modified).

This is a long story. http://www.abc.net.au/austory/content/2007/s2820402.htm Basically, the Tasmanian Govmnt. refuses to recognise the issues. (And apparently the Federal Govt. too).

And then, Pt. 2: http://www.abc.net.au/austory/content/2007/s2827178.htm