Improving human health and health security through the study of bat biology.

Among the most misunderstood of all animals in the world, bats have undeservedly received a bad reputation and remain understudied. Over the last 65+ million years, bats have developed many remarkable physiological traits that may very well hold the key to improving human health and health security.
 

In addition to powered flight, bats have evolved the ability to control inflammation, tolerate viral infection, resist cancer, accept extreme diets, and live exceptionally long lives for a mammal of their size. However, the elusive lifestyle of bats coupled with a lack of scientific tools and reagents has made the study of these extraordinary animals difficult and slow going.
 

We are developing the tools and methods necessary to understand bat biology and apply these insights to identify and develop new therapies to address some of the most challenging health issues facing humankind.