Sounds of Science

Hosted by Charles River

Technology Science

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Episodes

121

Latest episode

Aug 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

August 4, 202616 min

The YWHAG Ultra-Rare Mutation: A Family Hunts for Solutions

When Andrew Miner’s son James was diagnosed with an ultra-rare YWHAG mutation, the path forward was anything but clear. In this compelling episode of Sounds of Science, Andrew shares his family’s journey, the inspiration behind founding the YWHAG Foundation, and how advancing research is creating new possibilities and renewed hope for families affected by rare diseases. www.ywhagfoundation.org . https://www.criver.com/eureka/ywhag-ultra-rare-mutation-family-hunts-solutions

July 21, 202613 min

Laboratory Biosecurity for Exotic Viruses

From hantavirus to Ebola to cyclosporiasis, it’s hard to escape the news about outbreaks of exotic viruses in people. How might these diseases impact or be transmitted by animals? In this episode, which airs July 21, Ken Henderson, PhD, DACLAM, an expert on keeping research mice and rats safe from outside threats, shares his insights into the most up-to-date research on biosecurity. Show Notes Pathogen Binder | Charles River Research Animal Diagnostic Services | Charles River Research Models and Services | Charles River

July 7, 202638 min

From Cell Painting to Toxicology: Advancing Treatment for PACS2 Therapy

What happens when parents refuse to accept a one percent chance? In this episode of Sounds of Science , Piotr and Gosia Kosla share how their daughter Lena’s ultra‑rare diagnosis sparked a global scientific effort, advancing a potential treatment from discovery to an active preclinical toxicology study in just two years. Show Notes General Toxicology | Charles River Preclinical GLP Toxicology Studies Painting a Picture of Hope to Treat PACS2 | Podcast PACS2 Research Foundation

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.