Ever wondered about the intricate connection between human, animal, plant, and environmental health? Join us as Dr. Shannan Rossi, an associate professor in the Department of Pathology at UTMB, illuminates this fascinating concept known as 'One Health'. Dr. Rossi enchants us with her research on developing countermeasures for mosquito-borne viruses, specifically the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. She makes a compelling case for the continuous research and preparedness necessary for potential future outbreaks, underscoring the cyclical nature of such occurrences and the challenges of garnering interest and funding during quieter periods.We then deeply dive into the world of sexually transmitted viruses, particularly those transmitted by mosquitoes. Dr. Rossi shares her captivating journey into this field, shedding light on the unique challenges of working with semen samples and detecting viral infections. She stresses the importance of diversity in science, opening up about her experiences as a female scientist. Furthermore, she shares her unique experience of juggling an MBA with her scientific pursuits, revealing the oft-ignored business aspect of science. We also discuss the crucial role of science in society, particularly amid a pandemic. So, join us for a conversation filled with stories of tenacity, curiosity, and the pivotal role of effective communication in funding vital research.Thanks for listening to the Infectious Science Podcast. Be sure to visit infectiousscience.org to join the conversation, access the show notes, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive our free materials. We hope you enjoyed this new episode of Infectious Science, and if you did, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Please share this episode with others who may be interested in this topic! Also, please don’t hesitate to ask questions or tell us which topics you want us to cover in future episodes. To get in touch, drop us a line in the comment section or send us a message on social media. Twitter @Infectious_SciInstagram @tick_virusFacebook Infectious Science PodcastSee you next time for a new episode!

Ever wondered how bird flu affects not just our feathered friends, but also the wider ecosystem? Prepare to be enlightened as we journey into the world of avian influenza with Dr. Greg Gray. A respected authority on respiratory pathogens and one health, Dr. Gray offers invaluable insights into this widespread pandemic, highlighting the different hemagglutinin and neuraminidase types and their impact on various species. He also spotlights the longest and most severe outbreak of avian influenza in recent history. But remember, this is more than a bird issue, it’s a stark reminder of the intricate interconnectivity of life on Earth, including humans, animals, plants, and the environment.Delving further, Dr. Gray unearths the complexities of species barriers and how they can be bypassed. He highlights the role of salicylic acid on human cells and shares intriguing discussions on the occupational exposure to live bird markets, virus particle sizes and the potential of bird flu becoming more transmissible. Our exploration also extends to the realm of virology, with a fascinating look at how viruses exchange genetic information. A highlight of this chat is the potential of swine being ideal mixing vessels for viruses. So, whether you’re a health enthusiast, a bird lover or just plain curious, this episode is for you! Don't miss out on this comprehensive understanding of avian influenza and its broader implications for one health.Thanks for listening to the Infectious Science Podcast. Be sure to visit infectiousscience.org to join the conversation, access the show notes, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive our free materials. We hope you enjoyed this new episode of Infectious Science, and if you did, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Please share this episode with others who may be interested in this topic! Also, please don’t hesitate to ask questions or tell us which topics you want us to cover in future episodes. To get in touch, drop us a line in the comment section or send us a message on social media. Twitter @Infectious_SciInstagram @tick_virusFacebook Infectious Science PodcastSee you next time for a new episode!

Welcome to an eye-opening episode of our podcast, where we uncover the hidden dangers lurking in our food. Join me and our guest, Dr. Alfredo Torres, as we embark on a journey through bacteriology. In our conversation, Dr. Torres shares his personal experiences and expertise, shedding light on the recent recall of 1.7 tons of beef contaminated with E. coli. Discover the impact of this bacterium on our health, from urinary tract infections to kidney damage, and gain insights into the measures taken for food safety. Get ready for a thought-provoking exploration that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the importance of scientific research in safeguarding our well-being.In this episode, we unravel the mysteries surrounding E. coli, diving deep into its existence in various animals, including humans. Dr. Alfredo Torres, a leading expert in the field, reveals how certain strains of E. coli have acquired virulence factors, allowing them to attach to cells and produce toxins that wreak havoc in our bodies. Learn about the severe consequences of these toxins entering our bloodstream, causing millions of illnesses and deaths worldwide. Join us as we journey through the intricate world of bacteria and its impact on our lives.But that's not all - our conversation takes an unexpected turn as we explore the alarming connection between climate change and bacterial diseases. As the environment shifts, so do the conditions for bacterial growth, increasing the risk of contamination and infection. Join us as we delve into the effects of temperature on bacterial growth, the implications for food safety, and the urgent need for scientific research to address these changes. Learn something as we discuss the meaningful careers that await those passionate about unraveling mysteries and positively impacting the world. Don't miss out on this enlightening episode that will forever change the way you view the microscopic world around us.Thanks for listening to the Infectious Science Podcast. Be sure to visit infectiousscience.org to join the conversation, access the show notes, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive our free materials. We hope you enjoyed this new episode of Infectious Science, and if you did, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Please share this episode with others who may be interested in this topic! Also, please don’t hesitate to ask questions or tell us which topics you want us to cover in future episodes. To get in touch, drop us a line in the comment section or send us a message on social media. Twitter @Infectious_SciInstagram @tick_virusFacebook Infectious Science PodcastSee you next time for a new episode!

