Unlocking Bryson's Brain cover art

Unlocking Bryson's Brain

Unlocking Bryson's Brain

Written by: CBC
Listen for free

About this listen

Bryson is a beautiful, happy and loving boy. But a mysterious illness means he can’t walk, talk, or feed himself. After years without a diagnosis, even Bryson’s parents have come to accept that he may never be able to live independently. Then one day, everything changes. Scientists working at the cutting edge of genetics believe they know what’s causing Bryson’s disease — and think it could be reversed. Motivated by the hope for a cure, Bryson’s parents search for the miracle key that could unlock Bryson’s brain. Join Bryson's dad, host Keith McArthur, on their family's journey to understanding their son's rare condition.

Copyright © CBC 2026 Science
Episodes
  • Episode 1: The Mystery Disease

    Episode 1: The Mystery Disease
    Apr 12 2020
    Bryson seems like a perfectly healthy baby. But soon doctors confirm his parents’ worst fears: something is wrong with Bryson’s brain. Despite dozens of tests over nearly a decade, doctors come up empty in their efforts to find a diagnosis. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/unlocking-bryson-s-brain-transcripts-listen-1.6740317
    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
  • Episode 2: Getting a Diagnosis

    Episode 2: Getting a Diagnosis
    Apr 13 2020
    From violent seizure-like episodes to insensitive comments from strangers, Bryson has a hard life. But after years of searching, doctors finally provide a diagnosis. The news changes everything for Bryson’s parents and provides a possible path to new treatments — or even a cure. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/unlocking-bryson-s-brain-transcripts-listen-1.6740317
    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • Episode 3: The CRISPR Revolution

    Episode 3: The CRISPR Revolution
    Apr 20 2020
    Bryson’s parents explore CRISPR, a new technology with the potential to cure dozens of diseases once thought incurable. But gene editing comes with risks — not just for individual patients, but for the human race. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/unlocking-bryson-s-brain-transcripts-listen-1.6740317
    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
No reviews yet