Can bacteria-eating viruses be used to fight superbugs? episode artwork

EPISODE · Jul 2, 2025 · 26 MIN

Can bacteria-eating viruses be used to fight superbugs?

from Health Check · host BBC World Service

Phages are viruses that only infect bacteria. How might they help us tackle antimicrobial resistance? Franklin Nobrega and Esme Brinsden from the University of Southampton explain how their citizen science project that collects samples from around the globe is building a library of these bacteria-fighting viruses. How can ultrasound find new targets to treat apathy in Parkinson’s disease? Tom Gilbertson and Isla Barnard from the University of Dundee explain all. Also on the show, EntangleCam is using quantum physics to improve what we can see inside the human body and how breast cancer is diagnosed. Plus, surgical gloves with special sensors that improve precision and sensitivity in obstetrics and surgery. Carmen Fernadez fills us in on the engineering behind them and Dawn Parris tells us about her research into their use in practice. Join us for a special episode of Health Check from The Royal Society’s annual Summer Science Exhibition in London. Claudia Hammond is joined by BBC health and science correspondent James Gallagher to take a look and compete in scientific games to see who this year’s champion is. Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Hannah Robins Assistant Producer: Katie Tomsett Studio Manager: Phil Lander

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jul 2, 2025

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Can bacteria-eating viruses be used to fight superbugs?

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