In this sleepover-style podcast, two girls explore the 2011 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli outbreak in Germany and France. They dive into the mystery of the contamination’s source. Was it Egyptian seeds, German sprouting, or irrigation water? They also explore the biology behind this unique strain and its link to HUS.

In this podcast series, two girls discuss complex biological and medical topics that affect society in a fun, “girly” sleepover setting. This episode focuses on the 2011 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) outbreak that affected Germany, France, America, and other parts of Europe. The conversation delves into the mystery of the contamination’s source, as there are still questions around whether it was contaminated Egyptian seeds, the sprouting process in Germany, or irrigation water that carried the bacteria. The uncertainty of the exact source remains one of the most intriguing aspects of this outbreak. This episode then shifts to the biology behind the outbreak, explaining the unique characteristics of the hyper- virulent STEC strain. The hosts break down how these virulence factors led to the highest number of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) cases recorded in an E. coli outbreak. They also discuss potential treatments for HUS and patients' experiences with HUS. The hosts make these complex biological issues approachable for all listeners, ensuring a fun yet informative experience. This podcast is both enjoyable and educational for anyone interested in the intersection of science, society, and health.

Produced by Sara Ghanbari and Darla Gall

These podcast episodes were created by members of the 2025 Winter Capstone course in the Human Biology and Society major at UCLA's Institute for Society and Genetics (https://socgen.ucla.edu/). The faculty sponsor is Christopher Kelty. For questions or concerns email ckelty@ucla.edu.