Send us a text War is a vector of disease. The battlefield isn't just a place where bullets fly—it's where pathogens thrive and evolve. Throughout human history, war and disease have been inseparable companions, creating perfect storms of contagion that affect soldiers and civilians alike. Our journey begins in the Boer War concentration camps where measles swept through malnourished populations. We explore how the densely packed, unsanitary conditions created an environment where this highl...
Send us a text The cutting edge of infectious disease control isn't just about vaccines or treatments—it's increasingly about data. Dr. Stephen Molldrem, Assistant Professor at the Institute for Bioethics and Health Humanities, takes us deep into the world of pathogen genomics and the remarkable ethical questions that emerge when we sequence disease-causing microorganisms. What happens when genetic analysis can potentially reveal who infected whom with HIV? Why do some communities welcome th...
Send us a text A hidden killer lurks in the humble dust of forgotten cabins and outbuildings across America. World-renowned virologist Dr. Thomas Ksiazek takes us behind the scenes of the landmark 1993 Four Corners outbreak, where hantavirus first emerged on the national stage, claiming lives with a swift and devastating pulmonary syndrome unlike anything seen before in North America. With over four decades on the frontlines of viral discovery and outbreak response, Dr. Ksiazek shares the de...
Send us a text Measles isn't just a childhood rash—it's a potentially devastating illness that can reset your entire immune system. In this eye-opening conversation, our team explores why this ancient virus still demands our attention in 2025. When we began recording this episode, a troubling measles outbreak was unfolding in Texas, with two unvaccinated children already having lost their lives. We dive into the history of this disease, tracing its evolution from cattle plague to human patho...
Send us a text What if your Google searches could predict disease outbreaks before traditional surveillance methods? That's exactly what happened during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic when researchers discovered online search patterns matched CDC data – but delivered results much faster. Welcome to the fascinating world of infodemiology, where digital footprints become powerful tools for public health. In this eye-opening conversation with experts Dr. Heather Duncan and Dr. Patrick Murphy, we explor...
Send us a text Unravel the intricate stories behind ancient mummies and their connection to various pathogens in our latest podcast episode of this season. This engaging discussion leads listeners through a fascinating exploration of how the health of past civilizations reveals untold secrets about diseases that shaped their societies. We explore the different types of mummies—both anthropogenic and spontaneous—and what their preservation tells us about historical health crises. From the chi...
Send us a text Unlock the secrets of the brain's most enigmatic conditions with Dr. Mauro Montalbano, our esteemed guest from the University of Texas Medical Branch. He takes us on a journey through his lab's cutting-edge research into neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS. You'll gain a deep understanding of the sinister role played by protein aggregates, particularly amyloid beta and tau proteins, and their prion-like behavior that drives the progression of Alzhe...
Send us a text This episode tackles the alarming rise of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States, exploring our hidden epidemic and the multitude of factors leading to this increase. We delve into the impact of COVID-19, the necessity for comprehensive sex education, the influence of cultural norms, and the importance of destigmatizing conversations around sexual health. Tune in to learn about: • One Health and its relevance to STIs • How the COVID-19 pandemic affec...
Send us a text Gain a deeper understanding of the intricate connections between humans, animals, and the environment as we explore the One Health concept. Picture the harmony of adding a curious chameleon to our office or the joy of raising a lamb on a farm, and discover how these experiences underscore the vital interplay between species. Together, we unravel the complexities of zoonotic diseases, emphasizing the crucial balance needed to maintain a healthy ecosystem, while sharing compellin...
Send us a text Could tuberculosis truly shape our understanding of beauty? Prepare to unravel the eerie yet intriguing connection between this historical disease and the evolution of beauty standards across centuries. With Christina and Camille at the helm, we guide you through the pale, waif-like ideals of the 17th and 18th centuries, deeply entwined with TB’s impact. Drawing from Carolyn Day’s insightful work “Consumptive Chic,” we discuss how TB's haunting image inspired Victorian fashion ...
