When Luke Rosen's daughter was diagnosed with KIF1A—a rare, progressive neurological disorder—he didn't wait for answers. He and his wife built a community, launched a nonprofit, and became a driving force in rare disease research. In this episode, Luke shares how patient-led science accelerates treatments and reshapes what’s possible for families like his. Show Notes  Sounds of Science - N=1 Episode Charles River | Rare Disease Charles River | Rare Disease for Drug Discovery Charles River | ASO Screening Services Personalized ASO Provides Improvement for a Girl with KAND< an Ultra-rare Disease SCA3: A Family Affair Susannah's Superhero StoryÂ
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46:04
Evolving Animal Welfare: Science, Ethics, and Innovation
Are we on the brink of a major shift in research? In this episode of Sounds of Science, Charles River experts challenge traditional approaches, exploring cutting-edge innovations that enhance animal welfare while driving scientific breakthroughs.   From revolutionary non-animal testing methods to advanced behavioral management strategies, we uncover how ethical care leads to better data and faster drug discovery. Tune in to discover how science, compassion, and innovation are shaping the next era of drug development.Show Notes Animals in Research | 3Rs Alternative Methods Advancement Project CHARTER Program for Lab Animal Welfare Advancing Responsible ScienceÂ
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30:03
Cancer Vaccines, Then and Now
Did you know that the first attempt at a cancer vaccine was all the way back in the 1800s? I am joined by Charles River experts Louise Brackenbury, Dan Rocca, and Mike Templin to discuss the fascinating science behind therapeutic cancer vaccines.Clarification: Coley’s Toxin is not a vaccine in the traditional sense, but a compound developed by William Coley in the 19th century as a treatment for cancer, and is considered a precursor to modern cancer immunotherapy.
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34:34
All About Spheroids
Spheroids are three dimensional cell models that can mimic some organs, tumors, and other biological systems for drug testing. Like organoids and organs-on-a-chip, spheroids are breaking in to drug development as a promising alternative to animal models. I am joined by Madhu Lal Nag, MBS PhD from the 3D in vitro model company InSphero, to discuss the development and future potential of these tiny cellular machines.
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26:54
Ep. 89: Rethinking Toxicology: The Future of NAMs in Agrochemicals
The agrochemical field has long relied on animal models to evaluate the safety and efficacy of substances, but there’s a growing demand to adopt new alternative methods (NAMs) that can further the industry while reducing the need for animal testing. However, questions remain as to their long-term viability.   Join Robert Landsiedel, Vice President of Experimental Toxicology and Ecology, and Susanne Kolle, Research Coordinator of Experimental Toxicology and Ecology at BASF, as they explain the benefits of NAMs, how they comply with the 3Rs principle, and the role collaboration is playing to push NAMs as a viable alternative to animals.Show Notes    Alternative Methods  AMAP Strategic Partnerships Animals in Research  Modernizing Drug Development Agrochemical Testing Service for Approvals Chemical Testing Services Charles River Laboratories Announces Development of Nonclinical Virtual Control Groups with Sanofi to Reduce the Use of Animals Charles River Laboratories, in Collaboration with MatTek Corporation, Awarded Grant from the Foundation for Chemistry Research and Initiatives to Advance Research Alternatives
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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