Incubation

Learn about herpes from researcher Anna Wald and hear Ella Dawson's personal experience living with it. They discuss the prevalence of HSV infections, unreliable testing, behavior of the herpes virus, and the stigma surrounding herpes. The importance of breaking stigma and approaching conversations with curiosity is emphasized.

The podcast explores the discovery of papilloma viruses through the story of horned rabbits and their link to cancer. It delves into the resistance faced by scientists, the discovery of the human papillomavirus (HPV), and the controversy surrounding the rollout of the HPV vaccine. The history, challenges, and importance of the vaccine in preventing cervical cancer are discussed, along with debates about mandatory vaccination and the impact of HPV on males.

David Quammen, author of “Spillover,” discusses the interplay between influenza, environment, animals, and humans. Wendy Puryear explains how seals on a remote island can serve as an early warning system for influenza. Topics include H5N1 bird flu, transmission between birds and seals, and monitoring development and transmission of H5N1.

Explore the history and research of the Common Cold Unit, where volunteers willingly infected themselves with the common cold for scientific study. Uncover their experiments, such as the 'snot experiment' and the discovery of rhinoviruses and coronaviruses. Understand the complexity of the common cold, its impact on our bodies, and ways to alleviate symptoms. Discover the wide range of viruses that cause common colds and the constant changes they undergo. Learn about GSK's Orexv vaccine, its effectiveness in preventing respiratory virus or RSV, and potential side effects.

Keren Landman, Jason McLellan, and Barney Graham discuss the challenges of developing a vaccine for RSV, the impact of RSV on vulnerable populations, and the historical failures of RSV vaccines. They also explain the importance of the F protein, the process of developing a structure-based vaccine for RSV, and the successful testing of the vaccine in mice.

Learn about the challenges in eradicating polio, the rivalry between scientists Albert Sabin and Jonas Salk, and the successful efforts to eradicate polio in India. Also, explore the development of accurate protein replicas of the polio virus and the effectiveness of the Orexv vaccine.

Discover the history and impact of smallpox, from the folk practice of variolation to Edward Jenner's invention of the smallpox vaccine. Learn about the origin of the term 'vaccine' and the legacy of Jenner. Explore the audacious plan to eradicate smallpox and the ongoing efforts to eradicate diseases. Plus, hear about the Arexv vaccine preventing lower respiratory disease in older adults.

A new podcast that traces the history of humanity through viruses. New episodes weekly starting September 7.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.