Trackside Science

Episodes

1. 81

   An AI-generated virus? Not worried.

   Aug 7, 2026

   23m
2. 80

   Virus Update - Ebola, Yellow Fever, Crimean Congo Fever and Usutu Virus

   References 1. LaCapria K. Spain records first death as rare tick‑borne Crimean‑Congo fever appears in local cases. Yahoo News. Published July 24, 2026. Accessed August 2, 2026. https://www.yahoo.com/news/science/articles/spain-records-first-death-rare-173100593.html 2. Reid R. Crimea‑Congo fever...

   Aug 3, 2026

   21m
3. 79

   Virus Update Ebola and COVID and Avian Flu 07172026

   References 1. Chin J. CDC warns about likely COVID‑19 surge in summer. Taipei Times. July 15, 2026. Accessed July 15, 2026. https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2026/07/15/2003860776 2. Institut National de Santé Publique. SitRep N°060/MVB — 13 July 2026. Published July 14, 2026....

   Jul 17, 2026

   18m
4. 78

   Ebolavirus Outbreak Democratic Republic of the Congo update 07102026

   Transcript with references: link Sounds Intro and Outro - stolen from In Search of transporter beam by Owdeo (Freesound.org) References 1. Muniroh M, Hermawati L, Fathurrohim F, et al. Ebola virus disease: A persistent challenge in global health security. Open Vet J. 2026;16(2):768-787....

   Jul 10, 2026

   15m
5. 77

   Stop worrying about hantaviruses

   In which I try to point out bigger problems Sounds Intro and Outro - stolen from In Search of transporter beam by Owdeo (Freesound.org) References Lindsay JA. Staphylococci: Evolving Genomes. Microbiol Spectr. 2019;7(6):10.1128/microbiolspec.gpp3-0071-2019.…

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   May 21, 2026

   21m
6. 76

   Virus - Hantaviruses on a cruise

   Twitter: @TracksideScien1 Instagram: Tracksidescience Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tracksidescience Credits: Opening and closing - Lewis, W. M., & Rinder, L. (1976). Theme from In Search Of… [Television series theme music]. On In Search Of… (Original television broadcast). Native American...

   May 13, 2026

   8m
7. 75

   (54) Where do ideas come from?

   Where do ideas come from? Rob describes his Big A Eureka Moment. 2025 Jeff wants to tell 2000's Jeff to suck it up and stop complaining. We both love people who are generous with their ideas. Email: [email protected] Instagram & Bluesky: Tracksidescience Patreon:...

   Aug 19, 2025

   55m
8. 74

   Philatelic Science (53)

   Philatelic Science! Rob's box of stamps generates some science ideas! Wisconsin has indicted a DNA sequence. Jeff is suddenly bro-ing all the time. Email - [email protected] Bluesky - ‪@tracksidescience.bsky.social‬ Instagram - tracksidescience Alcohol Jeff - 1800 Tequila & Cointreau -...

   Aug 7, 2025

   1h 01m
9. 73

   Science Firings part 2 (EXPLICIT)

   The moronic, mean-spirited and illegal assault on US government scientists continues.

   Apr 20, 2025

   1h 00m
10. 72

    (52) Salute to Government Scientists

    To those recently, and illegally, fired. Contains some strong language, because that is 100% appropriate.

    Mar 8, 2025

    49m
11. 71

    (51) Science from Australia!

    Episode 51 - Our Down Under connection! In 2021 we got an email from a listener from New Zealand working in Australia as a Physics Science Communicator. It took years to get over the shock that someone we didn't already know was actually listening to us, but we did and now he is here! Drinks Jeff…

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    Dec 29, 2024

    44m
12. 70

    (50) International Podcast Day

    Remember how you waited anxiously as a kid for it to come? Not having to go to school on that day? Family from all over pulling into the driveway with gifts and food for the International Podcast Day celebration? Yah, we don't either. #internationalpodcastday Alcohol Jeff - Southern Tier Brewing...

    Sep 29, 2024

    51m
13. 69

    Impromptu Science (49)

    No plan or pre-recording preparation whatsoever…the difference between dentists & endodontists… old microscopes… Rob's home office inspection… regulation of medical data.. college graduation in state prisons.. pubpeer.com… problematic paper screener …...

