The Evidence

The Evidence

Title

First
Broadcast

Repeated

Comments

Anaesthesia

20260124

20260125 (WS)
20260128 (WS)
20260129 (WS)

In this episode of The Evidence, Claudia Hammond is joined by a panel of experts to discuss the science of anaesthesia.

It's estimated that around the world, more than 250 million people receive surgery requiring anaesthesia each year. But there are still plenty of unknowns. What happens to our brains and our consciousness when we're put to sleep? Why do so many people around the world still not have access to safe anaesthesia? And could the colour of your hair affect how much anaesthesia you need?

In front of a live audience at Wellcome Collection in London, Claudia is joined on stage by Dr Kevin Fong, a consultant anaesthetist at University College London Hospitals and Professor of Public Engagement and Innovation at University College London; Jennifer Hunter, Emeritus Professor of Anaesthesia and Senior Research Fellow at the University of Liverpool; Emmanuel Stamatakis, Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge studying the science of consciousness; and Bruce Biccard, Professor of Anaesthetic Science at the University of Oxford and author of the book ‘Safer Surgery for Africa: Challenges and Solutions'.

Producer: Dan Welsh

Editor: Martin Smith

Production Coordinator: Stuart Laws

Sound engineers: Emma Harth and Steve Greenwood

[LISTEN NOW]

How Does Heat Affect Our Health?

20250524

20250525 (WS)
20250531 (WS)
20250601 (WS)
20250604 (WS)

What effect will warming temperatures have on health? One place to look for answers is Bulgaria. In the summer of 2023, Bulgaria experienced numerous heatwaves, leading to the country experiencing one of the highest rates of heat mortality in Europe. But how are these numbers calculated? How exactly does heat affect us? Who is most likely to suffer from ill health due to heat? And how can we protect ourselves in an increasingly warming world? Along with a panel of experts, Claudia Hammond will explore these questions and more with a live audience at the Sofia Science Festival in Bulgaria. Are we prepared for how rising temperatures will affect our health? This programme aims to find out.

Why is it so hard to understand the effects a warming world has on our health?

[LISTEN NOW]

Maternal Health In Malawi

20240504

20240505 (WS)

The process of childbirth can be painful yet amazing, but at times also very dangerous. Recorded in Malawi, east Africa, Claudia Hammond is joined by a panel of maternal health experts to figure out why it is that the equivalent of a large jumbo jet full of women die every day due to complications in pregnancy or childbirth.

Together, they examine how so many women can still be at risk during this period, despite greater access to healthcare. They also look into whether an 80-year-old drug could be a game-changer when it comes to haemorrhage, and consider a study of 1.3 million women which asked what they actually want from maternal healthcare.

With Owen Chikwaza from the Malawi Ministry of Health, Linda Mipando of Kamuzu University and Elimase Kamanga-Gama, director of the White Ribbon Alliance Malawi, Claudia looks at the many challenges and successes within the field, drawing from local experiences to offer global insights.

Why can the process of pregnancy and childbirth still be so dangerous for women?

The psychological toll of war and conflict on mental health.

Putting The Mouth Back In The Body

20231118

20231119 (WS)

Our lips can be a focus of beauty but increasingly research shows that our mouths are a window to the overall health of our bodies. From diabetes or dementia to the health of our hearts and bones our mouths can tell us so much more about us without uttering a word.

Claudia Hammond is joined by Professor Nikos Donos from Queen Mary University in London, Dr Graham Lloyd-Jones, consultant in radiology at Salisbury Hospital, Dr Kristina Wanyonyi-Kay, research programme leader at The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute based at the University of Cambridge, and Dr Vivien Shaw, acupuncturist, anatomist and researcher at Hull York Medical School. Together they delve into the evidence that links the health of our mouths with the rest of our bodies.

Presented by Claudia Hammond

Produced by Clare Salisbury

Production co-ordinator: Siobhan Maguire

Editor: Holly Squire

Additional production: Dr Kristina Wanyonyi-Kay

Image: A close-up photo of a mouth (Credit: Leland Bobbe via Getty Images)

What do our mouths reveal about the health of our bodies?

Claudia Hammond and a panel of experts delve into the evidence that links the health of our mouths with the rest of our bodies.

