Andrey Makarevich Shares How His Mother’s Scientific Work Helped Combat an Israeli Tuberculosis Outbreak
The singer and former soloist of the band Time Machine, Andrey Makarevich, who has faced commentary around his status in Russia, spoke on Instagram about a surprising family connection to a public health moment in Israel. He explained how his mother’s lifelong dedication to microbiology intersected with a serious tuberculosis challenge that affected Israelis years ago. He described his mother as a dedicated researcher who focused on atypical tuberculous mycobacteria, a field that requires meticulous study and steady, careful work. Makarevich recalled how, during his years of study at the institute in Yauza, he would ride the train daily and return home each evening to begin writing his thesis, often working late into the night. The routine was intense, but it reflected a family deeply invested in scientific inquiry and the pursuit of knowledge.
According to Makarevich, his father and he offered support to his mother, and their shared efforts were framed with humor at times. He noted that years later, the results of his mother’s research were translated into Hebrew to aid research into a tuberculosis epidemic that had emerged in Israel after being carried from Africa. This translation helped broaden the reach of her findings and contributed to a broader understanding of the bacterial strains involved and the challenges faced in controlling the outbreak. Makarevich emphasized that the work there showed how scientific insights can inform practical responses to public health crises, even when those crises involve pathogens that behave differently than more common forms of tuberculosis.
He added that about four years ago Israel experienced an outbreak of atypical tuberculosis that originated from Africa. In the narrative he shared, standard antibiotic protocols were not sufficient to curb the spread initially. He credited his mother’s research with a meaningful role in guiding the response and supporting investigators, clinicians, and policymakers as they worked to suppress the outbreak. The implication of his remark is that foundational laboratory work can translate into real-world interventions that help communities respond more effectively to emerging infectious threats. Makarevich concluded that the scientific contributions of his mother played a part in turning a difficult situation toward a more controlled trajectory.
Previously, Makarevich had stated that he did not miss Russia in a general sense, underscoring a personal stance he has voiced in public discussions. His reflections on family, science, and public health illustrate how individual experiences can intersect with broader concerns about health, governance, and regional priorities. The conversation on social media highlighted a personal connection between a musician known for his artistic work and a scientific narrative that influenced health outcomes in a neighboring region. The account also signals the way researchers, even across generations, can impact public health in ways that extend beyond their own laboratories and laboratories in far-off places.