Inside Health

Episode Overview

A novel, non-hormonal medication designed to alleviate menopausal hot flushes has received approval. By modulating the body’s thermoregulatory signals, the treatment offers a viable option on the NHS in England for patients unable to undergo hormone replacement therapy. To explore the clinical evidence, resident GP Dr. Margaret McCartney joins the discussion, while James Gallagher first investigates the subjective experience of suffering from hot flushes.

This week, James also interviews Dr. Manjula Meda, a microbiologist leading an innovative initiative. Her research suggests that hospital water systems may foster antimicrobial resistance. To combat this, she is implementing a strategy that involves removing sinks from patient wards. The episode examines the safety and efficacy of this controversial approach.

In a lighter segment, James tackles a subject often avoided in conversation: flatulence. He speaks with Professor Brantley Hall of the University of Maryland, who has engineered a device capable of detecting gas emissions to assess gut health. James then undergoes a personal experiment, wearing the detector for three days in the name of scientific inquiry.

Credits

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

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

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