Killer T cells decide whether to stick around in your body based on nothing more than how firm the tissue feels, a finding with implications for eczema, allergies and cancer treatment. Samantha Yammine unpacks new McGill University research on the surprising role of touch in your immune system.

These are memory T cells, the ones that survive a fight and settle into the tissue where it happened, ready in case trouble returns to that exact spot. It offers a new clue as to why flare-ups like eczema tend to reappear in the same place instead of moving around.

The discovery also opens a new angle on cancer therapy, since CAR T cells engineered to fight tumours often struggle against solid, stiff growths. Understanding how tissue stiffness changes their behaviour could help make one of medicine's most promising cancer treatments effective.

Topics: killer T cells, tissue stiffness, memory T cells, eczema, CAR T cell therapy

GUEST: Samantha Yammine | Samantha Yammine, PhD (Science Sam) - Neuroscientist & Science Communicator | @‌science.cam

Originally aired on 2026-08-18

Killer T cells decide whether to stick around in your body based on nothing more than how firm the tissue feels, a finding with implications for eczema, allergies and cancer treatment. Samantha Yammine unpacks new McGill University research on the surprising role of touch in your immune system.
These are memory T cells, the ones that survive a fight and settle into the tissue where it happened, ready in case trouble returns to that exact spot. It offers a new clue as to why flare-ups like eczema tend to reappear in the same place instead of moving around.
The discovery also opens a new angle on cancer therapy, since CAR T cells engineered to fight tumours often struggle against solid, stiff growths. Understanding how tissue stiffness changes their behaviour could help make one of medicine's most promising cancer treatments effective.
Topics: killer T cells, tissue stiffness, memory T cells, eczema, CAR T cell therapy
GUEST: Samantha Yammine |<a href="http://samanthayammine.com"> Samantha Yammine, PhD (Science Sam) - Neuroscientist &amp; Science Communicator</a> | @&zwnj;science.cam
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-08-18

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.