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Big Picture Science

Smiley Virus

Big Picture Science

Big Picture Science

Science, Technology

4.51K Ratings

🗓️ 19 October 2015

⏱️ 53 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

For many, the word virus is a synonym for disease – diseases of humans, plants, and even computers. Ebola is an example: a virus with a big and terrifying reputation. And yet the vast majority of viruses are not only friendly, they are essential for life. Find out how viruses make plant life in Yellowstone’s hottest environments possible, and fear your spinach salad no longer: a scientist recruits viruses to defeat E. coli bacteria. Plus, a new study presents the disconcerting facts of just how far a sneeze travels, and viruses in another kind of culture: but is ours benevolent? Find out from the man who coined the term, “viral media.” Guests: David Quammen – Science journalist, contributing writer for National Geographic Magazine, author of Spillover: Animal Infections and the Next Human Pandemic. His Op Ed about Ebola appeared in the New York Times. Marilyn Roossinck – Professor of plant pathology and environmental microbiology, Penn State, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics Paul Ebner – Microbiologist and an associate professor of animal sciences, Purdue University Lydia Bourouiba – Physical applied mathematician, department of civil and environmental engineering, M.I.T. Douglas Rushkoff – Media theorist, author, Media Virus! Hidden Agendas in Popular Cultureand Present Shock: When Everything Happens Now First released May 12, 2014. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0

You're listening to an Airwave Media Podcast.

0:05.0

This episode is brought to you by Revolute.

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Until 18th of June 2024, 18 plus, T's and C's apply, exchange fees and fair usage limits supply.

0:35.0

Get ready to geek out.

0:37.0

The Wired Science Podcast explores all the latest and greatest in science,

0:42.0

everything from strange diseases and biological breakthroughs

0:45.6

to interesting tech and mysteries in outer space.

0:48.6

Listen to Wired Science today wherever you get your podcasts.

0:52.2

That's Wired Science, wherever you get your podcasts. That's Wired Science wherever you get your

0:54.6

podcasts. A number of you listening to this might be struggling with a runny nose, a headache, perhaps even a fever.

1:06.0

Well, of course, we hope you feel better soon, but you are all Exhibit A in the nature of our relationship with viruses.

1:14.2

We are all intimately acquainted with viruses.

1:16.8

They're the nasty thing that have us rearranging our schedule

1:19.7

at the last minute to care for sick kids

1:22.1

that can keep them and us achy and miserable throughout

1:24.8

the night.

1:25.8

There are small snippets of DNA that slip silently into our bodies to attack ourselves

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