Professor Brooke Maslo and Kathleen Kerwin examine the wing of large brown bat for white-nose syndrome.

SEBS Virtual Science Cafe: Rapid Evolution in Bats: Fighting A Catastrophic Disease

Emerging infectious diseases remain one of the greatest threats to global biodiversity. And, unfortunately, it is likely that more species will disappear due to climate change and an increasingly connected world.

We have been researching the loss of the once widespread little brown bat due to white nose syndrome (WNS). One of the most catastrophic wildlife diseases in history, WNS has resulted in a loss of up to 98% of these bats. Our research is exploring the genetics of WNS survivors to understand how it may influence species recovery.

Dr. Brooke Maslo, Assistant Professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources will discuss this topic.