Ever wondered how a renowned poet's death can lead to a twisty mystery entwined with the hidden world of lethal bacteria? Prepare to be enthralled as we join forces with Dr. Alfredo Torres, a renowned figure in Microbiology and Immunology, to unravel the curious puzzle surrounding the death of the celebrated Chilean poet and diplomat, Pablo Neruda. This episode swings the spotlight on Neruda's life and alleged assassination using the deadly clostridium botulism. Not just that, we take you through the history-laced alleys of Neruda's poetry, his diplomatic voyages, and his ties to the artistic community in Mexico and the socialist party in Chile.Then, we switch gears to an in-depth exploration of clostridium botulinum— a soil bacteria of lethal proportions. Discover the unseen dangers lurking in your pantry, the scientific marvel behind Botox, and the deadly dance of botulism toxin with your cells. As we unravel these threads, we'll journey into the enigma of Neruda's death, connecting the dots between his alleged assassination and the chilling realities of botulism. Before we sign off, we open the floor for you, our listeners. Share your insights, ask your questions, and engage with the nuances of this scientific mystery. Don't forget to subscribe, drop your reviews, and share the intrigue with your friends. Remember, curiosity doesn't kill the cat here; it fuels the mystery! Stay tuned, stay curious, and most importantly, stay healthy!Thanks for listening to the Infectious Science Podcast. Be sure to visit infectiousscience.org to join the conversation, access the show notes, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive our free materials. We hope you enjoyed this new episode of Infectious Science, and if you did, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Please share this episode with others who may be interested in this topic! Also, please don’t hesitate to ask questions or tell us which topics you want us to cover in future episodes. To get in touch, drop us a line in the comment section or send us a message on social media. Twitter @Infectious_SciInstagram @tick_virusFacebook Infectious Science PodcastSee you next time for a new episode!

What if you could help prevent the spread of African swine fever and protect your pigs from this devastating virus? Join us as we dive into a conversation with Dr. Pam Luca and Dr. Loya Inca Asala from the West African Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases. In this fascinating discussion, we explore the transmission, symptoms, and crucial prevention measures of this viral disease that's been plaguing Nigeria's swine population for years, causing yearly outbreaks and huge challenges for pig farmers.But that's not all! We also have an exclusive chat with Dr. Asala from the National Veterinary Research Institute in Nigeria, who shares insights on producing 20 locally-made vaccines. Discover the process of vaccine acceptance, distribution, and costs.  With prevention being the key to a healthy livestock population, listen in to find out how the National Veterinary Research Institute is meeting the national demand for vaccines and making them more affordable for smaller producers. Don't miss this opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge that could make a massive difference in your swine farming business!In our Viral Minute, you will be learning about the West Nile virus' impact in Texas, with 77 cases reported in 2021. Thanks for listening to the Infectious Science Podcast. Be sure to visit infectiousscience.org to join the conversation, access the show notes, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive our free materials. We hope you enjoyed this new episode of Infectious Science, and if you did, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Please share this episode with others who may be interested in this topic! Also, please don’t hesitate to ask questions or tell us which topics you want us to cover in future episodes. To get in touch, drop us a line in the comment section or send us a message on social media. Twitter @Infectious_SciInstagram @tick_virusFacebook Infectious Science PodcastSee you next time for a new episode!

