Researchers had high hopes for Cedric the Tasmanian devil: They believed he was the first member of the species to be immune to the deadly facial cancer that is rapidly devastating devil populations. Now, in a major setback, Cedric has grown two small tumors and researchers are back to square one. Many experts believe that the infectious cancer, called devil facial tumor disease, could drive the species to extinction within 20 years if it goes unchecked.
Cedric was captured in western Tasmania last year, along with his half-brother, Clinky. Both were injected with dead tumours by scientists. Clinky produced no antibodies, but Cedric did, and appeared to have built-in defences against the illness [BBC News].
However, the next step yielded worse results. Researchers injected two live strains of the disease into Cedric's cheek in an attempt to prove his immunity, but two small tumors grew at the injection sites. The ...
