Research A world-class research institute to facilitate interdisciplinary studies
With ongoing research in 51 countries across six continents, the Emerging Pathogens Institute believes in improving the quality and health of all seven billion lives that share our world.
Research purpose
Why Infectious Diseases?
New and re-emerging diseases threaten tourism, health and economy, which are particularly vulnerable due to mild climate and diverse agriculture found in certain regions. Weather patterns, commercial plant imports and travel all have the potential to unwittingly carry pathogens from one country or state into another. The Emerging Pathogens Institute fuses key disciplines to develop research, education and outreach capabilities designed to preserve health and economy, and to prevent or contain new and re-emerging diseases.
Research Features
Artificial intelligence transforms how UF EPI…
The University of Florida’s AI initiative has transformed faculty research. Here’s how Jason Blackburn and Marco Salemi, members of the Emerging…
Diagnosing houseplants 101: Is your plant…
When your houseplant starts drooping, it can be hard to figure out what’s wrong. Here’s a diagnostic guide to help you determine whether your plant…
COVID-19 myths: Many were busted, but a dangerous…
From the beginning, the COVID-19 pandemic has been plagued by myths and misunderstandings about how the disease spreads and how people can protect…
Research News
How to avoid winter viruses: UF EPI expert talks…
With winter comes a trio of respiratory illnesses, sometimes referred to as a “triple-demic”: influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial…
Why Listeria, a less-common foodborne pathogen…
Listeria infections are rare, but serious. It is the third leading cause of death from a foodborne illness in the United States. Frederick Southwick…
New UF EPI study shows how bile acids in breast…
UF EPI researcher has published the first study on the role of breastmilk bile acids, showing how they affect newborn gut health and the severity of…
research briefs
UF experts join with partners at UNC and Johns…
Two UF EPI infectious disease experts are part of a new CDC-funded outbreak analytics and disease modeling network
Immune-boosting therapy helps honey bees resist…
Scientists have successfully tested a novel way of boosting honey bees’ immune systems to help them fend off deadly viruses, which have contributed…
Study: Where bison roam could spread microbes
A new study from University of Florida and Kansas State University researchers found that bison carry plant-associated fungi in their saliva, with…
Expert Q&A’s
What is Oropouche virus? UF EPI expert explains…
Oropouche virus, a pathogen endemic to the Amazon region, has recently shown unusual activity with spread to new areas. UF EPI expert Dr. Maureen…
H5N1 strain of bird flu could be dangerous. UF…
Recent outbreaks of H5N1 in U.S. dairy cattle have led to close monitoring of the virus. UF EPI expert Benjamin Anderson, Ph.D., explains the basics…
UF EPI expert on hepatitis: a surprisingly…
Millions of Americans have chronical viral hepatitis and do not even realize it, according to the CDC. Dr. Robert Cook explains how people can have…
Research Archive
Gut bacteria blocks and enhances virus
A new study published in Nature Microbiology reveals that bacteria present in different regions of the gastrointestinal tract either enhance or block…
Taking Ebola’s measure
New research by EPI’s Burton Singer quantifies how civil disruption and violence has unraveled Ebola control measures in the Democratic Republic of…
Eggplant’s newest pathogenic fungus
A known pathogenic fungus, so far only reported to cause disease in two crops, has ensnared a third victim: eggplants. UF plant pathologists…
