This podcast episode takes listeners on a captivating journey through Golden's transition from musician to scientist, motivated by personal loss and a desire to explore innovative methods for disease detection using animals. Highlighting the remarkable successes of both ferrets and dogs in identifying avian influenza and chronic wasting disease, Golden underscores the potential of trained animals in enhancing public health surveillance. He envisions a future where these living biodetectors play a critical role in disease prevention, ultimately paving the way toward the development of artificial olfactory technology. His message resonates with the notion that animals are not only companions but also vital allies in the fight against infectious diseases.
