Microbe Talk

About Microbe Talk

Microbe Talk is a podcast from the Microbiology Society, interviewing researchers about bacteria, viruses and parasites. We are the largest microbiology society in Europe, covering all aspects of microbial science.

Publisher

Microbiology Society

Category

science · science

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

28 Feb 2017

Latest episode

30 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

125 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   30 Sept 2026

   Episode 187: Blastocystis: friend or foe?

   It's the most abundant eukaryotic microbe in humans… But what role does it play in our bodies? For decades, Blastocystis has been thought of as a parasite just like other protists that lurk within humans, such as Plasmodium or Giardia. But research is increasingly finding the opposite to be true, and scientists across the world are fighting to change this perception.This month on Microbe Talk, Lilly is joined by Dr Anastasios Tsaousis and Dr Varol Tunali to discuss their four-year COST Action project, which brought together experts from around the world to understand what the evidence is actually uncovering about the role of Blastocystis. Listen in to find out more!

2. 

   25 Aug 2026

   Episode 186: Breaking down biofilms with gas

   This month, Lilly welcomes Dr Jason Brown from the University of Glasgow to discuss his latest research findings using cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), a form of ionised gas, against biofilms in wound infections. Listen in to hear their discussion of what CAP therapy is, how it works, and why this treatment could be a useful alternative to antibiotics. Read Jason's latest research paper in the Journal of Medical Microbiology here, doi.org/10.1099/jmm.0.002193, or by visiting our website.

3. 

   9 Jul 2026

   Episode 185: What can we learn from involving the public in microbial genomics research?

   📣 Episode 185 is out now! This month, Lilly welcomes Dr Hannah Trivett from the University of Birmingham to the podcast, to discuss her latest publication bringing patient and public involvement (PPI) and microbial genomics research together for the first time ever. Listen in to hear their discussion of what the public think about effective science communication and how researchers can benefit from incorporating this into their work.Read Hannah's latest research paper here doi.org/10.1099/mgen.0.001691, or by visiting our website.

Who has been a guest on Microbe Talk

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Lindsay Hall
• Aline Metris
• Dr Beth Mills
• Akpan Friday
• Adam Aspinall

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.5 / 5

13 ratings

Spotify

4.5 / 5

15 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 36 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

34

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

95

Contact Microbe Talk

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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Questions about Microbe Talk