Show for Oct. 28, 2012. From Animals to Us: David Quammen on Zoonotic Disease.
There’s more between humans and our fellow animals than a common ancestry and a common planet. We also share some really gnarly pathogens. Our “infernal, aboriginal connectedness,” as David Quammen puts it, makes humanity a target-rich environment for zoonoses – diseases that spring up in other species and leap to us. In fact, most of our infectious maladies may have gotten their start in animals, and the latest wave of emergent contagions, including HIV, Ebola, SARS, Hantavirus, Lyme disease, avian flu and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow) all have non-human beginnings.
David has spent the last few years absorbing the latest research, hanging with scientists and Indiana Jonesing his way through jungles and caves (with respirator and hazmat suit in place of fedora and bomber jacket), in pursuit of zoonotic wisdom. His new book, Spillover: Animal Infections and the Next Human Pandemic, is simultaneously a serious introduction to the biology and epidemiology of animal-to-human disease, a series of medical adventure stories and a somber warning (he says human actions are responsible for the uptick in spillovers).
Despite the scary cover, David Quammen’s book eschews
the sensational and sticks to the science.
You can download the MP3 here (if using a Mac, control-click the link and choose “Save Link As…” If using a PC, right-click and choose Save Target As…”)
Show for June 12, 2011. Carl Zimmer and Planet of Viruses
The last time we had science writer Carl Zimmer on the show, it was to discuss E Coli, the subject of his book Microcosm. The book is an eye-opener for anyone who would dismiss bacteria as rudimentary bugs. As Carl explained, E Coli have a social life, sex of a sort, seem to learn and may even be said to lie and cheat. Now he’s moved a notch down the biological yardstick, revealing the richness of life on the smallest scales. We talked about his latest book, A Planet of Viruses, and the huge role viruses play in human history, in the evolution of life on earth, the ecology and even the world’s climate.
Click the “play” arrow above to listen to the show, or download the MP3 here.
Show for Aug 29, 2010. What’s In a Face?
Three people discuss their experience of facial disfigurement. Writer David Roche developed a severe facial deformity when young and learned to live with it. Gina Butchin grew up disfigured, then got a new face in her late 30s. Actress Louise Ashby lost her face in a car accident, and eventually got it back after many years of surgery. They talk about self-image, the judgments of others and the meaning of beauty—inner and outer. Originally broadcast October, 2009.
Click the arrow above to listen to the show. If you don’t have Flash player or have other playback problems, click this link for the MP3.
Show for Jan 24, 2010: Tracy Kidder on Paul Farmer and Partners in Health
Following the Port-Au-Prince earthquake, the medical organization Partners in Health has played a key role bringing emergency aid to Haiti. On this edition of the show, we re-aired Robert’s 2003 interview with writer Tracy Kidder discussing PIH, its work in Haiti and its founder, Dr. Paul Farmer. Farmer was the subject of Kidder’s best-selling book “Mountains Beyond Mountains.”
Show for Nov 8, 2009. Medicine at the Extremes: Ashis Brahma
Physician and human rights activist Ashis Brahma of the Phoenix Global Health Foundation talks about practicing medicine in conflict zones and refugee camps. Ashis has spent years caring for the ill in India, Nepal, Burundi, Sudan, Uganda and Ethiopia. He was for a time the only doctor at the Oure Cassoni camp in Chad, treating refugees from the Darfur conflict.
