Training for Performance
Exercise physiologist and former Paralympian Dan Gordon joined us to discuss the factors that contribute to athletic performance, and how we can train to improve performance. Topics include the effects dehydration, how to train for strength and endurance, and much more.


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Robot-Assisted Surgery

CMR Surgical co-founder and consultant surgeon Dr Mark Slack joins us to discuss the field of robotic surgery today and where it might find itself in the future. We explore the merits of robotic surgery for patients and surgeons alike, potential risks associated with it and the challenges in developing robotic surgery systems. 

Finding Clean Water

Unclean water currently kills more people in the developing world than HIV and malaria combined, and the technology used to test for bacteria in water is 30 years out of date.

Alex Patto joins us to discuss how a portable microscope system developed by his company WaterScope is on the cusp of changing how water is tested for bacterial contamination in the developing world. The topics we discussed included everything from WaterScope's field testing in a Tanzanian refugee camp, to Alex's experience transitioning from academia into a CEO position, and how he is learning new skills on the job.

More information on Waterscope can be found at: https://www.waterscope.org/

What Links Inflammation and Depression?

In a two-part series, we are joined by Professor Edward Bullmore, head of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge, to firstly discuss what links inflammation and depression and secondly how better understanding of this relationship could lead to improved treatments for depression in the future. 

The China Coronavirus: where do we stand?

A coronavirus outbreak in the Hubei province of China has garnered attention around the world. Scientists and governments are racing to identify the virus and prevent its spread. Just how big is the threat to public health? Has the Chinese response been appropriate? What do we know about the virus so far? 
Chris Smith, a consultant virologist at Cambridge's Addenbrooke's hospital joins us this episode to discuss these crucial questions.

Bioengineering

World-leading bioengineer and entrepreneur Professor Robert joins us to discuss hype and hope in generating artificial organs and how novel drug delivery mechanisms are paving the way for safer and more effective treatments. How can we test cancerous cells with different drugs whilst they're still inside the body and what are some of the challenges in science outside the intricacies of research itself?

'Generation O' 

Last year opioids such as heroin were responsible for more deaths in the US than car accidents. To what extent are pharma companies responsible? Can journalists help us better empathise with drug users? Swathi Srinivasan joins us to discuss how this crisis emerged, what perpetuates it, and what might be done to resolve it.

Searching for Awareness after Brain Damage

Author and neuroscientist Professor Adrian Owen joins the Pager Podcast we as  discuss the causes of disorders of consciousness, how we can communicate with some patients thought to be unconscious and what can be done with the information gained from such  communication and neuroimaging.

Neural stem-cells: part II

​Stem-cells in the brain might hold the key to preventing autoimmune diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis. They will also likely play a role in slowing age-related cognitive decline in the future. Professor Robin Franklin joins us again to discuss this fascinating group of cells and their implications on the future of healthcare.

Demystifying Obesity: Parts I and II

​University of Cambridge geneticist Dr Giles Yeo joins us in a two part series on obesity. In the first episode we look at what factors control body weight and the causes of rising obesity rates. The second episode discusses what could be done to reduce obesity rates, from public health policy to more radical approaches such as drugs and surgery for severe cases.