New studies indicate even dinosaurs experienced cancer
Investigators may have uncovered a critical clue for human cancer studies dating back nearly 70 million years. The crucial evidence is actually the fossilized remains of a diminutive, cow-sized dinosaur, which scientists assert bore a small tumor. They have now associated what seems to be red blood cells with the tumor, demonstrating that dinosaurs might have faced cancer millions of years ago, as well.
This finding signifies more than merely that dinosaurs suffered from cancer; it also suggests that tissue could be present in other fossils and that it may have been preserved more frequently than previously thought. The techniques that enabled this discovery are also relatively underutilized, according to the researchers.
Moving forward, however, the conservation of these samples is vital, as comprehending how dinosaurs coped with cancer might lead to significant advancements in human cancer research. Given the progress scientists have made in innovative cancer therapies over the years, such findings could significantly aid future investigations.
Fortunately, proteins located in calcified tissues such as bone are considerably more stable than typical DNA. Furthermore, as we delve deeper into the genetics of the dinosaurs found in these fossils, we might reveal more about how cancer impacted the broader population of dinosaurs. It is known that some species, like elephants and whales, do not develop cancer.
The tumor discovered on this specific dinosaur is a type still observed in humans today, indicating that this kind of tumor has been affecting animals on Earth for millions of years. Learning how they managed it without modern medical interventions could potentially unveil further avenues for researchers.
Naturally, locating additional dinosaur tissue for examination will not be straightforward. There is no method to ascertain when tissue will still be intact in a fossil. Yet, ongoing exploration could yield tissue and DNA that investigators can utilize in their efforts to comprehend not only the past but also our current position in the battle against lethal diseases like cancer.
