PNRI in the news: Researchers Rush to Find Cause of Contagious Cancer in PNW Clams

Metzger Lab members dig for cockle samples at Penn Cove on Whidbey Island. — Metzger Lab members dig for cockle samples at Monroe Landing on Whidbey Island. (Karen Ducey/The Seattle Times)

Dr. Michael Metzger’s research on the contagious cancer spreading among Pacific Northwest cockles and our partnership with the local Suquamish Tribe to save the local shellfish population is featured in the May 22nd issue of The Seattle Times: Researchers rush to find cause of contagious cancer in PNW clams | The Seattle Times.

Pacific Northwest basket cockle in gloved hand — Pacific Northwest basket cockle (Karen Ducey/The Seattle Times)

This story is an excellent example of PNRI’s ethos of looking for discovery in unexpected places. Dr. Metzger and a team of international collaborators are investigating how some organisms resist cancer by studying contagious cancers found in marine bivalves, such as cockles and clams. This research aims to glean important clues into how cancer evolves.

You can learn more about the Metzger Lab’s international collaboration here.

Photo credit: Karen Ducey/The Seattle Times

PNRI in the news: Researchers Rush to Find Cause of Contagious Cancer in PNW Clams

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