Coffee Break Science

What does "normal" actually look like in a system as complex as the human endometrium? And why does it still take over eight years for so many to find answers for their pain?
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Charlotte Cassie, a postdoctoral researcher in the Vento-Tormo lab at the Wellcome Sanger Institute. Charlotte is at the forefront of efforts to map the endometrium at single-cell resolution, to build a cellular "atlas" that serves as the essential blueprint for understanding gynaecological health.
Complementing the science is the lived experience of Sahir Ahmed-Evans. Over the last 15 years, Sahir has navigated a grueling journey through endometriosis and chronic illness, eventually undergoing a hysterectomy and bowel surgery that led to surgical menopause. Sahir shares her story of resilience and her transition into systemic advocacy, community building, and education within the women’s health space.
Join us as we explore how this high-resolution science is finally shedding light on endometriosis, one of the most historically under-researched conditions in medicine.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Spatiotemporal cellular map of the developing human reproductive tract | Nature
Gynaecology Information Zine: Created by Charlotte and her colleagues at the Vento-Tormo Lab: Outreach - VenTo Lab
Follow Sahir’s Advocacy: SAHIR AHMED EVANS | LinkedIn(2)
Instagram
Sahir Ahmed-Evans | Menopause & Midlife Empowerment Coach for Women 40+

Dr Rouchelle Srinanjan-Rothwell, NIHR clinical lecturer at the University of Cambridge, talks about her recently published IVORY trial, in which the Cambridge team investigated anti-inflammatory therapy using repurposed IL-2 drug to treat acute coronary syndromes
You can find the study here: Anti-inflammatory therapy with low-dose IL-2 in acute coronary syndromes: a randomized phase 2 trial | Nature Medicine
In this episode, we also hear from Mark Andrews, recently treated at CUH for a heart attack, and who took part in the trial.
Let us know what you would like to hear from next by commenting!

Founder and CEO of Elcella, and lecturer at Queen Mary University of London, Dr Madusha Peiris, spills the tea on her team's discovery in human gut tissue which has resulted in an impactful, natural weight management treatment.
Could this be the new natural alternative to Ozempic? Tune in to find out!
Elcella: https://elcella.com
Madusha's research: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=zXeh8S4AAAAJ&hl=en
Want to share your story? Get in touch via the comments!

Founder and CEO of Elcella, and lecturer at Queen Mary University of London, Dr Madusha Peiris, spills the tea on her team's discovery in human gut tissue which has resulted in an impactful, natural weight management treatment.
Could this be the new natural alternative to Ozempic? Tune in to find out!
Elcella: https://elcella.com
Madusha's research: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=zXeh8S4AAAAJ&hl=en
The Times feature: https://www.thetimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/article/first-natural-ozempic-pill-weight-loss-elcella-tb25lnjgq?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPNTY3MDY3MzQzMzUyNDI3AAGna-36ZeAqvomHmj4VVQSjh7PCh2QXZE77BgUvc1zZvV3vwnFDJdx2XyiD9WE_aem_lP19PUZubMclwqyHP4c-Lw
Want to share your story? Get in touch via the comments!

In Episode 3, I'm joined by award-winning science writer, public speaker and broadcaster, Dr Kat Arney. She takes us on the evolutionary journey of her career from being a geneticist in the lab, to becoming a bestselling author, while providing a new lens on cancer.

You can buy Rebel Cell wherever you source your books: Rebel Cell by Dr Kat Arney | Waterstones

Contact Ahsen with feedback, questions, or if you're interested in sharing your story, at [email protected] or @ahsenonfilm on Instagram