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The Catalysts

The Catalysts

Written by: Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry (Western University)
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 The Catalysts is a medical science and discovery podcast produced by Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University, Canada. The show blends expert insight with engaging stories, and connects world-class research with the people who benefit most from scientific advancement. Season 2 of the Catalysts picks up where Season 1 left off: expert insight from researchers at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, with a focus on the Science of Cancer. Listen for diverse perspectives on the breakthroughs, challenges, and evolving questions shaping today's cancer science. Produced by: Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, Canada Hosts: Patrick Morley, Prabhjot Sohal Technical Producer: David Creces Producers: Allan Lewis, Megan Morris Voice Over: Julie Simpson The Catalysts is produced by Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry in association with the J. Allyn Taylor International Prize in Medicine — one of Canada's most prestigious medical research prizes.2025 Biological Sciences Science
Episodes
  • IMMUNEQUITY: An equitable approach for curing HIV with Eric Arts, PhD

    IMMUNEQUITY: An equitable approach for curing HIV with Eric Arts, PhD
    Apr 15 2026
    For Eric Arts, curing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is not a question of how, but when. One of Canada's leading researchers in combatting HIV joins host Patrick Morley to discuss an equitable approach to treating the roughly 40 million people living with the virus around the world. Arts also chats about his own in experience in treating HIV in Uganda, as well as the healthy future being promised by Western University's upcoming Pathogen Research Centre. Eric Arts, PhD, is the Canada Research Chair in HIV Pathogenesis and Viral Control and a Professor in Microbiology & Immunology at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. Related resources: Western leads new international, public-private initiative for equitable access to HIV cure Western University building one-of-a-kind facility to test how infectious diseases spread The Arts Lab Frugal Biomedical Innovations Listen to The Catalysts on Spotify Listen to The Catalysts on Apple Podcasts Learn more about The Catalysts The Catalysts is produced by Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry in association with the J. Allyn Taylor International Prize in Medicine — one of Canada's most prestigious medical research prizes.
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    41 mins
  • Living Drugs, CAR-T Cells & the Future of Cancer Treatment with Taylor Prize Laureate Dr. Carl June

    Living Drugs, CAR-T Cells & the Future of Cancer Treatment with Taylor Prize Laureate Dr. Carl June
    Nov 26 2025

    What if we could teach the immune system to fight cancer? Dr. Carl H. June pioneered the bold ideas behind CAR T-cell therapy, a breakthrough that is transforming cancer treatment and holds the potential to reshape care for millions. In this episode, he reflects on a remarkable career that has spanned the Vietnam War, the HIV epidemic and the rise of modern immunotherapy. He shares how curiosity has driven his work, and why he remains a champion for science in an era when it is increasingly under threat. Dr. June is the 2025 J. Allyn Taylor International Prize in Medicine laureate.

    With Dr. Carl H. June

    Richard W. Vague Professor in Immunotherapy, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine

    Director, Center for Cellular Immunotherapies at The University of Pennsylvania

    Director, Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Perelman School of Medicine at The University of Pennsylvania

    Links:

    Dr. June: A Global Titan of Cancer Research

    Emily Whitehead Foundation

    Official Film Trailer: Of Medicine and Miracles

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    52 mins
  • In the Blood: The Quest to Detect Cancer Before It Returns with Dr. Ana Lohmann

    In the Blood: The Quest to Detect Cancer Before It Returns with Dr. Ana Lohmann
    Nov 19 2025

    Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Canadian women, with 1 in 8 women facing a diagnosis in their lifetime. It's a complex foe, shaped by biology and lifestyle, made difficult by invasive treatments and cumbersome diagnostic techniques.

    In this episode, Dr. Ana Lohmann, a medical oncologist and scientist at Western University's Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, discusses how this complexity is being met head-on. Her research explores how obesity and metabolism shape cancer diagnosis and recurrence, and how lifestyle, access to care and social inequities influence outcomes. She also discusses emerging tools like liquid biopsies and the growing focus on survivorship and quality of life.

    With Dr. Ana Lohmann, MD PhD

    Medical Oncologist, Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre

    Associate Scientist, London Health Sciences Research Institute

    Assistant Professor, Western University

    Dept. of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Dept. of Oncology

    • Breast Cancer and Obesity
    • Bio
    • Breast Cancer and Diabetes Drugs
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    46 mins
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