Send us a text Happy Halloween from the Infectious Science Podcast team! Join us as we dive into the parallels between medical and folkloric narratives. In this episode we explore how rabies inspired the werewolf myth. We dissect how rabies causes neurological symptoms and explore how forms of education and storytelling around disease have shifted over time. We hope this episode has you howling with laughter as you learn something new! Thanks for listening to the Infectious Science Podcast. B...
Send us a text Antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals have revolutionized modern medicine, saving countless lives and transforming our approach to infectious diseases. In this episode of our podcast, we delve into the differences between these powerful tools of modern medicine. We explore their discovery, impacts, and the pressing issue of evolving resistance. We dive into where we get antibiotics, how they work and why responsible antibiotic use is so important to prevent antibiotic...
Send us a text Unlock the mysteries of Hansen's disease with us as we welcome acclaimed dermatopathologist, Dr. Mara Dacso. Through her journey from medical school in Galveston to her significant work in Baton Rouge, Dr. Dacso shares her extensive knowledge on leprosy, often termed the "great mimicker". Learn how the varied clinical presentations—from minor skin patches to severe systemic reactions—pose challenges for diagnosis and why it's crucial to consider leprosy in differential diagnose...
Send us a text Curious about how armadillos and ancient diseases intersect? Prepare to be captivated as we unravel the fascinating mysteries surrounding Hansen's disease, more commonly known as leprosy. We start this season with some fresh faces: Christina Rios, a first-year medical student with a veterinary background, and Camille Ledoux, a third-year PhD candidate specializing in infectious disease biology. They join us for a lively discussion that seamlessly transitions from humorous pop c...
Send us a text Ever wondered about the intricate connection between human, animal, plant, and environmental health? Join us as Dr. Shannan Rossi, an associate professor in the Department of Pathology at UTMB, illuminates this fascinating concept known as 'One Health'. Dr. Rossi enchants us with her research on developing countermeasures for mosquito-borne viruses, specifically the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. She makes a compelling case for the continuous research and preparedness ne...
Send us a text Ever wondered how bird flu affects not just our feathered friends, but also the wider ecosystem? Prepare to be enlightened as we journey into the world of avian influenza with Dr. Greg Gray. A respected authority on respiratory pathogens and one health, Dr. Gray offers invaluable insights into this widespread pandemic, highlighting the different hemagglutinin and neuraminidase types and their impact on various species. He also spotlights the longest and most severe outbreak of ...
Send us a text Welcome to an eye-opening episode of our podcast, where we uncover the hidden dangers lurking in our food. Join me and our guest, Dr. Alfredo Torres, as we embark on a journey through bacteriology. In our conversation, Dr. Torres shares his personal experiences and expertise, shedding light on the recent recall of 1.7 tons of beef contaminated with E. coli. Discover the impact of this bacterium on our health, from urinary tract infections to kidney damage, and gain insights int...
Send us a text Ever wondered how a renowned poet's death can lead to a twisty mystery entwined with the hidden world of lethal bacteria? Prepare to be enthralled as we join forces with Dr. Alfredo Torres, a renowned figure in Microbiology and Immunology, to unravel the curious puzzle surrounding the death of the celebrated Chilean poet and diplomat, Pablo Neruda. This episode swings the spotlight on Neruda's life and alleged assassination using the deadly clostridium botulism. Not just that, ...
Send us a text What if you could help prevent the spread of African swine fever and protect your pigs from this devastating virus? Join us as we dive into a conversation with Dr. Pam Luca and Dr. Loya Inca Asala from the West African Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases. In this fascinating discussion, we explore the transmission, symptoms, and crucial prevention measures of this viral disease that's been plaguing Nigeria's swine population for years, causing yearly outbreaks and huge chal...
Send us a text What if you could explore the world of One Health in Nigeria and learn from top scientists, like Dr. Nathan Shehu, Dr. Pam Luka, and Dr. Loya Inka Asala? In this fascinating episode, we dive into the West African Center for Emerging Infection Diseases program, and its goal to rebuild expertise on arboviruses, collect and identify mosquitoes, and assay them for potential virus-carrying. Join us as we discuss the power of cross-training and the importance of approaching global he...