Viral Load

Disease X: Navigating the Conspiracy Theory Maze Feb 27, 2024

Dive into the mystery of Disease X, the hypothetical pathogen poised to trigger the next global pandemic. Amidst a sea of conspiracy theories, from government cover-ups and the New World Order to clandestine experiments, we sift through the noise to uncover the truth. Join the guys as they navigate the tangled web of misinformation to reveal the reality behind Disease X and its potential impact on our world.
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Origins of HIV/AIDS Feb 13, 2024

Delve into the complex origins of HIV in our latest episode, unraveling the web of misinformation surrounding this global health crisis. Join us as we uncover the truth behind the virus, challenging misconceptions and shedding light on its historical context.
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Epidemic Enigma: Bird Flu Prophesies & 5 Strange Diseases Jan 29, 2024

Dive into the ominous with some of the world's weirdest diseases. An is it finally the year of the Bird Flu? In this Viral Particle or Mini-sode. Uncover the eerie stories behind 5 peculiar diseases.. Join us on this unsettling journey through pandemic prophecies and the strange afflictions that haunt our disease ridden world.

Artificial Intelligence & Human Health: Rise of the Disease Machines Jan 15, 2024

Is it a system that creates a world where Instagram models and regular folks become indistinguishable . A revolutionary solution to blank page syndrome ? An epic tale of an artificial boy's quest for humanity? Or perhaps we are just talking about a complex machine that will ultimately out smart and overthrow man. Tune in to this week's episode to learn Just what AI is and how just maybe it could save the world.
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Time-Traveling Pathogens: Update from Siberia Aug 17, 2023

This week the guys jump back to a topic that started it all in 2019 (episode 1). We're talking zombie viruses and melting permafrost. What are scientists finding beneath the thawing ground? Listen to this week's episode to find out!
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War in Ukraine: Cholera and Combat Mosquitoes Jul 25, 2023

Is Putin puttin' something in the water supply? Is Zelensky secretly an an evil mastermind using monster mosquitos to squash the Russian Regime? Is the U.S. funding bio labs in the Ukraine to undercut the Russians? Is it all simply political posturing? Or is there something a bit more sinister afoot? Find out on this episode of Viral Load Podcast.
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Wind Rose Band : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34CZjsEI1yU

https://health-desk.org/articles/can-mosquitoes-be-used-for-biological-warfare#:~:text=Because%20of%201)%20mosquitoes'%20ability,of%20being%20used%20as%20weapons

Viral Load Reviews The Last of Us Mar 07, 2023

A fungal infection turning the entire human race into mushroom headed zombies...of course the guys from Viral Load are all in. On this episode Brett and Andy take a look at the fungal series that is causing an HBO Pandemic. Could Cordyceps really mutate and take over the human race? Are there any examples of fungal infections causing epidemics or pandemics throughout history? Did David Attenborough show us our future through zombified ants while lulling us into submission with his sweet soothing voice? And just how afraid of the fungus among us should we be?
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuKjBIBBAL8

Bird Flu Outbreak: Pandemic Predictions Feb 26, 2023

While we may not have a Delorean or a magic crystal ball; Brett is a doctor of epidemiology, an astronomy aficionado and now perhaps able to see into the future (Brett-stradamus )? After 2 years of bird flu prognostication are we finally seeing the first signs of the next pandemic? Tune in this week to find out.
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TB Sniffing Rodents: HeroRATS Jan 16, 2023

This week the guys take you on a trip down the rat hole. They discuss the incredibly accurate TB sniffing rats and how humans began domesticating animals for our benefit. So sit back relax and picture Linguini sniffing out TB instead of making delicious Disney dishes.
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RSV and the Tripledemic Dec 20, 2022

What's that? The holidays are just around the corner. Well Brett and Andy have got just the topic for discussion around the ol' dinner table. This week the guys dive into the deep end of the latest pandemic that is RSV. In doing so we must once again venture into the dregs of society to uncover the latest conspiracy theories and the uphill battle the latest vaccine is going to have against the ongoing infodemic. So strap in take notes and whatever you do stay away from demon babies!

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch and Frozen Zombie Viruses Dec 13, 2022

Same old new years resolutions and brand new set of terrifying disease predictions. This episode is a viral particle or mini-sode where Brett and Andy each choose a story and the other one has no clue what to expect. Brett dives into the deep end of the swirling trash pile that is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. While Andy ventures back to the frozen Tundra to check in on some of Zombie virus predictions of episodes past.

Fecal Transplants Part 2 : Golden Soup Oct 04, 2022

It's finally arrived the long awaited sequel to our foray into fecal fodder. Do you or someone you love have gastrointestinal distress? or did you simply eat bad street meat at 1 am that sent you down a Youtube rabbit hole that has you thinking maybe a DIY fecal transplant is for you? Well, put down that blender and turkey baster and give this episode a listen first.

Fecal Transplants Part 1 : The Microbiome Aug 30, 2022

Wandering through the fecal fodder of 2022 has at times felt like a flummoxing failure. The good news is on this episode of Viral Load we show you the upside of your downtown business and how it could one day save your life.

