UK NHS Cancer Gene Database, Vitamin D Deficiency and Immunity, Veronica the Tool-Using Cow, and Starlink Satellites Explored

This episode of The Naked Scientists surveys four science stories. It explains England’s new NHS cancer gene database, a centralized resource linking genetic mutations with clinical outcomes and the potential for broader data use with consent. It then covers a vitamin D deficiency study showing a 33% higher risk of hospital admission for respiratory infections in deficient individuals, based on UK Biobank data. A segment on Veronica the Austrian cow reveals remarkable task-inspired tool use and problem-solving behavior. The show closes with SpaceX Starlink satellites, their global internet reach, and the concerns about light pollution affecting astronomical observations.

NHS cancer gene database in England

The podcast discusses a world-leading NHS cancer gene database that centralises genetic and patient data from across England. Researchers aim to mine this anonymised resource for diagnostic and prognostic insights, with plans to re-contact individuals for consent to collect lifestyle and other data to deepen understanding of why cancers develop in some people but not others. The archive combines historical paper records and spreadsheets into a single national dataset, with data on over 52,000 individuals so far, making it potentially the largest cohort for this research in England.

"This archive now exists, you've basically got the genes, the clinical outcome." - Mark Tishkowitz, Adam Brooks Hospital

Vitamin D and respiratory infections

Researchers Abby Borno and Susan Lanhamne from the University of Surrey analysed UK Biobank data to examine whether low vitamin D levels increase the risk of severe respiratory infections requiring hospital admission. They found that people with very low vitamin D levels were about 33% more likely to be admitted for respiratory infections than those with sufficient levels, based on baseline vitamin D measurements followed over time. The study shows an association, not causation, and highlights the winter prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the UK, with recommendations for supplementation to prevent deficiency.

"People with very low vitamin D levels, they were actually 33% more likely to be admitted to hospital for respiratory infections than those with sufficient levels of vitamin D." - Abby Borno and Susan Lanhamne, University of Surrey

Veronica the tool-using cow

Austria's Veronica, an older cow, is presented as an example of flexible tool use. Researchers visited the owner, observed Veronica's long history of using sticks, branches, and other objects to scratch herself, and then tested her response to a broom with functional and non-functional ends. Veronica showed a preference for using the broom end to reach difficult areas and demonstrated different techniques depending on the tool end, illustrating innovative, adaptive behavior in a domesticated animal. The work broadens our view of animal cognition beyond exotic species to common livestock.

"Veronica had started this all by herself" - Alice Auersberg, University of Vienna

Starlink satellites and the night sky

The discussion moves to SpaceX’s Starlink constellation, a vast array of satellites designed to deliver global internet access. Expert Robert Massey of the Royal Astronomical Society explains the benefits for connectivity but warns of increased orbital congestion and the impact on astronomical research. The conversation covers how bright, low-Earth-orbit satellites affect sky observations, the potential for millions of satellites, and the need for standards to minimize interference with ground-based astronomy while balancing the demand for global communications.

"The sky is not just the domain of private corporations, that actually humanity as a whole is a stakeholder in this as well as astronomers" - Robert Massey, Royal Astronomical Society

The episode ends with reflections on policy and a call for thoughtful governance of orbital resources to protect the night sky for science and culture.