Nature Podcast

Polio could be eradicated within 3 years — what happens then?

Nov 22, 2023

Polio could be eradicated within 3 years. Challenges after eradication, including containment of the virus and individuals carrying the virus. Conservation challenges of seabirds and monkey smuggling for research. Potential impact of using wild monkeys in scientific research. Exploring mysterious space explosions and signals.

22:26

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Quick takeaways

In order to prevent the reemergence of polio after eradication, ongoing surveillance efforts, including wastewater surveillance, must be implemented to detect potential outbreaks early.

Maintaining vaccine production capacity and transitioning to non-live virus-based vaccines are crucial to ensure easier containment and prevent the risk of vaccine-derived polio outbreaks.

Deep dives

Key Point 1: The complex nature of polio eradication

Although polio cases have decreased significantly, achieving eradication is more challenging than the numbers suggest. Two types of vaccines are being used in the eradication campaign: one prevents disease but not infection or spread, while the other can prevent transmission. However, the orally administered vaccine carries the risk of vaccine-derived polio outbreaks. Efforts to eradicate polio must focus not only on eradication itself but also on maintaining containment and addressing potential risks.

Introduction

3min

The Challenges after Polio Eradication

9min

Challenges of conserving seabirds at sea and the issue of monkey smuggling for research

2min

Using Wild Monkeys in Scientific Research

3min

Exploring Mysterious Space Explosions

4min

Mysterious Signals and the Search for Mass

3min

In this episode:

00:46 What happens after polio is eradicated

Since 1988, cases of polio have fallen by more than 99%, and many observers predict that the disease could be eradicated within the next three years. However, eradication isn’t the same as extinction, so the next challenge is for researchers to make sure the disease won’t return. We discuss what a post-polio future may look like, and how to ensure that the disease is gone for good.

News Feature: Polio is on the brink of eradication. Here's how to keep it from coming back

09:48 Research Highlights

Botulinum toxin shows promise in treating a common disorder in older people, and how safeguarding seabirds may require significantly larger conservation-areas than previously thought.

Research Highlight: Botox’s paralysing effects can relieve an uncontrolled head tremor

Research Highlight: Seabirds’ lonely travels pose a conservation challenge

12:21 Briefing Chat

How demand for research monkeys is fuelling an illegal trade in smuggled animals, and the surprising observation that may help explain mysterious space explosions.

Nature: How wild monkeys ‘laundered’ for science could undermine research

Nature News: Mysterious ‘Tasmanian devil’ space explosion baffles astronomers

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