Donanemab and Alzheimer's Drug, London Measles Risk, Moon South Pole Mission, and Algae Vitamin B12

Episode snapshot

The Naked Scientists explore a phase three drug Donanemab for Alzheimer’s disease, unpack the measles outbreak risk in London, discuss the upcoming lunar south pole mission by India, and examine algae as a possible source of vitamin B12 for plant-based diets. The show pairs clinical breakthroughs with space exploration and nutrition innovations, offering listeners a broad look at how science translates to health, policy, and everyday life.

• Alzheimer’s drug mechanism and potential to slow cognitive decline
• Measles uptake gaps and outbreak risk in London
• Moon exploration and water ice at the lunar south pole
• Algae and bacteria interactions as a vitamin B12 source

Across these topics the program emphasizes early diagnosis, clinical translation, and practical public health strategies.

Overview

This Naked Scientists episode interweaves discussions on a breakthrough Alzheimer’s disease drug, measles vaccination challenges in London, a forthcoming lunar south pole mission from India, and a Cambridge research angle on algae as a vitamin B12 source. The conversation spans clinical science, public health, space exploration, and nutrition, highlighting how science informs policy, healthcare infrastructure, and everyday choices.

Donanemab and Alzheimer’s disease

The episode centers on Donanemab, an antibody therapy targeting amyloid plaques believed to contribute to cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease. The drug is delivered via intravenous infusion every four weeks for up to a year or two, with periodic brain scans to track plaque clearance. Experts explain that only a small fraction of injected antibodies reach the brain, and the proposed mechanism involves recruiting brain immune cells to clear plaques. Early treatment in less advanced disease stages appears more effective, underscoring the need for early diagnosis using blood biomarkers or brain imaging.

Clinical implications are nuanced. Average slowing of cognitive decline is reported in phase three trials, with about 20% more patients stabilizing on the drug than on placebo. This translates into roughly seven months of improved quality of life for some patients, a statistic contextualized against other chronic diseases where extending life is a common goal. The cost and logistics of delivering disease-modifying therapies at scale are discussed, including the price point (about $25,000 per person per year in the US) and the necessary health-system infrastructure to identify eligible patients early and administer treatment safely. Regulators in the UK are anticipated to render decisions by 2024–2025, with NICE and MHRA weighing safety, efficacy, and cost effectiveness. The broader narrative positions Donanemab as the leading edge of a potential new era in dementia care where disease modification could shift how health systems plan for long-term care needs.

London measles outbreak risk and vaccination strategy

London is highlighted as a high-risk area for measles outbreaks based on uptake variability. While overall vaccination coverage in England for the first dose sits around 89.5% at age two, regional gaps exist with London showing uptake around 82% overall and significantly lower in areas like Hackney (around 65%). The conversation explains the need for two doses of MMR to achieve effective herd immunity, with targets typically set at 95% coverage for both doses. Modelling suggests that without improved uptake, substantial outbreaks—ranging from tens of thousands to over 100,000 cases—are plausible given current mobility and population dynamics. Practical strategies discussed include vaccination reminders, expanding vaccination sites beyond GP practices to community hubs, and outreach efforts such as mobile clinics. Importantly, there is no upper age limit for MMR vaccination, and adults planning travel are advised to ensure two-dose coverage before summer travel. The segment emphasizes that restoring high uptake is essential to prevent future outbreaks and alleviate hospital strain.

Cambridge algae and vitamin B12

In the Cambridge segment, Alison Smith explains how algae can acquire vitamin B12 from bacteria in their environment and why this matters for vegetarian diets. B12 exists in multiple forms, and algae preferentially take up cobalamin. Some bacteria produce forms like pseudocobalamin that humans and algae cannot readily use, highlighting the importance of selecting compatible bacterial partners when growing algae for B12-rich foods or supplements. The discussion touches on potential applications, including algae-based foods or supplements, and notes Marmite as a yeast-derived B12 source in contrast to bacterial synthesis. The central idea is that a microbe-algae partnership could offer a natural route to plant-based B12, potentially improving nutrition for those on vegan or vegetarian diets while avoiding more processed supplement routes.

Question of the week: cetacean ancestry

The weekly feature traces the evolutionary origin of whales and dolphins. The closest living relative to cetaceans is the hippopotamus, underscoring a shared ancestry. Fossil evidence traces a loop from terrestrial Pakicetus to early amphibious Archaeocetes with adaptations such as enhanced underwater hearing and refined tail propulsion. The narrative explains that baleen and toothed whales diverged around 39 million years ago, and while Baleen is hypothesized to have evolved after tooth loss, recent evidence suggests baleen may have arisen through a gradual shift rather than a direct transformation from teeth. The segment emphasizes a single common ancestor for modern whales and reinforces how paleontology illuminates the deep history of marine life.

Conclusion

The program closes by situating these diverse topics within the broader mission of Future Factual to curate credible, high-quality science content and to explore how breakthroughs translate into clinical care, public health, and space exploration. The discussion underscores the importance of early diagnosis, infrastructure readiness, and evidence-based health policy to maximize the societal benefits of scientific advances.