Monkeypox Rave 2022 Jun 20, 2022

Planning to hit up your local rave? You may want to hold off on dropping the beat until you listen to this week's episode. We discuss the emergence of monkeypox in non endemic areas and why Marshmallow, Skrillex, and Deadmau5 may be responsible.

Rabies: Destroy the Brain Mar 15, 2022

On this episode we cover why that possum is really chasing it's tail, if you should invite those pesky raccoons into your home for some tea, and ponder just what is the best name for a Swedish metal band. That's right the deadliest disease on earth and old Yeller's demise this week we discuss rabies.

Omicron Persei 8: A Variant of Concern Dec 09, 2021

What happens when anti-vaxxers, a promiscuous virus, and maybe some infected rodents get together? A new episode of Viral Load Podcast, of course. Also, a new variant of SARS-CoV-2.
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Viral Particle: May the Quartz be with You Nov 15, 2021

Why would a rare tropical disease outbreak emerge in America’s heartland? Get your crystals out and make sure your chakras are aligned, because Jupiter is in retrograde and Viral Load is on the case!

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Monkeypox: Furious George Nov 07, 2021

We are back from the grave for this halloween episode. On the 2 year anniversary of Viral Load we dive into the wonderful world of monkeypox. Tune in to find out why you should care about this boil inducing disease. And whatever you do this hallows eve don't pet prairie dogs!
sources:

https://www.statnews.com/2021/07/20/more-than-200-people-in-u-s-being-monitored-for-possible-monkeypox-exposure-cdc-says/
https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/1st-us-case-monkeypox-comes-traveler-flying-through-atlanta/BWBQZ5OIV5ANRP7MMOLJJMHF5U/
https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/monkeypox
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22041995/
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0187089
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33167496/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5857192/
https://journals.plos.org/plosntds/article?id=10.1371/journal.pntd.0007791
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264410X2030579X
https://www.pnas.org/content/107/37/16262
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/smallpox-vaccine
https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa032299?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori%3Arid%3Acrossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub++0www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5227a5.htm
https://www.the-scientist.com/news-opinion/texas-monkeypox-case-underscores-need-for-better-surveillance-69045
http://outbreaknewstoday.com/monkeypox-drc-reports-600-cases-in-past-six-weeks-97477/
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1134714-overview
https://www.statnews.com/2021/07/20/more-than-200-people-in-u-s-being-monitored-for-possible-monkeypox-exposure-cdc-says/
https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/outbreak.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5857192/

Revenge of the Variants: Delta, Lambda, Omega-Mu Aug 16, 2021

"The Variants They Are A-Changin' " - Bob Dylan & SARS-CoV-2. What happens when an RNA virus meets an unevenly vaccinated planet? Tune in to our latest COVID-19 episode to find out!
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https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/variant-info.html
https://www.nytimes.com/article/covid-breakthrough-delta-variant.html?campaign_id=190&emc=edit_ufn_20210811&instance_id=37681&nl=updates-from-the-newsroom&regi_id=117681300&segment_id=65980&te=1&user_id=07cbd203bdf60faa1d6adeaea6d6acf5
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/08/12/science/covid-delta-breakthrough.html
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/the-unusual-lambda-variant-is-rapidly-spreading-in-south-america-heres-what-we-know
https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/03/health/unvaccinated-variant-factories/index.html
https://www.who.int/en/activities/tracking-SARS-CoV-2-variants/
https://www.nytimes.com/article/covid-breakthrough-delta-variant.html?campaign_id=190&emc=edit_ufn_20210811&instance_id=37681&nl=updates-from-the-newsroom&regi_id=117681300&segment_id=65980&te=1&user_id=07cbd203bdf60faa1d6adeaea6d6acf5
https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/12/health/breakthrough-infection-covid-vaccine-misleading/index.html
https://slate.com/technology/2021/08/delta-variant-covid-masks-vaccines-boosters.html
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/texas-hospital-reports-1st-case-lambda-covid-19/story?id=78943641
https://www.kut.org/texasstandard/2021-07-20/health-experts-warn-a-potential-tsunami-of-covid-cases-is-on-the-horizon
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/7/27/explainer-what-is-the-lambda-coronavirus-variant
https://www.vaccinestoday.eu/stories/what-is-r0/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVIGhz3uwuQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ha6yUxze1vk

The Bird Flu Cometh Jun 25, 2021

Move over COVID, there’s a new sheriff in town. While the COVID-19 continues to garner international attention, strains of avian influenza (“bird flu”) are lurking - ready to spark the next pandemic. Is BIRD-FLU-22 next?
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Hansen's Disease (Leprosy): MMMBop May 17, 2021

Leprosy probably brings to mind skin falling from the bone and people cast away into quarantined colonies. It is among the most stigmatized diseases in history, that I can think of. In this episode, we cover the past, present, and future of this ancient foe.
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COVID-19: Pandemic Origins Apr 22, 2021

The search continues for the origins of the virus that causes COVID-19—and the pathway that it took to leap from animals to humans, resulting in 129 million infections and more than 2.8 million deaths....and counting. The World Health Organization recently released a report from a team of international researchers that traveled to China to investigate four possible origin scenarios. Tune in to find out what this 300-page monster has to tell us. Trigger alert: there will be bats.