    Sep 9, 2024

    59m
14. 68

    (48) Science Video Game - PhD Simulator

    We relive the highs and lows of graduate school through a spot-on video game. PhD Simulator - A Text-Based Game by Mianzhi Wang (wmz.ninja) Email: [email protected] Instagram: Tracksidescience Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tracksidescience Alcohol Jeff - Dekalb County's fine tap water...

    Mar 30, 2024

    56m
15. 67

    (47) What connects you to science?

    Episode 47 - What connects you to science? Rob's a conference guy, he likes interacting with people. Jeff's a reading-papers-in-a-quiet-house kind of guy. Rob likes the cutting edge while Jeff gravitates towards the arcane. Rob's beer is bigger than Jeff's. Email: [email protected]...

    Nov 25, 2023

    55m
16. 66

    (46) ChatGPT: good for a fart joke?

    Is it a Promethean kind of thing? An end of the world thing? It's definitely a protecting people with Fecal Incontinence kind of thing. It's definitely not able to cite it's sources. Email: [email protected] Instagram: Tracksidescience Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tracksidescience...

    Nov 20, 2023

    54m
17. 65

    Not a secret Chinese bioweapons facility

    Aug 5, 2023

    16m
18. 64

    (45) Has Money Destroyed Science?

    Should we pay scientists to speak? What do people in prison think about paid experts? Is the United Federation of Planets communist? Does getting paid fat stax help your work/life balance? Email: [email protected] Instagram: Tracksidescience Patreon:...

    Aug 4, 2023

    52m
19. 63

    Virus: Reading Promedmail - Polish Cats & Bird Flu

    If you are at all interested in stuff like this, take a look at https://promedmail.org/

    Jul 6, 2023

    14m
20. 62

    (44) Is it a calling, or just a job?

    In August of 2022 we had special guest Dr. Peter Haugen on to talk about work identity. By the end, we are just sappy Dads who miss our kids being little. Email: [email protected] Instagram: Tracksidescience Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tracksidescience Alcohol Dr. Haugen - Gin &…

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    Jan 28, 2023

    57m
21. 61

    (43) We were burned out Spring 2021

    This one was recorded during the Spring Semester of 2021 and sat on my hard drive for a while. Email: [email protected] Instagram: Tracksidescience Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tracksidescience Alcohol Bearded Flannel Cat India Pale Ale - Sunken Silo Big F'in Stout - Scofflaw Sounds...

    Jan 14, 2023

    48m
22. 60

    (42) Citizen Science Tools for Bioinformatics (that are free!)

    Both of us have done a bit of citizen science over the years, and here are some very high-tech freely available tools that you can use too! We are serious about our offer to show anyone how to use these, just email us at [email protected]. Enjoy! Music & Sounds Freight Train Crossing.wav...

    Jan 1, 2023

    1h 11m
23. 59

    (41) Hereditary Periodic Fever Syndromes

    An interview with the acclaimed geneticist Dr Robert Pyatt about a set of diseases that is coming up in acclaimed educator Dr Jeff Mahr's class.

    Sep 13, 2022

    33m
24. 58

    (40) Eight Science Books

    Email: [email protected] Twitter: @TracksideScien1 Instagram: Tracksidescience Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tracksidescience Booze: Chocolate Moon Pie Stout, Naked River Brewing La Grange Point India Pale Ale, Flounder's Brewing Books: The Last Stargazers, by Emily Levesque Sister,...

    Aug 14, 2022

    48m
25. 57

    (39) Stiff Science 3

    Because everyone is constantly dying. Also,we suck at virtual rochambeau. Email: [email protected] Twitter: @TracksideScien1 Instagram: Tracksidescience Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tracksidescience Rex Golliath - Cabernet Sauvignon Redrum Double Milk Stout (couldn't find the…

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    Jun 20, 2022

    39m
26. 56

    (38) Free Fireworks - Science Research

    Can two words in the title change the number of downloads of an episode? We discuss downloads, podcast ratings and then decide to try a little experiment. Errol, I am eternally sorry that I forgot your name! Email: [email protected] Twitter: @TracksideScien1 Instagram: Tracksidescience...

