Title: Inside Health

Episode Overview

A groundbreaking non-hormonal treatment for menopausal hot flushes has received approval and is now accessible on the NHS in England, specifically for patients unable to undergo hormone replacement therapy. This new medication functions by modulating the body’s internal cooling mechanisms. James begins by exploring the lived experience of hot flushes before joining resident GP Dr. Margaret McCartney to examine the clinical evidence behind the treatment.

In another segment, James interviews Dr. Manjula Meda, a microbiologist leading an innovative initiative to combat antimicrobial resistance. Dr. Meda has identified hospital water systems as potential reservoirs for resistant bacteria and is addressing this risk by eliminating sinks from patient wards. The discussion explores the efficacy and safety of this unconventional approach.

The episode also tackles a subject rarely discussed in polite conversation: flatulence. James speaks with Professor Brantley Hall from the University of Maryland, who has engineered a device capable of detecting and measuring gas emissions to assess gut health. To understand the technology firsthand, James agrees to wear the detector for three days, purely 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.

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