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

 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 

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 

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 

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.

As we enter a new era for Charles River, we are joined by the woman who will be leading the charge. Birgit Girshick has been with the company for over 30 years, learning the business inside and out. As our new CEO, Birgit joins us to discuss her career, her perspective on the industry, her vision for the future of the company, and her love of horses.

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 

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.

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

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.