Tasmanian devils are adapting to their gnarly face cancer

For years, Tasmanian devils have been ravaged by gnarly facial tumors, cutting their numbers and pushing them toward extinction — but a new study suggests they may pull through after all.

Scientists at the University of Tasmania have been collecting genetic samples from the devils since before the cancer started spreading. That let an international team of researchers analyze genetic changes — which showed that these bad-tempered teddy bears are evolving in response to the disease, according a report in the journal Nature Communications.

Tasmanian devils are known for their love nips

The problem with the facial tumors is that they’re contagious — and Tasmanian devils are known for their love nips. They bite each other on the face a...