Title: Inside Health

Episode Overview

For more than twelve months, this program has been delivering health insights. This week, the focus turns to a breakthrough in menopause care: a newly approved, non-hormonal medication designed to alleviate hot flushes. By modulating the body’s internal cooling mechanisms, the treatment offers a viable option on the NHS in England for patients who are unable to undergo hormone replacement therapy. To explore the clinical evidence behind this development, James consults resident GP Dr. Margaret McCartney. Before the medical analysis begins, James investigates the subjective experience of enduring hot flushes.

The episode also features a discussion with Dr. Manjula Meda, a microbiologist leading an innovative initiative to combat antimicrobial resistance. Dr. Meda’s research suggests that hospital water systems can serve as incubators for resistant bacteria. Her proposed solution involves the controversial removal of sinks from patient wards. James questions whether this drastic measure is both practical and safe.

In a lighter segment, the program addresses a taboo subject: flatulence. James interviews Professor Brantley Hall from the University of Maryland, the creator of a device capable of detecting and measuring gas emissions to assess gut health. To demonstrate the technology, James agrees to wear the detector for a three-day period, strictly for scientific purposes.

Credits

Presenter: James Gallagher Producers: Alice Lipscombe-Southwell and Gerry Holt Content Editor: Ilan Goodman Production Coordinator: Stuart Laws

Inside Health is produced by the BBC’s Audio Science Unit in partnership with The Open University.

Programme Website

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-03-31 09:00:00 UTC