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Unexpected Elements

Hantavirus outbreak and what’s in a name

May 15, 2026 · 50m

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On this episode

About this episode

An outbreak of hantavirus on the MV Hondius cruise ship has us looking at the unexpected science around the disease. First up, why is this outbreak such an unusual occurrence? Then, what's in a name? We look at how diseases are named, and why the system has sometimes been problematic. Also, the mysterious case of medicine disappearing from the quarantine tanks at an aquarium. We speak to the expert who solved the puzzle. All that, plus more fun and strange science, on this week's Unexpected Elements. Presenters: Alex Lathbridge, with Camilla Mota and Kai Kupferschmidt Producers: Margaret Sessa-Hawkins, with Alice Lipscombe-Southwell, Robbie Wojciechowski and Scarlett Victoria