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This Week in Virology

Vincent Racaniellowww.microbe.tv
This Week in Virology is a netcast about viruses - the kind that make you sick.
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Episodes

TWiV 1305: Lab leak idea called on the carpet

TWiV introduces sunshine virus of carpet pythons and its effect snakes after experimental infection, and development of a new tool to distinguish between naturally ocurring outbreaks and those that arise from lab accidents. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello , Alan Dove , Rich Condit , and Brianne Barker Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts , RSS , email Become a patron of TWiV! Links for this episode Support science education at MicrobeTV Positions in Rosenfeld Lab (email) IgNobel Prize ceremony moved to Eu...

Mar 15, 20261 hr 48 minEp. 1305

TWiV 1304: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin

In his weekly clinical update, Dr. Griffin and Vincent Racaniello discuss the global spread of the ‘eradicated’ poliovirus, the suggestion of RFK’s autocratic ability to change vaccine policy and the ‘resignation’ for the second time of CBER director Vinjay Prasad, and zoonotic spillover of viruses without adaptation, before Dr. Griffin deep dives into economic costs of not vaccinating against measles, the measles outbreak in South Carolina, Utah and ICE detention centers, recent statistics RSV,...

Mar 14, 202652 minEp. 1304

TWiV 1303: Overachieving vaccines

TWiV reviews an association between shingles vaccination and slower biological aging, and how mucosal immunization in mice provides protection against disease caused by diverse viruses and bacteria. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello , Alan Dove , Rich Condit , and Brianne Barker Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts , RSS , email Become a patron of TWiV! Links for this episode Support science education at MicrobeTV Positions in Rosenfeld Lab (email) Shingles vaccination may slow biological aging (J Gerontol)...

Mar 08, 20261 hr 51 minEp. 1303

TWiV 1302: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin

In his weekly clinical update, Dr. Griffin and Vincent Racaniello talk about the health misconceptions that RFK Jr continues to perpetuate and how to combat them, first cases of highly pathogenic influenza in the California elephant seal population before Dr. Griffin deep dives into economic costs of not vaccinating against measles, the measles outbreak in South Carolinaand Utah, ICE detention centers, lack of accurate reporting may prevent the US from losing its status as a country that elimina...

Mar 07, 202645 minEp. 1302

TWiV 1301: Lost in giant virus translation

TWiV reviews lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus seroprevalence among urban pregnant women and newborns in Philadelphia, and a functional translation initiation complex encoded in the genome of giant viruses that drives synthesis of viral structural proteins. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello , Rich Condit , Kathy Spindler, and Angela Mingarelli Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts , RSS , email Become a patron of TWiV! Links for this episode Support science education at MicrobeTV Positions in Rosenfeld Lab ...

Mar 01, 20262 hr 5 minEp. 1301

TWiV 1300: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin

In his weekly clinical update, Dr. Griffin and Vincent Racaniello discuss several states and the governor of Pennsylvania suing HHS over changes in the childhood vaccination schedule, the vaccine derived type 2 poliovirus outbreak in Pakistan and implications for the global withdrawal of the oral poliovirus vaccine, and the outbreak of Candida, then Dr. Griffin deep dives into recent statistics RSV, influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infections, the Wasterwater Scan dashboard, Johns Hopkins measles tracke...

Feb 28, 202641 minEp. 1300

TWiV 1299: Moth balls and blood clots

TWiV explains how vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia develops from antibodies to adenovirus and somatic hypermutation, and castration by a viral protein tyrosine phosphatase that targets a host cell cycle checkpoint protein. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello , Alan Dove , Rich Condit , and Brianne Barker Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts , RSS , email Become a patron of TWiV! Links for this episode Support science education at MicrobeTV Positions in Rosenfeld Lab (email) US repeals environmental...

Feb 22, 20261 hr 46 minEp. 1299

TWiV 1298: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin

In his weekly clinical update, Dr. Griffin and Vincent Racaniello discuss reversal of last week’s no review decision on a flu mRNA vaccine by Vinjay Prasad, appointment of Jay Bhattacharya as CDC director, no experience required, and already detectable reduction in hepatitis B virus vaccination rates, then Dr. Griffin then deep dives into recent statistics on RSV, influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infections, the Wasterwater Scan dashboard, Johns Hopkins measles tracker, where to find PEMGARDA, how to ac...