Viral Particle: Stay Out of the Forest Mar 22, 2021

Brett and Andy dive into the hot topics in the world of diseases for this viral particle (minisode). In an homage to the My Favorite Murder pod, each host chooses a recent disease story and presents without the other knowing what the subject matter will be. Tune in to find out the terrifying facts the guys uncovered this week.
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https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2021/03/19/979314118/next-pandemic-scientists-fear-another-coronavirus-could-jump-from-animals-to-hum
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https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2021/03/15/977527808/who-points-to-wildlife-farms-in-southwest-china-as-likely-source-of-pandemic

Transmitted Infections Part 2: Interview with a Love Doctor Mar 02, 2021

On part 2 of our STI saga we sat down with occupational therapist and real life love doctor Karen McCarthy PhD. We discuss dating in the age of apps and the stigma of the gifts that keep on giving. For dating advice and more info on our guest head over to www.karenmccarthcoaching.com.

Sexually Transmitted Infections Part 1: Consider the Merkin Feb 22, 2021

In the words of the late Charles Bukowski, "Sex is kicking death in the ass while singing." Join us as we embark on a journey of sex, pathogens, and in our first episode, we explore the world of sexually transmitted infections.
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Tuberculosis: Consumption Gumption Feb 01, 2021

Tuberculosis is one of the deadliest diseases in the world infecting over 100 Million people annually. Every episode we end by asking listeners to send in any episode suggestions they'd like to hear about in the future. Well ask and the disease guys will deliver! Tulane University student Anna Ryu has done amazing work with the Borgen project and wanted to shed some light on ways we can help to prevent further spread of this horrible disease through legislation. Brett breaks down the science behind why TB remains so deadly. While Andy dives back down the rabbit hole to find out if vampires deserve a closer look.
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https://www.cdc.gov/tb/worldtbday/history.htm#:~:text=TB%20in%20humans%20can%20be,China%20(2%2C300%20years%20ago).
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/understanding-tuberculosis-6-facts-to-know/
https://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/basics/default.htm
https://www.history.com/news/the-disease-that-helped-put-colorado-on-the-map
https://cmr.asm.org/content/24/2/351
https://www.who.int/news-room/facts-in-pictures/detail/tuberculosis#:~:text=About%20one%20quarter%20of%20the,likely%20to%20develop%20active%20TB.
https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10538667#:~:text=The%20federal%20government%20has%20quarantined,Canada%2C%20possibly%20exposing%20other%20passengers.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4524552/
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2015.00281/full
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4524552/
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2015.00281/full
https://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/treatment/tbdisease.htm
https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn11954-man-quarantined-in-us-for-extreme-drug-resistant-tb/
https://www.medindia.net/health_statistics/health_facts/interesting-facts-and-statistics-about-tuberculosis.htm
https://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/conditions/07/12/tb.suit/
https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10538667#:~:text=The%20federal%20government%20has%20quarantined,Canada%2C%20possibly%20exposing%20other%20passengers.
https://www.healio.com/news/infectious-disease/20170328/passenger-with-xdrtb-died-on-3hour-flight-from-turkey-to-germany
https://wonder.cdc.gov/wonder/prevguid/p0000436/p0000436.asp
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_tuberculosis_scare
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41533-020-0179-x
https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/aboutlawsregulationsquarantineisolation.html
https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/historyquarantine.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3036676/

Vaccination Station: Herd immunity, Misinformation, and the next pandemic Jan 18, 2021

Out with the old and in with the new! The 2020 dumpster fire is over and COVID-19 vaccines are rolling out. So, only one question remains: what new disease horrors does 2021 have in store for us?
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Chronic Kidney Disease Part 2: A Survivor's perspective Dec 14, 2020

This week we're continuing our nephrotic odyssey with a special interview with a kidney failure survivor and recent kidney transplant recipient Joe Mcguiggin. Joe pulls back the curtain on what it's like to be a recovering addict with kidney failure and we learn about a lesser-known disease that caused his kidney failure.
Check out Joe's interview on WCVB 5 which includes an interview with his transplant team from Tufts Medical Center.
https://www.wcvb.com/article/merrimack-valley-man-overcomes-addiction-kidney-failure/34907376?fbclid=IwAR1sEozvK1MykD4GppTJyTnc0fMzN43iZ0uzB5qLLxBuVjXzKPXx0eRXCMM

Chronic Kidney Disease Part 1: Nephrons, Ship Breakers, and Transplant Tourism Dec 07, 2020

We’re dipping our toes in the sea of non-communicable diseases. Join us as we venture into the surprisingly strange world of chronic kidney disease. We’ve got science, a special guest, and Snapple facts that will leave you thirsty for more. What do mangrove forests and cargo ships have to do with kidney disease in Bangladesh? Tune in to find out! And you thought only infectious diseases could be weird...silly you..
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Pilgrim Pathogens: The Diseases of Thanksgiving Dec 04, 2020

We may not all agree on side dishes or which dessert is best, but the one thing we do know: Thanksgiving and diseases go together like turkey and gravy.

