Return of the Flesh-Eaters
Summary
This Radiolab episode explores the history and resurgence of the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite. Hosts Latif Nasser and Sarah Kari interview journalist Sarah Zhang and writer Sam Keen about Dr. Edward Knapp’s successful mid-20th-century eradication campaign using sterile insect technique. With the parasite now advancing north from Central America, the discussion turns to the ethical implications of using gene drives to permanently extinct the species, weighing ecological risks against human and animal suffering.
Topics discussed
Intro, ads, and Radiolab opening
The return of the New World Screwworm
Edward Nippling and the history of the parasite
Developing the sterile insect technique
Eradication success across the Americas
Maintaining the biological barrier in Panama
Break and sponsor messages
The 2023 outbreak and northward spread
Human health risks and CDC response
Gene drives as a potential solution
Ethical debate on species extinction
Ecological concerns and irreversible risks
Golden Goose Award and episode credits
Listen ad-free on Castria