Episodes

  • 114. Structural biology and crystallography
    Jan 21 2026

    In this episode, we talk with Prof. Tej Pal Singh, a leading figure in structural biology whose work has revealed the shapes and functions of hundreds of important proteins. He shares how these discoveries have helped us better understand immunity, inflammation, and disease—and how they’re guiding new approaches to designing medicines. From breakthrough crystal structures to innovative peptide work, Prof. Singh offers a clear, inspiring look at how structural biology drives modern medical progress.

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    28 mins
  • 113. Eliminating sleeping sickness
    Jan 15 2026

    Kenya has eliminated human African trypanosomiasis —sleeping sickness — as a public health problem. Dr. Gerardo Priotto from the World Health Organization joins us to explain how Kenya met WHO’s rigorous criteria, the science behind the validation, and the partnerships that made this milestone possible. We unpack the challenges of T.b. rhodesiense, the role of surveillance and community action, and what Kenya’s success means for the global fight against neglected tropical diseases.

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    25 mins
  • 111. Brain tumors
    Dec 17 2025

    Brain tumours are among the most complex and challenging conditions in modern medicine. In this episode, we explore what brain tumours are, how they develop, and most importantly, the patient experience.

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    36 mins
  • 110. Dr Spendlove
    Dec 8 2025

    Discover the story of Dr. Rex Spendlove, the humble scientist behind a breakthrough in cell culture media. From his early days tackling unreliable fetal bovine serum to founding HyClone Laboratories, Dr. Spendlove’s innovations set new standards for scientific research and helped shape modern biotechnology. Join us as we explore how curiosity, collaboration, and a drive to help others can change the world.

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    19 mins
  • 109. The art of delivery: mRNA meets LNP
    Nov 19 2025

    What happens when mRNA meets lipid nanoparticles? Sparks fly—and science wins. This dynamic duo is behind breakthroughs from game-changing vaccines to strategies for silencing stubborn viruses.

    Join Dodi and Conor as they sit down with Professor Sharon Lewin, a global leader in HIV research, to explore how this partnership could transform treatment and rewrite the future of medicine.

    Smart science, big ideas—don’t miss this episode of Discovery Matters, brought to you by Cytiva.

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    24 mins
  • 108. Metastatic breast cancer
    Oct 9 2025

    This episode is all about the purisuit to understand and treat metastatic breast cancer. Dr. Martine Piccart and Dr. Lisa Carey delve into the complexities of metastatic breast cancer (MBC), highlighting why it remains one of the most challenging forms of the disease to treat.

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    39 mins
  • 107. Engineering and preserving the microbiome
    Sep 18 2025

    We’re fascinated by the microbiome — and for good reason. But how do we protect this invisible ecosystem that plays such a vital role in our health?

    From engineering live, programmable therapeutics that disarm dangerous gut pathogens to creating a global “doomsday vault” to safeguard the diversity of human gut microbes, we dive deep into the cutting-edge science shaping the future of microbiome research.

    Show notes

    1. Ronda, C., Perdue, T., Schwanz, L. et al. Precise virulence inactivation using a CRISPR-associated transposase for combating Enterobacteriaceae gut pathogens. Nat. Biomed. Eng (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41551-025-01453-12.

    2. Dominguez-Bello, M.G., Steiger, D., Fankhauser, M. et al. The microbiota vault initiative: safeguarding Earth’s microbial heritage for future generations. Nat Commun 16, 5373 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-61008-5

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    43 mins
  • 106. Zoonotic diseases
    Jun 27 2025

    In this episode, we explore zoonotic diseases and their growing impact on global health.

    Professor Clare Bryant, sheds light on strategies to vaccinate animals to prevent pathogen transmission into humans. We also delve into the historical context of the disease, the role of vaccines, and the importance of coordinated public health.

    Whether you're a public health professional or simply curious about emerging infectious diseases, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the science, challenges, and solutions surrounding zoonotic diseases.

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    23 mins