With over 1,300 species, bats illustrate many key issues in ecology and evolution, from the beauty of their unique biology to their importance for ecosystem services, disease and conservation. Now, scientists here have discovered that Southeast Asia’s highly popular durian tree is pollinated by locally endangered fruit bats known as flying foxes. By putting camera traps in durian trees on Tioman Island, Malaysia, researchers collected video evidence showing the island flying fox (Pteropus hypomelanus) pollinating durian flowers, leading to the production of healthy durian fruit. Dr. Sheema Abdul Aziz, the Co-Founder, President and Principal Investigator at Rimba, led the study in Malaysia as part of her PhD under the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle (France). She joins us to share her findings.

<p>With over 1,300 species, bats illustrate many key issues in ecology and evolution, from the beauty of their unique biology to their importance for ecosystem services, disease and conservation. Now, scientists here have discovered that Southeast Asia&rsquo;s highly popular durian tree is pollinated by locally endangered fruit bats known as flying foxes. By putting camera traps in durian trees on Tioman Island, Malaysia, researchers collected video evidence showing the island flying fox (Pteropus hypomelanus) pollinating durian flowers, leading to the production of healthy durian fruit. Dr. Sheema Abdul Aziz, the Co-Founder, President and Principal Investigator at Rimba, led the study in Malaysia as part of her PhD under the Mus&eacute;um National d&rsquo;Histoire Naturelle (France). She joins us to share her findings.</p>

Wander and be enlightened by the endlessly fascinating inner universe that is the human body. We speak with experts, Nobel laureates, cancer survivors and healthcare workers who share their unique perspectives on wellness and living and the latest medical research.

Health & Living

The Bigger Picture relishes its role as the heart and soul of the station. Tina Carmillia, Tee Shiao Eek, Sharmilla Ganesan, Lim Soon Heng and Juliet Jacobs delve into the human condition to find out what makes us tick. They speak with artists, environmentalists, medical experts, policy-makers and all manner of interesting people about the issues close to us, from education to refugee rights. Eclectic, energetic and a little eccentric, The Bigger Picture team brings you the latest thinking and research on that most fascinating subject: people.

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