What the Cluck Is Going On with Bird Flu?

In this episode, Jess and Sarah discuss the current state of bird flu, particularly H5N1, with expert Dr. Chad Costley. They explore the implications of recent CDC updates, the evolution of viruses, and the innovative development of intranasal vaccines. The conversation highlights the importance of addressing vaccine misinformation and the potential for a universal flu vaccine, emphasizing the need for continued public health efforts and the role of dedicated scientists in combating misinformation. Watch the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-Vlb14O_BeA (00:00) Intro & Public Health Update (03:07) What Is A News Item That Caught Your Attention And Why? (04:20) What Is Bird Flu? (07:11) How Could Bird Flu Become A Worst Case Scenario? (10:02) Exiting Research On A Possible Bird Flu Vaccine (13:38) Technology Behind The New Vaccine Candidate (17:43) Importance of Adjuvants (20:48) Where Does The New H5 Vaccine Stand In Development? (24:21) The Idea Of A Universal Flu Vaccine (29:25) What Is Giving Hope In Public Health? https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-64686-3 https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/11/06/3182263/0/en/BlueWillow-Biologics-Intranasal-Bird-Flu-Vaccine-Shows-Signs-of-Broad-Immune-Response-in-Phase-I-Clinical-Trial-Published-in-Nature-Communications.html https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-costley-a631a8164/ https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/avian-influenza-bird-flu/preliminary-human-bird-flu-case-reported-washington-state ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interested in advertising with us? Please reach out to [email protected], with “Unbiased Science” in the subject line. PLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional. Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. The information provided herein do not represent the views of our employers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.