Ian Sample

Ian Sample, Science editor at The Guardian, breaks down how GLP-1 drugs function and the alarming rise in their costs. He shares insights on their origins and the implications for those reliant on them. Amy Young, a career coach from Kent, recounts her personal journey with the weight-loss drug Mounjaro, detailing the effects on her appetite and the challenges of stopping it. Both emphasize the need for better support systems for individuals facing the abrupt discontinuation of these medications.

Ian Sample, Science editor at The Guardian, discusses the revolutionary IVF technique that has led to the birth of eight healthy babies using DNA from three parents. He highlights the desperate battle against mitochondrial diseases that this method addresses. Prof. Sir Doug Turnbull shares insights from the 25-year journey to achieve this breakthrough, emphasizing the emotional weight for families affected. The podcast navigates the ethical dilemmas and regulatory challenges surrounding this innovative approach, offering a hopeful glimpse into the future of reproductive medicine.

In this enlightening discussion, Ian Sample, the science editor at The Guardian, tackles the recent claims made by Donald Trump regarding autism, paracetamol, and vaccinations. Ian discusses the scientific consensus debunking the supposed link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism. He highlights a substantial Swedish study that refutes these claims and elaborates on the lack of evidence supporting the vaccine-autism myth. The conversation also addresses the implications of such misinformation on public health and medical trust.

In a thought-provoking discussion, guests Tony Prescott, a professor of cognitive robotics, and Dr. Mhairi Aitken, an ethics fellow at the Alan Turing Institute, join Ian Sample, science editor at The Guardian. They delve into the evolving relationship between humans and AI, exploring its potential to combat loneliness while raising ethical concerns. The conversation covers the risks of unconditional validation from AI, the complexities of grief and digital memories, and the delicate balance needed in regulating AI companionship.

Ian Sample, a science correspondent at The Guardian, joins to dissect fascinating stories in science. They delve into James Watson's mixed legacy, from his groundbreaking DNA work to his controversial remarks that marred his reputation. The discussion also covers a groundbreaking lupus breakthrough linked to Epstein-Barr virus, exploring its potential to activate B cells and impact treatment options. Lastly, they analyze the interstellar comet 3I/Atlas, touching on public fascination and the scientific significance behind it.