{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Answers from the Lab","title":"Rabbits, Chikungunya, and More Viral News: Matthew Binnicker, Ph.D.","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/09f0bd05\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1281,"description":"Published August 28, 2025 In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, and Matthew Binnicker, Ph.D., a microbiologist and virologist and chief scientific officer of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, discuss recent developments in viral infections. Together, they explore:Shope papilloma virus in rabbits (01:05): Unusual growths raise concern, though the virus poses minimal risk to humans and has actually benefitted research for other papilloma viruses. Chikungunya virus (07:07): What it is, how it spreads, who is at risk, and best practices for testing. Back-to-school viral trends (12:19): Common viruses that circulate during the school season, tips for keeping kids safe, and guidance for physicians on when to test. The laboratorian’s role (18:27): How laboratory professionals contribute to managing viral infections within hospital systems and the broader community.ResourcesForbes article: Is the ‘zombie rabbits’ virus a threat to humans?Mosquito-borne disease testing overviewMosquito-borne testing algorithms and interpretationsSearch our test catalog for more on testing for viral infections","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/jhRCftFebxnTMwoIbA_WoqrSKwFRD_Y2kbh0JDjhx14/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9lYjNj/ZDc0NTE0MWNlOWRl/YzRiN2Q3NDg2Mjg5/YWE4MS5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}