When undone science stifles innovation: the case of the Tasmanian devil cancer

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Prometheus

Volume 33, Issue 3

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When undone science stifles innovation: the case of the Tasmanian devil cancer

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Author(s): Josephine Warren

Publication date (Print): 1 September 2015

Journal: Prometheus

Publisher: Pluto Journals

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Abstract

Gaps or deficits in knowledge present opportunities for new and innovative research, but when studies are undone much is lost. The concept of ‘undone science’ can be understood within related concepts, including ignorance, nescience, non-knowledge and the chilling effect. The Tasmanian devil cancer, devil facial tumour disease (DFTD), is a new and novel cancer, potentially providing many opportunities for innovative research. The contagious cancer hypothesis for DFTD is also novel. In the research it has sponsored, the Tasmanian government elected to follow this pathway, neglecting an alternative plausible hypothesis that toxins in the devils' environment may have played a role in the initiation or progression of the cancer. The studies were not viewed as opportunities to fill gaps in devil cancer knowledge, and remain undone.

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Author and article information

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Josephine Warren

Journal

Journal ID (doi): 10.2307/j50022063

Journal ID (jcode): prometheus

Title: Prometheus

Publisher: Pluto Journals

ISSN: 0810-9028

ISSN: 1470-1030

Publication date (Print): 1 September 2015

Volume: 33

Issue: 3 ( doiID: 10.1080/prometheus.33.issue-3 )

Pages: 257-276

Affiliations

School of Humanities and Social Inquiry, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia

Article

Publisher ID: 08109028.2016.1168202

DOI: 10.1080/08109028.2016.1168202

SO-VID: 64516ae6-029a-400e-9296-8c061fb1c71f

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ScienceOpen disciplines: Computer science,Arts,Social & Behavioral Sciences,Law,History,Economics

Notes

At the time my research was conducted, the list contained only publications up to July 2011. It was updated on 13 August 2015. List available from http://www.tassiedevil.com.au/tasdevil.nsf/Research/439C797EFD63B24BCA257761002EB4D0 [accessed February 2016].
PBDEs persist in the environment and accumulate in living organisms. Toxicological testing indicates that these chemicals may cause liver toxicity, thyroid toxicity and neurodevelopmental toxicity.
Email dated 23 April 2007.
A limited version of the toxicology results is available from http://www.sourcewatch.org/images/d/d3/Tasmanian_devil_POPs_residues_in_fat%28new%29.pdf [accessed February 2016].
Email from DPIWE to NMI dated 11 April 2007.
Email from Alan Fletcher Research Station to DPIWE, 25 May 2007.
Personal communication with National Association of Testing Authorities, Brisbane, Queensland, 19 May 2009.
Save the Tasmanian devil website. Although it states the two reports are available (see links below), Moore's report does not appear. Available from http://www.tassiedevil.com.au/tasdevil.nsf/TheDisease/01E084030D8DE533CA2576D200176CC3 [accessed February 2016].

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[1] At the time my research was conducted, the list contained only publications up to July 2011. It was updated on 13 August 2015. List available from http://www.tassiedevil.com.au/tasdevil.nsf/Research/439C797EFD63B24BCA257761002EB4D0 [accessed February 2016].

[2] PBDEs persist in the environment and accumulate in living organisms. Toxicological testing indicates that these chemicals may cause liver toxicity, thyroid toxicity and neurodevelopmental toxicity.

[3] Email dated 23 April 2007.

[4] A limited version of the toxicology results is available from http://www.sourcewatch.org/images/d/d3/Tasmanian_devil_POPs_residues_in_fat%28new%29.pdf [accessed February 2016].

[5] Email from DPIWE to NMI dated 11 April 2007.

[6] Email from Alan Fletcher Research Station to DPIWE, 25 May 2007.

[7] Personal communication with National Association of Testing Authorities, Brisbane, Queensland, 19 May 2009.

[8] Save the Tasmanian devil website. Although it states the two reports are available (see links below), Moore's report does not appear. Available from http://www.tassiedevil.com.au/tasdevil.nsf/TheDisease/01E084030D8DE533CA2576D200176CC3 [accessed February 2016].