Health Check

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.

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.