Seafood,
or specifically shellfish, is popular worldwide. When these delicacies living
populations starts dwindling, concerns may arise. Especially when this
happened to clams (soft-shell) in both the Chesapeake and Maine Bays in the
1970s and researchers could not find the cause. Not until now. Dr. Metzger and
his team of researchers found that the cause is a form of cancer which is not
only unstable but also contagious. Similar occurrences have been affecting
other species of shellfish (cockles, mussels, etc.) as well. These cells go through
unorthodox changes (which would normally destroy the cell) and survive
anyway.
This isn't isolated from only shellfish either, this is also found in certain
mammals (Tasmanian Devil and Dogs). The big question is, what if this happens
to humans? The Tasmanian Devils are an endangered species because of it, but
dogs' immune systems can destroy the cells with ease. Now we are facing an
unknown that may be scary but at the same time, it opens a whole new door. Dr.
Metzger expresses that this could be a way to uncover secrets about cancer
which could help other animals and people as well. A potential breakthrough in
medical technology would be astounding and may save numerous lives one day.
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