In this episode:

00:48 A new way to grow a tricky parasite in the lab

Toxoplasma gondii, the parasite that causes the zoonotic disease toxoplasmosis, has a complex, multi-stage life cycle. Some of these stages will only grow in the intestines of cats, making it difficult to study. Now, a team has found a way to grow one of these stages in vitro for the first time, which they hope will help researchers learn more about this parasite, estimated to have infected around 30% of the world’s population.

Research Article: Antunes et al.

08:50 Research Highlights

The tiny VR goggles designed for mice, and how a squirt of water could give coffee a bigger kick.

Research Highlight: Wee VR googles give mice a true immersive experience

Research Highlight: Why coffee particles clump and make a mess during grinding

11:25 Briefing Chat

Genetic searches reveal a potential super-sized protein, and the rise of ‘non-stop’ authors who publish a science paper every five days

Nature News: The world’s largest proteins? These mega-molecules turn bacteria into predators

Nature News: Surge in number of ‘extremely productive’ authors concerns scientists

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Cat parasite Toxoplasma tricked to grow in a dish

Nature Podcast