SINGAPORE, In a first of its kind pilot study on the hearts of bats, researchers from National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS) discovered that bats have the ability to increase the pumping strength of the hearts when in stress. This suggests that the hearts of bats are highly robust and capable of preserving heart function during intense periods of stress and hence are protected against heart failure (HF). Bat hearts: Superior adaptability to stress In a collaborative pilot study, researchers from NHCS, in partnership with Duke-NUS Medical School, performed an investigative test to assess the pumping strength of the heart of bats and mice under stress by administering dobutamine, a medication commonly used to stress the heart. The results showed an increased pumping strength in the hearts of bats compared to mice, demonstrating that the bat's heart may have better functional capacity that is supported by a highly robust heart system. Source: BERNAMA News Agency