Leprosy cases are rising in the US – what is the ancient disease and why is it spreading now?

People often think of leprosy as a bygone disease, relevant primarily in biblical times. But in fact, it is still present in more than 120 countries, and the US is seeing an uptick in cases.

Robert A. Schwartz, Professor and Head of Dermatology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University • conversation
March 13, 2024 ~9 min

What is Alaskapox? A microbiologist explains the recently discovered virus that just claimed its first fatality

Alaskapox was discovered in 2015 and has generally only caused mild illness – until now.

Raúl Rivas González, Catedrático de Microbiología. Miembro de la Sociedad Española de Microbiología., Universidad de Salamanca • conversation
Feb. 21, 2024 ~7 min


Perils of pet poop – so much more than just unsightly and smelly, it can spread disease

The signs that remind you to pick up after your pet are not just trying to keep public spaces clean; they’re urging you to help safeguard your community’s health.

Julia Wuerz, Clinical Assistant Professor of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida • conversation
Feb. 6, 2024 ~8 min

Rabies is an ancient, unpredictable and potentially fatal disease − two rabies researchers explain how to protect yourself

An unexpected case of rabies found in an animal can raise concerns for a potential outbreak. Proactive vaccination of both wildlife and people can help protect everyone.

Charles Rupprecht, Affiliate Professor of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University • conversation
Jan. 9, 2024 ~10 min

Climate labels similar to cigarette packet warnings could cut meat consumption – new research

Labels highlighting the health and pandemic risks of meat were also effective.

Milica Vasiljevic, Associate Professor of Behavioural Science, Durham University • conversation
Nov. 1, 2023 ~6 min

By 'helping' wild animals, you could end their freedom or even their lives – here's why you should keep your distance

A newborn bison calf in Yellowstone National Park had to be euthanized after a visitor handled it in May 2023 – a recent example of how trying to help wild animals often harms them.

Julian Avery, Associate Research Professor of Wildlife Conservation, Penn State • conversation
June 30, 2023 ~11 min

As bird flu continues to spread in the US and worldwide, what's the risk that it could start a human pandemic? 4 questions answered

Avian influenza viruses have evolved to infect birds, but the current H5N1 outbreak is also infecting a wide range of mammals. This suggests that it could mutate into forms that threaten humans.

Sharon Wu, PhD Student in Interdisciplinary Quantitative Biology and Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
March 16, 2023 ~9 min

Marburg virus outbreaks are increasing in frequency and geographic spread – three virologists explain

The Marburg virus, a close cousin of Ebola, currently has no approved treatments or vaccines to protect against it.

Judith Olejnik, Senior Research Scientist, Boston University • conversation
March 13, 2023 ~9 min


What is chronic wasting disease? A wildlife scientist explains the fatal prion infection killing deer and elk across North America

A deadly neurological infection, chronic wasting disease, has been detected in deer, elk and moose in 30 states and four Canadian provinces. Human risk is low, but hunters need to take precautions.

Allan Houston, Professor of Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Tennessee • conversation
June 10, 2022 ~10 min

Preventing future pandemics starts with recognizing links between human and animal health

How can nations prevent more pandemics like COVID-19? One priority is reducing the risk of diseases’ jumping from animals to humans. And that means understanding how human actions fuel that risk.

Guilherme Werneck, Professor of Epidemiology, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro • conversation
Nov. 3, 2021 ~9 min

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