Best Superbugs Podcasts (2025)

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Is India staring at a superbug threat? 30:00

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17d ago30:00

30:00

A recent report released by the World Health Organization, stated something that experts in India have been warning about for years: antimicrobial resistance or AMR in our country the report said, “is a serious and escalating threat, with resistance rates among the highest in the world.” The government is taking this threat seriously: it has now br…

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Ep.19: Siouxsie Wiles on bioluminescent superbugs, infectious diseases, sexism, misogyny and reinvention 1:24:36

27d ago1:24:36

1:24:36

An outstanding science communicator who became a household name in New Zealand during the Covid-19 pandemic, but paid a harsh price for her brilliant work. Award winning, energetic Associate Professor Siouxsie Wiles talks bioluminescent superbugs, infectious diseases, Covid, sexism, misogyny, menstrual cups and reinvention.…

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From firefighting to managed decline: why the RBI let the rupee breach 90 15:15

8h ago15:15

15:15

In early December 2025, the Rupee slipped past the ₹90 per dollar mark. While this drop is labelled as 'psychologically significant,' the underlying economic factors hasn't changed much. Yet a specific set of recent events has added fresh momentum, decisively tipping the scales against the currency. The Rupee’s rise or fall depends on two main fact…

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Why do reports of attacks on Christians spike around Christmas in India? 26:51

13m ago26:51

26:51

Every year around Christmas, reports of attacks on Christian worshippers surface from different parts of India. This year, there were numerous reports of various groups disrupting celebrations across several States, including Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and even Kerala. Several church bodies have written to the Central go…

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Can propaganda be great art? 48:26

38m ago48:26

48:26

The age-old question of whether works created with explicit ideological intent can achieve artistic greatness has long divided critics, artists, and audiences. From Leni Riefenstahl’s films glorifying Nazism to the bold, constructivist posters of the Soviet era, history offers uncomfortable affirmations of propaganda transcending its purpose to bec…

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2025: A big year for tackling malaria 26:29

15h ago26:29

26:29

Malaria is still the third biggest killer on the planet and despite decades of serious investment it’s a disease that is still very much with us. But that investment is starting to pay off - 2025 has been a big year for new ways of tackling the disease. This week we’re reflecting on the progress made in 2025 – but also asking what impact unpreceden…

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VB-GRAMG Bill: Will it destroy the world’s most successful workfare program? 43:58

3d ago43:58

43:58

The Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-GRAMG) Bill, 2025 has received the President’s assent. This Bill replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which stands repealed. The move has sparked an outcry, from the Opposition and civil society. Critics say this new law will destroy t…

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Explained: Why is India’s NHRC accreditation being downgraded from ‘A’ to ‘B’ 31:49

3d ago31:49

31:49

India’s top human rights body, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), is going to have its accreditation status downgraded -- from ‘A’ to ‘B’. The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) is the international body that mediates the relationship between national human rights institutions and the United Nations (UN). In Ma…

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In Focus-Weekend | ‘Sick Nation’: Are you eating your way into metabolic dysfunction? 50:37

6d ago50:37

50:37

Everyone knows someone with diabetes or heart disease or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. It’s impossible to find somebody who doesn’t have at least one victim of these diseases in their family or friends circle. That’s how widespread they’ve become. All these disorders share one thing in common – all are ‘lifestyle diseases’ linked to insulin re…

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How can India navigate the new wave of trade protectionism? 33:15

5d ago33:15

33:15

Data shows that India’s exports increased by over 15 percent in November year-on-year, the country’s fastest growth in three years. India’s total exports (Merchandise and Services combined) for November 2025 is estimated at $ 73.99 billion. This is a growth of 15.52 per cent, compared November 2024. The rise comes at a time when U.S. has imposed st…

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IPL 2026 auction: Why did teams splurge on uncapped players? 29:23

6d ago29:23

29:23

The Indian Premier League 2026 mini-auction delivered record spending and a clear shift in team priorities, as franchises splurged on Indian domestic talent alongside marquee overseas names. While Cameron Green became the costliest overseas buy in IPL history, the night belonged to uncapped players, several of whom attracted multi-crore bids and re…

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In Focus-Parley | Is the Artificial Intelligence boom a bubble? 35:38

7d ago35:38

35:38

Global spending on Artificial Intelligence (AI) is projected to reach $375 billion this year and and $500 billion by 2026, according to the UBS. That raises a fundamental question: is AI’s value being driven by genuine technological progress, or by investor enthusiasm racing ahead of reality? Is the AI boom a bubble? Guests: Bhagwan Chowdhry and An…

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Behind the Huntington’s disease breakthrough 26:31

8d ago26:31

26:31

James Gallagher joins Claudia Hammond to share his pick for health breakthrough of 2025 – the world's first gene therapy to treat Huntington’s disease. Popular science author Mary Roach joins Claudia to discuss the future of prosthetics. Also on the show, James shares his latest reporting on how sperm from a donor with a cancer-causing gene was use…

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What the Cluck Is Going On with Bird Flu? 35:46

10d ago35:46

35:46

In this episode, Jess and Sarah discuss the current state of bird flu, particularly H5N1, with expert Dr. Chad Costley. They explore the implications of recent CDC updates, the evolution of viruses, and the innovative development of intranasal vaccines. The conversation highlights the importance of addressing vaccine misinformation and the potentia…

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India’s new labour codes explained: Why are trade unions upset? 45:27

8d ago45:27

45:27

On the 21st of November, the government of India has brought in 4 labour codes to reform and replace the 29 existing laws in the country They are Code on Wages, Code on Industrial Relations, Code on Social Security and Code on Occupation Safety, Health and working conditions. The government is touting these labour codes as India’s biggest labour re…

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Does the WHO’s “benchmark” of 1 doctor per 1,000 people actually exist? 30:09

11d ago30:09

30:09

For years, India’s political debates, parliamentary discussions, and health-policy arguments have leaned heavily on a simple figure of one doctor per 1000 people supposedly set by the World Health Organization or WHO But the WHO in a written reply to the Hindu has clarified that it has never actually recommended this ratio. This episode breaks down…

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Why did India get a 'C' grade from IMF? 18:19

10d ago18:19

18:19

In its recent assessment, the International Monetary Fund India’s national accounts statistics, which includes key figures such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Gross Value Added (GVA), a grade of ‘C’, the second-lowest grade there is. “National accounts data are available at adequate frequency and timeliness and provide broadly adequate granula…

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Russia-Ukraine war: Is the 28-point Trump peace deal dead in the water? 39:13

12d ago39:13

39:13

It will soon be four years since Russia invaded Ukraine. As the conflict drags on, neither side seems ready for a compromise. But President Donald Trump has been pushing for a peace deal. He recently released a 28-point peace plan. It basically asks Ukraine to cede territory it has already lost in exchange for security guarantees. But Ukraine Presi…

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Indigo’s ‘cancel culture’: Is India’s aviation sector jinxed? 44:17

14d ago44:17

44:17

Indigo’s mass cancellations have disrupted the lives of thousands of passengers. This company is not a newbie or a start-up. It is India’s largest airline, with 60% market share. In Financial Year 2024, it returned a profit of ₹8,000 crores. So, finances were not a concern. Yet, it did not invest in preparing for the new Flight Duty Time Limitation…

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In Focus-Parley | Is the falling rupee a cause for alarm? 19:22

15d ago19:22

19:22

Over the last few days, the rupee exchange rate has fallen below ₹90 a dollar and has largely stayed at that level. Now, with Parliament running, a lot of the discourse on this has been political. However, from a policy level, it is critical to understand the economics behind the fall. Why is the rupee falling? Is it falling worse than other curren…

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Shingles vaccine slows the progression of dementia 26:28

15d ago26:28

26:28

We already knew that the shingles vaccine reduces the risk of developing dementia, but new research has shown that it also slows the progression of the disease. BBC journalist Laura Foster discusses why this might be happening. Can a negative mindset reduce the effectiveness of medical treatments? Claudia speaks with Dr Katharina Schmidt in Essen, …

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India vs South Africa: What the Test collapse and ODI fightback reveal 26:18

16d ago26:18

26:18

India’s home season against South Africa has been nothing short of dramatic, from a bruising Test whitewash to a spirited comeback in the ODIs. But beneath the results lies a deeper story about where Indian cricket stands today and where it is headed. In this episode of In Focus, we break down the biggest talking points from the tour. Why is India …

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Sweet Child(ren) O Mine: Protecting Our Kids’ Health 34:36

17d ago34:36

34:36

In this episode, Jess and special guest co-host Dr. Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph welcome Dr. Susan Kressly, President of the American Academy of Pediatrics, for an in-depth discussion about the future of pediatric healthcare. The scientists explore the urgent need to redesign healthcare systems to prioritize prevention and wellness rather than reactive t…

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Delhi’s toxic air: Can it ever be fixed? 43:03

18d ago43:03

43:03

Every winter, India’s capital city turns into a gas chamber. There is a sharp spike in cases of people reporting respiratory complaints. Children’s schooling is disrupted. They can’t go out and play. The elderly can’t take their morning walks. And the state does very little to address what is evidently a public health emergency. Beijing had exactly…

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In Focus-Weekend | Artillery at Kargil: How India’s guns turned the tide 25:57

19d ago25:57

25:57

From high-altitude warfare, extreme weather and the shock of Pakistan’s surprise occupation of the heights, to the evolution of artillery tactics that changed the course of the conflict, his memoir Artillery’s Thunder: The Untold Kargil Story recounts the lesser-known, ground-level realities of Operation Vijay. In this conversation, he also reflect…

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Digital Gender-Based Violence in India: Why are survivors struggling for justice? 41:49

20d ago41:49

41:49

With the rise in telecom and internet penetration in India, technology-based crimes are on the rise. While financial fraud and digital arrests are the focus of the conversation, a less talked-about issue is that of digital gender-based violence. A new report, titled Experiencing Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence in India: Survivor Narrat…

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Sanchar Saathi episode: Is India lowering expectations on consent and privacy? 32:24

21d ago32:24

32:24

Earlier this week, the Department of Telecommunications ordered smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on all new devices. It also told them to ensure that the app’s functionalities are not disabled. It said this would protect users from cyber-fraud and phone theft. But within two days, the government revoked this order. It …

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In Focus-Parley | Do we need to change how cities are governed in India? 34:38

23d ago34:38

34:38

The rise of Zohran Mamdani as the Mayor of New York City in the United States has brought focus to the lack of visibility of similarly elected civic officials in Indian cities. Why do citizens in urban areas of India have no elected official to turn to in times of crisis or to help improve civic infrastructure and amenities? The Brihanmumbai Munici…

1
The risky use of skin lightening in children 26:29

22d ago26:29

26:29

New research shows that 20% of children under five years old in Nigeria have been exposed to skin lightening products, even by parents who know the risks associated with the products. Claudia speaks to Aisha, a mother, to understand why skin lightening can seem appealing, and to dermatologist Atinuke Ajani from Ile-Ife, Nigeria, who explains the gr…

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On reasonable accommodations: Why a rights-based approach is needed to make workplaces disability inclusive 23:48

24d ago23:48

23:48

December 3 marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, an annual observance established by the United Nations in 1992. The 2025 theme is "fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress". In this episode, we examine India's Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, and the principle of reasonable acc…

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Whetting your Hydroxyapatite for Fluoride 33:54

24d ago33:54

33:54

On this episode of the pod, Jess and Sarah welcome Dr. Ashley Lerman, a pediatric dentist, to explore the contentious topic of fluoride in public health. The scientists examine both the benefits and risks of fluoride use, particularly its critical role in preventing cavities and supporting oral health in children. Dr. Lerman provides expert insight…

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Episode: 45 - Doug Bain on Streamlining Clinical Trials 23:42

23d ago23:42

23:42

Doug Bain, founder and consulting partner of ClinFlo, discusses his proposed regulatory blueprint for digital trials in the latest episode of The Scope of Things podcast. With host Deborah Borfitz, Bain delves into his strategy for turning 21 CFR Part 11 into a more practical regulation that streamlines rather than bogs down clinical trials, what w…

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Norris, Piastri, Verstappen: Breaking Down F1’s Thrilling 2025 Title Battle 24:59

25d ago24:59

24:59

The 2025 Formula One season has delivered one of the most thrilling championship battles in over a decade. What looked like a straight McLaren shootout between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri took a dramatic turn after the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where both drivers were disqualified for technical infringements.That stunning twist, combined with Max Ve…

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Health insurance: Decoding the mismatch between claims filed and settled 31:30

26d ago31:30

31:30

What is going on with health insurance claims? According to recent data from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), the volume of claims filed rose 21.8% in the financial year 2025, but the total amount settled by insurers increased by only 12.88 %. This stark mismatch has spilled over social media – where stories of c…

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In Focus-Weekend | Inside Mumbai’s battle against the underworld w/ D. Sivanandhan IPS (Retd.) 44:44

27d ago44:44

44:44

In this weekender episode, we take you back to a time when Mumbai was living under the shadow of the underworld- when extortion calls, gang wars, and contract killings were part of daily life. We are joined by one of the key officers who led the operations that broke the backbone of Mumbai’s mafia networks. As he talks about his book The Brahmastra…

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Why are mumps cases spiking in India and can the vaccine help? 22:00

28d ago22:00

22:00

What comes to mind when someone says the word ‘mumps’? You’re vaguely remembering that it’s supposed to be a mild, childhood illness, one that you haven’t perhaps heard about in a long time. The fact is however, that there are thousands of mumps cases being reported in India every year. And this is not just limited to one or two States — cases occu…

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Did COP30 deliver on the expectations? 28:58

29d ago28:58

28:58

The annual UN Climate Conference, COP30, concluded in Belem, Brazil, last week. The final text of the outcome did not mention "fossil fuels" at all, and did not strengthen financial commitments. However, voluntary plans announced by the COP30 President to create roadmaps to transition away from fossil fuels and to stop deforestation show some hope.…

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In Focus-Parley | Are the labour codes labour friendly? 45:00

29d ago45:00

45:00

On November 21, the Union Labour Ministry announced the implementation of the four labour codes: The Code on Wages, 2019; The Industrial Relations Code, 2020; The Code on Social Security, 2020; and The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020. Several trade unions have expressed concern over the notification of the four labour …

1
Childhood hypertension becomes more common 26:29

29d ago26:29

26:29

A recent meta-analysis finds that childhood hypertension rates (commonly known as high blood pressure) are increasing significantly around the world. Professor of cardiovascular medicine and population health at the University of Oxford, Kazem Rahimi, explains what is driving this trend. Recent changes in hormone therapy labels in the US come after…

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Presidential reference: Is the Supreme Court’s opinion a blow against federalism? 33:05

1M ago33:05

33:05

A 5-judge Bench of the Supreme Court has given its opinion on the 16th Presidential Reference. This Reference pertained to the discretionary powers of the Governor and the President. The Supreme Court said that no timelines can be fixed for Governors or the President to act on Bills passed by State legislatures. It also said there can be no ‘deemed…

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Feed Drop: Nice Genes! - Poo Dunnit 34:04

1M ago34:04

34:04

While we're taking a Thanksgiving holiday break this week, we’re excited to share a special episode of Nice Genes! from our friends at Genome BC. Our very own Jess joins Dr. Kaylee Byers as they dive into the fascinating world of wastewater surveillance. Along the way, they enlist a seasoned “poo detective,” Dr. Natalie Prystajecky, who wades throu…

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What does Kerala’s Zero Extreme Poverty announcement really mean 28:23

1M ago28:23

28:23

Kerala has declared that it has “eradicated extreme poverty,” identifying over one lakh people as the final few remaining in this category in the State. But what does “extreme poverty” actually mean, and is it possible for a State to eradicate it? This episode unpacks the definitions, the methodology used by the State, the gap between Kerala’s esti…

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Ryan Williams case: Can foreign-born players solve Indian football’s woes? 27:37

1M ago27:37

27:37

Australian-born footballer Ryan Williams has given up his Australian passport to take Indian citizenship and join the national team. His move has reopened a long-standing debate on whether India should rely on foreign-born players and those of Indian origin to strengthen the squad, or if this undermines the country’s grassroots development and tale…

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In Focus-Weekend | What Happened to Daniel Naroditsky in the Online Chess Era? 22:35

1M ago22:35

22:35

When the world shut down during the pandemic, chess migrated to screens and found a new pulse. The game sped up, audiences multiplied and Grandmaster Daniel “Danya” Naroditsky became an unusually humble and accessible teacher in a space that often rewards sharpness over gentleness. But the digital arena carried its own tensions. Chess engines grew …

1
IPL trades: On retentions, team strategies and auction war rooms for IPL 2026 28:12

1M ago28:12

28:12

As IPL teams submitted their final retention lists ahead of the December mini-auction, the league witnessed one of its most dramatic reshuffles in years — major releases, headline trades, and two giants, CSK and KKR, signalling sweeping squad revamps. In this episode of In Focus, we break down the big moves, from the sensational Samson–Jadeja–Curra…

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Death sentence for Hasina: What does it mean for Bangladesh politics? 39:05

1M ago39:05

39:05

The International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh has handed a death sentence to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The tribunal found her guilty of crimes against humanity. It convicted held her of ordering the killing of anti-government protesters between June and August 2024. Sheikh Hasina fled to Delhi last year when her government fell. She ha…