University of California researchers study bat genetics for longevity

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, are studying the genetic mechanisms that allow certain bat species to achieve extraordinary longevity and resist deadly diseases. According to a study published in the journal Nature, bats are among the longest-lived mammals relative to their size, possessing a unique ability to adapt to viruses and prevent cancer.

By analyzing genetic maps from eight selected species, scientists discovered that the biological adaptations allowing bats to control viral infections are closely linked to the mechanisms that slow aging. For instance, some species, such as the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus), demonstrate an enhanced ability to eliminate damaged cells before they can accumulate dangerous mutations.

The research team, which includes author Juan Manuel Vazquez, utilized cell cultures from 32 different species to identify these traits. The study focuses on how these genetic advantages in immune response and cellular repair might eventually inform new medical approaches to human aging and disease prevention.