<p>How are segments of DNA preserved from ancient viruses impacting the functioning of the placenta? And how does this lead to pregnancy complications? Jennifer Frost leads a team of researchers at Kings College London, investigating the role of transposons in the placenta which leads to pregnancy complications. She joins us this month to explore what transposons are, why the placenta is so susceptible to their influence, and how this can manifest in pregnancy.</p><br><p>Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month, and our new ‘From the Theatre’ episodes are released on the second Wednesday of the month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released!&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Explore our Summer Programme on&nbsp;our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rigb.org/whats-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">website</a>&nbsp;</li><li>Subscribe to&nbsp;our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheRoyalInstitution" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a>&nbsp;</li><li>Follow us:&nbsp;@ri_science on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ri_science/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@ri_science" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">TikTok</a>&nbsp;</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Producer and presenter: Lia Hale</p><p>Music: Joseph Sandy</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>