ScienceThe GuardianBats originated in Europe, rewriting mammals’ family tree, study reveals
A landmark study of over 100 bat genomes found bats likely originated in Europe 65 million years ago, not Asia or Africa as previously thought.
Biggest study of its kind provides insights into bats’ evolution – a potential gamechanger for research into human virus and cancer treatment
A study published in Nature by more than 130 researchers found bats most likely originated in Europe about 65 million years ago, rewriting the mammals' family tree.
The team analysed 103 bat genomes from 21 families and 44 fossil bats, finding early bats spread from Europe into Africa and then across the globe.
Understanding bat evolution could help scientists work out why bats carry deadly viruses like Ebola without getting sick, with potential benefits for human medicine.
Researchers say understanding how bats resist deadly viruses like Ebola could open new directions for human virus and cancer treatment, according to the study authors.
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