Ticks and their Tricks with Dr. Rafael Viera

Episode 9

In the final episode of Season 1, we dive into the fascinating world of ticks, pathogens, and global health with Dr. Rafael Vieira, a self-proclaimed "pathogen hunter" from UNC Charlotte. From the depths of the Amazon to the labs of North Carolina, Dr. Vieira takes us on a thrilling journey through his groundbreaking research on vector-borne diseases. Discover why your next eco-tourism adventure might be riskier than you think, and how climate change is reshaping the landscape of infectious diseases. Dr. Vieira shares hair-raising tales of tick collection, the excitement of discovering new bacteria, and his mission to bridge health gaps in sub-Saharan Africa. This episode is a gripping exploration of the intricate dance between humans, animals, and our environment – and why understanding this connection might just save us from the next pandemic.

Find out more at cipher.charlotte.edu.

 

Key Takeaways

• There's more to tick-borne illnesses than just Lyme disease. Dr. Vieira's research has uncovered several new bacteria and pathogens, highlighting the need for broader awareness and research.
• Activities like eco-tourism, illegal animal trafficking, and deforestation can have far-reaching consequences on the spread of vector-borne diseases across continents.
• Climate change is altering the distribution patterns of ticks and other disease vectors, potentially exposing new populations to these threats.
• Dr. Vieira's work in sub-Saharan Africa underscores the value of international partnerships in addressing global health issues and nurturing the next generation of scientists in developing countries.
• By studying emerging pathogens and disease patterns, Dr. Vieira and his colleagues are working to stay ahead of potential outbreaks, potentially preventing future epidemics or pandemics.

This podcast was produced and edited by Zack Jackson
CIPHER is a proud part of UNC Charlotte who holds all rights to the content created by this podcast