Winged purveyors of doom
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NewsFruit-only diet improves bats’ immune response to viruses
Fruit bats generate more diverse antibodies than mice, but overall have a weaker antibody response, according to a new study.
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NewsHibernation status matters when white-nose syndrome pathogen infects bats
The fungal pathogen that causes white-nose syndrome (WNS) in bats uses different cell entry strategies depending on the host’s hibernation status – cold and inactive, or warm and active.
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NewsRabies virus variants from marmosets are found in bats
Rabies virus variants closely related to variants present in White-tufted marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) have been detected in bats in Ceará state, Northeast Brazil.
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NewsMonitoring bats can help ID coronaviruses with pathogen potential
Researchers who found novel coronaviruses in UK bats say genetic surveys of the viruses should be regularly conducted, even if none of those viruses can infect humans yet.
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NewsBats disturbed by humans are more frequently infected with coronaviruses
Bats in human-dominated ecosystems have a higher prevalence of coronaviruses, increasing the possibility that these could be transmitted to humans.
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NewsBat mating swarms may be the key to solving the next pandemic
The evolution of viral tolerance in Myotis bats may help scientists prevent future pandemics, say researchers.
