Unexplainable Getting malaria on purpose
37 snips
Feb 26, 2025 
Dylan Matthews, a senior correspondent at Vox’s Future Perfect, shares his audacious story of purposefully infecting himself with malaria for research. He discusses the revolutionary challenge trials that test vaccine efficacy by exposing volunteers to the virus. The conversation dives into the ethical dilemmas surrounding such choices, exploring the balance between sacrifice and scientific progress. Matthews emphasizes the urgent need for effective vaccines and the critical role of dedicated volunteers in advancing medical science, especially in underserved regions.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Dylan's Malaria Challenge
- Dylan Matthews volunteered for a malaria challenge trial at the University of Maryland.
- He even used sock sweat to attract the mosquitoes, on the advice of another volunteer.
The 'Give a Man a Fish' Approach
- Dylan's participation aimed to test a new malaria-fighting technique similar to a vaccine, but delivering antibodies directly.
- Effective cures exist, but prevention is key, especially in regions with limited healthcare.
Challenge Trials vs. Field Trials
- Challenge trials are cheaper and faster than field trials, costing 1-2 million dollars versus half a billion.
- This allows researchers to quickly assess if a larger field trial is warranted.