Read the Beforeitsnews.com story here. Advertise at Before It's News here.
Profile image
By The Daily Sheeple
Contributor profile | More stories
Story Views
Now:
Last hour:
Last 24 hours:
Total:

Vampire Bats Developing Taste for Human Blood – Study

% of readers think this story is Fact. Add your two cents.


As a result of deforestation in their habitat, vampire bats in northeastern Brazil, who typically only drink the blood of large birds, have had to diversify their taste palates to much larger prey – namely, humans.

“We were quite surprised… This species isn’t adapted to feed on the blood of mammals,” Enrico Bernard from the Federal University of Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil told New Scientist.

Bernard and his team studied the different types of DNA found in 70 feces samples taken from a colony of hairy-legged vampire bats (Diphylla ecaudata) living on a nature reserve in Catimbau, Brazil.

They discovered human DNA in three of the samples, which is extremely rare for vampire bats in general and particularly so for the hairy-legged subspecies.

There are three distinct types of vampire bat: the common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus), the white-winged vampire bat (Diaemus youngi) and finally, the hairy-legged vampire bat (Diphylla ecaudata), the subject of Bernard’s recent study. All three are found in the forests of Central and South America.

In previous studies, researchers found that certain species of vampire bat had no problem adapting to changes in their environment and food supply, while others starved rather than changing their eating habits.

This latest development is of particular concern to health services, as vampire bats are already responsible for the spread of certain diseases such as rabies. Between September 2015 and February 2016, a spate of attacks by rabies-infected vampire bats claimed the lives of 12 children in Peru.

“The people [who] are likely to be bitten by vampire bats are those that sleep outdoors or sleeping in huts that don’t have any windows on them,” Barbara French, a bat expert at Bat Conservation International, told LiveScience.

Before any imaginations run wild, French was quick to dispel many rumors and myths about vampire bats. When asked how such attacks occur and whether there is a need for people to invest in turtleneck sweaters, French responded that, “They’re more likely to go for a person’s big toe.”

“There’s a good blood supply there and the bite is usually less noticeable,” she explained.

Bernard and his team are studying exactly how the bites have occurred and how they might be better prevented in the future.

Delivered by The Daily Sheeple

We encourage you to share and republish our reports, analyses, breaking news and videos (Click for details).


Contributed by RT.com of RT.com.


Source: http://www.thedailysheeple.com/vampire-bats-developing-taste-for-human-blood-study_012017


Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world.

Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.

"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.

Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.


LION'S MANE PRODUCT


Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules


Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.



Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.


Report abuse

    Comments

    Your Comments
    Question   Razz  Sad   Evil  Exclaim  Smile  Redface  Biggrin  Surprised  Eek   Confused   Cool  LOL   Mad   Twisted  Rolleyes   Wink  Idea  Arrow  Neutral  Cry   Mr. Green

    MOST RECENT
    Load more ...

    SignUp

    Login

    Newsletter

    Email this story
    Email this story

    If you really want to ban this commenter, please write down the reason:

    If you really want to disable all recommended stories, click on OK button. After that, you will be redirect to your options page.