Feb 21, 202643 minEp. 1298

TWiV 1297: Spillover squirrel

TWiV explains the observation that filamentous virions act as non-infectious interfering particles to modulate papillomavirus infection, and transmission of monkeypox virus from fire-footed rope squirrels to sooty mangabeys. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello , Alan Dove , Kathy Spindler , and Brianne Barker Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts , RSS , email Become a patron of TWiV! Links for this episode Support science education at MicrobeTV Positions in Rosenfeld Lab (email) FDA refuses to review Moderna ...

Feb 15, 20261 hr 49 minEp. 1297

TWiV 1296: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin

In his weekly clinical update, Dr. Griffin and Vincent Racaniello are shocked by recent events, including Dr. Oz’s appeal for measles vaccination, Vinjay Prasad’s unilateral rejection of Moderna’s mRNA influenza vaccine application, and the increasing number of New World screw worm cases, then Dr. Griffin then deep dives into recent statistics on RSV, influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infections, the Wasterwater Scan dashboard, Johns Hopkins measles tracker, where to find PEMGARDA, how to access and pay ...

Feb 14, 202647 minEp. 1296

TWiV 1295: Are YOU willing to take one for the team?

TWiV reviews a survey conducted in Cambodia's floating villages to explore measles vaccination perceptions and willingness to consider novel vaccination approaches, and how a prophage defends against an infecting phage. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello , Rich Condit , Brianne Barker, and Jolene Ramsey Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts , RSS , email Become a patron of TWiV! Links for this episode Support science education at MicrobeTV ASV 2026 Positions in Rosenfeld Lab (email) Update on US measles outbr...

Feb 08, 20261 hr 50 minEp. 1295

TWiV 1294: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin

In his weekly clinical update during Ground hog week, Dr. Griffin and Vincent Racaniello are back to discuss the measles outbreak in South Carolina, American Academy of Pediatrics vaccine recommendations and shingles vaccine and the reduction of dementia, then deep dives into recent statistics RSV, influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infections, the Wastewater Scan dashboard, Johns Hopkins measles tracker, where to find PEMGARDA, how to access and pay for Paxlovid, estimated effectiveness of this year’s CO...

Feb 07, 202657 minEp. 1294

TWiV 1293: The enemy of your parasite is your friend

TWiV reviews the finding in Sweden that immunization against cervical cancer with human papillomavirus vaccine also protects the non-immunized, and methyl salicylic acid as a key volatile molecule that attracts parasitoid wasps to rice and other crops to destroy destructive leafhoppers, and is down-regulated by virus infection to enable virus spread. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello , Rich Condit , and Kathy Spindler Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts , RSS , email Become a patron of TWiV! Links for this...

Feb 01, 20261 hr 47 minEp. 1293

TWiV 1292: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin

In his weekly clinical update, Dr. Griffin and Vincent Racaniello discuss with disgust the decline and fall of American public health and the rise of “only me” when highlighting completion of the US withdrawal from the WHO and possibility of making IPV and MMR optional vaccines, before Dr. Griffin then deep dives into recent statistics RSV, influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infections, the Wasterwater Scan dashboard, Johns Hopkins measles tracker, Europe losing its measles elimination status, first measl...

Jan 31, 202645 minEp. 1292

TWiV 1291: A foot in the door for cytomegalovirus

TWiV explains emergence of a neurovirulent double recombinant from the ‘improved’ nOPV2 in Uganda, and efficiency of viral entry determined whether cells are latently or lytically infected with cytomegalovirus. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello , Alan Dove , Rich Condit , and Brianne Barker Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts , RSS , email Become a patron of TWiV! Links for this episode Support science education at MicrobeTV ASV 2026 Positions in Rosenfeld Lab (email) nOPV2 neurovirulent recombinant in Uga...

