Where do germs and nasties come from?

If germs are everywhere, why aren't we sick all the time? And where do the really nasty bugs come from in the first place?

In this episode, Dr C asks a question that feels simple but turns out to have a surprisingly complicated answer. Together with evolutionary scientist David Duchene, we explore the hidden world of microbes, germs, viruses and other microscopic hitchhikers that live all around us, on us, and inside us.

Along the way we discover why some germs are actually essential for good health, how petting zoos can become accidental meeting places for microbes from completely different worlds, what bats have to do with pandemics, why life in modern cities is changing the diseases we encounter, and how over-cleaning can sometimes create entirely new problems.

Expect alpacas, guinea pigs, cows, capybaras, immune systems, antibiotics, pandemics, and at least one very questionable attempt at a "moo-achoo" joke.

To get in touch with David Duchene, email david.duchene@sund.ku.dk

Do you have a funny, unexpected, or slightly ridiculous science question you'd like us to answer in Series 3?

Send your questions to:

📧 hello@talkingofscience.dk

We'd love to hear the strange things your kids ask, the conversations that stop you in your tracks, or the science mysteries you've always wondered about. Your question could inspire a future episode!