Infection Inspection

About this episode

The episode explores various infections and the importance of understanding pathogens to create prevention strategies.

Pathogens are everywhere. They’re invisible to our eyes, but they’re not invincible. This week, we’re diving deep into three very different infections: Talaromyces marneffei – a fungus that’s thriving in South-East Asia and emerging as a serious threat, tuberculosis – a bacterial infection that’s been coughing up trouble for centuries, and shingles – a viral infection that lies dormant in your nerves for years, waiting to reactivate when your immune system is down. Alyssa Sinaga Lacsina and Aanika Bray (L-R) make their research and radio debuts as Amgen Scholars who worked in labs at The University of Melbourne over the summer. They chat with Dr Cat about the infectious diseases that they’re tackling. When we understand the pathogens that cause disease, we can spread awareness and create prevention strategies. Knowledge is contagious in the best way. Originally aired 7th April, 2026. The post Infection Inspection appeared first on Science Queeries .

People in this episode

Host: Dr Cat

Guests: Alyssa Sinaga Lacsina, Aanika Bray

Topics covered

• infections
• pathogens
• disease prevention
• tuberculosis
• shingles
• Talaromyces marneffei

Keywords

• infections
• pathogens
• tuberculosis
• shingles
• Talaromyces marneffei
• disease prevention
• immune system

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The University of Melbourne, Amgen Scholars

Places: South-East Asia

More episodes of Science Queeries

• Bug Appetite for Sustainable Food · June 9, 2026 · 45 min
• Brain-storming Solutions for Neurological Disorders · June 2, 2026 · 42 min
• Ovary-coming obstacles for ovarian cancer treatment · May 23, 2026 · 41 min
• Digging up Dirt on Soil Ecotoxicology · May 20, 2026 · 38 min
• Mould Matters & Future Fungicides · May 16, 2026 · 42 min
• B Positive: Immune Cell-ebrating Immunity · April 30, 2026 · 39 min