Pager
79 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsWelcome to the Pager Podcast. Tune in to hear about the topics changing the future of biology and medicine.
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Episodes
Conversations About Dying with Kathryn Mannix
August 29, 2022 14:00 - 1 hour - 50.1 MBIn this episode, author, speaker, campaigner and former palliative care doctor, Kathryn Mannix, joins us to discuss a range of topics related to dying. We talk about the importance of a wider public conversation about dying, misconception, the importance of good communication and more.
ECMO and the Modern ICU with Alain Vuylsteke
March 02, 2022 19:00 - 1 hour - 49.3 MBDr Alain Vuylsteke, consultant in intensive care and cardiothoracic anaesthesia, Clinical Director of the Division of Surgery, Transplantation and Anaesthesia and the Director of the ECMO service at Royal Papworth Hospital joins us for an episode on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. We discuss the ECMO service at Papworth, the evidence base, decision-making with regards to initiation and discontinuation, ECMO in the COVID-19 pandemic, cost and more. Resources: CESAR Trial: https:/...
Aerospace Medicine with Peter Hodkinson
February 15, 2022 16:00 - 42 minutes - 29.2 MBIn this episode we speak with Dr Peter Hodkinson, the UK’s first ever consultant in Aviation and Space Medicine and the head of the division of Aerospace Medicine at King’s College. Topics include astronaut selection, adaptation to space flight and travel, managing medical conditions in space and more! An overview of space medicine: https://academic.oup.com/bja/article/119/suppl_1/i143/4638468
Skeletal Muscle and Robotics with Ritu Raman
November 29, 2021 20:00 - 52 minutes - 35.8 MBIn this episode, Dr Ritu Raman joins us to discuss how engineered skeletal muscle is being applied to both robotics and medicine. We discuss everything from the influences early in Ritu's life and education which drove an interest in engineering, to optogenetics and gene modification. Some themes throughout the conversation are the interesting challenges posed by: inducing repair in muscle, and the complexity of fine motor control. Ritu is the d’Arbeloff Career Development Assistant Profe...
Improving Medical Research: from Design to Translation with Paul Glasziou
November 07, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 42.6 MBProfessor Paul Glasziou discusses a range of topics relating to evidence-based medicine, from reducing research waste to publication bias; translation of scientific findings; weighing up a body of evidence; incentivising high quality research and more. Follow us on twitter @PagerPodcast
COVID-19 Genomics with Sharon Peacock
November 03, 2021 15:00 - 51 minutes - 35.2 MBSharon Peacock, professor of public health and microbiology at the University of Cambridge, and director of the COVID-19 Genomics UK consortium (COG-UK), discusses all things relating to the UK's sequencing efforts, from the logistics of establishing sequencing networks, to the benefits of sequencing and applications of data collected,.
Reconstituting the Human Thymus with Paola Bonfanti
October 17, 2021 23:00 - 1 hour - 43 MBIn this conversation, Dr Paola Bonfanti joins us to discuss recent work done by her group to reconstitute the human thymus outside of the human body, using cultured cells and a scaffold. We also discuss how the thymus develops, educates T cells, and how single-cell sequencing and spatial information are changing our understanding of the organ. Paola trained as a doctor in Milan, before training as a stem cell scientist at institutes in California and Switzerland. She now leads a research g...
Medical Law with Emily Jackson
September 26, 2021 16:00 - 1 hour - 45.3 MBIn this episode, Emily Jackson , professor of law at the London School of Economics, joins us to discuss a range of issues relating to medical law. We talk about regulation of the pharmaceutical industry, clinical negligence, assisted reproduction and more.
AI and Philosophy of Science with Sam Gershman
August 09, 2021 00:00 - 54 minutes - 37.5 MBSam Gershman joins us for a discussion on both AI, and questions in Philosophy of Science. In the podcast we talk about: 1) Whether observation and interpretation can be 'theory neutral'. 2) How auxiliary hypotheses can 'buffer' our beliefs. 3) A Bayesian framework for evaluating our auxiliary hypotheses. 3) The aspects of human cognition that AI currently lacks. 4) Advancing AI, and the AI alignment problem. Sam is a Professor within the Psychology department at Harvard, where his lab w...
