Nature · 26 August 2026 · From issue 27
Insights into longevity and virus-driven adaptation from Myotis bat genomes
Long-lived bats evolved gene changes that fight viruses and may also block cancer and ageing.
Juan M. Vazquez, M. Elise Lauterbur et al.
Some bats live much longer than other mammals their size and rarely get cancer. They also carry many viruses without getting sick. Scientists compared genomes from eight closely related bat species and grew their cells in the lab. They found that these bats evolved special gene changes that help fight viruses and also seem to protect against cancer and ageing.
The number of closely related bat species whose genomes and cells were compared in this study.
Genome and lab-cell study only, no living bats tested.
Integrity screen: passed (3 checks) Checked 27 August 2026. Retraction record: none. DOI resolves at doi.org. Metadata record found (Nature). Read the source
This screen checks process signals. It does not tell you the findings are true.