Jan 25, 20261 hr 58 minEp. 1291

TWiV 1290: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin

In his weekly clinical update, Dr. Griffin and Vincent Racaniello discuss screwworm, how the shingles vaccination slows biological aging (for all of you who want to reset ‘the clock’ and live forever…..you know who you are Musk, Bezos) and getting one dose of the HPV vaccine, then Dr. Griffin then deep dives into recent statistics on RSV, influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infections, the Wasterwater Scan dashboard, Johns Hopkins measles tracker, how losing our elimination status is the cost of doing busi...

Jan 24, 202657 minEp. 1290

TWiV 1289: Building a better hepatitis B trap

TWiV explains how the dengue virus protein NS1 alters Aedes aegypti midgut permeability and favors virus dissemination, and achieving a complete hepatitis B virus cure in chronic hepatitis B virus-infected humanized mice by using a capsid assembly modulator. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello , Alan Dove , and Angela Mingarelli Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts , RSS , email Become a patron of TWiV! Links for this episode Support science education at MicrobeTV ASV 2026 Positions in Rosenfeld Lab (email) D...

Jan 18, 20261 hr 42 minEp. 1289

TWiV 1288: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin

In his weekly clinical update, Dr. Griffin and Vincent Racaniello are bewildered and dismayed by RFK Jr’s announced changes in the routine childhood immunization schedule, though not unpredicted, and highlight the science and evidence which eviscerate these changes, then deep dives into recent statistics on the measles epidemic- in particular in South Carolina, RSV, influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infections, the Wasterwater Scan dashboard, Johns Hopkins measles tracker, estimated societal burden of CO...

Jan 17, 202645 minEp. 1288

TWiV 1287: Ancient herpesviruses and modern dementia

TWiV explain the tracing of 2500 years of human betaherpesvirus 6A and 6B diversity through ancient human DNA, the effect of shingles vaccination at different stages of the dementia disease course. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello , Alan Dove , Rich Condit , and Brianne Barker Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts , RSS , email Become a patron of TWiV! Links for this episode Support science education at MicrobeTV ASV 2026 Positions in Rosenfeld Lab (email) Ancient human herpesvirus 6 (Sci Adv) First through...

Jan 11, 20261 hr 45 minEp. 1287

TWiV 1286: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin

In his weekly clinical update, Dr. Griffin and Vincent Racaniello are bewildered and dismayed by RFK Jr’s announced changes in the routine childhood immunization schedule, though not unpredicted, and highlight the science and evidence which eviscerate these changes, then deep dives into recent statistics on the measles epidemic- in particular in South Carolina, RSV, influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infections, the Wasterwater Scan dashboard, Johns Hopkins measles tracker, estimated societal burden of CO...

Jan 10, 202643 minEp. 1286

TWiV 1285: Encapsidating viruses 2025

TWiV reviews compelling virology themes for 2024, as heard in our 98 episodes, including 22 guests. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello and Kathy Spindler Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts , RSS , email Become a patron of TWiV! Links for this episode Support science education at MicrobeTV ASV 2026 Dismantling of science and public health in the US including TWiV 1199 , TWiV 1191 , TWiV 1197 , TWiV 1203 , TWiV 1205 , TWiV 1209 , TWiV 1211 , TWiV 1215 , TWiV 1217 , TWiV 1219 , TWiV 1221 , TWiV 1223 , TWiV 12...

Jan 04, 20261 hr 48 minEp. 1285

TWiV 1284: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin

Recording after the ball drops, Dr. Griffin and Vincent Racaniello wish everyone a Happy New Year, discuss an evidence-based approach to teaching and practice medicine and reminisce on the history of vaccine development and use before their discussion about the whooping cough outbreak of 2025 in the US and falling levels of tetanus vaccination, then Dr. Griffin then deep dives into recent statistics on the measles epidemic, RSV, influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infections, the Wasterwater Scan dashboard...

Jan 03, 202630 minEp. 1284

TWiV 1273: Myocarditis and mimicry

TWiV explains studies which reveal that Inhibition of CXCL10 and IFN-γ mitgates myocarditis associated with SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination, and identification of a bacteriophage T7 protein that antagonizes the DNA restriction system of the host by mimicking B form DNA. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello and Jolene Ramsey Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts , RSS , email Become a patron of TWiV! Links for this episode Support science education at MicrobeTV ASV 2026 Understanding mRNA vaccine-associated myocardi...

