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Hantavirus outbreak and what’s in a name

Hantavirus has been found on a cruise ship, why is this such an unusual occurrence, and how did it happen this time?

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

Available now

50 minutes

Last on

Sun 17 May 2026 19:06GMT

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  • Fri 15 May 2026 09:06GMT
  • Fri 15 May 2026 23:06GMT
  • Sat 16 May 2026 03:06GMT
  • Sat 16 May 2026 14:06GMT
  • Sun 17 May 2026 19:06GMT

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