[thedoc (OP)]

In this week's not-to-be-sniffed-at infectious episode of the naked scientists, we find out the facts of flu, including how the virus hijacks your cells, how new strains of the virus emerge to trigger epidemics and pandemics, and how scientists can combat the threat with vaccines.  Also under the microscope is a new technique to identify viruses within just 2 hours, providing patients with a fast track to the right treatment!  Also, how bone marrow transplants can overcome organ rejection, how to stop a terrorist with a mobile phone, and the new material 30 times blacker than our current blackest black! Plus, in kitchen science, we'll be pouring cold water on claims of centrifugal force...
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If you want to discuss this show, or ask a question, this is the place to do it.

[RenRen]

It's funny that you picked that picture for your show podcast. I am the influenza surveillance coordinator for the State of Maryland in the US, and I have that same picture on our site where I publish our surveillance findings. It must be a popular pic.

[chris]

How funny - thanks for telling us!

Chris

[RenRen]

FYI: http://www.edcp.org/influenza/Influenza_serv.html [nofollow] if you want to know how flu is going on this side of the Atlantic. I keep tabs on how things are on your side because how you go is generally how we go... And how Australia goes in June/July/August is how we seem to go during our season. Great show, by the way... Keep making science interesting!

[chris]

Thank you, we're very grateful for your feedback. And if you'd like to write an article for us about what you do, that would be wonderful!

Chris

[RenRen]

I would be honored to write something up. There are two options, however... I could write as an epidemiologist and just talk about how we go about investigating disease, or I could write as an epidemiologist for the State of Maryland, which would require clearance from my superiors. I'm also a Medical Technologist, and I include the laboratory component to my job as an "epi". Is there a particular topic you guys need covered?