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Thursday, October 28, 2010

Photo: Flame Retardants Found in Rare Tasmanian Devils


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A Tasmanian devil is released into the wild in October 2005 after being captured to check for signs of the deadly devil facial-tumor disease. The unusual cancer has been spreading rapidly, decimating the marsupial's populations.

A recent study found "high" levels of flame retardants in some devils' fat, a result that caused some observers to suspect the chemicals might have something to do with the cancer. But others are more cautious, saying a direct link is unlikely.

Photograph by Adam Pretty/Getty Images