A groundbreaking pig kidney transplant, risks of non-melanoma skin cancer for outdoor workers, the impact of extreme heat on pregnancy outcomes, unregulated sale of traditional medicines on intercity buses in Cameroon, dangers of fake drugs in traditional medicine practices, and debunking claims of intermittent fasting linked to heart-related death risk.
Successful pig kidney transplant mitigates rejection risk in human patients through genetic editing.
Outdoor work increases non-melanoma skin cancer risk by 60%, emphasizing sun exposure occupational hazards.
High temperatures double the risk of stillbirth and miscarriage for pregnant women in heat-intensive jobs.
Deep dives
First successful transplant of genetically edited pig kidney into a living human
Doctors at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston successfully transplanted a genetically edited pig kidney into a 62-year-old man with severe kidney disease. This is the first live human transplant of an edited pig kidney, addressing the rejection risk by modifying the pig to make it more human-like.
Relationship between working outdoors and non-melanoma skin cancer deaths
Research shows that one in three deaths from non-melanoma skin cancer is linked to working outdoors in the sun. Global data indicates that outdoor workers have a 60% higher risk of non-melanoma skin cancer compared to indoor workers, highlighting the occupational risks of sun exposure.
Health risks for pregnant women working in high temperatures
A study from India reveals that working in high temperatures can double the risk of stillbirth and miscarriage for pregnant women. Women working in heat-intensive jobs, such as agriculture, face higher health risks, with potential impacts on fetal heart rate and blood flow.
Unregulated traditional medicines sold on buses in Cameroon
In Cameroon, traditional medicines are sold on buses without evidence of efficacy, posing risks to public health. Despite attempts to regulate traditional medicine, many sellers remain unlicensed and sell unproven or fake drugs, leading to serious health consequences.
Controversy over the health implications of time-restricted eating
Time-restricted eating, a popular dietary trend, is under scrutiny regarding its impact on heart health. While known for potential benefits like weight loss, preliminary studies indicating a risk of increased heart disease mortality have sparked debate and caution among experts, highlighting the need for further research and verification.
Conclusion
The podcast episode delves into groundbreaking medical advancements, occupational health risks, challenges in traditional medicine regulation, and the evolving landscape of dietary trends. It sheds light on key issues impacting healthcare globally, prompting discussions on innovative treatments, workplace safety, public health concerns, and dietary controversies.
The latest on the first procedure to transplant a kidney from a pig into a living patient. Claudia Hammond is joined in the studio by Dr Graham Easton to hear how the organ was genetically modified to reduce the risk of it being rejected following a four hour surgery in Massachusetts in the US.
We also hear about the data that’s linked working outdoors in sunlight to non-melanoma skin cancer. The report from the World Health Organisation and the International Labour Organization says one in three deaths from this type of skin cancer is caused by ultraviolet radiation from outdoor work.
Claudia and Graham also discuss new research from India that’s found working in extreme heat can double the risk of stillbirth and miscarriage for pregnant women. It’s also calling for more advice for working pregnant women around the world.
We go to Cameroon to hear about the medicines being sold to passengers on buses, despite there being no evidence they actually work.
And we hear how some reporting over claims that intermittent fasting is linked to an increased risk of heart-related death may have jumped the gun.
Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Producer: Dan Welsh
(Photo: Operating theatre. Credit: Getty Images)
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode