The Zoonotic B-List

The Undergrads of the Human Biology and Society Major at UCLA
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  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
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Nine stories of disease you've never heard of and what you can learn from them.  In Spring of 2024, a group of UCLA undergraduate Human Biology and Society majors—HBS majors—set out to explore the B-list of diseases.   But they nonetheless prevailed and together they created this amazing series stories about a B-list of zoonotic diseases, from Brucellosis to Virulent Newcastle Disease. Together,  they explored a series of diseases you've never heard of and asked: what can we learn from them?

Season 1

  1. EPISODE 1

    Welcome to the Zoonotic B-List

    Welcome to the Zoonotic B-list.  9 stories of pathogens you've never heard of and some things they can teach you.  In Spring of 2024, a group of UCLA undergraduate Human Biology and Society majors--HBS majors---set out to explore the B-list of diseases.  They created this amazing series stories about a B-list of zoonotic diseases, from Brucellosis to Virulent Newcastle Disease. Together,  they explored a series of diseases you've never heard of and asked: what can we learn from them? These podcast episodes were created by members of the 2024 Spring Capstone course in the Human Biology and Society major at UCLA's Institute for Society and Genetics (https://socgen.ucla.edu/). The faculty sponsor is Christopher Kelty. For questions or concerns email ckelty@ucla.edu. For more information about any of these diseases please consult the US Centers for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov/) .

    4 min
  2. The Mystery of Virulent Newcastle Disease

    EPISODE 2

    The Mystery of Virulent Newcastle Disease

    In this episode, we delve into the devastating impact of VirulentNewcastle Disease (VND) on backyard bird owners in Southern California. Following Kerri Hand's story, we uncover the harsh reality of state-run culling protocols. Through sound clips and interviews, we explore the heartbreak of families who see their pets as family members. We examine the broader implications of the 2018-2019 outbreak, which led to the culling of over 1.2 million birds and significant financial costs. We also discuss the political and economic factors behind the preference for eradication over vaccination and the ethical challenges involved. Join us as we explore the complexities of  controlling VND and consider alternative approaches to protect birds. Produced by Cara Weigand and Maanasi Kademani  These podcast episodes were created by members of the 2024 Spring Capstone course in the Human Biology and Society major at UCLA's Institute for Society and Genetics (https://socgen.ucla.edu/). The faculty sponsor is Christopher Kelty. For questions or concerns email ckelty@ucla.edu. For more information about any of these diseases please consult the US Centers for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov/) .

    25 min
  3. Down in the Dirt: Digging Deep Into Valley Fever

    EPISODE 3

    Down in the Dirt: Digging Deep Into Valley Fever

    Coccidioidomycosis, better known as Valley Fever, is a zoonotic disease caused by a fungus. In this episode, we delve into the biological basics of Valley Fever as well its social implications, truly encapsulating the HBS way! Join us as we uncover four “mysteries” that reveal a unique relationship between dirt and disease. Maybe dirt isn't just a passive thing we should ignore… maybe it’s alive! Produced by Abigail Holder, Nahomy Cabrera and Megan Markow  These podcast episodes were created by members of the 2024 Spring Capstone course in the Human Biology and Society major at UCLA's Institute for Society and Genetics (https://socgen.ucla.edu/). The faculty sponsor is Christopher Kelty. For questions or concerns email ckelty@ucla.edu. For more information about any of these diseases please consult the US Centers for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov/) .

    26 min
  4. 108 News: Toxoplasmosis!

    EPISODE 4

    108 News: Toxoplasmosis!

    Our podcast takes the form of a news broadcast that covers a real outbreak of toxoplasmosis, the most common parasitic disease in the world, that occurred in a small village in Brazil in 2001. A toxoplasmosis expert and a woman who had been infected share their knowledge on this perplexing disease. Produced by Rebeca Lopez-Rosas, Derek Lance and Amy Shimizu.  These podcast episodes were created by members of the 2024 Spring Capstone course in the Human Biology and Society major at UCLA's Institute for Society and Genetics (https://socgen.ucla.edu/). The faculty sponsor is Christopher Kelty. For questions or concerns email ckelty@ucla.edu. For more information about any of these diseases please consult the US Centers for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov/) .

