Photo: Flame Retardants Found in Rare Tasmanian Devils

Email to a Friend << Back to Full Story


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

EMAIL NEWSLETTER Photos and News of the Week

Get the top photos and news of the week from National Geographic News, plus occasional breaking-news alerts.

See Sample >>
Please enter a valid email address
Privacy Policy

MOST VIEWED NEWS

Total Solar Eclipse on August 1: Where, How to See It

PHOTOS: Rare Mummy Found With Strange Artifacts, Tattoo

PHOTOS: Over 100 "Quake Dogs" Get Medical Aid in China
NEWS FEEDS    After installing a news reader, click on this icon to download National Geographic News's XML/RSS feed. After installing a news reader, click on this icon to download National Geographic News's XML/RSS feed.

Get our news delivered directly to your desktop—free.
How to Use XML or RSS

ADVERTISEMENT

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC'S PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today's National Geographic Photo of the Day

• Today's Photo

• Download as Wallpaper

Photo and Headline Widget

Put our latest news and photos on your Web page or desktop—automatically updates! See Sample
Download Widget