Tick, Tick, Boom!

Any questions?Join us as we sit down with Stephen Doggett, a leading medical entomologist from Sydney, to explore the fascinating world of ticks. Stephen shares his journey from a nature-loving child to a renowned expert on ticks, discussing their ability to cause severe allergic reactions and paralysis. Learn about the proteins and toxins ticks inject during bites and how environmental changes have influenced tick populations. Discover why tick-borne diseases are rare in Australia and how urban landscaping has increased tick habitats. Stephen provides practical advice on protective measures, from suitable clothing to effective repellents, and emphasizes the importance of the “Freeze, Don't Squeeze” method for tick removal. Tune in for expert insights and the importance of raising awareness about tick-induced allergies.Remeber "Freeze Don't Squeeze". Don't forget to rate, share, and review to help spread this essential information!

In this episode, We speak with Professors Antony Basten and Daniel Christ, as well as Dr David Langley at the Garvan Institute in Sydney, Australia. Where they guide us through the research being done on the alpha-gal molecule and why the Garvan Institute is so interested in understanding it. We talk about everything from how an understanding of alpha-gal could help us better prevent diseases such as malaria, to how tick-induced sensitisation to alpha-gal is associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease.

In this episode, I speak with Professor Sheryl van Nunen to unravel the mystery behind a startling association: a history of tick bites and the subsequent onset of often life-threatening allergic reactions to a sugar known as alpha-gal found in mammalian products such as beef, dairy, and pork. Professor van Nunen guides us through the early days of this novel allergy's discovery and the impact this has had on the world. We'll also explore how mammalian meat allergy is unique — it's both preventable and potentially curable. How, you ask? By preventing tick bites and safely removing ticks if you do get bitten. With Professor van Nunen's science-backed strategies, this can be easily achieved.