As we delve into the world of viruses, a fascinating yet concerning trend has emerged: young bats are becoming key contributors to new viral outbreaks. A recent study by the University of Sydney offers a unique insight into how and when these emerging coronaviruses arise in bat populations.

Bats are incredibly beneficial to our ecosystems, playing a vital role in pollination and seed dispersal. However, as habitat destruction and environmental stressors bring them closer to humans, disease risks can emerge. The research, published in Nature Communications, found that young bats are infected more frequently with coronaviruses and could be a source of viral spillover into other species.

Dr Alison Peel from the University’s School of Veterinary Science led the study, which analyzed over 2,500 fecal samples collected from black flying foxes and grey-headed flying foxes at five roost sites across Australia’s eastern seaboard. The results showed that coronaviruses were most prevalent in young bats between March and July, when they were weaning and approaching maturity.

A notable finding was the high proportion of bats infected with multiple coronaviruses at once, which presents an opportunity for a single cell to become infected with multiple viruses – an important natural precursor to the generation of new strains. The six coronaviruses detected in the study were nobecoviruses, a subclass that does not jump to humans.

Dr John-Sebastian Eden, a co-author from the Westmead Institute for Medical Research and the University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health, said, “We safely tracked how and when coronaviruses circulated naturally in bat populations. Using genomics to track infections to individual animals, we offer a model for scientists looking to understand coronavirus emergence and future risks in bat populations around the world.”

The research highlights the importance of understanding why young bats are more susceptible to infection and co-infection. It could be due to their newly developing immune systems or the stress faced by teenage bats looking for a mate for the first time. The changing environment, including habitat loss caused by encroaching human populations and food shortages, may also contribute to this phenomenon.

As Dr Peel notes, more research is needed to fully understand the dynamics of coronaviruses in bat populations and their potential risks to human health. This study provides valuable insights into the natural evolution of viruses and highlights the need for continued investigation into the complex relationships between bats, their ecosystems, and human health.

As we often assume that dogs can gauge a person’s character based on their behavior towards them, scientists have long been fascinated by this aspect of canine cognition. However, a recent study conducted at Kyoto University in Japan has revealed that dogs may not be as perceptive as we think.

The researchers involved 40 pet dogs in the study to investigate how age and development influence their ability to form reputations of humans. The dogs were first exposed to observing another dog’s interactions with two humans, one of whom provided food while the other did not. After this indirect experience, the dogs then interacted directly with both humans.

Surprisingly, the results showed that the dogs did not display a significant preference for the generous person who fed them compared to the selfish person who refused to feed them. The dogs’ behavior towards both humans was random and did not exceed chance levels following either indirect observation or direct interaction.

“This study highlights the methodological challenges in accurately capturing dogs’ understanding and evaluation of humans,” said corresponding researcher Hoi-Lam Jim, who recently joined the faculty at Kyoto University. “It’s clear that reputation formation may be more complex than previously thought, even for animals like dogs that closely cooperate with humans.”

While this study did not provide conclusive evidence of dogs forming reputations of humans, it emphasizes the need for further research to better understand what influences their sociocognitive abilities. Future studies should aim to systematically compare dogs of all ages from different populations and life experiences.

In conclusion, while we often assume that dogs can see through a person’s kindness, this study suggests that our furry friends may not be as perceptive as we think. Perhaps it’s time to reevaluate how we understand canine cognition and give them the benefit of the doubt.

The University of Florida’s Pepper, the pet cat who made headlines last year for discovering the first jeilongvirus found in the U.S., has done it again. This time, his keen senses have led researchers to a new strain of orthoreovirus, which is known to infect humans, white-tailed deer, bats, and other mammals.

John Lednicky, Ph.D., Pepper’s owner and a University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions virologist, was testing a specimen from an Everglades short-tailed shrew when he stumbled upon the new virus. The discovery came as part of his ongoing work to understand transmission of the mule deerpox virus.

Lednicky’s team published the complete genomic coding sequences for the virus they named “Gainesville shrew mammalian orthoreovirus type 3 strain UF-1” in the journal Microbiology Resource Announcements. The researchers note that while there have been rare reports of orthoreoviruses being associated with cases of encephalitis, meningitis, and gastroenteritis in children, more research is needed to understand their effects on humans.

“We need to pay attention to orthoreoviruses and know how to rapidly detect them,” Lednicky said. “There are many different mammalian orthoreoviruses, and not enough is known about this recently identified virus to be concerned.”

Pepper’s contributions to scientific discovery continue unabated. His specimen collection has led researchers to the identification of two other novel viruses found in farmed white-tailed deer, highlighting the importance of continued research into the ever-evolving world of viruses.

The discovery of new viruses is not surprising, given their propensity to constantly evolve and the sophisticated lab techniques used by researchers like Lednicky. “If you look, you’ll find,” he said. “And that’s why we keep finding all these new viruses.”

Lednicky and his team plan to conduct further research into the new virus, including serology and immunology studies to understand its potential threat to humans, wildlife, and pets.

Meanwhile, Pepper remains healthy and continues to contribute to scientific discovery through his outdoor adventures. As Lednicky said, “If you come across a dead animal, why not test it instead of just burying it? There is a lot of information that can be gained.”