    Jun 15, 2022

    37m
27. 55

    (37) Science Writing

    Rob hates it, Jeff loves it, and no one should publish their research in Hustler. Email: [email protected] Twitter: @TracksideScien1 Instagram: Tracksidescience Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tracksidescience Alcohol: Rob - Hop Valley Bubblestash IPAwith CryoHops Jeff - Rex Goliath...

    Jun 3, 2022

    1h 03m
28. 54

    (36) Welcome Back

    Rob & Jeff return to talk scientifically about their old man health problems. Plus, what happened to 2021?

    Jun 1, 2022

    42m
29. 53

    Science Fairs (35)

    Episode 35 - Science Fairs (Rob hates them) This episode sat on my hard drive for a year, I apologize. Email: [email protected] Twitter: @TracksideScien1 Instagram: Tracksidescience Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tracksidescience Alcohol: Neshaminy Creek Brewing Cheap Box Wine -...

    May 28, 2021

    31m
30. 52

    Virus Questions (5) - UK variant - more infectious, more severe

    Email: [email protected] Twitter: @TracksideScien1 Instagram: Tracksidescience Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tracksidescience This Week in Virology (link) NERVTAG paper (link) English Robot Text-to-speech engine (link)

    Feb 14, 2021

    6m
31. 51

    (34) The state of journalism with Lou Harry

    Lou is a writer and journalist who works with the Society of Professional Journalists and gives some of the most insightful and interesting analysis of journalism today. Email: [email protected] Twitter: @TracksideScien1 Instagram: Tracksidescience Patreon:...

    Jan 3, 2021

    1h 00m
32. 50

    Virus Questions (4) Is the mutant coronavirus more dangerous?

    Probably not, but that shouldn't change what you are doing now. Nextstrain Twitter (here) This Week in Virology (here)

    Dec 30, 2020

    12m
33. 49

    (33) The COVID-19 Vaccines

    What's in the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine and why is a third of the population fatigued? Ethanol: Dragon's Milk, New Holland (here) Eye of the Storm Sitra, Jersey Cyclone Brewing (here) 1798 Brewery Okracoke (here) Science: Pfizer FDA EUA briefing document (here) Moderna FDA EUA briefing document...

    Dec 27, 2020

    55m
34. 48

    Virus special - Does the vaccine prevent infection?

    The answer might surprise us. Pfizer FDA EUA briefing document: link Pfizer FDA EUA meeting: link Moderna FDA EUA briefing document: link Moderna FDA EUA meeting: link VAERS: link

    Dec 19, 2020

    17m
35. 47

    (32) Back in the Saddle?

    Just a short little episode to let you know we are back. We think. An Exploration of the Structure of Effective Apologies (link) - Paywall.... sorry?

    Dec 15, 2020

    25m
36. 46

    Virus special - -Is COVID-19 more like 1918 flu or 1957 flu?

    Email: [email protected] Twitter: @TracksideScien1 Instagram: Tracksidescience Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tracksidescience

    Aug 15, 2020

    1h 00m
37. 45

    (32) COVID-19 vaccine will be available at 12:32AM on Aug 17 2021

    Wherein Rob and Jeff do an experiment to see how quickly beer and red wine will degrade vaccine knowledge. Jeff uses disabled squirrels and broken-down cars as analogies for attenuated virus vaccines. Rob tries to pin Jeff down on SARSCoV2 vaccine predictions for 2020. Email:...

    Aug 13, 2020

    46m
38. 44

    Virus Questions (3) - Cheaper, less sensitive virus tests?

    Email your virus questions to [email protected] Links: This Week in Virology episode #640 (here) Abbot ID Now (here) English robot generator (here)

    Jul 31, 2020

    7m
39. 43

    (31) Science Dads

    Here's to all the Dads out there. And their jokes Email: [email protected] Twitter: @TracksideScien1 Instagram: Tracksidescience Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tracksidescience Sounds (Freesound.org) Baddum Tish - Comedy Rimshot by rodincoil Cricket Chirp by Sojan musical saw ascending...

    Jul 28, 2020

    44m
40. 42

    Virus Questions (2) Antibody tests - difference between qualitative & quantitative?

