An abundance of genes that interact with viruses helps bats stay healthy despite huge viral loads. UC Berkeley scientists are finding that these same genes play a role in longevity
By Robert Sanders
This longeared bat, Myotis evotis, was captured in Arizona by researchers from UC Berkeley and the University of Arizona. The scientists took tissue samples from the wings before releasing it and used the samples to sequence the bat's genome and to establish cell cultures for study.
Elise Lauterbur
August 26, 2026
