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Science Friction

Science Friction

01 | Outbreaks: The aquarium illness

Oct 13, 2026 · 26m

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In 2000, people who visited the Melbourne Aquarium started to get sick. Really sick. This outbreak would go on to become the largest of its kind in Australia. This story goes back 50 years to a mystery that stumped scientists in Philadelphia. How did they crack the case, and why are we still struggling to stop this disease? Got feedback? Email us sciencefriction@abc.net.au Guests: Professor Robert Promisloff Clinical Professor Emeritus of Medicine, Drexel University Dr Jane Greig Epidemiologist, Burnet Institute and Médecins Sans Frontières Dr Verlaine Timms Microbiologist, University of Newcastle and University of Western Sydney Stephen Walsh Lawyer Presenter: Belinda Smith Producer:…