    Email your virus questions to [email protected] Links: US FDA approved SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests (7/22/2020) (link) Types of tests - Chemiluminescent Microbead Immunoassay (Youtube) Lateral flow Immunoassay (Youtube) ELISA (Youtube) Sounds: https://lingojam.com/RobotVoiceGenerator

    Jul 22, 2020

    5m
41. 41

    A new series! Virus Questions (1) - What is threshold cycle?

    Email your virus questions to [email protected] Links: This Week in Virology > https://www.microbe.tv/twiv/twiv-641/ COVID-19 PCR testing > https://youtu.be/Vd38iS_W7ww Note - I didn't mention the "RT" part because… concision! The RT step just turns the viruses RNA into DNA and then the…

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    Jul 17, 2020

    5m
42. 40

    (30) A Fresh Perspective on Science

    Sydni is working on an amoeba that *farms* a bacteria! Sydni's amazing art: SciDotArt Email: [email protected] Twitter: @TracksideScien1 Instagram: Tracksidescience Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tracksidescience The Menu: Mango White Claw Peter Vella Vineyards Cab Sav Terrapin...

    Jul 16, 2020

    53m
43. 39

    (29) Viral Movie Reviews part 2

    Rob & Jeff again pick two very different movies Southern Tier Brewing Double IPA (here) Liberty Creek Cabernet Sauvignon (here) Osmosis Jones (IMDb) The Satan Bug (IMDb) sound effects Freesound.org: Night Traffic by Oneirophile Archive.org: KTLA 5 - Movie Theater - 1986 - Theme Song

    Jul 10, 2020

    56m
44. 38

    Virus (8) Listeriaphage P100

    Email: [email protected] Twitter: @TracksideScien1 Instagram: Tracksidescience Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tracksidescience References: Muniesa et al Microb Biotechnol. 2011 Nov; 4(6): 725–734. Carlton et al (Loessner) 2005 Reg. Tox. & Pharm Loessner 1991 App & Env Micro Zink &...

    May 23, 2020

    18m
45. 37

    Epidemic Film Reviews (28)

    Episode 28 - Epidemic Movie Reviews Skeleton on Horse 1937 (link) Quarantine 2008 (link) Partners in Health (link) Alcohol: Naked Grape Cabernet Sauvignon Cloudwalker Hazy Juice IPA Email: [email protected] Twitter: @TracksideScien1 Instagram: Tracksidescience Patreon:...

    Apr 20, 2020

    57m
46. 36

    Can we mask coronavirus?

    Email: [email protected] Twitter: @TracksideScien1 Instagram: Tracksidescience Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tracksidescience Music & Sounds: Night Train, The Mad Caps (1952), Archive.org STE-013 train and bell.wav by tim.kahn (Freesound.or) Darth Vader Breathing.wav by 18hiltc...

    Apr 7, 2020

    47m
47. 35

    Virus (update) - Coronavirus 3 hours in the air? (no)

    Email: [email protected] Twitter: @TracksideScien1 Instagram: Tracksidescience Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tracksidescience References Original coronavirus study: 2020 van Doremalen et al (MedRxiv link) Goldberg drum: Golberg et al. 1958 American Journal of Epidemiology (link)...

    Mar 23, 2020

    11m
48. 34

    Coronavirus episode 2

    Wherein Rob and Jeff talk about the COVID-19 pandemic. What are our students asking us? What are we doing different? What are *our* plans if we wake up tomorrow with a fever and a cough? Are men washing their hands more or is that just observer bias? Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Global Cases…

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    Mar 13, 2020

    51m
49. 33

    Virus (7) - A short history of coronaviruses

    Email: [email protected] Twitter: @TracksideScien1 Instagram: Tracksidescience Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tracksidescience References: 1933 Bushnell and Brandly. Laryngotracheitis in chicks. Poultry Science 1962 Kendall et al. Virus isolations from common cold occurring in a...

    Mar 11, 2020

    9m
50. 32

    Coronavirus outbreak

    How serious is the nCoV-2019 outbreak? Will it spread much outside of China? Why does Jeff think he can DIY a clinical diagnostic lab? Why can't we drink and think?. Email: [email protected] Twitter: @TracksideScien1 Instagram: Tracksidescience Patreon:...

    Feb 1, 2020

    1h 01m