BBC Radio 4 LW

Leading Edge

Factual: Science & Nature: Science & Technology

Geoff Watts explores the world of science and the people, passions and policies behind it

Leading Edge: Larynx Transplant and The First Fish Embryo

Factual: Science & Nature

26/02/2009

Larynx Transplant and The First Fish Embryo

BBC Radio 4 - Leading Edge, Larynx Transplant and The First Fish Embryo

Geoff Watts discusses the future of the larynx transplant procedure.

Geoff Watts with the latest stories from the world of science including the future of the larynx transplant procedure.

Larynx Transplant
Worldwide only one voicebox or larynx transplant has taken place, but accidents or disease of the larynx means thousands of people in Britain are left having to breath through a hole in the neck with a mechanical sounding voice. Transplants are now technically possible but the risks and benefits of a laryngeal transplant remain uncertain. Geoff discusses the future of the transplant procedure with medical ethicist Dr Daniel Sokol, and with surgeon Professor Martin Birchall. 


First Fish Embryo
Placoderms are a type of fish that went extinct more than 300 million years ago. New work shows that natural selection not only finds solutions to problems, but may come up with the same answer on more than one occasion. The evidence, published in this weeks issue of Nature, comes from a very rare embryo.


Location, Location
Whenever you pay with a credit card or withdraw cash from a hole in the wall, you reveal where you were at a particular time. Some people resent the existence of this invisible computerised trail. Others, are untroubled by electronic disclosure of their whereabouts. Bill Thompson is a new technology guru. Where does he stand on the issue of location, location? 


Understanding Cruelty
Cruelty is a new book by neuroscientist Kathleen Taylor. She believes that the rapid development of psychology and other brain sciences leads to a better understanding of cruelty.

BBC Radio 4

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Leading Edge

Larynx Transplant and The First Fish Embryo

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4