Short Wave We Have the Cure. Why is Tuberculosis Still Around?
26 snips
Oct 21, 2025 Discover the intricate world of tuberculosis, the deadliest infectious disease, and how it still grips many parts of the globe despite being treatable. Join author John Green as he sheds light on the historical and present challenges of combating this illness. With over a million annual deaths worldwide, the conversation delves into public health, the spread of drug-resistant strains, and the urgent need for awareness and action. Engage with pressing questions about global health equity and the lessons we can learn for a better future.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
From Classic Conservation To Genetic Fixes
- Anthony Waddle began by conserving local desert frogs, using classic measures like raising eggs and reintroducing them.
- He shifted toward genetic approaches after watching populations decline and seeking permanent resilience.
What Synthetic Biology Really Covers
- Synthetic biology broadly means genetic modification and engineering of living cells.
- It ranges from proven medical uses to untested heritable edits released into the wild.
Risk Of Irreversible Changes
- Heritable genetic edits that are released could have irreversible, ecosystem-wide consequences.
- Even well-intentioned changes may be impossible to retrieve once spread in wild populations.