SHARE

FOCUS
The mystery behind bats
These placental mammals are vectors of diseases, such as Nipah, which is currently affecting India. However, they could also be a source of cure. Biologist Thiago Bernardi Vieira, from the Federal University of Para in Brazil, is the recipient of a research grant entitled “The Least Known Bat Species in Brazil” to gather basic data on the bats of the Amazon rainforest. Here are some of his findings. (Photos: Reuters)
In the Amazon, there are countless species of native bats that have yet to be studied or discovered. With the limited funds available to researchers, scientists do not believe they will be able to unravel the mysteries of the Amazon anytime soon.
For reasons including their sheer number and diversity, although these animals are a significant reservoir of pathogens that can sicken people, they can also cure them.
One scientist from the University of Brasilia is analyzing the antibacterial and anticoagulant properties of bat venom under the microscope.
“We don’t know anything,” says Vieira, who recently received an investment of 21000 dollars to continue his research. Due to the large size of the Amazon rainforest, some scientists see Brazil as the likely cradle of a future pandemic.
Previous slide
Next slide
FOCUS
The mystery behind bats
These placental mammals are vectors of diseases, such as Nipah, which is currently affecting India. However, they could also be a source of cure. Biologist Thiago Bernardi Vieira, from the Federal University of Para in Brazil, is the recipient of a research grant entitled “The Least Known Bat Species in Brazil” to gather basic data on the bats of the Amazon rainforest. Here are some of his findings. (Photos: Reuters)
In the Amazon, there are countless species of native bats that have yet to be studied or discovered. With the limited funds available to researchers, scientists do not believe they will be able to unravel the mysteries of the Amazon anytime soon.
For reasons including their sheer number and diversity, although these animals are a significant reservoir of pathogens that can sicken people, they can also cure them.
One scientist from the University of Brasilia is analyzing the antibacterial and anticoagulant properties of bat venom under the microscope.
“We don’t know anything,” says Vieira, who recently received an investment of 21000 dollars to continue his research. Due to the large size of the Amazon rainforest, some scientists see Brazil as the likely cradle of a future pandemic.