Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

BBC Inside Science

Podcasts

Factual: Science & Nature

Factual: Science & Nature: Science & Technology

A weekly programme looking at the science that's changing our world.

A weekly programme that illuminates the mysteries and challenges the controversies behind the science that's changing our world.

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Inside Science: Alzheimers research, Lucy in the Scanner, Smart bandages, From supernovae to Hollywood

01/12/2016

Alzheimers research, Lucy in the Scanner, Smart bandages, From supernovae to Hollywood

BBC Radio 4 - BBC Inside Science, Alzheimers research, Lucy in the Scanner, Smart bandages, From supernovae to Hollywood

How well do we understand Alzheimers disease after the latest drug trial disappointment?

How well do we understand the biology of Alzheimers disease after the latest drug trial disappointment? Adam Rutherford asks why Alzheimers is proving to so hard to treat.

Alzheimers disease is now the leading cause of death in the UK, but there are as yet no treatments to halt or reverse it. There was huge disappointment last week when the drug company Eli Lilly announced that a large, phase 3 clinical trial had failed to show any benefit to mild dementia sufferers from its antibody therapy, solanezumab. So where does this leave our basic understanding of biology of Alzheimers disease and how we might most effectively treat or cure it? Adam Rutherford talks to Alzheimers researcher Tara Spires-Jones of the University of Edinburgh.

Also in the programme: The skeleton of the world's most famous fossil, Lucy, has received a body scan which revealed she spent a considerable portion of her life climbing trees. Researchers at the University of Bath are making smart bandages for burns patients which glow when their wounds become infected. Adam also talks to the astrophysicist who gave up studying exploding stars to apply his maths to Hollywood stars in the movie business.

BBC 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

BBC Inside Science

Alzheimers research, Lucy in the Scanner, Smart bandages, From supernovae to Hollywood

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4