Scientists aim to use bat biology secrets to improve human health

UPDATE - follow-up to Bats first originated in Europe 65 million years ago, scientists say: Researchers plan to use the extraordinarily long lives and disease resistance of bats to design new ways to improve human health, following a major new study.

Health Potential

Scientists spent decades building an enormous dataset that includes 103 species representing every one of the extant 21 families of bats. Today, no less than 1,500 species of bats exist across the globe, presenting extraordinary evolutionary adaptations. Several species host a diversity of viruses without overt disease symptoms and show unique immune adaptations. Some species are also exceptionally long-lived compared with other mammals of similar body size.

Research Goals

Co-author Sonja Vernes from the University of St. Andrews and Bat1K founder told The Hindu that researchers now have an extraordinary genomic resource. Prof. Vernes stated that scientists can start searching for the genetic mechanisms that make it possible for bats to live such long lives while resisting disease. The long-term goal is to use this knowledge to design bat-inspired approaches that could improve human health.

Context

Biomedical researchers frequently study unique traits in wild animals to find new treatments for human conditions. Bats represent a massive group containing one fifth of all living mammals, yet their genetics remain relatively under-explored compared to standard laboratory animals. Understanding how certain mammals resist viral symptoms could eventually lead to new medical therapies.