Sounds of Science

Charles River
  • 4.7 (14)
  • SCIENCE
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

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.

  1. JAN 6

    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 conversation are Valentina Bernasconi, Head of Laboratory Science for CEPI, and Marie-Eve Poupart, Lead Scientist In Charles River’s Immunology department. Together we discuss CEPI’s progress so far, how Charles River is contributing to the cause, and how we can plan for the unknown Disease X while simultaneously handling current outbreaks of deadly diseases like Ebola, Marburg, Nipah virus, Lassa Fever, and chikungunya.

    22 min

  2. 12/16/2025

    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 collaboration with MatTek Life Sciences. Together, they’re pioneering human-relevant, non-animal models that could revolutionize inhalation toxicology. From 3D lung tissues to computational dosimetry, discover how science is catching its breath and moving toward a safer, more ethical future. Show Notes Inhalation Toxicology | Charles River Mini Organs Offer Alternative Method for Predicting Drug Safety and Efficacy Alternative Methods Advancement Project | Charles River Charles River, in Collaboration with MatTek Corporation, Awarded Grant from the Foundation for Chemistry Research and Initiatives to Advance Research Alternatives

    26 min

  3. 12/02/2025

    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 created the Cri du Chat Research Foundation and started a movement to find a cure not only for Liam, but for all families affected by this genetic disease. Listen now to hear their story, and find out more about their work and how you can help at www.criduchatresearch.org.

    37 min

  4. 11/18/2025

    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 critical choice shapes safety, speeds development, and drives innovation in today’s evolving research landscape. Show Notes  Alternative Methods Advancement Project  | Charles River Animals in Research  | Charles River Research Models and Services | Charles River Research Animals Models | Charles River

    28 min

  5. 11/04/2025

    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 struggling with their mental health. I am joined by Nicole and ICMH founder Kate Cooper to discuss what this service means to both of them, how we can support family who are reluctant to accept help, and how the COVID pandemic impacted the mental health of first responders.

    38 min

  6. 10/21/2025

    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 on this episode!

    16 min

  7. 10/07/2025

    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 rare disease research. In this deeply moving episode of Sounds of Science, Dalila shares her journey from despair to discovery—and how a global village of scientists came together to pursue a personalized treatment that could change everything. Show Notes Taking a Customized and Collaborative Approach to Therapeutic DevelopmentDrug Discovery Services | Charles RiverASO Screening Services | Charles RiverRare Disease Research for Drug Development | Charles RiverTwo in Eight Billion | Eureka blog

    24 min

  8. 09/16/2025

    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 discuss new directives from the US FDA and the EU regarding lab animal use. Join us to cover the realities of lab animal use today, as well as the history or public misinformation dating back before Charles Darwin!

    27 min
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Trailer

4.7
out of 5
14 Ratings

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Charles River
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    108
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Charles River
  • Show Website
    Sounds of Science

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