In this episode:
00:48 A new way to grow a tricky parasite in the lab
Toxoplasma gondii, the parasite that causes the zoonotic disease toxoplasmosis, has a complex, multi-stage life cycle. Some of these stages will only grow in the intestines of cats, making it difficult to study. Now, a team has found a way to grow one of these stages in vitro for the first time, which they hope will help researchers learn more about this parasite, estimated to have infected around 30% of the world’s population.
Research Article:* Antunes et al.*)
08:50 Research Highlights
The tiny VR goggles designed for mice, and how a squirt of water could give coffee a bigger kick.
*Research Highlight: *Wee VR googles give mice a true immersive experience)
*Research Highlight: *Why coffee particles clump and make a mess during grinding)
11:25 Briefing Chat
Genetic searches reveal a potential super-sized protein, and the rise of ‘non-stop’ authors who publish a science paper every five days
*Nature News: *The world’s largest proteins? These mega-molecules turn bacteria into predators)
*Nature News: *Surge in number of ‘extremely productive’ authors concerns scientists)
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