Health Check

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.

Explore the fascinating world of phages, viruses that target bacteria and their potential to combat superbugs through citizen science. Discover how ultrasound technology is being harnessed to treat apathy in Parkinson’s patients, tackling both motor and non-motor symptoms. Uncover innovations in quantum physics that are enhancing cancer diagnoses and surgical accuracy with smart gloves. Join the fun as scientists compete in games at the Royal Society summer exhibition, blending serious research with light-hearted camaraderie.

There has been immense progress on childhood vaccination since 1974, with over four billion children vaccinated worldwide. So why now are we seeing vaccination rates stall, and decline? We look at what is driving this stagnation that is putting millions of children at risk. The psychological impacts of war can persist for long after the events themselves. Reporter Stephanie Tam talks to the therapists aiming to break cycles of intergenerational trauma in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Being diagnosed with ME, or chronic fatigue syndrome, can be a long process that requires ruling out other conditions first, we discover how researchers are working towards identifying blood biomarkers of chronic fatigue syndrome. Also, on the show we hear from Dr Adele Goman who has unexpectedly found hearing interventions reduce the risk of falling. Finally, Dr Phil Silva the founder of the Dunedin Study has died. We take a look at some of the key achievements of this landmark study that has been running for half a century. It follows the same group of almost 1000 people, all born within 12 months of each other in the early 1970s. Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producers: Katie Tomsett & Hannah Robins Studio Manager: Sue Maillot(Image: Doctor injecting a vaccine. Credit: Karl Tapales via Getty Images)

Experts dive into the complexities of future thinking and its impact on our identities. Discover how visualization techniques boost motivation, especially among athletes. Children share their imaginative aspirations, blending innocence with hope. The discussion emphasizes optimism and effective goal-setting, critiquing passive strategies in favor of actionable steps. Additionally, techniques for enhancing participation in health screenings are explored, revealing innovative methods to tackle barriers and maintain personal growth.

In this engaging discussion, BBC reporter Laura Foster highlights the mpox outbreak in Sierra Leone and its impact on local health. She also dives into groundbreaking HIV research using mRNA technology, which could transform future treatments. The conversation shifts to healthy aging, emphasizing the importance of muscle power for longevity and the pivotal role of physical activity. Additionally, Laura shares insights on how coffee might boost cognitive health in aging populations, suggesting a balanced lifestyle is key for long-term wellness.

Joining the discussion is Philippa Roxby, a BBC health reporter specializing in health innovations. She highlights groundbreaking findings from cancer trials showing that exercise significantly aids colon cancer recovery. Roxby also discusses revolutionary immunotherapy research for head and neck cancers, which is improving survival rates. Additionally, the conversation touches on the dangers of aflatoxins in crops and the potential for innovative tests to track ultra-processed food intake, while exploring the exciting prospects of e-tattoo technology for monitoring mental workload.

Women with dense breasts are four times more likely to develop breast cancer than women with low breast density and it’s also harder for cancer to be detected with existing screening methods. But now, the findings in a new study could dramatically improve the chances of having the disease spotted early on. We speak to the study’s lead author is Professor Fiona Gilbert to find out more.The 2025 World Health Assembly has just concluded, Devex Correspondent Andrew Green was there and tells us what the main takeaways were.Dr Cecilia Kanyama and Professor Thomas Harrison share their decades-long effort to improve treatment options for cryptococcal meningitis. The refined treatment regimen, discovered alongside Joe Jarvis and their team, gives hope to the hundreds of thousands of HIV-positive patients who are diagnosed with this fungal infection each year.Finally, researchers have developed contact lenses that enable to wearer to see near-infrared light. How do they work and what could they be useful for?Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producers: Hannah Robins & Louise Orchard Studio Managers: Mike Mallen & Andrew Garratt