Why some bats live 50 years while close relatives survive just 7
Researchers studying Myotis bats have discovered that longevity in these small mammals is linked to specific genetic pathways that also manage cancer defense and viral immunity. The study highlights how some species evolved to live up to 50 years, providing insights into biological aging.
Why it matters
Understanding the genetic mechanisms of bat longevity could eventually inform human health research regarding aging and disease resistance.
A mouse-sized bat that lives for decades appears to have evolved some of the same biological protections that help it resist cancer and viral disease. Researchers comparing eight closely related Myotis species found an extraordinary range of lifespans, from about seven years in some species to nearly 50 years in others. Their genome analysis revealed that genes associated with longevity overlapped far more than expected with genes involved in virus interactions and cancer defence. As reported by ScienceDaily, the study suggests that long life in these bats may be connected to an immune system that can fight infection while also identifying and removing damaged cells.
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