BGI today announces the online publication in Science of the
latest findings through genomic analysis of two distantly related bat species,
the Black flying fox (Pteropus alecto) and David’s Myotis (Myotis davidii). The
work here provides new insight into the genetic mechanisms underlying the evolution
of flight and immunity of bats, and also opens the way for addressing major
gaps into understanding of bat biology and provides new directions for future
research.
Bats are often characterized as creepy, disease-carrying,
and even blood-sucking animals as often depicted in horror movies. The
centuries of myths and misinformation make them one of the least studied and
most misunderstood animals. However, in recent years, more and more scientists
have been irresistibly attracted to their specific traits, such as the capacity
for sustained flight, and the feature that bats could coexist with some of the
world’s most deadly viruses, such as Nipah, Hendra, Ebola and SARS.