This Week in Virology TWiV 1259: Capricious flu and a tickborne clue
Oct 5, 2025
Explore the intriguing world of avian H5N1 influenza as hosts discuss its transmission in goats and the implications for public health. Discover the cellular receptor identified for tick-borne encephalitis virus, revealing new insights into viral entry mechanisms. The show also touches on public trust in science and the recent culling of H5N1-infected ostriches in Canada. Plus, listen to unique listener letters addressing vaccine policy, measles outbreaks, and study picks about cosmic discoveries!
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Public Distrust Isn’t Just Lab Safety
- Public distrust in science after COVID is driven more by loud critics than by routine virology safety practices.
- Vincent Racaniello argues virologists maintain strong safety cultures and that isolated critics distort public perception.
Treat AI As An Exploratory Tool
- Don’t replace animal experiments with AI today; treat computational models as exploratory tools.
- Vincent Racaniello recommends continuing experimental work while developing AI and organoid methods over time.
Ostrich Farm Seizure Sparks Legal Fight
- Alan Dove recounts the Canadian ostrich farm whose birds were seized after H5N1 infections and a legal fight over culling.
- Vincent Racaniello and Alan debate simple testing versus regulatory requirements for infected poultry.
