CRISPR, stemcell banking,  and a football world cup

CRISPR, stemcell banking, and a football world cup

Author: The BMJ August 21, 2025 Duration: 36:16
CRISPR technology has revolutionised biological research, and for the first time it’s out of the lab and into the NHS, as NICE has approved its use as cost effective. Kenneth Charles, senior lecturer in haematology at the University of the West Indies explains how the treatment works, and what concerns he has about it's implementation. Also this week, a new investigation on bmj.com has looked at a number of British companies who are offering to collect children's teeth for stem cell extraction and storage. Freelance investigative journalist Emma Wilkinson explains the "outrageous" claims she found them making. Finally - we’re finishing with the football. Team GB had a strong showing this year -  our over 25 men’s team brought the trophy home, and our womans team competed for the first time To explain more about the medical world cup we're joined by Minnan Al-Khafaji, captain of the women’s team, and Jamie Thoroughgood, captain of the men’s team.   Read more. Banking baby teeth: companies may be misleading parents with “outrageous claims” CRISPR therapy for sickle cell disease Follow the British Medical Football Team on instagram

Produced by The BMJ, this weekly audio series delves into the pivotal research and urgent clinical debates shaping modern medicine. Each episode moves beyond the published page, bringing together the authors, critics, and practitioners directly involved to dissect a new study or a pressing health question. The conversation is rigorous and nuanced, designed for those who appreciate the complexity behind headlines. You’ll hear unscripted discussion about methodology, implications for practice, and the occasional healthy disagreement that drives science forward. This isn't just a summary of the latest findings; it's a critical appraisal in real time, offering listeners a front-row seat to the evolving discourse that defines evidence-based care. The Medicine and Science from The BMJ podcast serves as an essential audio companion for clinicians, academics, and anyone keen to understand the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind medical news. It transforms the latest evidence from the journal into an accessible, thought-provoking dialogue, ensuring that busy professionals can stay deeply informed. Tune in for a direct, intelligent, and often surprising take on the science that matters most.
Author: Language: en-gb Episodes: 100

Medicine and Science from The BMJ
Podcast Episodes
Climate leadership - knowledge is power [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:08
It’s an often cited statistic that if healthcare was a country, it would be the fifth largest carbon emitter. At The BMJ we want to change that, and move healthcare towards a more sustainable future. In this week’s episo…
Getting science into policy for gun control and NHS reform [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:34
How science can be transformed into policy? One of the seemingly intractable issues when it comes to legislative change in the US is gun control. One reason policy change is so difficult, is the US specific evidence vacu…
Nutrition for health and conflicts of interests [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:49
Under-nutrition harms health, but so does over-nutrition. The Bill and Melinda Gate’s foundation has just released their Goalkeepers' report - highlighting the detrimental impact that poor nutrition is having on children…
Improving data for quality care when resources are stretched [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:58
There's a real drive to strengthen quality of care in facilities around the world. However, no matter where you are, improving healthcare depends on quality data—and collecting and using that data can be challenging with…
GPs' industrial action, and the olympians after the games [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:47
The news that GPs in England have voted for industrial action has spooked the healthcare system - Katie Bramall-Stainer, the chair of the BMA's General Practice Committee explains what's lead to this, and why trust in th…
Multi-cancer detection and NHS HIT Lists [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:43
This week we're questioning the effectiveness of the Galleri Test for early cancer detection with investigation authors Margaret McCartney and Deborah Cohen. They delve into the decision-making and politics behind this t…
Ensuring an Olympic legacy, and fixing primary care [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:55
The Paris games have just started - and France has made a concerted effort to ensure that this year's Olympics will have a legacy of physical activity for the whole population. However, mega sporting events don't always…
The patient issue [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:14
We celebrate 10 years of patient and public partnership strategy at The BMJ with a patient-centred podcast.We ask how should the new Labour government engage patients in shaping the future of the NHS. We also dive into t…
Extending access for breast cancer, and epidural outcomes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:10
Women's Health, breast cancer screening, epidurals, and GP voices New U.S. guideline on breast cancer screening have been extended to women in their 40s - Katy Bell, from the University of Sydney, and Stacy Carter, from…