Inside Health

Most of us have Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) hiding in our bodies.
You may know it as the cause of glandular fever or “kissing disease”.
But more research is suggesting that it can turn our immune systems against us to cause autoimmune disease, such as multiple sclerosis or lupus.

So, what is the virus doing in our bodies - and can we do anything about it?
James is joined by Dr Claire Shannon-Lowe, a virologist at the University of Birmingham, and Dr Patrick Kearns from the University of Edinburgh, a neurologist and epidemiologist.
And we delve into the world of echolocation.
Bats hunt at night by making pulses of sounds and listening to the echoes so they can build a picture of the world around them in total darkness - and it's a technique some people with visual impairment use to explore the world.
A team at the University of East Anglia has been testing how well humans can pick up these skills, so James pays a visit to have a go...
Presenter: James Gallagher
Producers: Gerry Holt, Tom Bonnett & Thomas Hunt
Production coordinator: Stuart Laws
Content editor: Ilan Goodman

This week we’re looking at government plans to start sequencing the DNA of every newborn baby in England within the next decade.
Each newborn would undergo whole genome sequencing to assess their risk of hundreds of diseases, under NHS plans.
It promises a revolution in spotting disease early - but are there also risks?
And use of nicotine pouches is rising, especially among young men.
But these little sachets that fit under the top lip aren’t yet regulated – so what do we know about the potential harms?
Finally, as the cold weather continues, James gets a lesson in walking like a penguin to see if it helps avoid trips, slips and falls…

Presenter: James Gallagher
Producers: Tom Bonnett, Alice-Lipscombe-Southwell and Thomas Hunt
Production coordinator: Stuart Laws
Content editor: Ilan Goodman

James Gallagher stands by four lanes of traffic and inhales exhaust fumes all to see if he can see air pollution in his body. He looks at an intriguing finding that an mRNA vaccine might benefit people being treated with immunotherapy for some cancers and could we be on the cusp of a holy grail in dentistry? A breakthrough could mean we will soon be able to replace the enamel on our teeth.

Presenter: James Gallagher
Producer: Tom Bonnett
Researcher: Thom Hunt
Editor: Ilan Goodman

Saunas are popping up all over the country, with many people claiming they relax muscles and help ease stress. But what does the science say? This week, James Gallagher travels to Môr A Sawna in Jackson’s Bay, Barry, where he treats himself to a sauna session and undergoes a number of physical tests to find out what benefits the sweaty heat could offer.
Next up, James visits The Advanced Neuropathies Centre in Cardiff to speak with Professor Liam Gray, a surgeon who is leading a pioneering treatment for Huntington’s disease.
Presenter: James Gallagher
Producers: Alice Lipscombe-Southwell and Gerry Holt
Researcher: Tom Hunt
Editor: Ilan Goodman
Production coordinator: Stuart Laws
This episode was produced in partnership with The Open University.

In 1964, the future for children born with Cystic Fibrosis was grim - most faced a life cut tragically short. Today, the majority of people living with CF in the UK are adults, a testament to extraordinary medical progress.
We meet Annabelle who lives with Cystic Fibrosis, and once believed she might not see her 18th birthday. And we hear from Dr Imogen Felton, a respiratory consultant at Royal Brompton Hospital, with expertise in cystic fibrosis, who tells us about the therapies crucial to this extended prognosis.
The EDITH trial (Early Detection using Information Technology in Health) is testing how AI can help radiologists identify breast cancer at an earlier stage, transforming the future of diagnosis. We speak to Professor Sian Taylor-Philips, Professor of Population Health at the University of Warwick and co-leader of the trial.
In 2024, participation in Run Clubs across the UK surged by 64%. But does running in a group lead to better performance? To find out, James laces up for a jog around Hyde Park with the Monday Mood Booster Run Club and speaks with Arran Davis, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Oxford, who’s exploring the links between social interaction and physical activity.
Presenter: James Gallagher
Producers: Debbie Kilbride, Minnie Harrop & Tom Bonnett
Editor: Ilan Goodman
Production coordinator: Ishmael Soriano
This episode was produced in partnership with The Open University.