Essential Insights
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Major Source of Zoonotic Diseases: Did you know that over 75% of new infectious diseases in humans originate from animals, with bats being key hosts for viruses like COVID-19, MERS-CoV, and hantavirus?
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Breakthrough in Research Tools: A team from the Institute for Basic Science has created a comprehensive bat organoid platform from five bat species and multiple organs, enabling unprecedented study of how zoonotic viruses infect bats.
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Unique Virus Behavior Insights: This platform allows researchers to observe that viruses behave differently depending on the bat species and organ, enhancing our understanding of which viruses can jump to humans.
- Global Biobank for Pandemic Preparedness: The new organoid system aims to create a global biobank for viral research, helping to identify new viruses and test antiviral drugs, ultimately supporting global health efforts to prevent future pandemics.
Advancing Our Understanding of Zoonotic Viruses
Scientists recently made a remarkable breakthrough by creating the world’s largest bat organoid platform. This innovation stems from the pressing need to understand infectious diseases originating from animals, especially bats. More than 75% of new human infectious diseases have animal origins, with bats harboring some of the most dangerous viruses, including those linked to COVID-19. Traditionally, researchers relied on limited cell models, which could not reflect the complexity of viral behavior within bats. Now, with organoids derived from five common bat species and multiple organs, scientists can study how these viruses operate in their natural environments.
This platform allows researchers to directly analyze how viruses infect different bat organs and species. For instance, certain viruses that thrive in one bat’s lungs may struggle to replicate in another’s kidneys. These differences reveal crucial insights into why some viruses can leap to humans, while others remain confined to bats. By reconstructing bat physiology in the lab, scientists enhance the accuracy of their research, making it easier to test new antiviral drugs effectively.
Paving the Way for Pandemic Preparedness
The creation of this global biobank signals a new chapter in infectious disease research. An organized system for studying bat-origin viruses allows for rigorous screening and assessment of potential threats. Health organizations like the WHO will rely on this data to predict and prevent future pandemics. Furthermore, the ability to isolate viruses that traditional methods cannot culture adds significant value to the scientific community.
This innovative platform not only identifies emerging viruses but also aids in the development of comprehensive genetic maps for key bat species. As researchers expand these efforts, they will facilitate deeper investigations into cross-species transmission, ultimately enhancing global biosecurity. By equipping scientists with these sophisticated tools, we take a decisive step toward safeguarding public health and mitigating future risks associated with infectious diseases.
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