Biology can be beautiful and disgusting all at once. This is why I loved studying biology and parasites, and why I am captivated by the story of screwworm.

Screwworm is a nasty parasite that is making a come back in North America and in this episode we'll dive into the story of screwworm and hear from Dr. Phillip Kaufman, Head of the Department of Entomology at Texas A&M. He breaks down how screwworm returned and why that's a major problem.

I love this story because it demonstrates the power of adaptation and how studying a parasite like screwworm through the lens of adaptation helps us find ways to fight back.

Takeaways:

1. The New World Screwworm's return exemplifies the intricate relationship between parasitism and adaptation in biological systems.
2. Understanding the ecological impact of the New World Screwworm is crucial for livestock management and prevention of economic losses.
3. The sterile insect technique has proven effective in controlling the screwworm population, highlighting innovative approaches to pest management.
4. The cooperation between countries is vital in managing the spread of pests and diseases, as exemplified by the efforts to eradicate the screwworm.
5. The complexities of insect life, particularly parasitic species, provide insights into the adaptability and resilience of organisms in various environments.
6. The return of the New World Screwworm serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining vigilance in ecological monitoring and research.
   • New World Screwworm Outbreak | New World Screwworm | CDC
   • COPEG – Comisión Panamá – Estados Unidos para la Erradicación y Prevención del Gusano Barrenador del Ganado
   • New World Screwworm: Rise, Fall and Resurgence
   • Phillip Kaufman - Department of Entomology - Texas A&M
   
   

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   Many thanks to Freak Motif for the music and Sebastian Abboud for the logo.

In this episode, I'm joined science-communication researcher Miguel Vissers for a funny, honest, and wildly insightful look at how science actually reaches the public—and why it so often goes wrong. Check out the links below to see Miguel's work and check back for updates as one of the pieces of research we discuss will be available soon.

We start with the question, why science needs its own communication field and whether this is a unique case. We also cover Miguel's area of expertise and look at how press releases shape the news you see—sometimes a little too directly. The conversation also touches on lessons learned during the pandemic regarding transparency, trust, and mixed messaging. Why scientists, journalists, governments, and influencers all talk past each other. And finally… how Joe Rogan went from “gateway to science curiosity” to “uh oh.”

Takeaways:

• The podcast episode delves into the intricacies of science communication, particularly its role in bridging the gap between scientific research and public understanding.
• The challenges faced by scientists in conveying their findings effectively.
• The balance that science communicators must maintain between promoting scientific advancements and critically evaluating the implications of such research for society.
• The necessity of transparency in science communication, especially in light of the public's increasing skepticism towards scientific authorities and findings.

  This is the only link you need to subscirbe and never miss an episode of Two Brad For You. Please do rate and review it really helps us out.

  If you'd like to support the show with currency click here. We are grateful for that too. Finally, you can check out the website here.

  Many thanks to Freak Motif for the music and Sebastian Abboud for the logo.

  • Surfing the COVID-19 news waves - Journal of Science Communication
  • Miguel Vissers on LinkedIn
  • BE Sci Comm - BE SciComm is a community of science communicators, bringing together researchers, journalists, press officers, communication officers, policy makers, designers, event organizers, students, and anyone interested in science communication.
  • About Miguel Vissers | University of Antwerp
  • It’s the science, stupid! by Miguel Vissers for Big Bang Magazine - A warning against scientism and a proposal for science communication focused more on scientific process(es) than scientific facts
  
  

Science isn’t just happening in labs in the U.S. or Europe — it’s a human story unfolding everywhere. In this episode, Brad talks with Dr. Patience Kiyuka, a Kenyan scientist and National Geographic Explorer, about what it really means to do science for and with the communities it serves. From fighting malaria to battling misinformation, Dr. Kiyuka shares how African scientists are changing global research — and why authentic communication matters as much as discovery itself.

If you think science is a cold, mechanical process, this conversation will change your mind.

• Nature: Africa needs to invest in science communication — here’s how
• KEMRI - Dr. Kiyuka
• Dr Patience Kiyuka | Engage and Inspire Today

This is the only link you need to subscribe and never miss an episode of Two Brad For You. Please do rate and review it really helps us out.

If you'd like to support the show with currency click here. We are grateful for that too. Finally, you can check out the website here.

Many thanks to Freak Motif for the music and Sebastian Abboud for the logo.