Science Queeries

20 Oct 2025

First Rule of Bite Club: Buzz Off Malaria

Health, Immunology, Medicine, Microbiology, Science & Medicine

How does the immune system bite back against malaria?

Malaria is caused by parasites that are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. The parasites travel to the liver and then infect red blood cells, leading to symptoms.
Malaria has been bugging humanity for centuries. It’s hard to control the disease because the parasites can be resistant to drugs and current vaccines only offer partial protection.

But thanks to immunologists like Dr Kristina Burrack, we have a fighting chance!

Dr Kristina is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Minnesota and the Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute. Dr Cat chats to her about how her work and other vaccination approaches from the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity could give us a real shot at stopping malaria.

Originally aired 14th October, 2025.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 46:53 — 64.4MB)

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5 Mar 2026

Toad-ally Thirsty: Going Out with a Bang

Animals, Biology, Reproduction, Science & Medicine

When frogs face a life-threatening disease, you'd expect them to hunker down and focus on survival. But nature sometimes has ...

24 Feb 2026

Good Moon Rising: The Science of Lunar New Year

Astronomy, History, Science & Medicine, Social Sciences, Society & Culture

Chúc mừng năm mới! 恭喜发财! 새해 복 많이 받으세요! Happy New Year! Lunar New Year is celebrated by millions of people ...

15 Feb 2026

Sea-ing Change in Sydney Harbour

Biology, Environment, Natural Sciences, Science & Medicine, Sustainability

Sydney Harbour is one of the most iconic waterways in the world — but beneath the postcard views lies a ...