Health Check

In this week's Health Check, Claudia Hammond looks at a new study in mice that examines two longstanding questions about allergies: why do they often emerge only after repeated exposure to the allergen and why do people with one allergy often develop other allergies as well? Claudia speaks to a scientist who has been attempting to solve these mysteries; Dr Caroline Sokol, from the Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in the Mass General Brigham Department of Medicine, Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School, and member of the Ragon Institute. Her paper has just been published in the journal Immunity.New research published in Sports Medicine Open suggests that air pollution, and in particular nitrogen dioxide, is associated with impaired performance in marathon runners. Jane Burston is founder and chief executive of a philanthropic foundation called the Clean Air Fund, which funds projects to reduce air pollution, and discusses the implications of these findings with Claudia.Joining Health Check from Berlin is Andrew Green. Reporting the latest news from the Global World Health Summit in Berlin, Andrew also discusses with Claudia the research findings that taking paracetamol may blunt our fear and make us more prepared to take risks. And they examine the results of a new study which investigated whether pre-school children are more creative than adults or whether they are just more confident. Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producers: Helena Selby and Jonathan Blackwell

Francesca Duncan, a biomedical researcher studying ovarian aging, explores why ovaries remain biologically active long after menopause and how aging tissue may relate to ovarian cancer. Infectious diseases researcher Tom Wingfield discusses pooled tuberculosis testing and its potential to expand diagnosis. Genitourinary consultant Vanessa Apea examines allergy prevention, GLP-1-related nail changes, and the risks of late-night eating for the liver.

Clare Wilson, a science writer covering medicine and health, examines a mysterious Russian lab death and why modern plague risks remain low. Amy Orben, a Cambridge professor researching digital technology’s effects, explores the evidence linking social media with harm and possible safeguards. Also: an AI “speech clock” for biological aging, plus whether sleeping beside your dog really disrupts rest.

Ann Robinson, family doctor and medical commentator, examines gender disparities in treatment, diagnostic errors, dermatology access and changing blood-transfusion rules. Neuroscientist Matthew Grubb explores evidence that the brain developed as two distinct organs and the prospect of growing replacement neurons. Psychologist Paddy Ross reveals why children rely more on voices than faces to read emotions.

Clinical neuropsychologist Jessica Ringshaw, BBC health reporter Georgia Christie, and family doctor Graham Easton explore AI-powered healthcare in low-income communities, the food industry’s response to weight-loss drugs, and how pregnancy anaemia may affect infant brain development. They also consider reading’s benefits for attention, memory, and empathy in medicine.

Margie Davenport, a kinesiology professor and former Canadian synchronized swimmer, explores fertility options, pregnancy and postpartum support for athletes. BBC health reporter Philippa Roxby explains why women-specific heart attacks are being reclassified and shares updates on RSV vaccines and night-driving eye drops. Rwandan reporter Ahishakiye Jean d’Amour visits families gaining cleaner, affordable clay floors that reduce household dust.

Melissa Lenert, a University of Michigan pain researcher, explores childhood warning signs linked to severe period pain. Global health expert Rebecca Katz discusses One Health, disease threats, a Swedish measles outbreak, promising alpha-gal allergy antibodies, and the risks of very hot drinks. Cornea surgeon Kareeshma Wadia explains connections between asthma, allergies, and keratoconus.

Matthew Fox, Boston University epidemiologist, explores personalized mRNA vaccines for melanoma, HPV-targeting chewing gum, multilingualism and brain ageing, and album releases linked to traffic deaths. Journalist Rogelio Navarro reports on Cañonazo, a videogame-powered stroke rehabilitation project in Mexico City. Endocrinologist and author Saira Hameed explains hormone signalling, cortisol, fatigue, and menopause treatments.

Everyone experiences unwanted thoughts from time to time. But how does it feel to be trapped in a constant cycle of intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours? This is the reality of life for many people with obsessive compulsive disorder, a common - but commonly misunderstood - mental health condition. Today's episode is dedicated to understanding OCD and how it’s treated. Claudia Hammond visits an inpatient OCD treatment unit, Seacole Ward in the United Kingdom, where she meets Albert and Emily who explain what it’s like when life is governed by OCD, and consultant psychiatrist Dr Ilenia Pampaloni who likens intensive treatment to "bootcamp" where patients must face their worst fears 24 hours a day. Claudia is joined in the studio by Dr Bruce Clark, consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Maudsley Hospital in London, to tackle some ingrained OCD stereotypes and dissect the common phrase, "I'm a bit OCD". Bruce offers advice on how to spot early signs of OCD and explains how he stays hopeful because the condition is so treatable. Details of organisations offering information and support with obsessive-compulsive disorder are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Gerry Holt Assistant Producer: Georgia Christie

Dr. Sriman Swarup, an oncologist in Phoenix who treats in-flight medical calls, calls for formal credentialing and better systems. Eran Bendavid, Stanford medicine and health policy professor, explores how ageing and warming make heat far more dangerous. Vanessa Apea, genitourinary consultant and HIV expert, covers mpox vaccine fractioning, skin inflammation in darker tones, and immune changes in extreme old age.