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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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 ...

9 Feb 2026

Slay the Binary: Inside the Animal Queendom

Animals, Biology, Environment, Science & Medicine, Uncategorized

Biological sex in nature is far from simple – and the animal queendom proves it. From fish that change sex, to ...

28 Jan 2026

Waddle We Know About Penguins?

Animals, Biology, Places & Travel, Science & Medicine

Penguins may live at the bottom of the world, but they’ve risen to the very top of our hearts. For Penguin ...