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Photo of the Jamaican fruit bat (<em >Artibeus jamaicensis</em>) in flight.
The Evolution of Bats’ Super Immunity
Researchers generated complete genomes of two important bat species and explored their immune- and cancer-related genes.
The Evolution of Bats’ Super Immunity
The Evolution of Bats’ Super Immunity

Researchers generated complete genomes of two important bat species and explored their immune- and cancer-related genes.

Researchers generated complete genomes of two important bat species and explored their immune- and cancer-related genes.

bats

<em >Lymantria&nbsp;</em>species make ultrasonic, mechanical rasping noises when they hear bats nearby.&nbsp;
Many Moths Speak Up to Ward Off Bats
Connor Lynch | Dec 1, 2022 | 5 min read
A decade-long, multicontinent study suggests that acoustic defense strategies are more common among moths than previously imagined.
A brown and gray Daubenton&rsquo;s bat in midair, flying in the general direction of the camera with wings outstretched and mouth open.
Duplicated Gene Helps Bats Survive “Arms Race” With Viruses
Dan Robitzski | Nov 23, 2022 | 5 min read
Bats are known for staying healthy even while harboring viral infections. Now, research sheds light on how their unusual immune system evolved.
Three flying foxes (a type of bat) hanging upside down on a bare branch
Climate Change, Deforestation Drive Bat Virus Spillover Into Humans
Amanda Heidt | Nov 17, 2022 | 4 min read
Bats that experience food shortages due to climate change and habitat loss end up roosting in urban settings, where they shed more of the deadly Hendra virus. 
Countless bats swarming in the evening dusk
Bat Coronaviruses May Infect Tens of Thousands of People Yearly
Andy Carstens | Aug 10, 2022 | 2 min read
Parts of Southeast Asia where human and bat population densities are highest could be infection hotspots, a study finds.
Cougar leaving the mine entrance
A World of Wildlife in Abandoned Mines
Ian Rose | Jun 1, 2022 | 7 min read
Scientists reveal how mountain lions, elk, and other animals are making use of these underground areas in Colorado.
Bat perching upside down in a cave.
Some Bats Buzz Like Hornets to Deter Predators
Natalia Mesa, PhD | May 9, 2022 | 2 min read
The behavior is the first example of a mammal mimicking a more-dangerous species.
bat flying in front of tan building
Fruit Bats Echolocate During the Day Despite Having Great Vision
Natalia Mesa, PhD | Apr 20, 2022 | 4 min read
Contrary to what researchers had assumed, Egyptian fruit bats don’t rely solely on sight to orient themselves as they drink and forage for food in daylight. 
Common vampire bats on a black background
The Genes Vampires Lost
Alejandra Manjarrez, PhD | Oct 28, 2021 | 5 min read
According to a preprint, the common vampire bat lacks 13 genes present in other bat species, which may help explain their blood-only diet and other curious aspects of their lifestyle.
When Pursuing Prey, Bats Tune Out the World
Lisa Winter | May 1, 2021 | 2 min read
As they close in for the kill, the flying mammals use quieter echolocation to focus on the chase.
COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, pandemic, research, reverse genetics, toolkit, antibodies, RNA
Q&A: A Molecular Toolkit to Build SARS-CoV-2 Research Capacity
Asher Jones | Mar 3, 2021 | 6 min read
Sam Wilson discusses a user-friendly set of resources that he and his collaborators developed to aid labs pivoting to study COVID-19.
Yunnan province, China, bats, bat, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1, infectious disease, pandemic, coronavirus, climate change, modeling,
Are Climate-Driven Shifts in Bat Diversity to Blame for COVID-19?
Asher Jones | Feb 12, 2021 | 4 min read
A study proposes that habitat for bats—and their accompanying coronaviruses—has increased in southern Asia over the last century, but experts debate the reliability of the analysis.
Alterations in Immune Genes Make Bats Great Viral Hosts
Abby Olena, PhD | Oct 27, 2020 | 3 min read
Bat species use different strategies to dampen immune activation in response to viruses.
Spike Structure Gives Insight into SARS-CoV-2 Evolution
Abby Olena, PhD | Jul 16, 2020 | 3 min read
Researchers demonstrate that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is more stable and binds the human ACE2 receptor with much higher affinity than the spike protein of its closest known relative, bat coronavirus RaTG13.
thomas kunz boston university mammalogy mammalogists bats ecology covid-19 coronavirus pandemic obituary
Bat Ecologist Thomas Kunz Dies
Claire Jarvis | Jun 5, 2020 | 2 min read
The Boston University professor, who died of complications related to COVID-19, spent more than 40 years researching the lives of bats.
a person with a basket strapped to her back walks past terraced rice fields
NIH Cancels Funding for Bat Coronavirus Research Project
Shawna Williams | Apr 28, 2020 | 3 min read
The abrupt termination comes after the research drew President Trump’s attention for its ties to the Wuhan Institute of Virology.
Australian Lab Cultures New Coronavirus as Infections Climb
Jef Akst | Jan 29, 2020 | 2 min read
With more than 6,000 cases of the 2019-nCoV virus confirmed, researchers are hoping that studying the pathogen in the lab will help stop the outbreak.
bats hanging upside down
Where Coronaviruses Come From
Shawna Williams | Jan 24, 2020 | 6 min read
EcoHealth Alliance President Peter Daszak speaks with The Scientist about how pathogens like 2019-nCoV jump species, and how to head off the next pandemic.
Ecuadorian Cactus Absorbs Ultrasound, Enticing Bats to Flowers
Emily Makowski | Jan 17, 2020 | 4 min read
Many plants reflect ultrasonic waves, thereby attracting the pollinators, but one cactus takes a different approach.
Social Bonds Among Captive Vampire Bats Persist in the Wild
Emily Makowski | Nov 1, 2019 | 2 min read
Bats that share food with their hungry cage-mates stay close after being released.
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