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Contagious Cancer

All articles tagged with #contagious cancer

Atlantic-origin contagious cancer hits Puget Sound clams, signaling marine disease risk
science21 days ago

Atlantic-origin contagious cancer hits Puget Sound clams, signaling marine disease risk

Scientists identified a fast-spreading case of bivalve transmissible neoplasia in Puget Sound soft-shell clams, with genetic evidence linking the outbreak to Atlantic Coast lineages; infection rates at two sites surpassed 75% by 2024, and environmental DNA found cancer-related material in nearby waters, highlighting potential impacts on marine ecosystems and coastal communities and prompting monitoring of disease spread in wild shellfish.

Centuries-Long Spread of Bizarre Cancer Among Shellfish Unveiled
science-and-environment2 years ago

Centuries-Long Spread of Bizarre Cancer Among Shellfish Unveiled

Scientists have discovered that a bizarre form of contagious cancer has been spreading among shellfish for centuries, possibly even thousands of years. The cancer cells, which invade and multiply inside their victims, have been found in various species of shellfish, including soft-shell clams, mussels, and cockles. Researchers have identified numerous mutations in the cancer cells, indicating their long history of transmission. The discovery of contagious cancers in shellfish may provide insights into the nature of cancer and potential targets for treatment.