Photo credit: Leland Bobbe

Salt

20240720

20240721 (WS)

For eons, salt has been crucial to human health, culture, and diet. On this episode of The Evidence, we explore the strange science of salt taste – why it can be sweet, salty, or even a flavour enhancer. We look at how salt keeps our bodies running, and what happens if we have to little of it. And while too little salt may be bad, too much is also a problem. What does the science say about how much salt is optimal, and what can we do to make sure we're eating the right amount? Claudia Hammond is joined by a panel of salty experts who will help find the answers to these questions and more.

You eat it every day, but how much do you know about the incredible science of salt?

The Burning Problem In Women's Health

20250118

20250119 (WS)

However, there is still widespread debate over the best way to treat UTIs. With a panel of experts, Claudia Hammond delves into the latest evidence on why UTIs are such a persistent and common health problem, the current discussion around the best methods for treatment, and looks into what the future might hold for this burning problem in women's health.

(Photo: Female toilet sign, legs crossed urgent need to urinate. Credit: Peter Dazeley/Getty Images)

Why do we know so little about one of the most common health complaints?

More than half of all women around the world will develop a urinary tract infection at some point in their lives. For most, the infection will be mild, but for some, it can be quite serious, moving into the kidney's and even leading to sepsis if not properly treated. However, there's still widespread debate over the best way to treat UTIs. With a panel of experts, Claudia Hammond delves into the latest evidence on why UTIs are such a persistent and common health problem, the current discussion around the best methods for treatment, and looks into what the future might hold for this burning problem in women's health.

[LISTEN NOW]

The Science Of The Menopause

20240316

20240317 (WS)

Millions of women around the world experience the menopause each year; it's an important milestone, which marks the end of their reproductive years.

But every individual's experience of it is personal and unique. In some cultures, there's a stigma about this life stage – it's viewed with trepidation and as something to be dreaded. In other cultures, it's considered to be a fresh start - a time of greater freedom when women no longer have to worry about their menstrual cycles.

In this edition, recorded at Northern Ireland Science Festival in Belfast, Claudia Hammond and her expert panel take a global look at the science of the menopause and debunk some myths along the way.

As Claudia and her guests navigate their way through the menopause maze, they look at the most recent academic research in this area. They also discuss the physical and psychological symptoms, the lifestyle changes women can make and the different treatments available, including Hormone Replacement Therapy.

Claudia also speaks to the American biological anthropologist who has dedicated an impressive 35 years of her life to studying the average age of the menopause in different countries - and finds out how hot flushes vary in different cultures. She also speaks to a doctor who is working hard to make women's health less of a taboo subject in the community where she works. And she hears from a Professor of Reproductive Science who is setting up the UK's first menopause school.

Producer: Sarah Parfitt

Co-ordinator: Siobhan Maguire

Editor: Holly Squire

Sound engineers: Andrew Saunderson and Bill Maul

Mix engineer: Bob Nettles

Image used with permission of the Northern Ireland Science Festival

How is the menopause viewed around the world? Claudia Hammond unpacks the latest science

Every woman's journey through the menopause is unique. But how does where you live shape your perception and experience? Claudia Hammond delves into the science of the menopause.

Millions of people around the world experience the menopause each year; it's an important milestone, which marks the end of their reproductive years.

In this edition of The Evidence, Claudia Hammond and her expert panel take a global look at the science of the menopause and debunk some myths along the way.

Claudia speaks to the American biological anthropologist who has dedicated an impressive 35 years of her life to studying the average age of the menopause in different countries - and finds out how hot flushes vary in different cultures. She also speaks to a doctor who is working hard to make women's health less of a taboo subject in the community where she works. And she hears from a Professor of Reproductive Science who is setting up the UK's first menopause school.

Exploring the effect science has on the world around us

Claudia Hammond joins scientists and experts to explore the effect science has on the world around us

The Thirst For Water

20250719

20250720 (WS)

On this episode of The Evidence, Claudia Hammond discusses all things hydration with a panel of experts. Where do our hydration guidelines come from? How do we determine the perfect amount of water we should drink? What are the issues with water access that people and populations face aroud the globe? And how will climate change affect the amount of water we need, and our access to it. In front of a live audience at the Wellcome Collection in London, Claudia discusses these questions and more with Neil Turner, nephrologist and professor emeritus at Edinburhg University, Yael Velleman, Director of Policy and Innovation at Unlimit Health, working at the intersection of water access, sanitation, and disease; and Anthony Acciavatti, an associate professor at Yale Architecture School and creator of the exhibtion Groundwater Earth: The World Before and After The Tubewell.