The Bioethics of Brain Organoids with Insoo Hyun
July 12, 2021 18:00 - 59 minutes - 41 MBBrain organoids are a new experimental model which will have broad implications for understanding and treating diseases of the brain. But as their sophistication continues to increase, could this ultimately lead to the develop of consciousness in vitro? Dr Insoo Hyun joins us in this episode to discuss bioethics and brain organoids. In the episode we cover: 1) What brain organoids are, and the history of their development. 2) How new scientific paradigms force are forcing philosophers to r...
The artificial pancreas with Aideen Daly and Julia Fuchs
May 31, 2021 21:00 - 45 minutes - 31.5 MBIn this episode, Drs Aideen Daly and Julia Fuchs join us to discuss the clinical trials for a new 'artificial pancreas' system. This system is designed to manage a type 1 diabetics blood sugar, by integrating a continuous glucose monitor, an app, as well as an insulin pump. We discuss: 1) Some of the history of type 1 diabetics, and why diabetics need to inject insulin to regulate their blood glucose. 2) Insights gained on from the trials about the system's efficacy 3) The difference betwee...
Oceans and Human Health with Neel Aluru
April 19, 2021 01:00 - 43 minutes - 30.1 MBIn this episode, Dr Neel Aluru joins us to discuss how toxicants in the ocean affect human health. Dr Aluru is an associate scientist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, where his research group investigates epigenetic and RNA mechanisms linking chemicals to human health. Topics include: The concept of a 'Developmental Origins of Health and Disease' How scientists investigate chemicals in the Ocean Polychlorinated biphenyls, and their effects on genes in the brain Model systems Ge...
Resuscitation, Medical Ethics and Advance Care Planning with Zoë Fritz
April 02, 2021 23:00 - 52 minutes - 36.3 MBDr Zoë Fritz joins us for a discussion of the importance of advance care planning, patient-centred conversations surrounding resuscitation and future wishes and her work in developing the ReSPECT (Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment) process which seeks to improve approaches and outcomes in this setting. We also take a deep dive into medical ethics, touching upon best interest decisions, when discussions surrounding future care may not be appropriate and the role...
Resuscitation, Medical Ethics and Advance Care Planning with Zoë Fritz
April 02, 2021 23:00 - 52 minutes - 36.3 MBDr Zoë Fritz joins us for a discussion of the importance of advance care planning, conversations with patients surrounding resuscitation wishes and her work in developing the ReSPECT (Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment) process which seeks to improve approaches and outcomes in this setting. We also take a deep dive into medical ethics, touching upon best interest decisions, when discussions surrounding future care may not be appropriate and the role of family m...
Resuscitation, Medical Ethics and Advance Care Planning with Zoë Fritz
April 02, 2021 23:00 - 52 minutes - 36.3 MBDr Zoë Fritz joins us for a discussion of the importance of advance care planning, patient-centred conversations surrounding resuscitation and future wishes and her work in developing the ReSPECT (Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment) process which seeks to improve approaches and outcomes in this setting. We also take a deep dive into medical ethics, touching upon best interest decisions, when discussions surrounding future care may not be appropriate and the role...
Exploring Uncertainty in Medicine with Arabella Simpkin
March 28, 2021 11:00 - 44 minutes - 30.9 MBIn this episode Dr Arabella Simpkin, a paediatrician and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, joins us to discuss medicine’s relationship with uncertainty and how it can be embraced to improve the lives of patients and clinicians alike. We touch upon the sources of uncertainty in medicine, how we communicate and acknowledge it, its relationship with expertise and medical education, the future of research into uncertainty and more!
