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Talking About Blood

Talking About Blood

Written by: Helen Osborne
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About this listen

A podcast series, created by The Blood Project (TBP) and hosted by Helen Osborne, that explores the wonders of blood and the challenges of diagnosing, treating and coping with blood diseases.© 2026 Talking About Blood Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease
Episodes
  • Follow Your Curiosity: Humanities in Science and Medicine (TAB #38)
    Jan 15 2026

    In this episode, Dr. John Chilton talks with Helen Osborne about:

    • How visual storytelling, cartoons, and humor can be used to communicate complex concepts in hematology and biomedical science without trivializing the underlying science, and why communication is central to teaching and research.
    • His transdisciplinary journey from laboratory research to teaching, illustration, and digital modeling, and how blending art, science, and narrative helps learners better understand blood cells, disease processes, and three-dimensional biological structures.
    • The role of the humanities in science and medicine, including how creativity supports learning, empathy, and professional identity, and why embracing artistic passions can enrich medical education, clinical understanding, and personal well-being.
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    26 mins
  • Organs on Chips: Using Science, Art, and Design to Understand the Human Body (TAB #37)
    Nov 19 2025

    In this episode, Don Ingber talks with Helen Osborne about:

    • How organ-on-chip and “human body on chips” technologies are built and how they realistically mimic human organ function by combining living cells, blood flow, and mechanical forces like breathing and stretch.
    • The implications of these chips for hematology and clinical care, including modeling coagulation and thrombosis, predicting drug responses and toxicities, advancing personalized medicine, and reducing reliance on animal models.
    • His transdisciplinary journey blending science, art, engineering, and design, and why breaking down disciplinary boundaries is essential for transformative discovery, innovation, and teaching.
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    24 mins
  • Sickle Cell Disease: Extending the Patient Encounter Beyond Clinical Walls (TAB #36)
    Oct 8 2025

    In this podcast, Dr. Ahmar Zaidi talks with Helen Osborne about:

    1. His journey from pediatric hematologist to pharmaceutical medical director and advocate for people living with sickle cell disease.
    2. The biological and social dimensions of sickle cell disease, from its genetic origins to the ongoing need for global advocacy and education.
    3. Innovative ways to expand patient understanding—through podcasts, social media, and accessible health communication—to promote informed decision-making and equity in care.
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    22 mins
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