Tiny microbes may shield bats from a deadly fungus

Scientists are testing a probiotic treatment derived from bat microbiomes to slow the spread of white-nose syndrome (Pd fungus) in North American bats. Early field work in the Northwest Territories shows some promise, particularly in cooler, subarctic caves, but habitat disruption from wildfires and varying bat species’ resilience mean results are not yet certain; more data are needed next spring to determine wider application.