Sounds of Science

Join Charles River experts Sandy Kimber, Charlotte Cumper, and Claire Richards from our Portishead site for a discussion on what makes some viruses more contagious than others, how viruses can trick your immune system, and how vaccines can affect viral spread.

When Luke Rosen's daughter was diagnosed with KIF1A—a rare, progressive neurological disorder—he didn't wait for answers. He and his wife built a community, launched a nonprofit, and became a driving force in rare disease research. In this episode, Luke shares how patient-led science accelerates treatments and reshapes what’s possible for families like his.  Show Notes    Sounds of Science - N=1 E...

Are we on the brink of a major shift in research? In this episode of Sounds of Science , Charles River experts challenge traditional approaches, exploring cutting-edge innovations that enhance animal welfare while driving scientific breakthroughs.     From revolutionary non-animal testing methods to advanced behavioral management strategies, we uncover how ethical care leads to better data and fas...

Did you know that the first attempt at a cancer vaccine was all the way back in the 1800s? I am joined by Charles River experts Louise Brackenbury, Dan Rocca, and Mike Templin to discuss the fascinating science behind therapeutic cancer vaccines. Clarification: Coley’s Toxin is not a vaccine in the traditional sense, but a compound developed by William Coley in the 19th century as a treatment for...

Spheroids are three dimensional cell models that can mimic some organs, tumors, and other biological systems for drug testing. Like organoids and organs-on-a-chip, spheroids are breaking in to drug development as a promising alternative to animal models. I am joined by Madhu Lal Nag, MBS PhD from the 3D in vitro model company InSphero, to discuss the development and future potential of these tiny...

The agrochemical field has long relied on animal models to evaluate the safety and efficacy of substances, but there’s a growing demand to adopt new alternative methods (NAMs) that can further the industry while reducing the need for animal testing. However, questions remain as to their long-term viability.     Join Robert Landsiedel, Vice President of Experimental Toxicology and Ecology, and Susa...

How can genetic, geographic, and social considerations effect outcomes for Black women with cancer? To answer this question, I am joined this week by Dr. Lauren E. McCullough, Associate Professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the Rollins School of Public Health, and Julia Schueler, Research Director Therapeutic Area Lead Oncology for Charles River. Dr. McCullough is also one of the lead res...

The N=1 Collaborative is changing the way we view drug development. Their specialty is creating customized therapies tailored to individual patients, paving the way for a unique approach that can leave long-lasting impacts on those with ultra-rare diseases.     Join us as Executive Director Hugh Hempel discusses the origins of N=1, the collaborative effort it takes to advance customized therapies...

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are launching a new era in drug development. By integrating these technologies, researchers can get their life-saving therapies to patients faster thanks to more accurate data and efficient processes.     Join us as Brian Roche, General Manager of Charles River’s integrated toxicology site in Kansas, as he discusses the advantages of using these advance...

David and Karen Kahn were overjoyed when they welcomed twins Amelia and Makenzie in 2010. However, it wasn't long before they realized their girls were different. Since getting their Batten disease diagnosis, they have worked tirelessly to find a treatment not only for their girls, but for kids around the world, with the help of researcher Dr. Michelle Hastings. Listen to their story now, and lear...

As researchers look for ways to reduce the need for animals in their studies, new alternative methods (NAMs) are an intriguing route to capture crucial safety data and help advance drug discovery and development – specifically, virtual control groups (VCGs).     Join Steve Bulera, CVP and Chief Scientific Officer for Safety Assessment and Toxicology at Charles River, as he discusses how VCGs can b...

Dr. Jared Baeten, Senior Vice President of Clinical Development and Virology Therapeutic Area Head at Gilead Sciences, joins me to discuss the incredible advancements in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) treatments in honor of World AIDS Day. What if a twice yearly shot could replace a daily pill? Listen now to learn more!

