Imperial Podcast: Plant pathogens, medical apps and the "Machine Gunner"

An early warning system for plant diseases, an app for sickle cell anaemia patients, and Professor Stephen Richardson celebrates his CBE award.

Two PhD students share their delight at winning £20,000 investment for their research project on plant pathogens.

Professor Stephen Richardson, who won a CBE in the New Year Honours, explains how he got the nickname “Machine Gunner” for his fast-talking habit.

And PhD student Kit Huckvale explains how his app, SiKL, will help patients with sickle cell anaemia keep their medical records.

The podcast is presented by Gareth Mitchell, a lecturer on Imperial's Science Communication MSc course and the presenter of Click Radio on the BBC World Service, with contributions from our roaming reporters from the Research Communications group.

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News: heart disease and ailing doctors – Imperial scientists identify mutations linked to dilated cardiomyopathy, paving the way for more accurate genetic diagnosis. Plus, a study suggests that complaints procedures are causing psychological illness in doctors and putting patients at risk.

Medical records go mobile – The SiKL app, designed by PhD student Kit Huckvale, aims to help sickle cell anaemia patients keep track of their care.

Prize pitch – The Institute of Chemical Biology’s Dragon’s Den-style competition gave doctoral students a chance to win £20,000 by pitching their projects to a team of experts. The winning team, Fungi Alert, have developed a device that gives farmers early warning  of possible infection by plant pathogens in the soil.

Professor Stephen Richardson: ‘The Machine Gunner’ – Imperial’s Associate Provost  (Institutional Affairs) talks about his recent CBE award, the challenge of remembering students’ names, and how his quick-fire delivery earned him his nickname.

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