Exploring Uncertainty in Medicine with Arabella Simpkin
March 28, 2021 11:00 - 44 minutes - 30.9 MBIn this episode Dr Arabella Simpkin, a paediatrician and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, joins us to discuss medicine’s relationship with uncertainty and how it can be embraced to improve the lives of patients and clinicians alike. We touch upon the sources of uncertainty in medicine, how we communicate and acknowledge it, its relationship with expertise and medical education, the future of research into uncertainty and more!
Children and COVID-19 with Alasdair Munro
March 14, 2021 23:00 - 47 minutes - 32.9 MBDr Alasdair Munro joins us for a deep dive into all things relating to COVID-19 and children, from the role of children in transmission to ethical dilemmas over school closures, science communication in the pandemic and more.
New Insights into Type 1 Diabetes with Stephan Kissler
March 01, 2021 15:00 - 58 minutes - 40.4 MBType 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease characterised by the destruction of the insulin producing cells in the pancreas, the beta cells. The disease affects millions of people around the world, but what exactly is driving the disease's progression? Is it an overactive immune system, or are the beta cells initiating their own destruction? In this episode, Dr Stephan Kissler joins us to discuss how genetic tools, such as CRISPR, are deepening our understanding of type 1 diabetes pathophysiol...
Maternal and Child Health: Challenges, Opportunities and Wider Importance with Neena Modi
February 07, 2021 17:00 - 58 minutes - 40 MBProfessor Neena Modi discusses the vital importance of promoting and protecting child and maternal health; its role in a post-COVID recovery and challenges associated with utilising and measuring the value of preventative health interventions. We also touch upon some common misconceptions in health economics and how to manage a long-term research agenda surrounding child and maternal health. Further reading: https://adc.bmj.com/content/early/2021/01/26/archdischild-2020-320898?rss=1 ht...
Development and Regeneration of the Lung with Emma Rawlins
January 24, 2021 22:00 - 41 minutes - 28.9 MBIn this episode, Dr Emma Rawlins joins us to discuss how our understanding of lung development has changed, and how this might allow us to regenerate lung damage therapeutically. How do our lungs develop from progenitor cells? How can stem cell populations respond to damage and disease in adults? How can these insights be leveraged to regenerate the lung following damage or disease? Some of the topics we cover include: Rare lung cell types important in regeneration Human lung organoids and...
Evidence-Based Medicine and Communication with Margaret McCartney
January 17, 2021 17:00 - 58 minutes - 40.3 MBDr Margaret McCartney, a practising GP in Glasgow, discusses communication of science, particularly during the pandemic, the nature of 'expertise', investigating the efficacy and potential harms of non-drug interventions, the nuances of screening and more.
Making Sense of Psychosis with Paul Fletcher
January 10, 2021 18:00 - 51 minutes - 35.6 MBProfessor Paul Fletcher joins us for an episode which dives into the intricacies of psychosis. We discuss common misconceptions, the diversity of psychosis, our understanding of what causes it and more. Paul is both a psychiatrist and a professor of neuroscience at the University of Cambridge. His research focuses on the nature of perception and learning in psychiatric diseases, in particular those which can involve psychosis.
Optimising Public Health with Linda Bauld
December 13, 2020 13:00 - 48 minutes - 33.7 MBProfessor Linda Bauld joins us for deep dive into the challenges and opportunities of public health. We discuss her longstanding work relating to tobacco control; assessing complex public health interventions; vested and political interests in public health as well as the challenge of balancing long- and short-term goals. Finally, Linda makes comparisons between the COVID-19 pandemic and other public health challenges.
GDF11 and the Brain with Ceren Ozek
November 30, 2020 17:00 - 51 minutes - 35.6 MBIn this week's episode, Ceren Ozek joins us to discuss how Growth Differentiation Factor 11, GDF11, affects the ageing process in the brain. As the brain ages, it's cognitive functions also decline, which can have huge effects on quality of life. Identified as a potential longevity factor found in the blood in 2014, GDF11 might have the potential to slow the ageing process in brain areas such as the hippocampus. This episode discusses the initial parabiosis experiments in young/old mice, ...
