Oct 14, 2020
Early in his studies, Nils
Pilotte realized he wanted to pursue research with direct human
applications and
neglected tropical diseases fit that bill. This podcast
explores this sorely-needed research and ways scientists like Nils
Pilotte are making a difference.
Listen and learn
Nils Pilotte is a postdoctoral
researcher with the Williams' Lab at Smith College. He works
primarily in diagnostic methods in parasitology and focuses on
filarial worms and soil-transmitted helminths diagnosis in
particular. These worms cause devastating health issues in
underserved communities and he works not only to eradicate
infestations now but also prevent future resurgences.
He gives the podcast audience a solid background on how both
soil-transmitted helminths and filarial worms, which are
transmitted by insect vectors, progress through life cycles via
complex host relationships. Filarial worms, for example, must
utilize two animal hosts to realize their adult reproduction stage.
He treats listeners with his enthusiasm for studying this
coevolution, speculating on the amazing science behind their
adaptations.
But this coevolution is more
than just interesting. Researching the signaling between pathogen
and host is key to developing
methods for diagnosis of parasitic infections. "Cross-talk" is
a phrase scientists use for this exchange. Because parasites
developed clever ways to disguise themselves, understanding this
cross-talk is at the forefront of understanding pathogenicity. Dr.
Pilotte addresses various ways they are looking at this signaling
that might aid better diagnostics.
He also addresses ways he and others work to make diagnostics less
expensive and more accessible. For example, he's working on a
method to increase their testing of mosquito infection by testing
their excreta, or feces, for the presence of pathogen material.
It's much easier and simpler to collect the mosquito feces than the
mosquitoes themselves. Listen in for more smart advances scientists
are using to make the world healthier.
For more about Nils Pilotte, see
his researchgate page or search for him in Google
scholar.
Available on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2Os0myK