How impostors distort medical research

As Japan declares a flu epidemic we find out more about what’s going on in the country, and the potential implications for the flu season ahead in the Northern Hemisphere.Human and bot imposters are rising in medical research, and they risk undermining results, but why do they do it? Eileen Morrow from the University of Oxford explains the tricky balance of safeguarding against them whilst not excluding real participants. A new adrenaline nasal spray has been licenced for those with severe allergies. Family Doctor Ayan Panja explains what a difference this might make for patients.The first patient has been recruited in a phase III trial investigating malaria treatments in early pregnancy. We speak to her and the researchers who are hoping to recruit further participants in Mali, Burkina Faso and Kenya.Plus, how far can you really push yourself? Researchers think they’ve found the ‘metabolic ceiling’ for endurance athletes.Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producers: Katie Tomsett and Hannah Robins