Similar proteins protect the skin of humans and turtles.

A new study shows the similarities between the skin of turtles and man. The turtle shell is a highly successful concept of evolutionary development and its defensive function clearly distinguishes turtles and tortoises from other reptiles. In the study, the working group led by Leopold Eckhart investigated the genes responsible for the skin layers of the shell of the European terrapin and a North American species of turtle, in order to compare them with the genes of human skin. The study findings suggest that a hard shell was formed as the result of mutations in a group of genes known as the Epidermal Differentiation Complex (EDC). Comparisons of genome data from various reptiles suggest that the EDC mutations responsible occurred when turtles split off from other reptiles around 250 million years ago. This new study shows that evolutionarily related genes have a protective function both in humans and also in tortoises and turtles. It is hoped that comparing the skin of humans and animals will provide a better understanding of the interaction of proteins. In future, the knowledge derived from this may lead to medical applications, for example to improved treatment for psoriasis, in which EDC gene mutations are found. read more here;http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/11/151125104911.htm

SURGERY ON TURTLE TO REMOVE FISH HOOK.

A fishing hook has been removed from a turtle's stomach in a delicate operation undertaken by vets from Murdoch University.The animal was discovered by a member of the public, attached to a jetty in Bibra Lake by fishing line.She was taken to a vet in Hilton, where staff affectionately named her Paris Hilton, before she was taken to Perth Zoo.zoo vet Alisa Wallace said discarded fishing tackle often poses problems for oblong turtles, which live in lakes, rivers and swamps throughout WA's south west. "If they see some bait in the water they'll think that looks really tasty and they'll go and grab it," Dr Wallace said"It's quite common for fishermen to bring in turtles that they've accidentally hooked, or for people to find them with line hanging out of their mouths."The 90 minute operation saved the turtle; read about it;http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-11-12/fish-hook-dislodged-from-turtle27s-stomach/6936860