Towards Better Medical Research with Fiona Godlee
November 15, 2020 19:00 - 52 minutes - 36.1 MBDr Fiona Godlee, Editor-in-Chief of The British Medical Journal, joins for a fascinating discussion of the world of medical publishing and what can be done to improve future medical research. We cover conflict of interests, open data, investigative journalism, the future of the BMJ, health campaigning and medical journals’ own priorities to balance whilst at the forefront of scientific advancement.
Coffee and Health with Rob van Dam
October 26, 2020 19:00 - 52 minutes - 36.1 MBIn this episode, we discuss the effects of coffee on human health with Dr Rob van Dam. As one of the world’s most popular drinks, how might coffee be affecting all of us? The conversation starts with whether coffee changes our risk for diseases such as cancer and diabetes. This leads to everything from how it effects our state of mind, to the effects on the microbiome and sleep patterns. Dr van Dam is a professor at the National University of Singapore’s School of Public Health, as well ...
Using Psychedelic Drugs to Treat Depression with David Erritzøe
September 12, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 44.4 MBDr David Erritzøe, the clinical director of the Psychedelic Research Centre at Imperial College, London, joins us for a far-reaching discussion of research into the use of psychedelic drugs to treat mental health disorders, in particular depression. We touch upon our current understanding of how such drugs may work; challenges in designing clinical trials to test their efficacy such as challenges designing an appropriate placebo arm and using drugs illegal in the UK; the political background...
Harnessing Artificial Intelligence in Medicine with Saurabh Johri
September 07, 2020 18:00 - 57 minutes - 39.6 MBDr Saurabh Johri, Chief Scientist at Babylon Health, joins us to discuss the use of artificial intelligence in medicine. We touch on what makes AI special, examples of how it can be harnessed in healthcare and the work done by Babylon in developing AI-based triage systems. We also explore how such systems should be tested to ensure safety and concerns raised surrounding bias and interpretability in AI systems.
Research Ethics in a Pandemic with Alex London
September 03, 2020 14:00 - 1 hour - 43.9 MBProfessor Alex London, director of the Centre for Ethics and Policy at Carnegie Mellon University, joins us to discuss a number of ethical questions faced in conducting human research in and out of the pandemic. How do we define "acceptable risks" to trial participants? How can collaboration be improved? Why is politicisation of science dangerous and is there really a trade off to be made between speed and quality of research? We also dive into the benefits yet also pitfalls of diversity in ...
Parkinson's Disease in 2020 with Roger Barker
August 25, 2020 12:00 - 54 minutes - 37.3 MBIn this episode, Dr Roger Barker joins us to discuss our current understanding of Parkinson's disease. The first half of the conversation focuses on the disease process. Is Parkinson's a single disease or a group of connected diseases? How might this difference affect our thinking surrounding Parkinson's? The discussion then switches to the development of cell and gene therapies for Parkinson's. The unique challenges of a cell therapy for the brain, as well as the efficacy of a neurotrophi...
Humanitarian Surgery with David Nott
August 17, 2020 10:00 - 53 minutes - 36.8 MBDavid Nott, a consultant vascular and general surgeon at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London, joins us to discuss practicing surgery in disaster and conflict zones. David has joined dozens of humanitarian missions to countries such as Bosnia, Haiti, and Syria in the last 25 years with organisations such as MSF, and the ICRC. He is also the author of the best-seller 'War Doctor', which documents his life work and experiences. What are the ethics surrounding treating combatants? H...
Decision-Making, Reversal and Uncertainty in Medicine with Adam Cifu
August 08, 2020 11:00 - 53 minutes - 37 MBDr Adam Cifu, a practising general internist in Chicago, joins us to discuss how medical practices previously adopted are later found out to be ineffective or harmful. Why does this reversal occur? How can we make better decisions for patients given what evidence is available and how should doctors approach uncertainty? We talk about some of the disconnect between the medical literature and a patient sitting in front of a clinician, as well as what can be done to both improve the evidence th...