On this episode of Viral Load, we cover the diseases, both past & present, of the Thanksgiving holiday (or the last Thursday in November for the rest of the world).
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You Died of Dysentery: Diseases of the Oregon Trail (game) Nov 23, 2020

Take a trip down memory road (or trail?) with us. We're discussing the disease-riddled icon computer lab mainstay, 'The Oregon Trail'
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PLAY THE GAME ***https://classicreload.com/oregon-trail.html ***
https://oregontrailcenter.org/pioneers-talk

https://apnews.com/article/24e7fbf1d0e84f05a069e8c4c3fcc78f

https://historicoregoncity.org/2019/04/02/doctors-and-diseases-on-the-oregon-trail/

https://www.henrystrobel.com/saintboniface/oregon-trail-diary.pdf

https://octa-trails.org/articles/life-and-death-on-the-oregon-trail/

https://www.kshs.org/teachers/professional/pdfs/r._rey_4th_grade_loc_2011.pdf

https://www.tor.com/2013/11/06/the-oregon-trail-diary-of-willa-porter-andy-marino/

https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5315&context=open_access_etds

https://www.statnews.com/2017/05/11/quiz-diseases-oregon-trail/

Viral Particle: Saved by the Bell Nov 02, 2020

We know what you're thinking "2020 has been less than optimal". Well try and find solace in the fact that you aren’t waking up today only to find yourself buried alive.
On this particle we discuss the devastating Yellow Fever Outbreak in Savannah Georgia in 1820. As well as the possible origin of an insectoid monster that has been terrorizing West Africa for over 700 years.
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Halloween Special: Dracula Origins and Walking Corpses Oct 26, 2020

In honor of Halloween, we’ve put together a spooktacular sampler of some of the diseases that are the real reason for the season! First, we explore the pathogen-riddled, Irish origins of Dracula. Then, we discuss Cotard Syndrome, otherwise known as the “Walking Corpse Syndrome”.
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Brain Eating Amoebas Oct 19, 2020

I know what your thinking 2020 has been a piece of cake and you have nothing to worry about. Well you're in luck this week we dive into the stagnant waters of your nightmares and bring you Naegleria the brain eating amoeba!
Sources:

https://www.popsci.com/story/science/brain-eating-amoeba-rare-infection/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/naegleria-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20375470
https://www.insider.com/rise-of-brain-eating-amoeba-naegleria-fowleri-in-us-waters-2020-7
https://www.ajtmh.org/content/journals/10.4269/ajtmh.17-0110
Yoder JS, et al., 2012. Primary amebic meningoencephalitis deaths associated with sinus irrigation using contaminated tap water. Clin Infect Dis 55: e79–e85
Siddiqui R, Khan NA, 2014. Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis caused by Naegleria fowleri: an old enemy presenting new challenges. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 8: e3017.
Centers for Disease Control (2013) Primary amebic meningoencephalitis associated with ritual nasal rinsing - St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, 2012. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 62 (45) 903.
https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/naegleria/treatment.html
https://www.livescience.com/54281-amoeba-definition.html
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1471492219302673?casa_token=FKYW41d3NWkAAAAA:1yB8YZaFfUiSP02gSgTsyxUD7pxZhPGX7gMKr3mxUO8owSYsUcVwJ_cOB0U3VCFqmV7l0qmoaA

Mr. COVID Goes to Washington Oct 14, 2020

COVID-19 knows no bounds! After prancing around Parliament with Boris Johnson COVID decided to hit the big time and took a romp in the White House rose garden. Donald Trump President of the United States tests positive for COVID-19. On this episode we chronicle the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S and examine how exactly we ended up with a super spreader event at the white house.
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https://www.factcheck.org/2020/10/timeline-of-trumps-covid-19-comments/
https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2020/10/politics/trump-covid-battle/

Viral Particle : Bring Out Your Dead Sep 28, 2020

What is the Million Death Study? How has Africa navigated COVID-19 relatively unscathed and for God’s sake can someone give us some Happy Science news? All that and more on this week’s Viral Particle mini-sode.
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https://pulitzercenter.org/reporting/their-own-hands-kibera-kenyas-largest-slum-tames-covid-19#slideshow-0
https://www.vogue.com/article/david-avido-free-mask-kibera-nairobi-kenya-uweza
https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/08/pandemic-appears-have-spared-africa-so-far-scientists-are-struggling-explain-why
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/09/18/913937122/kenya-braced-for-the-worst-the-worst-didnt-happen-why
https://www.afro.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus-covid-19
https://reliefweb.int/report/south-africa/social-environmental-factors-seen-behind-africa-s-low-covid-19-cases
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/09/25/914073217/why-the-pandemic-could-change-the-way-we-record-deaths
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happy_Science

