Tales from the (manus)crypt: Evolved bloodsuckers Third Pod from the Sun

We're diving into the intriguing world of vampire bats and their unique genetic adaptations to a blood-based diet. Shenglin Liu is a researcher at the Senckenberg Natural History Museum in Frankfurt, Germany tells us that vampire bats have evolved specialized traits, from teeth modifications to brain enhancements, to thrive on a diet of blood. The episode also explores the surprising social behaviors of these bats, including blood-sharing among friends, shedding light on their intelligence and adaptability. You will get a picture of these "cute, blood-sucking, smart, and generous bats" and the remarkable feats of evolution that make them stand out in the animal kingdom.This episode was produced by Anupama Chandrasekaran, and mixed by Collin Warren (https://www.collinwarren.com/). Artwork by Jace Steiner (https://www.instagram.com/opiartsy/).