We speak with Professors Antony Basten and Daniel Christ, as well as Dr David Langley where they guide us through the research being done on the alpha-gal molecule and why The Garvan Institute is so interested in understanding it. We talk about everything from how an understanding of alpha-gal could help us better prevent diseases such as malaria, to how tick-induced sensitisation to alpha-gal is associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease.