In this episode of Discovery Matters, we explore both sides of the gene‑editing coin: the tools that cut DNA and the technologies that safely deliver them where they need to go.

First, we’re joined by Dr. Stephan Riesenberg from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, who takes us inside the world of synthetic guide RNAs. Then, we zoom out to delivery and analytics with Adam Crowe, Senior Manager of Nanomedicine Analytical Development at Cytiva. Adam reveals why lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are both powerful and incredibly complex, and how cutting‑edge analytics are critical for turning promising gene‑editing tools into real medicines.

In this episode, we talk with Prof. Tej Pal Singh, a leading figure in structural biology whose work has revealed the shapes and functions of hundreds of important proteins. He shares how these discoveries have helped us better understand immunity, inflammation, and disease—and how they’re guiding new approaches to designing medicines. From breakthrough crystal structures to innovative peptide work, Prof. Singh offers a clear, inspiring look at how structural biology drives modern medical progress.

Kenya has eliminated human African trypanosomiasis —sleeping sickness — as a public health problem. Dr. Gerardo Priotto from the World Health Organization joins us to explain how Kenya met WHO’s rigorous criteria, the science behind the validation, and the partnerships that made this milestone possible. We unpack the challenges of T.b. rhodesiense, the role of surveillance and community action, and what Kenya’s success means for the global fight against neglected tropical diseases.

Brain tumours are among the most complex and challenging conditions in modern medicine. In this episode, we explore what brain tumours are, how they develop, and most importantly, the patient experience.

Discover the story of Dr. Rex Spendlove, the humble scientist behind a breakthrough in cell culture media. From his early days tackling unreliable fetal bovine serum to founding HyClone Laboratories, Dr. Spendlove’s innovations set new standards for scientific research and helped shape modern biotechnology. Join us as we explore how curiosity, collaboration, and a drive to help others can change the world.

What happens when mRNA meets lipid nanoparticles? Sparks fly—and science wins. This dynamic duo is behind breakthroughs from game-changing vaccines to strategies for silencing stubborn viruses.

Join Dodi and Conor as they sit down with Professor Sharon Lewin, a global leader in HIV research, to explore how this partnership could transform treatment and rewrite the future of medicine.

Smart science, big ideas—don’t miss this episode of Discovery Matters, brought to you by Cytiva.

This episode is all about the purisuit to understand and treat metastatic breast cancer. Dr. Martine Piccart and Dr. Lisa Carey delve into the complexities of metastatic breast cancer (MBC), highlighting why it remains one of the most challenging forms of the disease to treat.

We’re fascinated by the microbiome — and for good reason. But how do we protect this invisible ecosystem that plays such a vital role in our health?

From engineering live, programmable therapeutics that disarm dangerous gut pathogens to creating a global “doomsday vault” to safeguard the diversity of human gut microbes, we dive deep into the cutting-edge science shaping the future of microbiome research.

Show notes

1. Ronda, C., Perdue, T., Schwanz, L. et al. Precise virulence inactivation using a CRISPR-associated transposase for combating Enterobacteriaceae gut pathogens. Nat. Biomed. Eng (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41551-025-01453-12.

2. Dominguez-Bello, M.G., Steiger, D., Fankhauser, M. et al. The microbiota vault initiative: safeguarding Earth’s microbial heritage for future generations. Nat Commun 16, 5373 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-61008-5