Science & technology | Out for blood

How blood-sucking vampire bats get their energy

They pull off a trick previously thought unique to a few insects

A Vampire Bat drinks bovine blood in captivity.
Time for a protein shakePhotograph: AP

Most mammals respond to the demands of exercise in the same way, by breaking down carbohydrates and stored lipids (fats) in their bodies, releasing the energy they need to keep functioning.

This article appeared in the Science & technology section of the print edition under the headline “Out for blood”

From the November 9th 2024 edition

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