Tis the Season...for Twindemics Sep 23, 2020

What is the flu? What does the flu do? Are there any flu socks? Is anyone listening to me? What happens when the world is up in flames, a Pandemic continues to rage on and Flu Season comes a knockin'? Buckle up kids because like it or not we're all strapped into the 2020 rollercoaster and we're about to find out.
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Viral Particle: Vultures and the Shadow Pandemic Sep 14, 2020

On this Viral Particle minisode, we discuss the drastic rise in domestic violence globally since the shutdown and we celebrate vultures, the unsung heroes of the public health world.
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West Nile Virus: Counting Crows Sep 07, 2020

Are birds real? Do crows really remember faces? How hard is a Sentinal chicken's day at work? And what the hell does any of that have to do with West Nile Virus? Tune into this week's episode of Viral Load to find out.
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Viral Particle: Socks on Fire Aug 27, 2020

Earthquakes, Hurricanes, COVID, and now wild fires. 2020 you're incorrigible. On this viral particle we check in on the California wildfires and cap it off with a simple case study about a man and his socks.
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https://www.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/man-hospitalized-after-sniffing-his-socks-too-long/
https://www.sfchronicle.com/news/article/Fire-evacuees-during-pandemic-steer-clear-of-15501184.php?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=briefing&utm_campaign=sfc_baybriefing_am&sid=5f13bd5e86dabf4d232cf8c1
https://www.sciencealert.com/a-man-in-china-developed-a-lung-infection-after-sniffing-his-own-socks-every-day
https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/pneumocystis-pneumonia/index.html

Nipah: The Worst Disease Nobody's Heard Of Aug 19, 2020

What is the worst disease no one has ever heard of? Nipah! Ever heard of it? Join Andy and Brett as they discuss the Nipah virus, the inspiration for the 2011 blockbuster hit Contagion, bat urine, and date palm wine. All fun facts that are sure to make you a hit at your next Zoom cocktail hour.
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https://www.cdc.gov/vhf/nipah/index.html
Spiropoulou CF. Nipah Virus Outbreaks: Still Small but Extremely Lethal. J Infect Dis. 2019;219(12):1855-1857. doi:10.1093/infdis/jiy611
Singh, et al. (2019). Nipah virus: epidemiology, pathology, immunobiology and advances in diagnosis, vaccine designing and control strategies - a comprehensive review. The veterinary quarterly, 39(1), 26–55. https://doi.org/10.1080/01652176.2019.1580827
https://academic.oup.com/jid/article/219/12/1867/5144922
https://www.ecohealthalliance.org/2018/05/nipah-virus
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/what-nipah-virus-n876476
https://www.who.int/activities/prioritizing-diseases-for-research-and-development-in-emergency-contexts
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/nipah-virus
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1286457901015222
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/25/5/18-1076_article
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6830995/

COVID-19: Operation Warp Speed! Aug 11, 2020

It's been 8 months since the first case of the virus formally known as the Novel Coronavirus was found in Wuhan China. That number has grown in 8 months to over 20 Million cases. How do we escape this warped reality that is COVID-19? The answer just might be Operation Warp Speed.
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sources

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/basics/test-approve.html
Fact sheet: explaining Operation Warp Speed. US Dept of Health and Human Services. June 2020. Accessed July 30, 2020. https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2020/06/16/fact-sheet-explaining-operation-warp-speed.html
O’Callaghan KP, Blatz AM, Offit PA. Developing a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine at warp speed. JAMA. Published online July 6, 2020. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.12190
Shah A, Marks PW, Hahn SM. Unwavering Regulatory Safeguards for COVID-19 Vaccines. JAMA. Published online August 07, 2020. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.15725
https://www.nccn.org/patients/resources/clinical_trials/phases.aspx
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/science/coronavirus-vaccine-tracker.html
https://science.sciencemag.org/content/368/6494/945?fbclid=IwAR0BIDm74Kn3bbcX5MP5eLG_zn0kjkP23dSUB0SU-eNY7LKSyaloF7d6L-E
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-are-seasonal-flu-vaccines-made/
http://www.immunizedelaware.org/for-professionals/vaccine-conspiracies-and-controversies/
https://fn.bmj.com/content/76/1/F64.full
https://allianceforscience.cornell.edu/blog/2020/04/covid-top-10-current-conspiracy-theories/
https://www.climatechangecommunication.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ConspiracyTheoryHandbook.pdf
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/health-and-human-body/human-diseases/coronavirus-vaccine-tracker-how-they-work-latest-developments-cvd/
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/fauci-says-public-should-temper-expectations-on-covid-19-vaccine-as-us-infections-near-5-million-2020-08-09
https://www.thelancet.com/action/showPdf?pii=S0140-6736%2820%2931605-6
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2020/05/moderna-coronavirus-vaccine-how-it-works-cvd/#close

Viral Particle: The Runaways Aug 05, 2020

What do you get when you cross totalitarianism with a pandemic? If you guessed "one helluva story", we owe you a La Croix! COVID-19 has finally arrived in North Korea...or has it? Join Andy and Brett as they traverse the demilitarized zone, on this week's extra-large viral particle.

