Infection Inspection

Infection Inspection

Author: JOY 94.9 - Rainbow Community Podcasts for our LGBTI, LGBTIQA+, LGBTQIA+, LGBT, LGBTQ, LGB, Gay, Lesbian, Trans, Intersex, Queer Communities April 12, 2026 Duration: 38:20

Pathogens are everywhere. They’re invisible to our eyes, but they’re not invincible.

This week, we’re diving deep into three very different infections: Talaromyces marneffei – a fungus that’s thriving in South-East Asia and emerging as a serious threat, tuberculosis – a bacterial infection that’s been coughing up trouble for centuries, and shingles – a viral infection that lies dormant in your nerves for years, waiting to reactivate when your immune system is down.

Alyssa Sinaga Lacsina and Aanika Bray (L-R) make their research and radio debuts as Amgen Scholars who worked in labs at The University of Melbourne over the summer. They chat with Dr Cat about the infectious diseases that they’re tackling.

When we understand the pathogens that cause disease, we can spread awareness and create prevention strategies.

Knowledge is contagious in the best way.

Originally aired 7th April, 2026.

The post Infection Inspection appeared first on Science Queeries.


Curiosity meets community in Science Queeries, a space where the wonders of the natural world and the vibrant spectrum of human identity intersect. Hosted by Cat, this podcast from JOY 94.9’s Rainbow Community collection approaches learning with a warm, questioning spirit. It’s less a formal lecture and more a series of engaging conversations that unpack scientific concepts through an inclusive, queer lens. You’ll hear explorations that connect the dots between biology, sociology, technology, and lived experience, making complex ideas both accessible and personally relevant. Each episode invites you to consider how science shapes and is shaped by the diverse LGBTIQA+ communities it seeks to understand. The tone is thoughtful and welcoming, designed for anyone who’s ever felt on the outside looking in at traditional science communication. Whether discussing the latest research or the fundamentals of how things work, this podcast consistently centers a perspective that is often overlooked. It’s a place for learning, questioning, and finding connection in the shared pursuit of knowledge. Tune in for a refreshing take that proves science is for everyone, and that some of the most insightful discoveries begin with a simple, open-minded query.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 55

Science Queeries
Podcast Episodes
A cell of a day [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
Dr Cat cell-abrates the World Day of Immunology with Dr Keit Loi, Lecturer in immunology at The University of Melbourne. Together, they’ll infect you with an appreciation of the randomness and chaotic yet impressive coor…
The fluoride of your life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
Dr Cat chats to Dr Jamie Robertson AM about the tooth, the whole tooth, and nothing but the tooth. Dr Jamie is filling us in on the root causes of dental inequality – and reminding us that oral health isn’t just about a…
Water’ll we do? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
Dr Cat and Amber Craig splashy deep dive into water — where it goes, who gets it, and what happens when there’s way too much… or not nearly enough. From drenched cities to parched paddocks, they wade through the ripple e…
I lichen like that! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
It’s an episode lichen you’ve never heard before! Dr Cat and science educator Finn McHenry literally queer-ied lichens – those curious little lifeforms that are part fungus, part algae, and 100% symbiotic slay. They ask…