Regenerating the Damaged Heart with Sanjay Sinha
July 31, 2020 11:00 - 34 minutes - 24 MBThe heart is notoriously bad at regenerating following damage to the myocardium. On the horizon are cell therapies that could restore cardiac function following damage. In this episode, Dr Sanjay Sinha, a British Heart Foundation Senior Research Fellow, and a consultant cardiologist at Addenbrooke’s hospital, joins us discuss a stem cell derived cardiac ‘patch’, which could be transplanted into patients for heart repair after myocardial infarction. The potential of cardiac cells derived fr...
Fixing the Clinical Trial Landscape with Vinay Prasad
July 31, 2020 05:00 - 1 hour - 45.9 MBDr Vinay Prasad, a haematologist oncologist and Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of California, joins us to talk about some of the issues with the current clinical trial landscape and the harms caused by these. From distorted incentive structures to lacklustre regulation, we talk about the roots of these problems before turning towards the changes that could be made around the world to counter them.
Shaping and Communicating Science at Nature with Magdalena Skipper
May 01, 2020 17:00 - 50 minutes - 34.9 MBDr Magdalena Skipper, Editor-in-Chief of Nature, joins to talk about the role of the journal in driving good science and communicating it around the world. We touch upon what can be done to improve reproducibility in research, how scientific publishing is changing, the different ways in which science can be valuable and how we can measure the value of science.
The New England Journal of Medicine in the 21st Century with Eric Rubin
May 01, 2020 14:00 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MBDr Eric Rubin, Editor-in-Chief of the New England Journal of Medicine, joins us to talk about the roles of the journal in shaping how research is communicated, carried out and interpreted. What are the particular responsibilities of the world's top journals? How are papers assessed and has this changed during the COVID-19 pandemic?
The Lancet: Roles and Responsibilities with Richard Horton
May 01, 2020 12:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MBDr Richard Horton, Editor-in-Chief of The Lancet, joins us to talk about where the roles, responsibilities and future of one of the world's top medical journals lie. How has COVID-19 affected the journal? How political should a journal be and what makes a good editor? How are editorial decisions made? Have a listen to find out.
Supporting Doctors' Mental Health with Caroline Elton
April 25, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 44.6 MBDr Caroline Elton, an occupational psychologist and author of the book "Also Human: the Inner Lives of Doctors", joins us to talk about the important issue of mental health in the medical profession. Why are mental health issues so prevalent amongst doctors? How should medical schools select applicants and what is the case for institutional change to protect doctors' mental health? From dealing with the challenges faced when doctors become patients to pushing against short rotations for juni...
Rethinking Education and Career with Ali Abdaal
April 19, 2020 12:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MBIntroduce randomness, shorten the feedback loop, and optimise for happiness and meaning. In this episode, Dr. Ali Abdaal joins us to question where the value in education lies, and how we might rethink career and retirement to live more fulfilled lives. Ali is a junior doctor in Cambridge, as well as a content creator through YouTube and his weekly newsletter. We also touch on the value of management skills, how stressful work can be enjoyable in its own way, and where experience comple...
Rethinking Education and Career with Ali Abdaal: Part II
April 19, 2020 12:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MBIntroduce randomness, shorten the feedback loop, and optimise for happiness and meaning. In this episode, Dr. Ali Abdaal joins us to question where the value in education lies, and how we might rethink career and retirement to live more fulfilled lives. Ali is a junior doctor in Cambridge, as well as a content creator through YouTube and his weekly newsletter. We also touch on the value of management skills, how stressful work can be enjoyable in its own way, and where experience comple...
High Altitude Physiology: From Everest to Intensive Care with Andrew Murray
April 12, 2020 09:00 - 50 minutes - 34.8 MBTrek from sea level to Everest Base Camp and the pressure of oxygen in the air will halve. Make it to the summit and it sits at just a third of sea level values. Why is it that some people are capable of summiting Everest without supplemental oxygen and some are not? What factors affect performance at altitude and why do traditional explanations of acclimatisation not paint the full picture? Dr Andrew Murray, a mitochondrial biologist at Cambridge University, joins us to talk about his work ...