What if you could explore the world of One Health in Nigeria and learn from top scientists, like Dr. Nathan Shehu, Dr. Pam Luka, and Dr. Loya Inka Asala? In this fascinating episode, we dive into the West African Center for Emerging Infection Diseases program, and its goal to rebuild expertise on arboviruses, collect and identify mosquitoes, and assay them for potential virus-carrying. Join us as we discuss the power of cross-training and the importance of approaching global health with humility.We also take a closer look at the passion and achievements of our guests' medical careers. Dr.  Shehu shares his journey to his current research on Lassa fever, while Dr. Pam Luka talks about his childhood at his father's veterinary clinic at the MVRI campus and his journey as a sales rep. Discover how these experiences have shaped their paths and the importance of recognizing different levels of staff in healthcare and research. Don't miss our exploration of understanding and managing Lassa fever, the challenges of saving patients with Lassa fever, and the importance of early diagnosis and compassionate care.Thanks for listening to the Infectious Science Podcast. Be sure to visit infectiousscience.org to join the conversation, access the show notes, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive our free materials. We hope you enjoyed this new episode of Infectious Science, and if you did, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Please share this episode with others who may be interested in this topic! Also, please don’t hesitate to ask questions or tell us which topics you want us to cover in future episodes. To get in touch, drop us a line in the comment section or send us a message on social media. Twitter @Infectious_SciInstagram @tick_virusFacebook Infectious Science PodcastSee you next time for a new episode!

In this podcast episode, the hosts delve into a fascinating paper published in Nature Communications about Toxoplasma gondii, a single-cell parasite that can alter the behavior of its hosts. The study focused on cougars and wolves in Yellowstone National Park, where their territories overlap, allowing for the spillover of the pathogen. The hosts discuss the importance of Toxoplasma gondii, which can infect warm-blooded animals, including pets, livestock, and birds, and is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted to humans. They also highlight that the direct host is a feline, and everything else is an intermediate host.The hosts discuss how the parasite can affect behavior, making prey animals bolder and more prone to doing risky things, which puts them at risk around wild cat predators. They compare this subversive style to rabies, where herbivores become more docile when they infect, making them easier prey for predators. The hosts point out that Toxoplasma gondii infects around two billion people in the world, with a high prevalence in the population, but most people deal with the infection without developing any clinical symptoms or disease.The episode is a fascinating deep dive into the science of Toxoplasma gondii, with insights into its behavior-altering effects and the dangers it can pose to both animals and humans. The hosts also touch on the clinical aspects of the parasite, highlighting the guidelines for screening and treatment in immunocompromised individuals. Overall, it is an engaging and informative episode that will appeal to anyone interested in microbiology, parasitology, and infectious diseases.Thanks for listening to the Infectious Science Podcast. Be sure to visit infectiousscience.org to join the conversation, access the show notes, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive our free materials. We hope you enjoyed this new episode of Infectious Science, and if you did, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Please share this episode with others who may be interested in this topic! Also, please don’t hesitate to ask questions or tell us which topics you want us to cover in future episodes. To get in touch, drop us a line in the comment section or send us a message on social media. Twitter @Infectious_SciInstagram @tick_virusFacebook Infectious Science PodcastSee you next time for a new episode!

Description: In this episode, the hosts discuss a serious viral disease called Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) that affects cats and is caused by a feline coronavirus. FIP is almost always fatal, and younger cats are at greater risk of developing it. The hosts also talk about the connection between animal health science, the drug industry, and society and how the One Health approach can help address issues related to animal and human health.Show Notes:Introduction to Feline Coronavirus and Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), a fatal disease that affects catsDiscussion about the age group of cats most at risk of developing FIP (less than one and a half years old)A conversation about the increase in relinquished animals in shelters due to COVID-19 and misconceptions about pets transmitting COVID-19 to humansPersonal story of the host's experience with fostering and then adopting a six-month-old cat who was later diagnosed with FIPExplanation of how the veterinary staff diagnosed FIP and the severity of the diseaseDiscussion about the drug industry's efforts to find a cure for FIP and the challenges of developing drugs for animal diseasesIntroduction to the One Health approach and how it addresses issues related to animal and human healthConclusion and thanks for listeningNote: The hosts mention that the story is based on true events, but the names of people and places have been changed for privacy reasonsThanks for listening to the Infectious Science Podcast. Be sure to visit infectiousscience.org to join the conversation, access the show notes, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive our free materials. We hope you enjoyed this new episode of Infectious Science, and if you did, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Please share this episode with others who may be interested in this topic! Also, please don’t hesitate to ask questions or tell us which topics you want us to cover in future episodes. To get in touch, drop us a line in the comment section or send us a message on social media. Twitter @Infectious_SciInstagram @tick_virusFacebook Infectious Science PodcastSee you next time for a new episode!