    35 min
  5. Parrot fever! Psittacosis in depth

    EPISODE 5

    Parrot fever! Psittacosis in depth

    Psittacosis, also known as parrot fever, is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci. It typically affects birds, particularly parrots, but can be transmitted to humans through inhalation of contaminated dust from bird droppings or respiratory secretions. In humans, psittacosis can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a dry cough. If left untreated, it can lead to severe pneumonia and other complications. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, such as doxycycline. Our podcast explores Psittacosis outbreaks and how we can apply approaches to Psittacosis risk mitigation and surveillance to Avian influenza. Produced by Ivy Vo,  Isiah Espiritu and Juliet Hagar These podcast episodes were created by members of the 2024 Spring Capstone course in the Human Biology and Society major at UCLA's Institute for Society and Genetics (https://socgen.ucla.edu/).   The faculty sponsor is Christopher Kelty.  For questions or concerns email ckelty@ucla.edu.  For more information about any of these diseases please consult the US Centers for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov/) .

    28 min
  6. The Hidden History of the Hantavirus

    EPISODE 6

    The Hidden History of the Hantavirus

    Dive into the history and contemporary relevance of the hantavirus, a deadly zoonotic disease that first emerged in the American Southwest. Our podcast explores the 1993 Four Corners outbreak that significantly impacted the Navajo Nation, delving into the scientific discoveries, epidemiological challenges, and cultural responses to this mysterious virus. We'll take you through the 2012 Yosemite outbreak, revealing how a popular national park became the epicenter of another hantavirus scare, and the measures taken to contain it.  In light of recent events, we draw compelling parallels between these hantavirus outbreaks and the COVID-19 pandemic, examining how similarities in respiratory symptoms can complicate diagnoses and treatment. As we look to the future, we consider the potential for hantavirus to become a larger threat and discuss preventive strategies to mitigate the risk of future pandemics.  Produced by Bella Valente,  Chloe Nelson, and Sara Herro. These podcast episodes were created by members of the 2024 Spring Capstone course in the Human Biology and Society major at UCLA's Institute for Society and Genetics (https://socgen.ucla.edu/). The faculty sponsor is Christopher Kelty. For questions or concerns email ckelty@ucla.edu. For more information about any of these diseases please consult the US Centers for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov/) .

    32 min
  7. SIlent Epidemic! The Mystery of Tularemia

    EPISODE 7

    SIlent Epidemic! The Mystery of Tularemia

    Tularemia is a rare zoonotic disease caused by the bacteria Francisella Tularensis. The disease is recorded to affect approximately 200 people per year in the United States. Signs and symptoms of the disease include fever, rash, cough, high grade-fever, gastrointestinal complications, and more. The disease cannot be spread from human to human, and infection typically occurs through a vector such as wild game, a household pet, or a tick. However, humans can also be infected through handling infected materials and or consuming contaminated water. Due to the high virulence of the bacteria, those who come into contact with contaminated materials are nearly always going to develop tularemia. We hope listeners will walk away from our podcast with a newfound knowledge of tularemia and how to keep themselves and loved ones safe from the disease. You'll find while listening that the take home message isn't that tularemia is the "killer" but instead why and how tularemia is the "killer." Produced by Ashley Fakolujo, Baile Giovanoli and Giao Nguyen These podcast episodes were created by members of the 2024 Spring Capstone course in the Human Biology and Society major at UCLA's Institute for Society and Genetics (https://socgen.ucla.edu/). The faculty sponsor is Christopher Kelty. For questions or concerns email ckelty@ucla.edu. For more information about any of these diseases please consult the US Centers for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov/) .

