Incubation

Ken Stedman, a biology professor at Portland State University, dives into the intriguing world of undiscovered viruses, revealing groundbreaking findings about their diversity in extreme environments. Shiraz Shah, a senior researcher at Copenhagen University Hospital, unveils the surprising connection between gut viruses in infancy and the risk of childhood asthma. Together, they explore the vast viral ecosystems within us and how these little-known agents can significantly shape our health, challenging existing ideas about our microbiome.

Michael Mina, a former Harvard epidemiologist and current chief scientific officer at eMed, reveals the surprising impact of measles on the immune system, leading to what's called 'immune amnesia.' He discusses how measles can weaken immune responses and increase vulnerability to other diseases. Stephen Russell, co-founder of Vyriad and a former Mayo Clinic researcher, shares innovative approaches using the measles virus to target cancer cells, exploring this exciting frontier of virotherapy and its potential benefits for cancer treatment.

In this engaging discussion, Noah Rose, an ecologist specializing in mosquito behavior, teams up with historian John McNeill, author of 'Mosquito Empires'. They explore how mosquitoes adapted to humans, evolving into major disease vectors. The duo delves into the historical impact of yellow fever on military campaigns and the broader implications of mosquito-borne diseases on societal changes in the Americas. Their insights reveal the delicate balance of nature and human intervention, showcasing how these tiny insects have truly shaped history.

After four decades of dedicated research on HIV, scientists have made extraordinary progress in treating the disease. But we still don’t have a vaccine or a cure. On today’s show, we’re joined by two veteran scientists who have dedicated their careers to HIV research. First up is Christine Rouzioux, a virologist from the Nobel Prize winning team of scientists who first identified the HIV virus. For the second half of the show we talk with Richard Koup from the National Institutes of Health, who explains why it’s so hard to create an HIV vaccine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ann Arvin, professor emerita at Stanford Medical School, and Robert Johnson, a physician and researcher at the University of Bristol, delve into the perplexing link between chickenpox and shingles. They recount a riveting detective story from the 1950s that clarified this connection. Arvin emphasizes the importance of vaccination in preventing severe outcomes, while Johnson shares his insights on treating long-term pain caused by shingles. Together, they explore the complexities of shingles, its symptoms, and the biopsychosocial approach to pain management.

Joined by Dorothy Crawford, a retired professor and co-author of "Cancer Virus," and Bill Robinson, a Stanford immunology expert, the conversation dives into the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and its hidden dangers. Crawford reveals how pioneering research uncovered EBV's connection to cancer, reshaping our understanding of viruses. Robinson discusses his groundbreaking work linking EBV to multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases, highlighting the complex immunological mechanisms at play. They challenge us to rethink our views on viral infections and long-term health implications.

Christian Happi, Director of the African Center of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, shares firsthand insights from the 2014 Ebola outbreak in Nigeria. He recounts how timely public health measures led to controlling only 20 cases. The conversation explores innovative pathogen detection methods like CRISPR and emphasizes the critical need for community engagement in health crises. Happi and fellow expert Pardis Sabeti discuss their collaborative efforts and strategies for future pandemic preparedness, highlighting the importance of effective disease surveillance.

Monica Murphy, a veterinarian and co-author of "Rabid," shares the chilling cultural history of rabies, linking it to vampires and werewolves. She discusses our enduring nightmares about the disease and how they affected public perception. Wildlife biologist Kathy Nelson then details an innovative aerial vaccination program targeting raccoon rabies, employing bait dropped from airplanes. Together, they explore the balance between wildlife management and public health, revealing fascinating insights into both the disease and the cleverness of raccoons.

Incubation Season 2 begins October 17th.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author Tom Ireland joins the show to discuss the fascinating world of bacteriophages, also known as phages. Ben Chan tells the story of putting phages to use in a high-stakes case. Can phages help us fight antibiotic-resistant infections?