In this podcast episode, we learn about the journey of a successful assistant professor in the department of pathology. Her research background involves drugs of abuse and understanding how they lead to inflammation in the brain. She talks about her educational background, which is quite lengthy and includes several breaks, but ultimately led her to where she is today. She shares personal stories of her struggles with test-taking, her experience as a mom, and how her personal history with substance use disorder inspired her to connect her research to people.The podcast guest emphasizes the importance of hands-on work in science and taking constructive criticism. She encourages young people who are interested in a career in science to participate in any kind of science and to bring out their personalities, while also maintaining professionalism. She shares a personal story of how her fourth-grade teacher inspired her to pursue science and how she never forgot that lesson.Overall, this podcast episode is an excellent source of inspiration for anyone who is interested in pursuing a career in science, regardless of their background or struggles. It is a testament that anyone can overcome obstacles and achieve their dream with hard work, perseverance, and the right mentor.Thanks for listening to the Infectious Science Podcast. Be sure to visit infectiousscience.org to join the conversation, access the show notes, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive our free materials. We hope you enjoyed this new episode of Infectious Science, and if you did, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Please share this episode with others who may be interested in this topic! Also, please don’t hesitate to ask questions or tell us which topics you want us to cover in future episodes. To get in touch, drop us a line in the comment section or send us a message on social media. Twitter @Infectious_SciInstagram @tick_virusFacebook Infectious Science PodcastSee you next time for a new episode!

At the GNL and UTMB, we have a long-standing history of collaborating with Texas A&M . In this episode, we talk to Dr. Gerald Parker who has an amazing career.  In addition to his role as associate dean for Global One Health, Parker serves as campus director for Global One Health at Texas A&M University. Parker holds joint appointments with the Bush School of Government & Public Service as director of the Pandemic and Biosecurity Policy Program within the Scowcroft Institute for International Affairs and with Texas A&M AgriLife Research as a strategic advisor for the Institute for Infectious Animal Diseases. Thanks for listening to the Infectious Science Podcast. Be sure to visit infectiousscience.org to join the conversation, access the show notes, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive our free materials. We hope you enjoyed this new episode of Infectious Science, and if you did, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Please share this episode with others who may be interested in this topic! Also, please don’t hesitate to ask questions or tell us which topics you want us to cover in future episodes. To get in touch, drop us a line in the comment section or send us a message on social media. Twitter @Infectious_SciInstagram @tick_virusFacebook Infectious Science PodcastSee you next time for a new episode!

The extraordinary olfactory sense of canines combined with the possibility to learn by operant conditioning enables dogs for their use in medical detection in a wide range of applications. In this episode, we talk with Prof. Holger Volk from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Hanover, Germany about medical detection dogs and their ability for the  identification of individuals with infectious or non-infectious diseases. Thanks for listening to the Infectious Science Podcast. Be sure to visit infectiousscience.org to join the conversation, access the show notes, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive our free materials. We hope you enjoyed this new episode of Infectious Science, and if you did, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Please share this episode with others who may be interested in this topic! Also, please don’t hesitate to ask questions or tell us which topics you want us to cover in future episodes. To get in touch, drop us a line in the comment section or send us a message on social media. Twitter @Infectious_SciInstagram @tick_virusFacebook Infectious Science PodcastSee you next time for a new episode!

In this "origins" episode, the hosts Drs. Daniele Swetnam, Matt Dacso, and Dennis Bente explain why they created the Infectious Science Podcast and explain why taking a One Health approach is so important.Thanks for listening to the Infectious Science Podcast. Be sure to visit infectiousscience.org to join the conversation, access the show notes, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive our free materials. We hope you enjoyed this new episode of Infectious Science, and if you did, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Please share this episode with others who may be interested in this topic! Also, please don’t hesitate to ask questions or tell us which topics you want us to cover in future episodes. To get in touch, drop us a line in the comment section or send us a message on social media. Twitter @Infectious_SciInstagram @tick_virusFacebook Infectious Science PodcastSee you next time for a new episode!