Recently, scientists have discovered something fascinating about the genetic makeup of bats. As many scientists and experts on wildlife know, bats have a unique genetic makeup, making them immune or resistant to certain diseases, one of these being cancer. Additionally bats are common distributors of life threatening diseases such as Ebola, rabies, and Covid-19. Since they transmit many diseases as a species and can tolerate many diseases, they may be useful in the suppression of outbreaks of diseases from animals to humans.
How Did Bats Evolve?
Bats, unlike many creatures, have an unusual ability to tolerate widespread and dangerous viruses. These peculiar characteristics have caught the interest of scientists around the world, which has allowed a surplus of information on how bats evolved. Through research conducted by scientists, with aid from the American Museum of Natural History, a series of tests was conducted on two specific genomes of two separate bat species. In the tests, scientists found a series of genetic adaptations; most notably finding 46 proteins relating to cancer. The finding of these proteins is significant because previous research found that these proteins can suppress cancer.
Humane Research?
Hopefully, the research on bats is humane and will not subject them to harsh living conditions. Colleen Dietz, a certified animal rehabilitator at Soul Animal Rescue and a chiropterologist says: “ I think just by keeping bats in captivity to study, it will be stressful on live animals. If they can isolate the protein without actually using bats, that will be the best case scenario for the animals.” Through extensive laboratory research scientists can compare the difference between other mammals and bats to gain a better insight into the biology of bats. Though it may take years, scientists could eventually find a cure.
What If Scientists Find a Cure?
After a series of studies on bats, it could be possible that scientists do find a cure. If scientists do find a cure in the future, millions of lives would be saved. Ms. Dietz explained, “The nature of medical research necessitates a long process to isolate the exact causes, then bridge it to human use, and run the necessary trials. I would imagine we would see progress in about 10 years.” If there’s a cure it would likely not be accessible to all; some in third world countries may not be able to afford it. For example, only three percent of people in third world countries were able to get COVID-19 vaccines when they were first released, whereas in first world countries, sixty percent of people had access to the vaccine. Even if the cure is found, it would most likely be very expensive for the average person. When the cure is found, whether from bats or something else entirely, many will benefit and cancer may be a thing of the past. For now it remains a fatal illness.