References:

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/25/world/asia/north-korea-coronavirus-kim-jong-un.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/31/world/asia/north-korea-coronavirus.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/28/world/asia/north-korea-defector-coronavirus.html
https://ourworldindata.org/covid-exemplar-south-korea
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-53541730
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/27/world/asia/north-korea-defector-coronavirus.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/28/world/asia/north-korea-defector-coronavirus.html
https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2019/country-chapters/north-korea#
https://www.history.com/topics/korea/korean-war
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/13/soldier-shot-by-north-korean-guards-as-he-defects-to-south

Naughty By Nature Jul 28, 2020

Remember to stop and smell the roses. Unless of course those roses are in fact Oleanders, Love Beans, Corpse Flowers, or any number of vegetable seed roots. Better yet take a picture you'll last longer. Are there plants around us everyday that can be made into weapons of terrorism? Have we found the perfect plant that when placed on the tip of an umbrella is capable of taking down even the best secret agents? Watch your back Mr. Bond. Join us on this week's episode to find out what not to add to your summer bouquet or evening tea.

Viral Particle: The Others Jul 21, 2020

2020 the year of COVID-19, Murder Hornets, locust swarms, social injustice and...it's not over yet. What if we told you the death toll didn't stop with COVID-19? What if as predicted by some in the scientific community the shutdown had unintended consequences of epic proportions? No we aren't talking about suffocation from wearing a mask while shopping at Wal-Mart or getting your hair did. We are talking about The Others!
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Resources:

Astrovirology: Mars Attacks? Jul 15, 2020

Is there life on Mars? On this episode follow Brett and Andy down the black hole of Astrovirology. The guys discuss what extraterrestrial life could look like as well as the unintended consequences of the arms race to colonize Mars.

COVID-19: Socks And Bonds Jul 06, 2020

It's COVID-19 update time! This week, Brett and Andy bring in economist and friend of the show Austin Myers to discuss the economic implications of the pandemic thus far. Should we buy or sell? Tune in this week to find out!

Schistosomiasis: Dam Snails Jun 29, 2020

Schistosomiasis where we're going we don't need dams! On this episode of Viral Load the guys wade into the world of Neglected Tropical Disease. How is it that there is a disease that affects almost 1 billion people and most of the world's never heard if it? Tune in this week to find out.

The Dancing Plague Jun 16, 2020

Dance, dance, dance until you die! No this isn't Hocus Pocus, this is 1518 and the dancing plague has overtaken Strasbourg. What caused people to dance until their feet bled and their bones were exposed? Tune into this episode of viral load to find out.
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Sources

https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2018/jul/05/bizarre-dance-epidemic-of-summer-1518-strasbourg
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20161028-the-town-the-nearly-danced-itself-to-death
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS014067360960386X/fulltext
https://thepsychologist.bps.org.uk/volume-22/edition-7/dancing-plagues-and-mass-hysteria
https://museumhack.com/dancing-plague/
Waller, John (2008). A Time to Dance, A Time to Die: The Extraordinary Story of the Dancing Plague of 1518. Thriplow: Icon Books
Get well soon - Jennifer Wright

COVID-19: America's Pre-existing Condition Jun 10, 2020

On this episode of Viral Load Brett and Andy take a closer look into racial inequality in the united states amidst a global pandemic. The guys break down social justice and why the lack of social justice has led to a grave disparity in COVID-19 mortality rates in the black community nationwide. They also tackle smart ways to protest including a checklist of ways to keep standing up for what you believe in while keeping yourself and your loved ones safe. We here at Viral Load stand with you. Black Lives Matter.
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sources
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COVID-19 cases by race reported by state.
https://covidtracking.com/race/dashboard
.https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/05/30/865413079/what-do-coronavirus-racial-disparities-look-like-state-by-state
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2764789

Viral Particle: Corpse Medicine & Gladiator Juice May 25, 2020

On this Viral Particle mini-sode Brett and Andy take on Quackery through the ages as well as a rare feel good story from a Sudanese refugee.

1918 Spanish Influenza Pandemic: Now and Then May 18, 2020

On part 2 of our "mother of all pandemics" mini-series, Brett and Andy look for parallels between the social and political responses to the 1918 "Spanish Influenza" pandemic and COVID-19. Spoiler alert: masks are still an issue 100 years later, cities handle things very differently, and politics can get in the way? Only epidemiology can save us!

1918 Spanish Influenza Pandemic: The Mother of All Pandemics May 11, 2020

On this week's episode Brett and Andy visit the mother of all pandemics. The 1918 Flu pandemic commonly known as the "Spanish Flu". In this episode the guys explore how during a world war the man in the foxhole beside you may have been deadlier than the enemy.

