James Gallagher asks whether the next pandemic might be an invasive fungi? Most people think of athlete's foot or fungal toe nails but the World Health Organisation recently issued the first ever list of life threatening fungi. James hears stories of hospitals being shut down, a ruined honeymoon and fungal infections that consume human tissue leaving terrib ... Show More
Jul 8
Are we being too safe in the sun? How to balance the risks
When the sun shines, out come the warnings that we all need to be careful in the sun to avoid burning and the risk of skin cancer. There are, though, those who believe that sort of public health messaging isn't positive enough about the benefits of the sun.As James Gallagher hear ... Show More
28m 5s
Sep 2023
Ep 125 Blastomycosis: How fungus became amongus
Fungal infections don’t often make an appearance on this podcast, but when they do, you know you’re in for a wild ride. In this episode, we explore the rare but potentially deadly fungal infection blastomycosis. We trace the journey of Blastomyces spores as they depart from their ... Show More
1h 18m
Jan 2023
The Hidden Powers of Fungi
When you hear the word fungi, chances are mushrooms come to mind: button mushrooms, maybe portobellos, or chanterelles. But so much of the fungi kingdom is invisible — underground — and many say underappreciated. Fungi are vital to life on the planet, but scientists are just begi ... Show More
49m 12s
Aug 2023
How Vaccines Could Help Ease the Threat of Deadly Fungal Infections
The risks from fungal pathogens are increasing. Severe infections used to be rare, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates more than 75,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized for fungal diseases each year, and the World Health Organization says rates of seve ... Show More
23m 41s
Dec 2023
275 - Blight - Emily Monosson
How likely is the fungal infection in The Last of Us? The one that takes over human brains and brings humanity to the brink of extinction, could something like that really happen?In this episode we sit down with Emily Monosson, an expert on deadly fungal infections, and discuss t ... Show More
47m 18s