Sounds of Science
Science & Ideas
About
Sounds of Science is a monthly podcast about beginnings: how a molecule becomes a drug, how a rodent elucidates a disease pathway, how a horseshoe crab morphs into an infection fighter. The podcast is produced by Eureka, the scientific blog of Charles River, a contract research organization for drug discovery and development. Tune in and begin the journey.
Episodes
- Pac-Man Chemistry: A Breakthrough in Treating Methamphetamine Overdose
This episode of Sounds of Science covers Clear Scientific's novel therapy for methamphetamine overdose. The treatment, which has achieved FDA Fast Track status, functions by quickly eliminating toxins and is being explored for its potentia…
- CEO Jim Foster Reflects on his Remarkable 50 years at Charles River
Jim Foster, retiring CEO of Charles River, reflects on his 50-year career, detailing the company's evolution through industry changes, mergers, and cultural development.
- Finding Hope in the Rare: Jane’s Story and the Fight for Mowat-Wilson Syndrome Research
Lauren and Matt Noonan share their journey after their daughter Jane was diagnosed with Mowat-Wilson Syndrome, detailing their advocacy efforts through the OURS Foundation and the importance of research for rare diseases.
- From Research to Regulatory: The Career of Dr. Namandjé Bumpus
Dr. Namandjé Bumpus, Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific & Innovation Officer at Charles River, joins the show to discuss her career. Her experience spans research at Johns Hopkins, and leadership positions at the US Food and Drug A…
- Bringing Dialysis to Remote Regions: Chris Atwater and the Bridge of Life
Chris Atwater, Director of Technical Operations at Bridge of Life, shares insights on bringing dialysis equipment, trained staff, and clean water to remote areas worldwide. His work leverages skills from his time as a United States Marine…
- Hope in Action: Fighting SPG50 and Beyond with Elpida Therapeutics
When Terry Pirovolakis learned his son had an ultra-rare neurodegenerative disease, SPG50, he refused to accept “no options.” What started as a desperate search for hope became Elpida Therapeutics, a nonprofit driving gene therapy innovati…
- Turning Hope Into Action: Fighting USP7-Related Diseases
What happens when a rare disease diagnosis turns life upside down? In this episode of Sounds of Science , host Mary Parker sits down with Bo Bigelow, Amber Freed, and David Fischer to explore the breakthroughs, challenges, and human storie…
- Beyond The Diagnosis
When Patricia Weltin’s daughters were diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome after years of uncertainty, she turned her frustration into a global movement. In this episode of Sounds of Science , Patricia shares the story behind Beyond the D…
- Planning For Potential Pandemics: The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations
As we all learned in 2020, getting ahead of the next major pandemic is a matter of global concern. For the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, or CEPI (cepi.net), it is their reason for existing. Joining me for this conversati…
- Breathing New Life into Toxicology: Human-Relevant Models in Action
What if we could predict how chemicals affect human lungs without using animals? In this episode of Sounds of Science , Mary McElroy, Head of Discovery Toxicology and Pharmacology at Charles River, joins us to explore a groundbreaking coll…
- Fighting For Liam - The Leston's Story
For this episode I am joined by Megan and JC Leston, two parents who are fighting for their son Liam. The oldest of their five children, Liam was born with the rare Cri du Chat or 5p- syndrome. Through years of perseverance, they have crea…
- Choosing Wisely: The Ethics, Science, and Emotion Behind Species Selection
What if one decision could make or break your drug’s success? Join Charles River’s Sarah Gould as she unpacks the high-stakes, emotion-filled world of species selection—and why it’s about so much more than science. Discover how this critic…
- Supporting Mental Health for Veterans and First Responders: A Sabbatical Story
Charles River scientist Nicole Hoekstra, herself a US Navy veteran, used her employer-supported sabbatical to help out local Oklahoma based nonprofit Inner Circle Mental Health, which focuses on aiding veterans and first responders who are…
- Little Monsters: How Microbes Manage At The Edge of Existence
Ryan Cox from Microbial Solutions joins us to discuss the curious creatures living at the edges of life – from microbes pulled from the MIR space station to antibiotic resistant bacteria festering in shark mouths. Meet these and many more…
- From Mystery to Medicine: The Science Behind a Mother’s Search
When Dalila Sabaredzovic’s sons were diagnosed with an ultra-rare genetic condition, she faced more questions than answers. But through resilience, advocacy, and the power of collaboration, her family's story has become a beacon of hope in…
- Regulations and Realities in Lab Animal Use
Chris Magee, Head of Policy and Media for the UK advocacy group Understanding Animal Research, and Naomi Charalambakis, Director of Science Policy & Communications at the US based advocacy group Americans for Medical Progress, joins me to…
- Off-Target, On-Point: How Retrogenix® Reduces Risk and Animal Use
In this episode of Sounds of Science, learn how the Retrogenix® platform is reshaping drug development by identifying off-target risks earlier, reducing animal use, and gaining traction with regulators—now as part of the FDA’s ISTAND pilot…
- Dirt-y Jobs: Ecotoxicology Testing
How do researchers keep our dirt clean? How can earthworms, duckweed, birds and bees help us ensure environmental safety? Find out now by listening in with our experts from Charles River's Hungarian site - Szabolcs Gáty and David Esdaile.