How is access to water (or lack of it) shaping our lives around the world?

[LISTEN NOW]

Weight Loss Jabs: A Medical Game Changer?

20251018

20251019 (WS)

In this episode of The Evidence, Claudia Hammond and a panel of experts discuss the latest evidence on weight loss injections.

Medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy are proven to be highly effective for weight management. They are also increasingly being found to treat other conditions and reduce the risk of disease, promising health benefits far beyond the treatment of obesity. But these drugs generally need to be continued for weight loss to be maintained, so there are big questions to be answered about their use and significant challenges to overcome around access and availability.

In front of a live audience at the Wellcome Collection in London, Claudia and her guests explore the potential and negatives of weight loss injections and ask whether they really are the next wonder drug.

Do weight loss injections have far-reaching benefits beyond weight management?

[LISTEN NOW]

Would You Get Sick For Science?

20241019

20241020 (WS)

Human challenge trials are when volunteers are deliberately infected with diseases to help find vaccines or cures. In this episode, Claudia's expert panel, including Chris Chiu of Imperial College London, Shobana Balasingam of Wellcome and Kondwani Jambo of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine look at what these trials have accomplished, how safe they are, and the long and oftentimes complicated history behind the practice.

Image credit: Plamen Zahariev

Image description: Medical visualization of SARS-CoV-2 - Covid 19 coronavirus in 3D environment

Why are some people deliberately infected with diseases?

Human challenge trials are when volunteers are deliberately infected with diseases to help find vaccines or cures. In this episode of The Evidence, Claudia's expert panel, including Chris Chiu of Imperial College London, Shobana Balasingham of Wellcome and Kondwani Jambo of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine look at what these trials have accomplished, how safe they are, and the long and oftentimes complicated history behind the practice.

[LISTEN NOW]