    30 min
  8. Exploring our World: Brucelloisis

    EPISODE 8

    Exploring our World: Brucelloisis

    For our podcast we share an in-depth exploration of Brucellosis, starting with its historical background and tracing its development up to its prevalence in modern times. We focus on Brucellosis in Yellowstone, examining how it affects the ecosystem and the animals within the park. Additionally, we highlight other significant case studies in order to create a better understanding of the disease. Towards the end , we spread new information on potential treatments and solutions that could be implemented in the future to combat Brucellosis in the best way. Produced by Gisell Gochman, Vivan Nguyen and Vicky Vu.  These podcast episodes were created by members of the 2024 Spring Capstone course in the Human Biology and Society major at UCLA's Institute for Society and Genetics (https://socgen.ucla.edu/). The faculty sponsor is Christopher Kelty. For questions or concerns email ckelty@ucla.edu. For more information about any of these diseases please consult the US Centers for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov/) .

    27 min
  9. Pathogen Perspectives: Leptospirosis

    EPISODE 9

    Pathogen Perspectives: Leptospirosis

    Leptospirosis is an infection in the blood by a bacteria called Leptospira. Biologically, the main route of infection for humans is through contact with animal urine or soil that is infected with Leptospira. This usually occurs through contact with waterways contaminated with urine. However, it is difficult to distinguish this disease from others as this disease does not have any unique symptoms.  Our podcast examines the political, economic, biological, and social or cultural factors that should be taken into account when developing a proposal for a solution to combating the impact of leptospirosis. Whether the solution should be developing a vaccine, establishing public service campaigns, or a particular governmental policy will be debated throughout the greatest thirty minutes in history! Produced by Mark Botros, Nayra Gharpetian, Olivia Nguyen, Siddhant Watwani  These podcast episodes were created by members of the 2024 Spring Capstone course in the Human Biology and Society major at UCLA's Institute for Society and Genetics (https://socgen.ucla.edu/). The faculty sponsor is Christopher Kelty. For questions or concerns email ckelty@ucla.edu. For more information about any of these diseases please consult the US Centers for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov/) .

    33 min
  10. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

    EPISODE 10

    Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

    Our podcast follows the story of Hershey, a fictional dog infected with ticks and as a result the tick borne illness Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF). RMS can only be transmitted to animals and humans via an infected tick's bite, but in the podcast Hershey acts as a vector for the disease spreading it to other dogs and people impacting communities at the US-Mexico border, Arizona, and Los Angeles. Our podcast aims to shed a light onto this lesser known tick borne illness to highlight exactly what the disease can entail, how it affects marginalized communities, intersects both canine and humanhealth, is influenced by changes to our Earth's climate, and what current steps and treatments exist  to help mitigate its impact. We hope. that you learn something new about RMSF as well as a greater understanding for how all of our health from ticks to dogs  to humans and th eEarth's is interconnected. These podcast episodes were created by members of the 2024 Spring Capstone course in the Human Biology and Society major at UCLA's Institute for Society and Genetics (https://socgen.ucla.edu/). The faculty sponsor is Christopher Kelty. For questions or concerns email ckelty@ucla.edu. For more information about any of these diseases please consult the US Centers for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov/) .

    26 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

Nine stories of disease you've never heard of and what you can learn from them.  In Spring of 2024, a group of UCLA undergraduate Human Biology and Society majors—HBS majors—set out to explore the B-list of diseases.   But they nonetheless prevailed and together they created this amazing series stories about a B-list of zoonotic diseases, from Brucellosis to Virulent Newcastle Disease. Together,  they explored a series of diseases you've never heard of and asked: what can we learn from them?

Information

  • Creator
    The Undergrads of the Human Biology and Society Major at UCLA
  • Episodes
    10
  • Seasons
    1
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Zoonotic B-List
  • Show Website
    The Zoonotic B-List