We\u2019ve grown used to hearing about potential new treatments for Covid-19 \u2013 well here\u2019s another. Researchers in Britain have, by chance, discovered that a tablet used to treat liver disease for decades could be repurposed to stop Covid-19 in its tracks.
The drug appears to shut a crucial \u2018doorway\u2019 the virus uses to get into our cells \u2013 and scientists are excited about its potential to tackle different variants and provide a low-cost weapon in the pandemic. We hear how researchers used a combination of \u2018mini organs\u2019, animals and humans to show how it could work \u2013 and what needs to happen next to confirm the findings.
The BBC\u2019s Anna Holligan reports from the cycle-friendly Netherlands on an innovative new bike donation scheme that is being used to break down barriers and improve mental health for refugees and in deprived communities.
And Claudia Hammond\u2019s guest this week is Dr Graham Easton, a family doctor and professor of clinical communication skills at Queen Mary University of London. He delves into new research that suggests short bursts of vigorous activity could reduce risk of death and finds out which Olympic sports are most likely to cause injuries. Spoiler: It\u2019s not the more traditional ones\u2026
(Picture: Liver organoid \u2013 or \u2018mini-liver\u2019 \u2013 infected with SARS-CoV-2 (red indicates the virus). Photo credit: Teresa Brevini).
Presenter: Claudia Hammond\nProducer: Gerry Holt