Episodes

Title	First Broadcast	Repeated	Comments
Anaesthesia	20260124	20260125 (WS) 20260128 (WS) 20260129 (WS)	In this episode of The Evidence, Claudia Hammond is joined by a panel of experts to discuss the science of anaesthesia. It's estimated that around the world, more than 250 million people receive surgery requiring anaesthesia each year. But there are still plenty of unknowns. What happens to our brains and our consciousness when we're put to sleep? Why do so many people around the world still not have access to safe anaesthesia? And could the colour of your hair affect how much anaesthesia you need? In front of a live audience at Wellcome Collection in London, Claudia is joined on stage by Dr Kevin Fong, a consultant anaesthetist at University College London Hospitals and Professor of Public Engagement and Innovation at University College London; Jennifer Hunter, Emeritus Professor of Anaesthesia and Senior Research Fellow at the University of Liverpool; Emmanuel Stamatakis, Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge studying the science of consciousness; and Bruce Biccard, Professor of Anaesthetic Science at the University of Oxford and author of the book ‘Safer Surgery for Africa: Challenges and Solutions'. Producer: Dan Welsh Editor: Martin Smith Production Coordinator: Stuart Laws Sound engineers: Emma Harth and Steve Greenwood [LISTEN NOW]
How Does Heat Affect Our Health?	20250524	20250525 (WS) 20250531 (WS) 20250601 (WS) 20250604 (WS)	What effect will warming temperatures have on health? One place to look for answers is Bulgaria. In the summer of 2023, Bulgaria experienced numerous heatwaves, leading to the country experiencing one of the highest rates of heat mortality in Europe. But how are these numbers calculated? How exactly does heat affect us? Who is most likely to suffer from ill health due to heat? And how can we protect ourselves in an increasingly warming world? Along with a panel of experts, Claudia Hammond will explore these questions and more with a live audience at the Sofia Science Festival in Bulgaria. Are we prepared for how rising temperatures will affect our health? This programme aims to find out. Why is it so hard to understand the effects a warming world has on our health? [LISTEN NOW]
Maternal Health In Malawi	20240504	20240505 (WS)	The process of childbirth can be painful yet amazing, but at times also very dangerous. Recorded in Malawi, east Africa, Claudia Hammond is joined by a panel of maternal health experts to figure out why it is that the equivalent of a large jumbo jet full of women die every day due to complications in pregnancy or childbirth. Together, they examine how so many women can still be at risk during this period, despite greater access to healthcare. They also look into whether an 80-year-old drug could be a game-changer when it comes to haemorrhage, and consider a study of 1.3 million women which asked what they actually want from maternal healthcare. With Owen Chikwaza from the Malawi Ministry of Health, Linda Mipando of Kamuzu University and Elimase Kamanga-Gama, director of the White Ribbon Alliance Malawi, Claudia looks at the many challenges and successes within the field, drawing from local experiences to offer global insights. Why can the process of pregnancy and childbirth still be so dangerous for women? The psychological toll of war and conflict on mental health.
Putting The Mouth Back In The Body	20231118	20231119 (WS)	Our lips can be a focus of beauty but increasingly research shows that our mouths are a window to the overall health of our bodies. From diabetes or dementia to the health of our hearts and bones our mouths can tell us so much more about us without uttering a word. Claudia Hammond is joined by Professor Nikos Donos from Queen Mary University in London, Dr Graham Lloyd-Jones, consultant in radiology at Salisbury Hospital, Dr Kristina Wanyonyi-Kay, research programme leader at The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute based at the University of Cambridge, and Dr Vivien Shaw, acupuncturist, anatomist and researcher at Hull York Medical School. Together they delve into the evidence that links the health of our mouths with the rest of our bodies. Presented by Claudia Hammond Produced by Clare Salisbury Production co-ordinator: Siobhan Maguire Editor: Holly Squire Additional production: Dr Kristina Wanyonyi-Kay Image: A close-up photo of a mouth (Credit: Leland Bobbe via Getty Images) What do our mouths reveal about the health of our bodies? Claudia Hammond and a panel of experts delve into the evidence that links the health of our mouths with the rest of our bodies. Photo credit: Leland Bobbe
Salt	20240720	20240721 (WS)	For eons, salt has been crucial to human health, culture, and diet. On this episode of The Evidence, we explore the strange science of salt taste – why it can be sweet, salty, or even a flavour enhancer. We look at how salt keeps our bodies running, and what happens if we have to little of it. And while too little salt may be bad, too much is also a problem. What does the science say about how much salt is optimal, and what can we do to make sure we're eating the right amount? Claudia Hammond is joined by a panel of salty experts who will help find the answers to these questions and more. You eat it every day, but how much do you know about the incredible science of salt?
The Burning Problem In Women's Health	20250118	20250119 (WS)	More than half of all women around the world will develop a urinary tract infection at some point in their lives. For most, the infection will be mild, but for some, it can be quite serious, moving into the kidneys and even leading to sepsis if not properly treated. However, there is still widespread debate over the best way to treat UTIs. With a panel of experts, Claudia Hammond delves into the latest evidence on why UTIs are such a persistent and common health problem, the current discussion around the best methods for treatment, and looks into what the future might hold for this burning problem in women's health. (Photo: Female toilet sign, legs crossed urgent need to urinate. Credit: Peter Dazeley/Getty Images) Why do we know so little about one of the most common health complaints? More than half of all women around the world will develop a urinary tract infection at some point in their lives. For most, the infection will be mild, but for some, it can be quite serious, moving into the kidney's and even leading to sepsis if not properly treated. However, there's still widespread debate over the best way to treat UTIs. With a panel of experts, Claudia Hammond delves into the latest evidence on why UTIs are such a persistent and common health problem, the current discussion around the best methods for treatment, and looks into what the future might hold for this burning problem in women's health. [LISTEN NOW]
