From Nature · · 40s
Bat Genomes Unlock Evolutionary Secrets
Six bat species' reference genomes reveal how echolocation and immunity evolved.
In brief
Six bat species' reference genomes reveal how echolocation and immunity evolved. Bats evolved laryngeal echolocation and unique immunity through genetic changes. Originally reported by Nature.
First Bat Genomes
Scientists created reference-quality genomes for six bat species using long-read sequencing.
Echolocation Evolution
Genes for hearing evolved in the common bat ancestor, showing laryngeal echolocation is ancestral.
Immunity Boost
Bats lost inflammation genes but gained anti-viral immune genes for better virus resistance.
Viral Tolerance
Bat genomes show historical tolerance to viruses through viral integrations.
MicroRNA Changes
Bat-specific microRNA variations may control unique gene expression programs.
The takeaway
Bats evolved laryngeal echolocation and unique immunity through genetic changes.
