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1. An updated synthesis of and outstanding questions in the olfactory and vomeronasal systems in bats: Genetics asks questions only anatomy can answer

   https://doi.org/10.1002/ar.25290  

   Yohe, Laurel R.; Krell, Nicholas T. (November 2023, The Anatomical Record)

   Abstract The extensive diversity observed in bat nasal chemosensory systems has been well‐documented at the histological level. Understanding how this diversity evolved and developing hypotheses as to why particular patterns exist require a phylogenetic perspective, which was first outlined in the work of anatomist Kunwar Bhatnagar. With the onset of genetics and genomics, it might be assumed that the puzzling patterns observed in the morphological data have been clarified. However, there is still a widespread mismatch of genetic and morphological correlations among bat chemosensory systems. Novel genomic evidence has set up new avenues to explore that demand more evidence from anatomical structures. Here, we outline the progress that has been made in both morphological and molecular studies on the olfactory and vomeronasal systems in bats since the work of Bhatnagar. Genomic data of olfactory and vomeronasal receptors demonstrate the strong need for further morphological sampling, with a particular focus on receiving brain regions, glands, and ducts. 

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2. Advances in understanding bat infection dynamics across biological scales

   https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2023.2823  

   Sánchez, Cecilia A; Phelps, Kendra L; Frank, Hannah K; Geldenhuys, Marike; Griffiths, Megan E; Jones, Devin N; Kettenburg, Gwenddolen; Lunn, Tamika J; Moreno, Kelsey R; Mortlock, Marinda; et al (March 2024, Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences)

   Over the past two decades, research on bat-associated microbes such as viruses, bacteria and fungi has dramatically increased. Here, we synthesize themes from a conference symposium focused on advances in the research of bats and their microbes, including physiological, immunological, ecological and epidemiological research that has improved our understanding of bat infection dynamics at multiple biological scales. We first present metrics for measuring individual bat responses to infection and challenges associated with using these metrics. We next discuss infection dynamics within bat populations of the same species, before introducing complexities that arise in multi-species communities of bats, humans and/or livestock. Finally, we outline critical gaps and opportunities for future interdisciplinary work on topics involving bats and their microbes. 

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3. Inclusivity, Capacity‐Building, Trust, and Respect: An Introduction to the Special Issue Equity in Co‐Production

   https://doi.org/10.1029/2025CSJ000156  

   Timm, Kristin_M F; Akerlof, K L; Thornton, Thomas F; Sheats, Jylana L (December 2025, Community Science)

   Abstract Co‐production is becoming an increasingly important approach to facilitating integrated climate, environmental, social and earth systems research to achieve societal impact. Across the research and science‐policy ecosystem, there are multiple indicators of its growing prominence as means to engage the public and generate research that is more likely to address real‐world problems and community priorities. Power plays a key role in co‐production, as power imbalances can affect participation, decision‐making, and the distribution of benefits. Addressing power imbalances, through a focus on equity in co‐production, helps to ensure past harms are addressed and participants have the resources and opportunities to contribute effectively. This special issue includes articles that explore equity in co‐production. Articles describe the results of projects that used co‐production approaches, social scientific findings that can inform equitable co‐production, and some that do both. Across the submissions, inclusive decision‐making, strengthening capacity at multiple levels, and fostering trust and respect were key themes. The collection provides practical lessons and future directions to advance equity in co‐production processes, meeting the urgent demand for more inclusive and impactful environmental science practices. 

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4. Studying bats using a One Health lens: bridging the gap between bat virology and disease ecology

   https://doi.org/10.1128/jvi.01453-24  

   Gonzalez, Victoria; Hurtado-Monzón, Arianna M; O'Krafka, Sabrina; Mühlberger, Elke; Letko, Michael; Frank, Hannah K; Laing, Eric D; Phelps, Kendra L; Becker, Daniel J; Munster, Vincent J; et al (December 2024, Journal of Virology)

   Mukhopadhyay, Suchetana (Ed.)

   ABSTRACT Accumulating data suggest that some bat species host emerging viruses that are highly pathogenic in humans and agricultural animals. Laboratory-based studies have highlighted important adaptations in bat immune systems that allow them to better tolerate viral infections compared to humans. Simultaneously, ecological studies have discovered critical extrinsic factors, such as nutritional stress, that correlate with virus shedding in wild-caught bats. Despite some progress in independently understanding the role of bats as reservoirs of emerging viruses, there remains a significant gap in the molecular understanding of factors that drive virus spillover from bats. Driven by a collective goal of bridging the gap between the fields of bat virology, immunology, and disease ecology, we hosted a satellite symposium at the 2024 American Society for Virology meeting. Bringing together virologists, immunologists, and disease ecologists, we discussed the intrinsic and extrinsic factors such as virus receptor engagement, adaptive immunity, and virus ecology that influence spillover from bat hosts. This article summarizes the topics discussed during the symposium and emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaborations and resource sharing. 

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5. Bridging plant pathology and disease ecology: emerging insights into wild plant–pathogen systems

   https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2025.0107  

   Penczykowski, Rachel M; Stam, Remco; Halliday, Fletcher W; Bruns, Emily L (May 2026, Philosophical Transactions B)

   Abstract Major goals of disease ecology are to understand how disease dynamics and host–pathogen evolution shift across contexts and to apply lessons from natural populations to human-managed systems. These goals are especially pressing under rapid environmental change. Wild plant–pathogen systems are ideal for studying the complex ecological and evolutionary dynamics within and between natural and human-managed environments. Here, we review important recent contributions on the ecology and evolution of wild plant pathogens and introduce the articles in this theme issue, emphasizing their relevance to agriculture and the broader field of disease ecology. The articles in this issue are centred around three core themes where research on wild plant pathogens has enhanced our understanding of disease: (i) plant–pathogen responses to environmental change, (ii) evolutionary dynamics of wild plant–pathogen systems, and (iii) disease interactions between wild and cultivated plants. The featured articles span within-host to ecosystem levels covering a wide range of taxa and approaches. Together, these articles advance our fundamental understanding of disease and contribute knowledge useful in developing more sustainable plant health management strategies. We conclude by highlighting key gaps and avenues for future research into the ecological and genetic drivers of disease in wild plants and at the agro-ecological interface. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Wild plant pathosystems’. 

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