The Science Of The Menopause	20240316	20240317 (WS)	Millions of women around the world experience the menopause each year; it's an important milestone, which marks the end of their reproductive years. But every individual's experience of it is personal and unique. In some cultures, there's a stigma about this life stage – it's viewed with trepidation and as something to be dreaded. In other cultures, it's considered to be a fresh start - a time of greater freedom when women no longer have to worry about their menstrual cycles. In this edition, recorded at Northern Ireland Science Festival in Belfast, Claudia Hammond and her expert panel take a global look at the science of the menopause and debunk some myths along the way. As Claudia and her guests navigate their way through the menopause maze, they look at the most recent academic research in this area. They also discuss the physical and psychological symptoms, the lifestyle changes women can make and the different treatments available, including Hormone Replacement Therapy. Claudia also speaks to the American biological anthropologist who has dedicated an impressive 35 years of her life to studying the average age of the menopause in different countries - and finds out how hot flushes vary in different cultures. She also speaks to a doctor who is working hard to make women's health less of a taboo subject in the community where she works. And she hears from a Professor of Reproductive Science who is setting up the UK's first menopause school. Producer: Sarah Parfitt Co-ordinator: Siobhan Maguire Editor: Holly Squire Sound engineers: Andrew Saunderson and Bill Maul Mix engineer: Bob Nettles Image used with permission of the Northern Ireland Science Festival How is the menopause viewed around the world? Claudia Hammond unpacks the latest science Every woman's journey through the menopause is unique. But how does where you live shape your perception and experience? Claudia Hammond delves into the science of the menopause. Millions of people around the world experience the menopause each year; it's an important milestone, which marks the end of their reproductive years. In this edition of The Evidence, Claudia Hammond and her expert panel take a global look at the science of the menopause and debunk some myths along the way. Claudia speaks to the American biological anthropologist who has dedicated an impressive 35 years of her life to studying the average age of the menopause in different countries - and finds out how hot flushes vary in different cultures. She also speaks to a doctor who is working hard to make women's health less of a taboo subject in the community where she works. And she hears from a Professor of Reproductive Science who is setting up the UK's first menopause school. Exploring the effect science has on the world around us Claudia Hammond joins scientists and experts to explore the effect science has on the world around us
The Thirst For Water	20250719	20250720 (WS)	On this episode of The Evidence, Claudia Hammond discusses all things hydration with a panel of experts. Where do our hydration guidelines come from? How do we determine the perfect amount of water we should drink? What are the issues with water access that people and populations face aroud the globe? And how will climate change affect the amount of water we need, and our access to it. In front of a live audience at the Wellcome Collection in London, Claudia discusses these questions and more with Neil Turner, nephrologist and professor emeritus at Edinburhg University, Yael Velleman, Director of Policy and Innovation at Unlimit Health, working at the intersection of water access, sanitation, and disease; and Anthony Acciavatti, an associate professor at Yale Architecture School and creator of the exhibtion Groundwater Earth: The World Before and After The Tubewell. How is access to water (or lack of it) shaping our lives around the world? [LISTEN NOW]
Weight Loss Jabs: A Medical Game Changer?	20251018	20251019 (WS)	In this episode of The Evidence, Claudia Hammond and a panel of experts discuss the latest evidence on weight loss injections. Medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy are proven to be highly effective for weight management. They are also increasingly being found to treat other conditions and reduce the risk of disease, promising health benefits far beyond the treatment of obesity. But these drugs generally need to be continued for weight loss to be maintained, so there are big questions to be answered about their use and significant challenges to overcome around access and availability. In front of a live audience at the Wellcome Collection in London, Claudia and her guests explore the potential and negatives of weight loss injections and ask whether they really are the next wonder drug. Do weight loss injections have far-reaching benefits beyond weight management? [LISTEN NOW]
Would You Get Sick For Science?	20241019	20241020 (WS)	Human challenge trials are when volunteers are deliberately infected with diseases to help find vaccines or cures. In this episode, Claudia's expert panel, including Chris Chiu of Imperial College London, Shobana Balasingam of Wellcome and Kondwani Jambo of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine look at what these trials have accomplished, how safe they are, and the long and oftentimes complicated history behind the practice. Image credit: Plamen Zahariev Image description: Medical visualization of SARS-CoV-2 - Covid 19 coronavirus in 3D environment Why are some people deliberately infected with diseases? Human challenge trials are when volunteers are deliberately infected with diseases to help find vaccines or cures. In this episode of The Evidence, Claudia's expert panel, including Chris Chiu of Imperial College London, Shobana Balasingham of Wellcome and Kondwani Jambo of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine look at what these trials have accomplished, how safe they are, and the long and oftentimes complicated history behind the practice. [LISTEN NOW]