The Infectious Science Podcast

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 ...

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 u...

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 prot...

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 re...

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 mainta...

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 ...

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 ...

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 an...

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...

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 discus...

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 compel...

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 spot...

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 inf...

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 assassinati...

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 pop...

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-train...

In this podcast episode, the hosts delve into a fascinating paper published in Nature Communications about Toxoplasma gondii, a single-cell parasite that can alter the behavior of its hosts. The study focused on cougars and wolves in Yellowstone National Park, where their territories overlap, allowing for the spillover of the pathogen. The hosts discuss the importance of Toxoplasma gondii, which can infect warm-blooded animals, inc...

Description: In this episode, the hosts discuss a serious viral disease called Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) that affects cats and is caused by a feline coronavirus. FIP is almost always fatal, and younger cats are at greater risk of developing it. The hosts also talk about the connection between animal health science, the drug industry, and society and how the One Health approach can help address issues related to animal and...

In this podcast episode, we learn about the journey of a successful assistant professor in the department of pathology. Her research background involves drugs of abuse and understanding how they lead to inflammation in the brain. She talks about her educational background, which is quite lengthy and includes several breaks, but ultimately led her to where she is today. She shares personal stories of her struggles with test-taking, ...