COVID-19: From the Front Lines May 04, 2020

On this Episode of Viral Load Brett and Andy take an inside look into working on the front lines and the different approaches countries have taken. They look at Sweden's very different approach and if the U.S could learn from it. What comes next and how every decision will impact healthcare around the world.

COVID-19: New Normal Apr 27, 2020

On this week's Viral Particle per popular demand the guys are diving back into the Rona-sphere. They discuss continued misinformation, the unintended consequences of a lockdown, and what will be the new normal. Will we ever hug again? Tune in to find out.

Kuru: The Cannibalism Disease Apr 24, 2020

Why did a remote tribe in Papua New Guinea experience a mysterious disease outbreak? Was it sorcery or something...darker? Brett and Andy look for the answers so you don't have to!
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Toxoplasma Gondii: The 'Mind-Control' Parasite Apr 13, 2020

On this week's Viral Load, Brett and Andy are back in the world of parasites. Are you a cat lover? You're in luck, so does the "mind control" parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Tune in to find out why you really shouldn't f**ck with cats!
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References:

https://www.livescience.com/56529-strange-facts-about-toxoplasma-gondii-parasite.html
https://www.livescience.com/toxoplasmosis.html
https://theconversation.com/toxoplasma-cat-poo-parasite-infects-billions-so-why-is-it-so-hard-to-study-120688
https://jeb.biologists.org/content/216/1/127.long
https://www.livescience.com/65038-why-usda-conducted-experiments-cat-cannibalism.html
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0023277
https://www.livescience.com/54141-toxoplasmosis-parasite-linked-with-rage-disorder.html

MERS Attacks! Apr 07, 2020

On this week's episode Brett and Andy wrap up the coronavirus trilogy with MERS otherwise known as Middle East respiratory syndrome. MERS was the coronavirus outbreak that preceded the current COVID-19 pandemic. Did we handle MERS better? Could we have learned anything from MERS? Why are there still MERS hotbeds when SARS has seemingly been contained? Find out all that and more on this week's Viral Load.

COVID-19: To Mask or Not to Mask? Apr 07, 2020

Brett and Andy sit down to discuss the ever changing climate of the Covid-19 Pandemic. On this Viral Particle mini-sode the guys take a look at the guidance on home made masks and the overriding question should we all be wearing masks?

SARS and the Superspreaders Mar 30, 2020

On this episode Brett and Andy travel back to the SARS Pandemic of 2003. Did we learn anything from one of the largest coronavirus outbreaks of our time? Or are we simply repeating history? Tune into this week's episode to find out.

COVID-19: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Mar 23, 2020

On this week's Viral Particle Brett and Andy are sheltering in place on Covid-19 watch 2020. They discuss the present state of the pandemic as well as look into the dregs of society who are trying to profit off your fear. Could there be silver lining to this Pandemic? When humans lose, does nature win? Tune in this week to find out.

Encephalitis Lethargica: A Sleepy Epidemic Mar 16, 2020

This week Brett and Andy find out what Post Malone, The Awakenings, and the Salem Witch trials have in common as they dive into what was a global pandemic Encephalitis Lethargica.

COVID-19: Update Mar 09, 2020

On this episode of Viral Load Brett and Andy keep you up to date on all things Covid-19. The crew sits down with a financial expert Austin Myers to discuss the economic implications of a global pandemic. The guys also field a few listener questions with the help of friend of the pod Sara Myers.

Viral Particle: Going Batty Feb 24, 2020

On this week's Viral Particle Brett and Andy head into the bat cave! They discuss how many diseases bats carry, why they are causing so many diseases and why they don't get sick. The guys also dissect Batman and why DC will never catch up to Marvel until they dig in and do their research.
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Resources
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/02/21/805287609/theres-a-flood-of-fake-news-about-coronavirus-and-a-plan-to-stop-it

https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/02/20/807742861/new-research-bats-harbor-hundreds-of-coronaviruses-and-spillovers-arent-rare

https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/02/09/803543244/bats-carry-many-viruses-so-why-dont-they-get-sick

I Got Worms Feb 17, 2020

On this week's episode Brett and Andy travel to Guinea to dive into the "little dragon from Medina" or as you may know it the Guinea Worm. They discuss how it went from pandemic to the verge of extinction and which U.S. President has made it his life's work to see the end of this intestinal terror.
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Resources
https://www.statnews.com/2016/08/26/guinea-worm-eradication-setback/

https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/26/arts/artsspecial/jimmy-carters-fight-against-the-guinea-worm.html

http://www.deadlysins.com/guinea-worm
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2019/10/04/767177987/the-end-of-guinea-worm-was-just-around-the-corner-not-anymore
Brett's Brain

COVID-19: Fears and Beers Feb 03, 2020

World Health Organization declares Wuhan Coronavirus "Public Health Emergency of International Concern'. Now that it's made the Pandemic jump with it comes misinformation. Brett and Andy sit down for a Viral Particle (mini-sode) to separate fact from fiction.

