Interesting Opossum Article

[byarger]

This linked article on genetic mapping of a variety of opossum "Humble opossum's genetic map sheds light on humans" (http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070509/...um_genome_dc_1) provides for some interesting links to potential human medical benefits.

"Because this opossum develops melanoma skin cancer much as people do and its newborns can regenerate a severed spinal cord, scientists hope studying its genome can boost research into treating human skin cancer and neurological ailments."

So let's have a big cheer for opossums! These little guys have a lot going for them. So when you see an opossum, think potential medical breakthrough.

[gardener]

As much as they look like big ol oddball rats, that's about the cutest possum picture I've seen in quite a while...