When Science Finds a Way - Wellcome

Latest Episodes:

Decoding cancer: how genomics is transforming treatment May 07, 2025

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Genomics has revolutionised cancer research, offering new hope for cancer diagnosis and treatment. But there are challenges ahead. Alisha is joined by Dr Peter Campbell and researchers Dr Solomon Rotimi and Sara Gómez Trillos to discuss the breakthroughs and the issue of ensuring fair access to advancements for patients worldwide.

When Science Finds a Way is brought to you by Wellcome, an independent global foundation that supports science to solve the urgent health challenges facing everyone. For more information and podcast transcripts visit wellcome.org/podcast

Combating cholera: can technology really turn the tide? Apr 30, 2025

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Despite efforts to eliminate cholera by 2030, it remains a formidable global threat. Could technology hold the key to combating this deadly disease? Alisha sits down with Professor Iruka Okeke to talk about the factors driving cholera's spread and the innovative mapping techniques being used in Kenya to identify hotspots.

Pregnancy and research: inclusion in vaccine trials Apr 23, 2025

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Over the years, the reluctance to include pregnant participants in vaccine trials has been increasingly challenged. That's because their inclusion can make vital medications available during pregnancy and provide data that could improve survival rates for both parent and baby. Alisha is joined by Dr Flor M Munoz, a global expert in maternal immunisation to discuss a new vaccine trial, safety considerations and the future.

Cool roofs: homes fit for a hotter world Apr 16, 2025

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As rising temperatures challenge vulnerable regions, could 'cool roofs' be the affordable, sustainable solution?

Alisha joins Dr. Aditi Bunker to talk about the remarkable health benefits uncovered in Burkina Faso's trial, hearing firsthand accounts of how this simple intervention significantly reduces indoor temperatures, lowers heart rates, and improves overall health.

Working it out: exercise, the brain, and mental health Apr 09, 2025

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Exercise is more than just fitness – it can be a powerful tool for mental health. But what actually occurs in the brain during a workout, and how can it help in treating mental health issues? Alisha meets Dr Jonathan Roiser and his team of researchers to uncover insights from a groundbreaking pilot study exploring brain activity during exercise, including how it could transform the diagnosis and treatment of conditions like depression.

Cultural burning: could traditional practices prevent modern wildfires? Apr 02, 2025

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Wildfires are intensifying globally, posing threats to health and Indigenous communities. Join Alisha and Dr Nicole Redvers as they explore cultural burning, a traditional Indigenous technique offering a potential solution to modern wildfire challenges and hear from those bridging traditional practice and science. A fascinating conversation on the future of land management, wildfire resilience and health.

From risk to remedy: how mosquitoes could save lives Apr 02, 2025

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Diseases like dengue, yellow fever and Zika claim over 700,000 lives a year. But a breakthrough from the most unlikely of places could be about to change all that.

Travel to Colombia to see how Professor Scott O'Neill, founder of the World Mosquito Program, is using mosquitoes infected with a naturally occurring bacterium as part of a game changing approach that's revolutionising disease prevention.

Season 2 trailer: the remarkable discoveries shaping our future Mar 27, 2025

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More incredible stories of how scientists and communities are leading the charge against urgent health challenges.

Join botanist-turned-Hollywood actor Alisha Wainwright as she explores groundbreaking research and pioneering innovations transforming the science of health.

From traditional wildfire management approaches — rooted in Indigenous practices — to disease-preventing mosquitoes, pioneering mental health treatments, and the genomic revolution in cancer care, season two uncovers remarkable discoveries shaping our future.

Brought to you by Wellcome, an independent global foundation that supports science to solve the urgent health challenges facing everyone. Please visit wellcome.org for more information.

Bonus Episode: Julia Gillard discusses the future of global health Sep 06, 2023

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Julia Gillard, the 27th Prime Minister of Australia and Chair of Wellcome, brings together three experts from Season 1 to delve into the key themes that have emerged and to explore the challenges ahead for global health.

Julia is joined by:

Dr Anand Anandkumar – from Episode 1, "Stopping superbugs: antimicrobial resistance and the race for new antibiotics"
Kathy Baughman-McLeod – from Episode 3, "Feeling the heat: how can we work on a warming planet?"
Professor Crick Lund – from Episode 11, "Cash transfers: can they improve mental health?"

Preventing pandemics: the power of genomic sequencing Aug 30, 2023

Show notes

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the benefits of sequencing infectious disease pathogens became more visible than ever before. The possibilities are huge: genomic sequencing is allowing scientists to unlock the secrets of disease prevention, helping dispel myths and stigma around disease outbreaks as well as allowing governments to act in real-time with targeted and often low-cost interventions.

Alisha speaks to Professor Christian Happi, Director of the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, about his pioneering use of the technology during the 2014 Ebola outbreak in Nigeria which identified the origin of the virus. They hear from the lead researcher who used sequencing to map a subsequent outbreak in Guinea, changing how healthcare workers understand the disease.

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