As researchers continue to look for new ways to test therapeutics in vitro , the field of biomedical engineering is offering new microphysiological systems that can reduce the need for animal models. Hear from Jeffrey Borenstein, Director of the Biomedical Engineering Centre at Draper, as he explains how it works, ways to expedite its access, and the benefits they will ultimately bring to patients...

I am joined by Raphael (Ralph) Malbrue, Director & Attending Veterinarian, Center for Comparative Medicine, University of Virginia; and Christina (Winnie) Winnicker, Executive Director for Laboratory Animal Medicine for Charles River. Both bring a fresh perspective to the questions of how to improve diversity in veterinary medicine, how to inform new graduates of previously unconsidered career...

Piotr Kosla, founder of the PACS2 Research Foundation, joins us to discuss his personal motivation to develop the first treatment for Development and Epileptic Encephalopathy 66 (PACS2 Syndrome), how cell painting assays are being used to repurpose a treatment for this condition, what the future holds for research in this area, and how you can help contribute to his mission. Show Notes PACS2 Resea...

Lisa Sharp, Project Coordinator for Charles River, joins us to discuss her COVID lockdown experience. Right at the beginning of the pandemic, just weeks apart, both she and her husband were diagnosed with cancer. Sadly, he didn't make it. While Lisa and their daughter faced the worst, she decided to make big changes to her life and career. Listen now to hear her story.

Imagine you’re exploring the great outdoors when, out of nowhere, you feel the fangs of a snake – a poisonous snake – breaking through your skin. Medical care is nowhere in sight, so you’re left with the terrifying prospect of venom slowly infecting your body’s critical functions.    This is the reality that roughly five million people face annually. Over 500,000 of which either die or are permane...

I am joined by Dr. Kacey Ronaldson-Bouchard from Columbia University, who is an expert on linking organs on a chip together to form models of human systems. Can these models replace animals? Can they save time and money in drug development and safety testing? Find out now when you listen to this podcast!

Mike Curtis, president and CEO of eGenesis, and transplant surgeon Dr. Leonardo Riella join me to discuss the ongoing research into pig kidney to human transplants. How can a porcine kidney be genetically modified to be safe for a human? Listen now to find out more.

Felicia Samuel has worked for Charles River for years, but recently the work she contributes to has taken on a new meaning. Her daughter will be part of a clinical trial to receive one of the brand new sickle cell treatments, with the potential to drastically change her own and her family's lives. She joins me to discuss the details of this amazing but involved gene therapy process, and how workin...

What if we could replace mouse model control groups with a virtual equivalent? What would that mean for drug development in terms of cost, time, and animal model reduction? To answer, I am joined by Charles River associate director Laura Lotfi and Guillemette Duchateau-Nguyen from F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Pharmaceutical Sciences - Roche Innovation Center Basel. Listen now to learn how close we ar...

Alex Sargent, Director of Process Development at Charles River in our Cell and Gene Therapy department, joins me to discuss the work he and his partner put into developing an algorithm to make his job faster and easier. How can you train a computer to accurately sift through the mountains of data generated in drug development? Listen now to find out!

There have been many articles recently about cellular agriculture, or lab-grown meat products. But what happens when a company takes a practical approach to this science fiction concept? Joining me are Charles River's Steven Miklasz from our Biologics Testing Solutions team; and Ramsey Foty, Scientific Director for Fork & Good, a cultivated meat company, to discuss how the sausage is made!

This month I am joined by Benjamin Oakes, scientist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Scribe Therapeutics. He studied at UC Berkeley, working in the Doudna Lab and Savage Lab during the earliest days of CRISPR. We discuss his personal vision for the future of CRISPR, encouraging advances in the field, and the first ever drug approval for a CRISPR based therapy. 

Norm Wainwright and Foster Jordan have been immersed in the field of limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) testing for decades, and have seen the progress and refinement of this crucial safety test. With the 20th anniversary of Charles River's Endosafe Cartridge and the recent introduction of recombinant alternatives, we look back at the past and future of endotoxin testing.