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Shark DNA could help cure cancer and age-related illnesses in human

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A new study maps the DNA of sharks and experts believe their genes could help cure human diseases.
https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-47291697

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by Newbie (480 points)
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Although this is not fully proven, scientists and other people believe the DNA in sharks, specifically great white sharks, can help humans with cancer and other human diseases. Blood clots, healing of wounds, and cancer could be cured from the shark's DNA because of their ability to quickly recover from serious wounds. Another source I found talking about this discovery is, https://www.biospace.com/article/could-great-white-shark-dna-hold-a-secret-to-cure-cancer-/. As promising as this sounds, it hasn't been fully put to the test and proven correct.

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by Newbie (250 points)

Hello, according to my research, this is a real study being done by Dr. Mahmood Shivji, however, it is not fully proven and therefore it is not a fact. They are continuing efforts to prove this statement. 

Check out these Links I found related to the study: 

https://ocean.si.edu/ocean-life/sharks-rays/dr-mahmood-shivji

https://saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast/what-can-we-learn-from-a-sharks-dna

Can't be true or false (Opinion, poem, etc.)
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by Newbie (240 points)

As far as I can tell, the claims being made in this article could be possible. But none of the claims have been tested as of yet. Scientists have only just decoded the entire great white shark genome. ( Oncology Central - Could shark DNA contain cancer-protective capabilities?  ) So cancer research has not begun. While the title does not specifically state that it has, it will lead readers to believe that it has. 

Exaggerated/ Misleading
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ago by Newbie (300 points)

This claim does not have enough information to be true or false. Humans have unstable genes, which is why we have diseases such as cancer. And animals who live in the wild have more stable genes because of high diversity from thousands of years of natural selection favoring traits to enhance survival. Great White sharks are being used as an example because they are an apex predator of the ocean and have the ability to recover quickly from injuries. Something like this being proven would provide a more positive approach to sharks.

The article also mentions how they help fight against climate change by eating smaller creatures that produce carbon dioxide, but that isn't necessarily true. Every marine organism plays a role in the ocean ecosystem, and most contribute positively rather than negatively. Humans are responsible for climate change, and we should focus on protecting all ocean organisms, as maintaining this complex ecosystem is a delicate task. Many shark species are endangered and must be protected at all cost. If obtaining their genetic material requires harming them, it should not be done at all.

Shark DNA could help cure cancer and age-related illnesses in humans - BBC

Publications - Save Our Seas

White shark genome reveals ancient elasmobranch adaptations associated with wound healing and the maintenance of genome stability - PNAS

Preserving Genetic Diversity Gives Wild Populations Their Best Chance at Long-Term Survival - NOAA

IUCN Red List - sharks

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