A rodent that never gets cancer could hold the key to preventing or treating malignant tumours, say scientists.
Lab studies show the skin cells of the naked mole-rat are high in a natural sugary substance that stops tumours developing.
The findings could lead to new human cancer therapies in the long term, researchers report in Nature journal.
A similar version of the chemical is used as a medicine to treat arthritis and in anti-wrinkle jabs.
A team led by researchers from the University of Rochester, New York, US, investigated the anti-cancer properties of the naked mole-rat.
Unlike other small rodents, such as rats and mice, the curious creature does not get cancer in later life.
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