Health Check

Is curiosity good for us, or should we learn a lesson from what curiosity did to the cat? And why does curiosity drive some people to explore the ends of the earth and beyond, while others just really aren’t very curious at all? We invite a panel of people for whom curiosity is also at the centre of what they do to discuss the psychology of curiosity in front of an audience at the Cheltenham Science Festival in the UK. They are... Tim Peake – astronaut, test pilot and author. His lifelong curiosity took him to live for six months on the International Space station. While he was there he famously ran the London Marathon on a treadmill and he was the first British astronaut to walk in space. Gosia Goclowska - a lecturer in the department of psychology at the University of Bath. She researches some of the more unusual emotions we experience such as curiosity, awe and surprise. And Matthias Gruber - an associate professor of psychology at the University of Cardiff. His research focuses on the neuroscience of curiosity and learning. Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Lorna Stewart

Millions of us take aspirin daily to ward off heart attack or stroke, but a new study has found an alternative blood thinner, clopidogrel, could be more effective. We find out how it compares.An oral health check-up at least two weeks before surgery has shown to reduce the risk of post-operative infections such as pneumonia as well as reduce the length of a patients' hospital stay. Dr Kristina Wanyonyi-Kay Research Programme Leader at The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute at the University of Cambridge assesses what this Japanese study tells is about the connection between oral health and the rest of our bodies.The Africa CDC and WHO have just launched ambitious targets to cut Cholera by 90% across Africa. Global health journalist Andrew Green assesses if this target is likely to be met with the measures proposed.We meet a Chilean football team who’ve all had organ transplants. They’re trying to raise awareness and improve the number of donors in the country. Our reporter Jane Chambers went to Santiago to find out more.Could music help or worsen travel sickness? A study in China found happy music improved symptoms whilst sad music made them worse.Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producers: Katie Tomsett & Hannah Robins

In this discussion, Dorcas Wangira, BBC Africa's health correspondent, dives into a groundbreaking gene discovery that could transform chronic pain management. She explores a decade-long study revealing that cash transfers significantly reduced child mortality in Kenya. The conversation also touches on rabies control efforts in India and the troubling paradox of fewer wildfires but more vulnerable populations. Finally, Wangira addresses the controversy surrounding the destruction of $9.7 million in contraceptives due to US policy changes.

In this discussion, Professor Jim Collins, a leading researcher at MIT, reveals how AI is revolutionizing antibiotic discovery in the fight against drug-resistant infections like gonorrhea and MRSA. Family doctor Ann Robinson joins to highlight concerns about bloodstream infections in Indian ICUs, emphasizing the need for hygiene reforms. BBC's Dorcas Wangira reports on Rwanda's new laws allowing adolescents to access reproductive health services, sparking debates on youth health. Lastly, the nutritional role of mangoes for diabetics is reexamined, suggesting they may not be as harmful as previously thought.

In this discussion, John Chweya, President of Kenya's National Waste Pickers Welfare Association, shares his firsthand experiences working in hazardous waste conditions, revealing the severe health impacts of plastic pollution on communities. Dr. Cressida Bowyer highlights the ongoing negotiations for a global plastics treaty, emphasizing the urgent need for regulatory measures. Meanwhile, Dr. Stephanie Wright presents evidence linking chemicals in plastics to serious health issues, showcasing the dangerous implications of our plastic dependency.

Olga Cherevko, a UN aid worker in Gaza, discusses the dire malnutrition crisis affecting millions, especially children. Dr. Marko Kerac, a malnutrition specialist, highlights the urgent need for interventions to prevent further health complications. They address the complex issues surrounding food supply and the critical role of nutritional supplements. Meanwhile, Matt Fox sheds light on innovative research linking visual cues of illness to immune responses, suggesting potential public health applications. The conversations emphasize the pressing need for global action against escalating health crises.

Join science journalist Layal Liverpool, who examines how the antiparasitic drug Ivermectin can make human blood lethal to malaria-carrying mosquitoes, potentially revolutionizing malaria prevention. Andrew Green, a global health journalist, sheds light on the distressing impact of U.S. funding cuts to the PEPFAR program on HIV relief efforts. Plus, discover an innovative temporary tattoo designed to detect drink spiking and how diversifying neuroscience research in India and Tanzania could reshape our understanding of brain health.

Penicillin is the go-to antibiotic for many common infections - but in the UK more than 1-in-15 adults have a penicillin allergy label on their medical record. New research suggests that many with these labels are not actually allergic. Professor Sue Pavitt explains how more accurate allergy labelling might help fight the rise of antimicrobial resistance. Both Burundi and Senegal announced last week that they had eliminated trachoma. Dr Graham Easton walks us through the long road to this milestone.A passionate debate has caused division in Maharashtra, India, over the possibility of homeopaths being allowed to practice and prescribe conventional medicine. Reporter Chhavi Sachdev explains why doctors on both sides are striking. In the UK, eight babies made with the combined genetic material of three people have been born without the hereditary mitochondrial disease. We explore the implications of this breakthrough. Sex at birth might not be as random as we once thought; a new study found that families with three children of the same sex are more likely to have another child of the same sex.Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Hannah Robins Assistant Producer: Alice McKee Studio Managers: Dyfan Rose and Andrew Garrett

Smitha Mundasad, a BBC health reporter, shares groundbreaking news about Lenacapavir, a bi-annual injection now recommended by the WHO for HIV prevention. She discusses its potential to revolutionize access for high-risk populations while addressing affordability challenges. The conversation also explores Malawi's proactive measures against an mpox outbreak, the surprising discovery of a unique blood type, and the uplifting Cycling Together initiative that empowers women dealing with mental health challenges through cycling.

Dorcas Wangira, BBC's Africa health correspondent, discusses groundbreaking advancements in malaria treatment for newborns, set to protect vulnerable infants in eight African countries. Professor Damian Bailey uncovers the science behind pickle juice as a remedy for muscle cramps, revealing the quirky yet intriguing reasons athletes are turning to it. Meanwhile, Helen Meese examines the ethical implications and practical applications of assistive robots in healthcare, highlighting their potential to revolutionize patient support in a post-pandemic world.