Although hedgehogs are very primitive mammals and their development diverged from that of Homo Sapiens millennia ago, there is an interesting connection between the two. Researchers at two universities have discovered that the blood of both the European and African hedgehogs contains a lipoprotein identical to one of those found in human blood. This lipoprotein contributes to the formation of clots that cause heart attacks. In the past, the particular lipoprotein was only found in humans and a few nonhuman primates. Research is presently being conducted and our prickly little friends may eventually contribute a solution to a human health problem.
Tue Oct 02, 2012 2:24 pm
