As mpox cases rise in Sierra Leone, we check-in with Professor Trudie Lang to understand the implications of the continuing spread of the disease and what progress is being made in responding to the outbreak.

In a breakthrough for HIV research, scientists have used mRNA to reveal the virus hiding in white blood cells. For now, it is only in a laboratory setting, but they hope this could lead to future treatment pathways that clear HIV from the body.

Also on the show we take a look at healthy ageing; from the role of power in living longer, to reducing the risk of dementia in younger generations, and even the influence of daily cups of coffee on our health as we get older.

Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producers: Katie Tomsett and Louise Orchard Studio Managers: Dyfan Rose and Sue Maillot

(Photo: Digitally generated image of virus cells of mpox infection. Credit: Getty Images)

A new immunotherapy regime has shown significant improvements in treatment for head and neck cancer. Meanwhile, exercise is boosting outcomes for colon cancer patients. BBC journalist Philippa Roxby explains what’s been shown in these studies.

Aflatoxins are a toxin produced by a fungi which can be found in crops. They’re having a severe impact on harvests and health including immune suppression, growth stunting and damage to the liver. The BBC’s Sophie Ormiston reports on what’s being done to tackle the problem.

Ultra-processed foods are increasingly seen as bad for us and self-reporting our diets can be very inaccurate. But now, a new urine test has found a way to accurately show how much of these kinds of foods we consume.

Finally, can an e-tattoo placed on the forehead effectively monitor stress and concentration? And how might such a device be used?

Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Hannah Robins and Louise Orchard

Women with dense breasts are four times more likely to develop breast cancer than women with low breast density and it’s also harder for cancer to be detected with existing screening methods. But now, the findings in a new study could dramatically improve the chances of having the disease spotted early on. We speak to the study’s lead author is Professor Fiona Gilbert to find out more.

The 2025 World Health Assembly has just concluded, Devex Correspondent Andrew Green was there and tells us what the main takeaways were.

Dr Cecilia Kanyama and Professor Thomas Harrison share their decades-long effort to improve treatment options for cryptococcal meningitis. The refined treatment regimen, discovered alongside Joe Jarvis and their team, gives hope to the hundreds of thousands of HIV-positive patients who are diagnosed with this fungal infection each year.

Finally, researchers have developed contact lenses that enable to wearer to see near-infrared light. How do they work and what could they be useful for?

Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producers: Hannah Robins & Louise Orchard Studio Managers: Mike Mallen & Andrew Garratt