War is more than just a clash of armies; it's a catalyst for disease and widespread public health crises. From historical conflicts to contemporary wars, the intimate connection between warfare and outbreaks of disease is undeniable. In this blog po…
Welcome to the companion blog post for our latest podcast episode, Beyond the Sequence: People, Pathogens, and Power Dynamics. In this episode, we delved into the fascinating and often ethically complex world of pathogen genomics. This field, which …
Spring cleaning: it's a time for renewal, a chance to declutter and refresh our living spaces after a long winter. But beneath the surface of this annual ritual lies a potential danger – hantavirus. While the name might not be familiar to ever…
Welcome to the blog! In this post, we're delving deep into the history of measles, a disease that, despite its preventable nature, continues to pose a threat in the 21st century. We'll explore its origins, its devastating effects, and the ongoing ch…
Welcome to an exploration of infodemiology, a fascinating and rapidly evolving field that leverages the vast amounts of data generated online to improve public health. In an era where digital information spreads faster than any disease, infodemiolog…
This blog post delves into the complex world of protein aggregation in Alzheimer's disease, expanding on the themes explored in our latest podcast episode, "Untangling Alzheimer's: From Prevention to Future Treatments," available here. We'll examine…
This blog post delves into the world of zoonotic diseases of pets—illnesses transmitted from animals to humans. We'll explore the various risks these diseases pose, particularly to individuals with compromised immune systems, and offer practic…
In this blog post, we delve into the fascinating connection between tuberculosis (TB) and women's clothing choices. Learn how the disease inspired pointed corsets, specific makeup trends, and even influenced the enduring fascination with women's sho…
In this blog post, we delve into the fascinating connection between armadillos and leprosy, exploring the surprising role these armored mammals play in leprosy research. We'll uncover the history of leprosy, the science behind the disease, and the u…
This blog post expands on the themes explored in our latest podcast episode, "Unraveling the Modern STI Epidemic in America," available here. We'll delve deeper into the alarming rise of syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in t…
The threat of measles at Chicago's O'Hare Airport is a concern due to the potential for international importations of the measles virus. A study conducted by Lee et al. (2018) investigated the international importations of measles virus into the Uni…
1. What are fall armyworms, and how did they invade Africa from North America? Fall armyworms (FAW) are destructive pests that have seriously threatened food security in Africa since their invasion in 2016. Originating from North America, these pes…
Hurricane Maria, a category four hurricane, struck Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017, causing widespread devastation and leaving the island without power, clean water, and proper sanitation for months. The aftermath of the hurricane created the perf…
The article explores the link between climate change and the increase in cholera outbreaks, highlighting the urgent need for action to prevent future outbreaks and save lives. Understanding Cholera and its Link to Climate Change Chol…
It was around February of 2022 when I called my brother in Germany and discovered he had acquired a case of COVID with relatively mild symptoms. During the call, he began lecturing me about how the CT Value (cycle threshold value) of the COVID PCR t…
In this blog post, we delve into the fascinating field of science communication (SciComm) and explore how it plays a crucial role in educating the public about infectious diseases. We investigate the various methods and approaches scientists, journa…
