Bats could be a key to help prevent a future pandemic.
Washington State University researchers Stephanie Seifert and Michael Letko explain why the flying mammals are important for improving our understanding of viruses and diseases that spill over from animals to humans, such as Ebola, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and SARS-CoV-2 novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Seifert and Letko also take on misconceptions about the pandemic and talk about the challenges of studying bats.
Both scientists work in the Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health, where Seifert is a research assistant professor studying molecular ecology. Letko is an assistant professor and molecular virologist focused on cross-species transmission and viral-host interactions.
The Allen School leads global research of zoonotic disease transmission between animals and humans. The school is also part of the One Health effort to further the understanding that human health is directly related to the health of animals and the surrounding environment.
WSU News science writer Sara Zaske is the guest host.
Read more about Letko’s coronavirus research in “Viral haystack,” Washington State Magazine, Fall 2020.
[Thank you to Felix Blume for the recording of bats in Southern France.]
______________________________________________________________________________
Want more great WSU stories? Follow Washington State Magazine:
- LinkedIn @Washington-State-Magazine
- Bluesky @wastatemagazine.bsky.social
- X (formerly Twitter) @wsmagazine
- Facebook @WashingtonStateMagazine
- Instagram @WashingtonStateMagazine
- YouTube @WashingtonStateMagazine
- Email newsletter
How do you like the magazine podcast? What WSU stories do you want to hear? Let us know.
Popular Podcasts
Fudd Around And Find Out
UConn basketball star Azzi Fudd brings her championship swag to iHeart Women’s Sports with Fudd Around and Find Out, a weekly podcast that takes fans along for the ride as Azzi spends her final year of college trying to reclaim the National Championship and prepare to be a first round WNBA draft pick. Ever wonder what it’s like to be a world-class athlete in the public spotlight while still managing schoolwork, friendships and family time? It’s time to Fudd Around and Find Out!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!