Wuhan Coronavirus: Apocalypse Now? Jan 27, 2020

In this week's episode Andy and Brett travel to Wuhan China to track down the world's newest deadly disease. The Coronavirus has already made the jump to the United States and the number of infected and subsequent death toll continues to rise, but just how scared should you be?
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Resources
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/01/21/798137962/china-tries-to-control-travel-in-and-out-of-wuhan-to-stem-coronavirus-spread

Suppression:

https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2019/country-chapters/china-and-tibet

Leaking state secrets or Saving the public?

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92479/

https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/01/21/798137962/china-tries-to-control-travel-in-and-out-of-wuhan-to-stem-coronavirus-spread

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/22/asia/wuhan-ground-zero-intl-hnk/index.html

https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/20/health/what-is-coronavirus-explained/index.html

https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/21/investing/dow-stock-market-today-coronavirus/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2231162-wuhan-coronavirus-may-have-been-transmitted-to-people-from-snakes/

Viral Particle: Bieber Fever Jan 20, 2020

On viral particle 2 Andy and Brett discuss current events and a possible shift in tracking diseases in a modern society.

Z is for Zika Jan 13, 2020

On this episode of Viral Load Andy and Brett take a trip to Brazil to chase down the Asian Tiger Mosquito and find out who or what is responsible for the increase in microcephaly. This episode will leave you feel guilty about more than just the extra calories you're spreading on your toast.

Viral Particle: Adopt Don't shop Jan 06, 2020

Brett and Andy introduce their first Minisode. The first in a series of mini episodes focusing on current epidemiology events and strange disease stories from around the world. This week's episode revolves around why Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year and the gifts that keep on giving.

The Ebola Wars (part 2) Dec 16, 2019

On this week's Episode Brett and Andy dive back into the world of Ebola and tie in how your cell phone may be contributing to the spread of the deadly disease.

The Ebola Wars (part 1) Dec 02, 2019

On this week's episode Brett and Andy dive into the terrifying world of Ebola and how your cell phone could be helping to spread this deadly disease
REFERENCES

Feldmann, H., & Geisbert, T. W. (2011). Ebola haemorrhagic fever. The Lancet, 377(9768), 849-862.

Leroy, E. M., Kumulungui, B., Pourrut, X., Rouquet, P., Hassanin, A., Yaba, P., ... & Swanepoel, R. (2005). Fruit bats as reservoirs of Ebola virus. Nature, 438(7068), 575.

https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2019/11/04/774863495/this-congolese-doctor-discovered-ebola-but-never-got-credit-for-it-until-now

Smallpox: Mummies and Doomsday Preppers Nov 18, 2019

Gone, but not forgotten! On this episode of Viral Load, Andy and Brett explore smallpox - the first disease in humans to be kicked off the planet. From mummies to the always sane world of doomsday preppers, this episode will be sure to make you second guess that next mosquito bite!
REFERENCES

http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20170504-there-are-diseases-hidden-in-ice-and-they-are-waking-up

https://www.nature.com/news/infectious-diseases-smallpox-watch-1.15115

https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/health+topics/health+conditions+prevention+and+treatment/infectious+diseases/smallpox/smallpox+-+including+symptoms+treatment+and+prevention

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/02/science/mummies-smallpox-vilnius-lithuania-crypt.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1069029/

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2016/12/mummies-smallpox-virus-dna-lithuania-health-science/#close

https://psmag.com/news/a-brief-history-of-vaccine-conspiracy-theories
https://www.history.com/news/colonists-native-americans-smallpox-blankets

Anthrax in the Arctic Nov 01, 2019

On the pilot episode of Viral Load Brett and Andy discuss Siberia, Anthrax, Climate change and how when all those things collide it's bad news for all of us.
REFERENCES

National Research Council. (2011). Review of the scientific approaches used during the FBI's investigation of the 2001 anthrax letters. National Academies Press.

https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2016/08/03/488400947/anthrax-outbreak-in-russia-thought-to-be-result-of-thawing-permafrost

Revich, B. A., & Podolnaya, M. A. (2011). Thawing of permafrost may disturb historic cattle burial grounds in East Siberia. Global health action, 4(1), 8482.

Anthrax in Siberia

“Anthrax Outbreak In Russia Thought To Be Result Of Thawing Permafrost” - NPR

https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2016/08/03/488400947/anthrax-outbreak-in-russia-thought-to-be-result-of-thawing-permafrost

“All hell breaks loose as the tundra thaws” - The Guardian

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jul/20/hell-breaks-loose-tundra-thaws-weatherwatch

“Anthrax outbreak triggered by climate change kills boy in Arctic Circle” - The Guardian

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/01/anthrax-outbreak-climate-change-arctic-circle-russia

“Russia anthrax outbreak affects dozens in north Siberia” - BBC

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36951542

“Anthrax Outbreak in Siberia as a Harbinger of the Unfreezing of Pathogens”

http://www.diseasedaily.org/diseasedaily/article/anthrax-outbreak-siberia-harbinger-unfreezing-pathogens-81616

“Anthrax sickens 13 in western Siberia, and a thawed-out reindeer corpse may be to blame” - Washington Post