Publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal or major scientific announcement

Vampire Bats Use Amino Acids from Blood Meals for Exercise, Study in Biology Letters Finds

Nov 7, 2024, 08:38 AM

Recent research has revealed that vampire bats utilize a different metabolic strategy than most mammals when it comes to fueling exercise. Unlike the typical reliance on fats and carbohydrates, these blood-sucking bats can rapidly fuel their running by using essential or non-essential amino acids derived from their blood meals. This finding was highlighted in a study published in the journal Biology Letters. The study sheds light on the unique physiological adaptations of vampire bats, which are known for their ability to navigate using echolocation, although their long-distance navigation capabilities remain less understood.