Bat Genome Project Opens Door to Human Health Insights

UPDATE - follow-up to Bats first originated in Europe 65 million years ago, scientists say: A new genomic database assembled by the Bat1K consortium now includes DNA from 103 bat species covering all 21 families. The effort involved 137 researchers from 64 countries and combined modern genomes with fossil DNA to refine the bat family tree. Analysis showed that flight and echolocation emerged almost at the start of bat evolution, long before the modern diversity appeared. The researchers also highlighted that many bats live far longer than similar‑sized mammals and can host many viruses without getting sick. Co‑author Prof. Sonja Vernes of the University of St. Andrews said the data will help pinpoint genetic mechanisms behind longevity and disease resistance, opening the possibility of bat‑inspired therapies for humans. She noted that some species migrate thousands of kilometres and thrive in varied climates, underscoring the adaptive advantage of flight. The paper in Nature calls for using this resource to explore immune adaptations that could inform vaccine design and ageing research. The consortium plans to expand the dataset with more species and to make the genomes publicly available for further studies.