Bats don’t have it easy these days.  The world’s only truly flying mammals, with almost supernatural sonar, acrobatic flying abilities that allow them to eat insects that would otherwise destroy billions of dollars of crops – even with all that, bats face global decline due to a variety of reasons.  Since 2006, a tiny fungus, pseudogymnoascus destructan, which causes White Nose Syndrome, has killed as many as 6.7 million bats worldwide.   The fungus attacks bats when they are hibernating in great numbers during the winter months, so it can spread quickly through populations, often resulting in 90% mortality.  Scientists have tried several ideas for treating bats, including ultraviolet light, but have yet to meet with much success.  A new study from the University of Wisconsin Madison offers a better understanding of how White Nose Syndrome happens, and provides hope for a cure.  Bruce Klein is a professor of pediatrics,medical microbiology and immunology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.  Also joining us is PhD candidate Marcos Isidoro Ayza.

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