
This Week in Virology
This Week in Virology is a netcast about viruses - the kind that make you sick.
Latest episodes

Feb 9, 2025 • 1h 45min
TWiV 1191: The pandemic duo
Explore the fascinating intersection of government actions and their impact on science funding. Learn how prior COVID-19 vaccinations can modulate immune responses during infections. Delve into the genetic adaptations of bats, uncovering how they resist viruses. Discover the complexities of public health communication and the fight against misinformation. Lastly, enjoy light-hearted anecdotes about hummingbird gardens and a critique of pseudoscience in vaccination discussions.

Feb 8, 2025 • 47min
TWiV 1190: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin
Dr. Daniel Griffin, an infectious diseases expert, delivers a compelling clinical update. He discusses the largest tuberculosis outbreak in U.S. history and the absence of USAID in combating Ebola in Africa. The conversation also covers the complexities of avian influenza, touching on its potential airborne transmission and the effects on dairy cattle. Dr. Griffin reviews the alarming trends in RSV, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2 infections, as well as insights on long COVID, including its impact on children and potential links to Alzheimer's disease.

Feb 2, 2025 • 1h 33min
TWiV 1189: Viruses making waves
Intriguing discussions explore the role of rotavirus viroporin NSP4 in calcium signaling, shedding light on its impact on gastroenteritis and vaccine development. Insights into T-cell responses reveal how vaccines like yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis can interact. The potential implications of PEPFAR funding discontinuation for global health are brought to light, alongside culinary tips for perfecting Cacio e Pepe. The ban on red dye #3 sparks a debate about food safety regulations, providing a light-hearted touch amid serious themes.

Feb 1, 2025 • 48min
TWiV 1188: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin
Dr. Daniel Griffin, a leading expert in infectious diseases, shares vital insights on recent public health challenges. He discusses the alarming Marburg and Ebola outbreaks in Africa, the largest tuberculosis outbreak in U.S. history, and the intricate politics surrounding polio vaccination in Pakistan. Griffin also reviews the impacts of avian influenza on the economy, the urgency of addressing long COVID, and resources available for treatment. His clinical updates provide a comprehensive look at the current state of infectious diseases and public health.

Jan 26, 2025 • 1h 57min
TWiV 1187: The tau of herpesvirus
This discussion dives into a groundbreaking blood test for detecting head and neck cancer linked to HPV DNA. Japanese regulators have approved tecovirimat for mpox, revealing significant advancements in treatment. The hosts explore the intriguing connection between herpes viruses and Alzheimer's disease, particularly how anti-herpetic tau may protect neurons. They also dissect the interplay between viral infections and tau phosphorylation, highlighting its role in neurodegeneration. Additionally, they touch on citizen science initiatives to explore extremophiles hidden in our homes!

13 snips
Jan 25, 2025 • 47min
TWiV 1186: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin
Dr. Daniel Griffin, an infectious disease expert, dives into pressing global health topics. He discusses the alarming Marburg outbreak in Tanzania and its implications for U.S. funding and WHO relations. The conversation highlights the rise of antiviral treatments for influenza and ongoing COVID-19 management, including strategies for long COVID sufferers. Griffin also addresses the challenges of health communication and accountability in public discourse regarding vaccines, emphasizing the importance of informed public health discussions.

Jan 19, 2025 • 1h 52min
TWiV 1185: The birds and the Bs
Delve into the complexities of Guillain-Barré Syndrome linked to RSV vaccines and the recent surge of metapneumovirus in Asia. Discuss the fallout as editors resign over AI practices in academic publishing. Explore wild bird pathogens and their public health implications, revealing their role in zoonotic diseases. Learn about memory B cells and their influence on immune responses and vaccine development. Plus, engage with a fun card game designed to tackle academic critiques, showcasing the intersection of humor and science.

14 snips
Jan 18, 2025 • 46min
TWiV 1184: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin
Dr. Daniel Griffin, an infectious diseases expert, provides invaluable insights into the latest outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases like whooping cough, polio, and measles. He discusses the alarming rise in norovirus linked to social gatherings and the effectiveness of hand sanitizers. The talk also covers trends in respiratory viruses, including RSV and COVID-19, and their impact on hospitalizations. Lastly, the conversation touches on long COVID symptoms, cognitive impairments associated with it, and the use of Pemgarda for immunocompromised patients.

Jan 12, 2025 • 1h 50min
TWiV 1183: More than 2024 viruses
Discover fascinating virology stories and the latest in viral research, including the origins of SARS-CoV-2 and debates around vaccine effectiveness. Hear about the significant impact of the HPV vaccine in reducing cervical cancer rates and the complexities of avian influenza. Enjoy a light-hearted reflection on vampire bat metabolism and the intelligence of crows showcased in captivating experiments. The hosts also tackle the importance of accurate scientific communication and share their unique insights on Glenn Gould's groundbreaking approach to classical music.

17 snips
Jan 11, 2025 • 31min
TWiV 1182: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin
Dr. Daniel Griffin, a clinical expert and public health advocate, sheds light on pressing viral topics. He delves into mpox vaccination hesitancy, the implications of the first U.S. death from H5N1, and why raw pet food poses risks. Griffin analyzes the surge in metapneumovirus in China and discusses the effectiveness of Paxlovid for kidney disease patients battling COVID-19. He also addresses the connection between SARS-CoV-2, skin conditions, and long COVID, highlighting the importance of vaccination in safeguarding public health.