As mpox cases rise in Sierra Leone, we check-in with Professor Trudie Lang to understand the implications of the continuing spread of the disease and what progress is being made in responding to the outbreak. In a breakthrough for HIV research, scientists have used mRNA to reveal the virus hiding in white blood cells. For now, it is only in a laboratory setting, but they hope this could lead to future treatment pathways that clear HIV from the body. Also on the show we take a look at healthy ageing; from the role of power in living longer, to reducing the risk of dementia in younger generations, and even the influence of daily cups of coffee on our health as we get older. Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Producers: Katie Tomsett and Louise Orchard
Studio Managers: Dyfan Rose and Sue Maillot(Photo: Digitally generated image of virus cells of mpox infection. Credit: Getty Images)
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26:29
Exercise and immunotherapy improving cancer outcomes
A new immunotherapy regime has shown significant improvements in treatment for head and neck cancer. Meanwhile, exercise is boosting outcomes for colon cancer patients. BBC journalist Philippa Roxby explains what’s been shown in these studies.Aflatoxins are a toxin produced by a fungi which can be found in crops. They’re having a severe impact on harvests and health including immune suppression, growth stunting and damage to the liver. The BBC’s Sophie Ormiston reports on what’s being done to tackle the problem.Ultra-processed foods are increasingly seen as bad for us and self-reporting our diets can be very inaccurate. But now, a new urine test has found a way to accurately show how much of these kinds of foods we consume. Finally, can an e-tattoo placed on the forehead effectively monitor stress and concentration? And how might such a device be used?Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Producer: Hannah Robins and Louise Orchard
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26:28
A new way to screen for cancer in dense breasts
Women with dense breasts are four times more likely to develop breast cancer than women with low breast density and it’s also harder for cancer to be detected with existing screening methods. But now, the findings in a new study could dramatically improve the chances of having the disease spotted early on. We speak to the study’s lead author is Professor Fiona Gilbert to find out more.The 2025 World Health Assembly has just concluded, Devex Correspondent Andrew Green was there and tells us what the main takeaways were.Dr Cecilia Kanyama and Professor Thomas Harrison share their decades-long effort to improve treatment options for cryptococcal meningitis. The refined treatment regimen, discovered alongside Joe Jarvis and their team, gives hope to the hundreds of thousands of HIV-positive patients who are diagnosed with this fungal infection each year.Finally, researchers have developed contact lenses that enable to wearer to see near-infrared light. How do they work and what could they be useful for?Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Producers: Hannah Robins & Louise Orchard
Studio Managers: Mike Mallen & Andrew Garratt
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26:28
A promising new antimalarial
A new anti-malarial compound has been designed to target disease-causing parasites responsible for up to 90% of malaria cases in humans. Stephanie Tam reports on a new online training programme designed to help address the mental health care gap in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq that is heavily impacted by conflict. Donald Trump has signed a new executive order aimed at lowering the price the US pays for medicines. We look at what is included in the order, why drug prices vary around the world, and what impact this motion could have on US and global prices paid for medicines. Dr Cecilia Kanyama and Professor Thomas Harrison share their decades-long effort to improve treatment options for cryptococcal meningitis. The refined treatment regimen, discovered alongside Joe Jarvis and their team, gives hope to the hundreds of thousands of HIV-positive patients who are diagnosed with this fungal infection each year.Finally, ‘scorpionism’ - or the medical condition caused by a scorpion sting, is rapidly on the rise in Brazil, we look at what is driving this increasing health threat. Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Producers: Hannah Robins & Katie Tomsett
Studio Managers: Gavin Wong & Steve Greenwood
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Listening to your body's signals
Claudia is joined by Caroline Williams to learn about the cutting-edge science of interoception – that’s how the brain interprets signals that come from inside our body. We find out how honing this skill can sometimes be helpful and why at other times it can have a negative impact on us. Tuberculosis remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases worldwide but in Malawi a stage 3 trial is under way to develop a new vaccine. Our reporter Carrim Mpaweni checks-in on the trial’s progress. Also on the show, Claudia speaks to psychotherapist Sophie Scott about how to persuade a loved one to get professional help when they don't want to.Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Producers: Katie Tomsett & Helena Selby
Studio Manager: Giles Aspen
UK