Title: Inside Health

Episode Summary

After more than a year of availability, a novel non-hormonal medication has received approval for managing menopausal hot flushes. By modulating the body’s thermoregulatory signals, this treatment offers an alternative for patients in England who are unable to undergo hormone replacement therapy, and is now accessible via the NHS. James begins by exploring the physical sensations of hot flushes before examining the clinical evidence with resident GP Dr. Margaret McCartney.

In another segment, James interviews Dr. Manjula Meda, a microbiologist leading an innovative initiative. Dr. Meda has identified hospital water systems as potential incubators for antimicrobial resistance. Her proposed solution involves the removal of sinks from patient wards. James questions whether this drastic measure is both practical and safe.

Finally, the program addresses a universally practiced but rarely discussed bodily function: flatulence. James talks to Professor Brantley Hall of the University of Maryland, who has engineered a device capable of detecting and measuring gas emissions to aid in assessing gut health. To test the technology firsthand, James agrees to wear the detector on his trousers for a 72-hour period—for the sake of science.

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. Visit the Programme Website for more details.

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