Evenings at Whitney - Battle for the Bats: Development of Treatments for White Nose Syndrome

Christine Salomon, PhD, Associate Professor, Center for Drug Design, University of Minnesota
White nose syndrome (WNS) is a disease of hibernating bats that is rapidly spreading across North America and causing devastating losses of bat populations. WNS is caused by a fungal pathogen called Pseudogymnoascus destructans which is readily spread between bats and persists in hibernation environments. The Salomon Lab’s work is focused on identifying microbes associated with bats and on surfaces in caves and mines that can inhibit the growth of the pathogen. They are studying the chemistry of the active microbes, and working to translate promising laboratory results into complex field conditions. Their ultimate goal is to develop a safe, effective, live biological control product to treat hibernacula surfaces to slow the spread and development of disease. In this talk, Dr. Salomon will present some of their latest findings and discuss the challenges of working with fungi and bats.