Unravel the intricate stories behind ancient mummies and their connection to various pathogens in our latest podcast episode of this season. This engaging discussion leads listeners through a fascinating exploration of how the health of past civilizations reveals untold secrets about diseases that shaped their societies. We explore the different types of mummies—both anthropogenic and spontaneous—and what their preservation tells us about historical health crises.

From the chilling preservation of bog bodies to the revered Egyptian mummies, we investigate how these artifacts serve as vital sources of knowledge about ancient diseases like malaria, leishmaniasis, and Chagas disease. As we draw connections between these historical pathogens and contemporary health issues, we raise intriguing discussions about how climate change and globalization may affect disease patterns today.

Our conversation is enriched by studies revealing the presence of ancient pathogens in notable figures such as Otzi the Iceman and the Medici mummies. Each discovery unravels a layer of mystery surrounding how societies dealt with illness, healthcare practices, and even the beliefs connected to death and preservation.

Join us as we dive deep into the fascinating interplay between history, culture, and disease. By understanding the past, we illuminate paths for the future. Subscribe now and participate in the conversation about these vital links in our health narrative! Spread the word, leave a review, and let us know what ancient topics inspire your curiosity for future episodes.

Quick Correction: Lyme does not need colder climates.

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.
Instagram @Infectscipod
Facebook Infectious Science Podcast

See you next time for a new episode!

Unlock the secrets of the brain's most enigmatic conditions with Dr. Mauro Montalbano, our esteemed guest from the University of Texas Medical Branch. He takes us on a journey through his lab's cutting-edge research into neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS. You'll gain a deep understanding of the sinister role played by protein aggregates, particularly amyloid beta and tau proteins, and their prion-like behavior that drives the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Montalbano's journey from Sicily to Galveston adds a personal touch to his pioneering efforts in neuroscience, underscoring the critical need to decipher early-stage processes in disease progression.

Our discussion ventures into the unpredictable realm of Alzheimer's, illustrated by a compelling family story that highlights the disease's capricious nature. Despite shared genetics and lifestyle, one sister succumbs to Alzheimer's while the other lives a long life, challenging our understanding of its onset. We examine the ongoing focus on amyloid plaques and the vital roles of microglia and astrocytes in regulating protein buildup in the brain. The conversation also taps into the mysteries of cognitive resilience among certain individuals and how current therapies aim to reduce inflammation as a strategy to slow progression.

We further explore the intricate link between vascular health and Alzheimer's, where factors like atherosclerosis, sleep quality, and auditory health are potential culprits of cognitive decline. Dr. Montalbano guides us through the complexities of treating late-stage Alzheimer's and the promise of early intervention and preventative strategies. In a world increasingly focused on personalized medicine, he sheds light on the challenges and potential breakthroughs on the horizon, while also pondering the possible long-term impacts of COVID-19 on dementia prevalence. This episode promises to enlighten and challenge your understanding of these profound neurological puzzles.

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.
Instagram @Infectscipod
Facebook Infectious Science Podcast

See you next time for a new episode!

This episode tackles the alarming rise of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States, exploring our hidden epidemic and the multitude of factors leading to this increase. We delve into the impact of COVID-19, the necessity for comprehensive sex education, the influence of cultural norms, and the importance of destigmatizing conversations around sexual health. Tune in to learn about:

• One Health and its relevance to STIs
• How the COVID-19 pandemic affected public health services around STIs
• The role of inadequate sexual education in exacerbating STI rates
• The impact of dating apps and hookup culture on sexual health behaviors
• Specifics on the rising rates of syphilis and other STIs
• Importance of proactive testing and screenings for all individuals
• The call for inclusivity in sexual health discussions and education
• The need to destigmatize conversations around sexual health

If you enjoyed this new episode of Infectious Science, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and go ahead and share this episode with some of your friends.

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.
Instagram @Infectscipod
Facebook Infectious Science Podcast

See you next time for a new episode!