A recent study found that vampire bats can locate blood vessels in their prey using infrared vein sensors on their lips. The vampire bats have specially evolved nerves located near the nose, which they use to identify the highest concentration of blood close to the skin of their prey.
The researchers found a sensitive, heat-detecting molecule found in vampire bat noses called TRPV. The findings could be used in the development of a new class of pain medications.
The study says that vampire bats use a mechanism that is different from that of the snake, the only other vertebrate that can detect infrared radiation.
Vampire bats are the only mammals known to feed solely on blood. They feed on sleeping cows, goats or birds.
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