University of Nicosia joins largest global bat genome and fossil study revealing origins and unique traits
The University of Nicosia is part of the largest study to date combining bat genomes and fossils, published today in Nature. The international Bat1K consortium analysed genetic material from 103 bat species and 44 extinct fossils, clarifying bat evolutionary history and suggesting bats likely originated in Europe before spreading worldwide. The study also supports that echolocation and flight evolved early in bats' history.
This comprehensive research enhances understanding of bats' exceptional longevity and disease resistance by comparing genetic features across species, which may have implications for human health. The study also examined 188 families of microRNAs to explore cellular regulation mechanisms, offering insights into bats' distinctive biology.
Dr Myrtani Pieri from the University of Nicosia emphasized the value of this collaboration for advancing knowledge applicable to human physiology and medicine. This work represents the first phase of Bat1K’s goal to study all living bat species, establishing a foundation for future biological and health-related research.
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