Bat Noses (IMAGE) Virginia Tech Caption These images are of the noseleaf of a typical horseshoe bat species (left) vs. that of Bourret's horseshoe bat, the Rhinolophus paradoxolophus (right). Computer modeling indicates the extreme nose is used to create a highly focused sonar beam. One of the researchers is Rolf Mueller, an associate professor with the Virginia Tech mechanical engineering department, who directs the Bio-inspired Technology Laboratory. His research includes biosonar-inspired autonomous robots and statistical signal processing methods in natural outdoor environments. Credit Rolf Mueller Usage Restrictions Credit the research of Rolf Mueller License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.