High Altitude Physiology: From Everest to Intensive Care with Andrew Murray
April 12, 2020 09:00 - 50 minutes - 34.8 MBTrek from sea level to Everest Base Camp and the pressure of oxygen in the air will halve. Make it to the summit and it sits at just a third of sea level values. Why is it that some people are capable of summiting Everest without supplemental oxygen and some are not? What factors affect performance at altitude and why do traditional explanations of acclimatisation not paint the full picture? Dr Andrew Murray, a mitochondrial biologist at Cambridge University, joins us to talk about his work ...
How COVID-19 is Reshaping General Practice with Helen Stokes-Lampard
April 03, 2020 09:00 - 43 minutes - 30.2 MBAll aspects of medicine have been dramatically affected by the COVID-19 outbreak and general practice is no exception. In this episode we look at how the largest medical specialty in the country is adapting to the pandemic. Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, former chair of the RCGP, chair of the National Academy for Social Prescribing and a practising GP near Birmingham joins us to explore everything from the challenges of remote consultations and conversations around end-of-life care to moral...
COVID-19 and the Future of General Practice with Helen Stokes-Lampard
April 03, 2020 08:00 - 14 minutes - 10 MBIn this episode we're joined by Professor Helen Stoke-Lampard, former chair of the RCGP, chair of the National Academy for Social Prescribing and a practising GP near Birmingham. We ask, what long-term effects will the COVID-19 outbreak have on general practice? This brings us to remote consultation, overprescribing, administration and more.
COVID-19 and the NHS
March 27, 2020 13:00 - 51 minutes - 35.5 MBIn this episode, Dr Rohin Francis joins us for a conversation on the COVID-19 outbreak in the UK, and it's effects on the NHS. Rohin is a practicing Cardiologist and a PhD student at UCL. Through his YouTube channel 'Medlifecrisis', he is actively involved in science communication on the virus. The discussion begins with how hospitals are preparing for the crisis and what the state of doctor morale is at the moment. We also discuss reports that the virus can cause cardiovascular pathology...
COVID-19 and the NHS with Rohin Francis
March 27, 2020 13:00 - 51 minutes - 35.5 MBIn this episode, Dr Rohin Francis joins us for a conversation on the COVID-19 outbreak in the UK, and it's effects on the NHS. Rohin is a practicing Cardiologist and a PhD student at UCL. Through his YouTube channel 'Medlifecrisis', he is actively involved in science communication on the virus. The discussion begins with how hospitals are preparing for the crisis and what the state of doctor morale is at the moment. We also discuss reports that the virus can cause cardiovascular pathology...
Understanding Risk with David Spiegelhalter
March 21, 2020 18:00 - 56 minutes - 38.6 MBSir David Spiegelhalter joins us to discuss all things risk-related and his work as the Winton Professor of Public Understanding of Risk at Cambridge University. What is the best way to communicate risk in medicine and the broader public sphere? How can our perceptions of risk be dramatically altered by its presentation? How can we inform or persuade people using statistics and, moreover, should we? Finally, we also discuss how individuals and governments see risk through different eye...
Preventing Cardiovascular Disease before Birth with Dino Giussani
March 17, 2020 12:00 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MBIn this episode, Professor Dino Giussani joins us to discuss how hypoxia in utero plays a causative role in adult cardiovascular disease. The conversation covers what is meant by developmental programming, and Dino's research into antioxidant therapy as a future therapy to mitigate the effects of hypoxia. Dino discusses his optimism for the future effects of this work, and also the work that still needs to be done in order to bring antioxidants into clinical practice.
Treating and Preventing HIV Infection with Andrew Lever
March 08, 2020 16:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MBProfessor Andrew Lever from the Department of Infectious Disease in Cambridge, joins us to discuss prevention of HIV, from pre-exposure prophylaxis, education and the limitations of vaccination, along with new and well-established methods of treating HIV infection.