This research discovered that parasitic mites living on bats can potentially spread the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome, a devastating disease affecting bat populations. The study found fungal spores on all tested mites, suggesting they may help transmit the disease between bats. This finding reveals a previously unknown way the disease might spread. Impacts on everyday life: • Better understanding of disease transmission helps protect bat populations that control insect pests • Insights into disease spread patterns can help develop more effective conservation strategies • Protection of bats helps maintain natural ecosystem balance and agricultural pest control • Improved knowledge of disease vectors aids in preventing similar wildlife diseases • Understanding wildlife diseases helps protect human health as bats can harbor zoonotic diseases