53. Gene Editing in Mental Health, and Three-Parent Babies

In this episode, Evan discusses his departure to Canada and Tom gives an Irish quiz in tribute St Patrick's Day. In science this month, the lads discuss Neuralink's recent implant in a patient, as well as the recent restrictions on puberty blockers in the UK. In his main story, Tom discusses the scientific necessity behind using animals in research and whether they are useful as disease models to study drugs. So join us for an episode of education, discussion and fun!

We are delighted to welcome Dr Patrick Doohan on our latest episode. Patrick is a mathematical modeller at the Jameel Institute, based in the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at Imperial College London. We discuss Pandemic Preparedness, Priority Viral Pathogens as assigned by the WHO, Epidemiological-Economic models, Model Scenarios including the COVID-19 pandemic and what his thoughts are on global readiness for future pandemics. Join us for some interesting discussion about pandemic preparedness.

Join Evan and Tom as they discuss a new study that investigates the deaths associated with hydroxychloroquine during the pandemic. Can Tom distinguish the sounds of frustrated vs happy chickens? Hear about recent clinical trials on groundbreaking drugs such as mRNA treatment for cholesterol reduction and Vitamin A derivatives that can halt eye degeneration in Stargardt disease. They also attempt to uncover the mysteries of ancient DNA that has been shown to reveal the origins of Multiple Sclerosis in Europe.

Join us for a whirlwind recap of 2023 in science. We'll cover the Alzheimer's drug breakthrough, mRNA vaccines for RSV, and COVID-19's global health status shift. Dive into Mars exploration hurdles, Barbie's educational evolution, spider venom as a Viagra alternative, psychedelics for PTSD and depression in Australia, and the quirkiest Ig Nobel Prize winners. Stay tuned a scientific rollercoaster!

Join Evan and Tom as they dive into the rising infant mortality rate in the US and the groundbreaking approval of the first CRISPR treatment for Sickle Cell and Thalassemia in the UK. They explore the nuances of preventative medicine and discuss fact-based policies versus alternative practices for preventative medicine promotion. Tune in for some discussion, education and fun!

Join us for our much-anticipated return episode where we recap summer adventures, Nobel Prize winners, a speech recovery brain interface, and a cannabis meta-analysis. Join us for insights into science's latest discoveries and hot-button issues on the Sceptically Inclined Science Podcast!

Join Evan and Tom as they cordially invite you to the much-anticipated season 3 finale. Prepare yourself for an enthralling experience as they embark on a captivating recapitulation of all the intriguing stories featured throughout the season. Delve deep into their intellectual discourse as they meticulously dissect each topic, meticulously examining the latest developments that have transpired since the initial airing of the episodes. With an air of introspection and self-reflection, Evan and Tom thoughtfully reassess their perspectives, pondering if time has altered their once firmly held opinions. This finale promises to be a mesmerising journey down memory lane, evoking an array of emotions as we traverse the landscape of this extraordinary season. Brace yourself for a symphony of laughter and profound discussions that will leave an indelible impression on your intellectual palate.

Today, Evan and Tom delve into groundbreaking scientific progress, dissecting the implications of the first three-parent baby birth in the UK, the WHO's declaration signalling the finale of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the newly released reference pangenome. The spotlight, however, shines on a provocative topic: Can gene editing become a panacea for mental health disorders, especially in those scarred by traumatic childhoods? Listen in to hear their discussion.

In this episode, we discuss how worms also get the munchies after being exposed to cannabis-like substances, the ongoing controversy surrounding the drug Mifepristone used in medical terminations, and the "publish or perish" mentality in academia. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of science, skepticism, and society.

Today, Evan and Tom discuss the latest news on the UN 2023 water conference, challenges in ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for all, controversies surrounding Ozempic and Semaglutide (Wegovy), drugs used for weight loss, science behind it and insights on what it means for us, and recent outbreak of Marburg virus in Africa and what we can do to prevent its spread.