What Is, Scientifically, the Grossest Animal?
As measured by the ability to kill via infectious disease.
Zoonotic Disease
The Next Epidemic — How Society Aids Infections Like E. coli
Are we at greater risk now from massive disease outbreaks? It's a vital question after a wave of deadly E. coli infections in Germany has put hundreds in the hospital and killed more than 20. Disease ecologist Sadie Ryan explains how societal changes are aiding the bugs.
Can Biosecurity Go Global?
Outside the U.S., biological labs follow few if any security regulations. A Sandia National Laboratory team works to help those labs prevent deadly microbe releases, accidental and deliberate.
Keeping More Species Around May Dilute Disease Threat
A study on hantavirus and Panama rats suggests another and less obvious benefit to biodiversity — it may diminish the threat humans face from zoonotic diseases.
Scientists Investigate New Pathogen Carried by Rats
Is there a new plague for the 21st century?