Why do Tasmanian Devil's get cancer? Why don't Naked Mole Rats get Cancer?

NOTE:We researched one animal who gets cancer and one who doesn't get cancer.

How do Tasmanian Devil's get cancer?

Tasmanian Devil's with large facial tumors were photographed in North East Tasmania during 1996.

A decade later, we know these characteristics are consistent with Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD).

DFTD is a fatal condition in Tasmanian Devil's, characterized by cancers around the mouth and head.

Side Note:

• Animals usually die within a few months of the cancer being visible.
• Tasmanian Devil's with facial tumors find it difficult to eat.
• Death results from starvation and the breakdown of body functionas as......
• ...... a result.

Naked Mole Rats

Naked Mole Rats in fact are prone to be cancer-free!

Naked Mole Rats have very loose skin and there cells do not touch each other.

The cells are held together by a this liquidy substance called HMW-HA.

When the cells in the Naked Mole Rats touch. They both become in active.

There live spans are very long (20-30 years). As they get older they stay active as well.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQEna4Qovq4

Work Sited Page

• http://www.tassiedevil.com.au/tasdevil.nsf/The-Disease/979FEB5F116CE371CA25...
• Dvorsky, George. "Scientists Have Figured out Why Naked Mole Rats Don't Get Cancer." Web log post. Io9. George Dvorsky, 20 June 2013. Web. 23 Oct. 2014.
• Gorbunova, Vera, and Andrei Seluanov. "The Inner Beauty of Naked Mole Rats." YouTube. YouTube, 24 Oct. 13. Web. 23 Oct. 2014.