Monday, January 17, 2011

True or false: It's impossible for an animal to be immune to cancer?

True or false: It's impossible for an animal to be immune to cancer?
False - Naked mole rats are! They have an additional gene to prevent cell growth.


In addition, naked mole rats cannot feel pain because they lack a neurotransmitter that other mammals have called Substance P that sends pain signals to the brain. They also are one of the only mammals known to be eusocial; they live underground in colonies with a queen like ants and bees. They mostly eat tubers (like potatoes) and their own feces, and they live very long lives for rodents (up to 28 years!)

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