typhlonectes:

Good News in the Battle Against White-nose Syndrome

There’s new hope in the battle against white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease that’s killed over 6 million bats across North America. A research team from Oregon State University and UC Santa Cruz won our national prize challenge by conceiving of an aerosol spray to genetically silence the fungus that causes the disease without harming bats, the places they hibernate, or other living creatures:

http://ow.ly/jkaT50CgMR2

Bats provide many benefits to people and wildlife, including pest control services when they eat insects that could otherwise spread disease or harm crops. By helping bats, we’re safeguarding a balanced natural world for current and future generations.

Photo: Tri-colored bat with visible signs of white-nose syndrome by NPS

via: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service