Dec 28, 20251 hr 58 minEp. 1283

TWiV 1282: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin

Calling out “Happy Christmas to all and to all a good-night, Dr. Griffin and Vincent Racaniello discuss high path influenza in dairy herds in Wisconsin and Marburg virus in Ethiopia before Dr. Griffin then deep dives into recent statistics on the measles epidemic, RSV, influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infections, the Wasterwater Scan dashboard, Johns Hopkins measles tracker, the slightly higher association of COVID-19 infection with death than following influenza infection, benefit of passive infant imm...

Dec 27, 202543 minEp. 1282

TWiV 1281: Sex, herpes, and plankton

Vincent travels to Tegernsee, Germany for the Sixth Ringberg Symposium on Giant Viruses, where he talks with John Archibald, Susana Coelho, and Tom Delmont about their work on – you guessed it – giant viruses. Host: Vincent Racaniello Guests: John Archibald , Susana Coelho , and Tom Delmont Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts , RSS , email Become a patron of TWiV! Links for this episode Transposable elements shaping Ectocarpus genome (Genome Biol) Mirusviruses link herpesviruses to giant viruses (N...

Dec 21, 20251 hr 23 minEp. 1281

TWiV 1280: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin

In his weekly clinical update, Dr. Griffin and Vincent Racaniello protest Vinjay Prasad, head of CBER FDA Nov memo stating administration of the COVID-19 vaccine resulted in 10 children’s deaths, but are cautiously delighted by the December memo from those in CBER who dispute this data-less claim, how in 31 states pertussis vaccination rates have declined before Dr. Griffin then deep dives into recent statistics on the measles epidemic, RSV, influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infections, the Wasterwater S...

Dec 20, 202537 minEp. 1280

TWiV 1279: Let hepatitis b

TWiV reviews considerations and perspectives on phage therapy, and the Nobel Prize-winning discovery of hepatitis b virus. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello , Alan Dove , Rich Condit , and Jolene Ramsey Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts , RSS , email Become a patron of TWiV! Links for this episode Support science education at MicrobeTV Immune 100 live at the Incubator ASV 2026 WHO global expert committee: no link between vaccines and autism (News-Medical) Considerations on phage therapy (Nat Comm) What i...

Dec 14, 20251 hr 45 minEp. 1279

TWiV 1278: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin

In his weekly clinical update, Dr. Griffin and Vincent Racaniello discuss the rise in norovirus infections, contamination of infant formula and botulism outbreak, confusion and response to the CDC’s ACIP decision to reverse the recommendation for a birth dose of the hepatis B virus vaccine and how states in the Northwest and Northeast are responding as well as some insurance companies, then deep dives into recent statistics on the measles epidemic, RSV, influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infections, the W...

Dec 13, 202550 minEp. 1278

TWiV 1277: Vaccine talk with Jake Scott

Infectious diseases physician Jake Scott returns to TWiV to discuss the dangerous anti-vaccine policies being established in the US and what RFK Jr. and his associates get wrong. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello , Rich Condit , and Angela Mingarelli Guest: Jake Scott Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts , RSS , email Become a patron of TWiV! Links for this episode Support science education at MicrobeTV Vaccine RCT spreadsheet (CIDRAP) What RFK Jr gets wrong about vaccines (Conversation) RFK Jr’s case again...

Dec 07, 20251 hr 39 minEp. 1277

TWiV 1276: Clinical update with Dr. Daniel Griffin

In his weekly clinical update, Dr. Griffin and Vincent Racaniello discuss the positive side effect of the shingles vaccine on dementia outcomes and how one dose of the HPV vaccine is non-inferior to two doses, but are dismayed about the FDA’s secrecy around the inflammatory statement that the COVID-19 vaccine is linked to the death of 10 children. Dr. Griffin then deep dives into recent statistics on the measles epidemic, RSV, influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infections, the Wasterwater Scan dashboard, ...

Dec 06, 202555 minEp. 1276
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