- A Saudi Startup Makes History in Gene Therapy
For this exciting conversation, I am joined by NanoPalm CEO and co-founder Dr. Ali Alhasan and by Charles River Executive Director Ramin Baghirzade, who joins us to talk about Charles River’s incubator program for startups like NanoPalm. A…
- From Tumor to Treatment: How PDX Models are Powering Cancer Breakthroughs
What if a mouse could help shape the future of cancer treatment? In this episode of Sounds of Science , host Mary Parker speaks with Julia Schüler, DVM, PhD, Research Director and Therapeutic Area Lead for Oncology at Charles River. Julia…
- Microbiologists in Manufacturing
Join me, Charles River’s Miriam Guest, and independent consultant Vanessa Figueroa as we tackle the role of a microbiologist in drug manufacturing. Who is keeping patients safe from contamination, and how are they making sure our life savi…
- Behind the Breakthroughs: Rethinking Animal Research with the 3Rs
What happens when cutting-edge science meets compassion? In this episode of Sounds of Science , host Mary Parker sits down with two pioneers reshaping the future of research: Elizabeth Nunamaker, Executive Director of Global Animal Welfare…
- What Makes a Virus Contagious?
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…
- The Journey of Susannah’s Personalized ASO
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…
- Evolving Animal Welfare: Science, Ethics, and Innovation
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 breakt…
- Cancer Vaccines, Then and Now
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 va…
- All About Spheroids
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…
- Ep. 89: Rethinking Toxicology: The Future of NAMs in Agrochemicals
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 anima…
- Ep. 88: The Epidemiology of Cancer
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 Ro…
- Ep. 87: Taking a Customized and Collaborative Approach to Therapeutic Development
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 ul…
- Ep. 85: The Next Generation of Drug Development
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 proc…
- Ep. 84: A Family's Fight Against Batten Disease
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…
- Ep. 83: NAMs: The Future of Research?
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 con…
- Ep. 82: Taking PrEP to the Next Level
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…
- Ep. 81: Biomedical Engineering: The Future of Research?
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…
- Ep. 80: Diversity in Veterinary Medicine
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…
- Ep. 79: Painting a Picture of Hope to Treat PACS2
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…
- Ep. 78: Starting Over After Cancer
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.…
- Ep. 77: Ophirex: Biting Back
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…
- Ep. 76: Multi-Organ Chip Systems
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…
- Ep. 75: Porcine Kidneys for Human Transplant
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? L…
- Ep. 74: One Patient's Sickle Cell Story
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 pote…
- Ep. 73: Virtual Control Groups
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 L…
- Ep. 72: Artificial Intelligence in Cell and Gene Therapy
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…
- Ep. 71: Cellular Agriculture - Lab Grown Meat of the Future
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 o…
- Ep. 70: Benjamin Oakes and the Promise of CRISPR
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 visio…
- Ep. 69: Past and Future of Endotoxin Testing
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 En…
- Ep. 68: Looking Ahead in 2024
I am joined by four experts in their field to discuss what will be hot in rare diseases, drug discovery, artificial intelligence, and animal models in 2024.
- Ep. 67: A Rare Diagnosis
Molly Dupre, a lab assistant at Charles River's Reno site, was recently diagnosed with Niemann-Pick Type B/ Acid Sphingomyelinase Deficiency. After years of waiting, doctor's visits, and tests, she could finally put a name to the condition…
- Ep. 66: When Drug Candidates Miss the Mark: Off-Target Liability
Senior Principal Scientific Advisor Stan Spence joins me to discuss off-target liability: what happens when a drug misses its target? What are the risks to the patient if the off-target effects aren't caught early? Has there ever been an e…