Inside Health

Join Professor Sian Taylor-Philips, a Population Health expert and co-leader of the groundbreaking EDITH trial, as she discusses the incredible advancements in cystic fibrosis care. Discover how new therapies have transformed life expectancy for patients like Annabelle, who once faced limited futures. The conversation also dives into how artificial intelligence is set to revolutionize breast cancer detection, enhancing diagnosis accuracy and shaping healthcare policies for a better tomorrow.

Dr. Pascal Geldsetzer, Assistant Professor at Stanford University, reveals groundbreaking research linking the shingles vaccine to a 20% reduced risk of developing dementia. He discusses the implications of viral infections on brain health and the need for further studies. The conversation also touches upon a new gonorrhea vaccine targeting antibiotic resistance, and innovative robotic clothing designed to assist elderly mobility. These advancements may revolutionize healthcare strategies and independence for aging populations.

In this engaging conversation, Paul Gringras, a leading expert in children's sleep medicine, discusses the increasing trend of melatonin use among children and the limited research on its long-term effects. He delves into the benefits and risks of this sleep aid, particularly for those with ADHD and autism. The dialogue also uncovers community support for families struggling with sleep issues and tackles the intriguing balance of AI in healthcare, questioning its impact on patient care. Plus, a surprising look into the myths surrounding placenta consumption highlights the need for informed choices.

Dr. Caroline Copeland, a Senior Lecturer in Pharmacology and Toxicology at King’s College London, discusses the alarming rise in drug-related deaths in the UK, particularly opioids. She highlights the need for improved healthcare responses and technology to monitor drug use effectively. The conversation delves into personal stories of addiction, contrasting approaches to drug decriminalization, and the importance of compassion in recovery. Dr. Copeland also emphasizes tackling mental health challenges and reducing stigma to prevent future fatalities among vulnerable populations.

Tiny exosomes are becoming the hottest trend in cosmetics, promising skin benefits but raising safety concerns. Experts debate the risks, particularly regarding human and animal sourcing, and the need for strict regulations. Additionally, a new AI physiotherapy app is making waves, offering personalized care and improving patient accessibility within the NHS. The podcast also touches on how technology is reshaping healthcare delivery, pushing for better awareness and patient experiences in a digital age.

Unattended rubbish in Birmingham raises health concerns, with experts warning about rising rat populations and diseases like E. coli. A tragic measles case highlights declining vaccination rates in the UK, sparking urgent discussions on community immunity. Meanwhile, groundbreaking reproductive technology allows for conceiving without mitochondrial disease, leading to ethical debates about gene editing and the future of fertility. As technology evolves, so do the moral dilemmas surrounding our ability to manipulate human genetics.

Kirsty Elliott-Sale, a Professor of Female Endocrinology and Exercise Physiology, joins the conversation about the unique challenges faced by female athletes. They dive into how menstrual cycles can profoundly affect both performance and injury risks. Insights on tracking menstrual health offer strategies for optimizing athletic training. The importance of a well-fitting sports bra is also highlighted, reflecting on its impact on performance. Overall, the dialogue stresses the need for tailored support and research to empower women in sports.

In this engaging discussion, Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive of The King's Fund, and Sally Gainsbury, Senior Policy Analyst at the Nuffield Trust, delve into the ambitious NHS 10-year plan aimed at shifting focus from reactive hospital care to proactive community services. They explore the transformative potential of AI in healthcare, particularly in enhancing heart scans to better predict health outcomes. The episode also intriguingly touches on the rich history of condoms, revealing their evolution and cultural significance over the centuries.

When the sun shines, out come the warnings that we all need to be careful in the sun to avoid burning and the risk of skin cancer. There are, though, those who believe that sort of public health messaging isn't positive enough about the benefits of the sun.As James Gallagher hears on the streets of Brighton, many of us know about the health benefits of vitamin d but new research suggests other benefits could be important for our health too.Should we working harder to get a balance of taking care in the sun but making sure we get enough exposure to it?James Gallagher looks at the evidence with Dr Richard Weller, Personal Chair of Medical Dermatology and Honorary Consultant Dermatologist at the University of Edinburgh, Dr Zoe Venables, a dermatologist with an interest in skin cancer epidemiology at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals, and Dr Margaret McCartney, GP, expert in evidence-based medicine. This episode is produced in partnership with The Open University.Presenter: James Gallagher Producer: Tom Bonnett Assistant Producer: Katie Tomsett Editor: Glyn Tansley

Join Professor Susanne Dickson, a neurobiology expert, Professor James Brown from Aston University, and dental hygienist Claire McCarthy for a sweet discussion on sugar addiction. They unveil the science behind sugar cravings and the brain's reward system. The trio dives into how stress influences sugar consumption and its parallels with traditional addiction. Plus, Claire shares humorous and invaluable dental tips to balance enjoyment and hygiene, ensuring your teeth stay healthy while indulging in those Easter treats!