Sounds of Science

Hosted by Charles River

Technology Science

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Episodes

117

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

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.

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60 recent

June 16, 202621 min

A New Era for FOXG1: The Race to First‑in‑Human Trials

FOXG1 Research Foundation CEO Nasha Fitter returns to Sounds of Science with extraordinary updates: FDA Fast Track designation, IND clearance, and the first‑ever clinical trial for a FOX G1 gene therapy now within reach. In this episode, hear how science, community, and a mother’s determination are rewriting what’s possible. Show Notes Cell and Gene Therapy CDMO Solutions | Charles River Viral Vector Manufacturing \ Charles River AAV Production for Rare Disease Therapies: From Challenge to Solution | Webcast Rare Disease | Charles River Rare Disease Research for Drug Development | Charles River FOX G1: A Mom’s Mission | Podcast

June 2, 202625 min

Norecopa: A Global 3Rs Research Database Resides in Norway

The 3Rs of animal research (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) are truly a global effort. One of the experts leading this effort is veterinarian Adrian Smith, Secretary of the Norwegian organization Norecopa. Along with Executive Director Global Animal Welfare and Training for Charles River Liz Nunamaker, they share the creation and growth of Norway's National Consensus Platform and Centre for furthering the 3Rs, and how even researchers outside of Norway like Nunamaker benefit from its work.

May 5, 202636 min

Pac-Man Chemistry: A Breakthrough in Treating Methamphetamine Overdose

What if one shot could reverse a meth overdose? In this episode of Sounds of Science, we explore CS1103 - Clear Scientific's breakthrough therapy with FDA Fast Track status that works like Pac-Man to clear toxins fast. Could this change emergency medicine forever? Tune in to find out. Clear Scientific: Combatting Drug Overdose from Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, and Polydrug | Charles River Podcast IND-Enabling Studies | Charles River Small Molecule Drug Development | Charles River Safety Assessment | Charles River

April 21, 202622 min

CEO Jim Foster Reflects on his Remarkable 50 years at Charles River

We are joined by retiring CEO Jim Foster to discuss his 50 year career at Charles River. Through his decades in the industry, Foster has seen it all - from the shift toward new approach methodologies, through mergers and sales and public offerings, to shaping the future of Charles River's culture. Listen now to hear how it all started, how we got here, and where we are heading in the future.

April 7, 202637 min

Finding Hope in the Rare: Jane’s Story and the Fight for Mowat-Wilson Syndrome Research

In this episode of Sounds of Science, Lauren and Matt Noonan share their powerful journey following their daughter Jane’s diagnosis with Mowat-Wilson Syndrome. From unexpected medical challenges to finding community and launching their own nonprofit, the OURS Foundation, they discuss how advocacy, collaboration, and emerging research are shaping new hope for families living with rare diseases. Charles River | ASO Development Charles River | ASO Screening Services Charles River | Rare Disease Charles River | Rare Disease Research for Drug Development Mowat Wilson Foundation

March 17, 202631 min

From Research to Regulatory: The Career of Dr. Namandjé Bumpus

I am joined by Charles River's newest Senior Vice President, Chief Scientific & Innovation Officer Dr. Namandjé Bumpus to discuss her amazing career. From hands on research as Professor and Director of the Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, to Chief Scientist and later Principal Deputy Commissioner at the US Food and Drug Administration, Dr. Bumpus has seen every angle of the industry. She joins me to discuss her research, the discipline she learned from her father's boxing gym, and her perspective on the industry today.

March 3, 202641 min

Bringing Dialysis to Remote Regions: Chris Atwater and the Bridge of Life

Patients who need kidney dialysis live all over the world - even in some of the remotest regions. They need updated equipment, trained healthcare staff, and lots of clean water. Chris Atwater, Director of Technical Operations at the nonprofit Bridge of Life, helps bring hope to these areas. He has traveled to six continents for his life's work, using skills he learned as a United States Marine and the education he acquired for this role. If you are interested in learning more about challenges facing dialysis patients in remote areas, check out this video we made about services in the Australian bush.

February 17, 202623 min

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 innovation for multiple rare diseases. In this episode, Terry shares the remarkable journey from diagnosis to clinical trials, the power of partnerships, and why urgency matters when every day counts.Show NotesFrom Mystery to Medicine: The Science Behind a Mother’s Search | PodcastTaking a Customized and Collaborative Approach to Therapeutic Development | PodcastRare Disease Research for Drug Development | Charles RiverRare Disease | Charles RiverDiscovery | Charles RiverBeyond The Diagnosis

February 3, 202639 min

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 stories behind Hao-Fountain Syndrome. From a father’s fight for his daughter Tess to cutting-edge drug repurposing screens, discover how science, advocacy, and community are rewriting the future for families worldwide. Show NotesRare Disease | Charles River Vital Science Podcast: Strength in Numbers Rare Disease Research for Drug Development Foundation for USP-7 Related Diseases Stronger Every Day Podcast

January 20, 202625 min

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 Diagnosis, a powerful art and advocacy initiative that uses portraiture to humanize rare diseases and inspire empathy in medical professionals, students, and communities around the world. From medical schools to courthouses and even Parisian galleries, the traveling exhibit is reshaping how we see children with rare diseases—not as diagnoses, but as vibrant individuals with stories worth telling. Tune in to hear how Patricia’s mission is bridging the gap between science and compassion, and how you can help carry it forward.Show NotesFrom Mystery to Medicine: The Science Behind a Mother’s Search | PodcastTaking a Customized and Collaborative Approach to Therapeutic Development | PodcastRare Disease Research for Drug Development | Charles RiverRare Disease | Charles RiverDiscovery | Charles RiverBeyond The Diagnosis