You might have seen those robot-looking red light masks being sold for skincare purposes. You might have thought — looks technological, but does it work? It's not just red light. There are a spectrum of health claims from infrared to ultraviolet. Norman and Tegan go through the rainbow to assess where there's evidence, and where there's not. References: Near Infrared Photoimmunotherapy: A Review of Recent Progress and Their Target Molecules for Cancer Therapy Effect of NASA Light-Emitting Diode ...
Dec 17, 2024•20 min
Life can be exhausting, and while a nap might be in order, it’s rare you’ve got time to take one. Caffeine can come to the rescue, but you might not be a fan of tea of coffee. Energy drinks are an alternative, but are they any good for you? Norman and Tegan explain what modern energy drinks contain, and what the ingredients do. What's That Rash? is on YouTube! Subscribe to ABC Science to watch the podcast. References: Prevalence and Amounts of Common Ingredients Found in Energy Drinks and Shots ...
Dec 10, 2024•18 min
Many people live sedentary lives, sitting in an office all day then coming home to sit on the couch all night. What are the health harms of too much sitting? And do they compare to smoking as some headlines claim? Norman and Tegan settle in to explain the risks, and what you can do to avoid them. What's That Rash? is on YouTube! Subscribe to ABC Science to watch the podcast. References: Evaluating the Evidence on Sitting, Smoking, and Health: Is Sitting Really the New Smoking? Trends in Self-Rep...
Dec 03, 2024•19 min
We live in a world full of influencers pushing us products promising to keep us looking bouncy and youthful forever. Collagen is a hugely important protein that does play a role in plumping up our skin — as well as supporting muscles, bones and connective tissues. Norman and Tegan find out how effective collagen supplements are in skin care, and which kind you should look out for if you want to see results. What's That Rash? is on YouTube! Subscribe to ABC Science to watch the podcast. Reference...
Nov 26, 2024•19 min
These days, our mobile phones are rarely far away. Whether it’s in your hand, your pocket, or under your pillow at night. Mobiles do emit radiation in order to connect to phone towers, which enables us to stay in contact with people and the internet. But is that radiation doing us harm? Norman and Tegan talk through the facts – what we do know, don’t know and suspect about our tech companions. What's That Rash? is coming to YouTube! Keep an eye out for the video version of this episode on ABC Sc...
Nov 19, 2024•19 min
Why are people with arthritis being told to stop eating potatoes, tomatoes and egg plants? Vegetables in the nightshade family have been under scrutiny for decades, but the fad of cutting them out of our diets has seen a recent resurgence. Norman and Tegan investigate where all this shade comes from, and whether there's any evidence to support it. References: Deadly Nightshade: A Botanical Biography Flavonoids, alkaloids and saponins: are these plant-derived compounds an alternative to the treat...
Nov 12, 2024•14 min
We've been searching for a fountain of youth for millennia. How can we not only live longer, but live healthier for longer? Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is the latest anti-ageing candidate under the microscope. Norman and Tegan explain what it is, and whether supplements promising to boost NAD actually do what's advertised on the bottle. References: NAD+ metabolism and its roles in cellular processes during ageing NAD+ in Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Disorders What is really know...
Nov 05, 2024•18 min
Vampires and werewolves and zombies, oh my! Where did all these monsters come from? Undiagnosed medical conditions might have fuelled the mythology behind some of these creatures. Norman and Tegan delve into why vampires drink blood, why werewolves howl at the full moon and how a hex might have its intended effect. References: ABC's FrankenScience: Can Vampires Get Syphilis? and Witchcraft or Just a Placebo? All in the Mind: What's behind a paranormal experience? Porphyria and Vampirism—A Myth, ...
Oct 29, 2024•18 min
It’s hay fever season, and as you sniffle away next to an air purifier, you might be wondering why we haven’t cured such a common ailment. Allergic rhinitis, as it’s scientifically known, has plagued people for generations. It's thought up to 24 per cent of Australians suffer from it. Norman and Tegan run through what hay fever is, how we identified it and what can be done to treat it. References: Allergic Rhinitis: A Review O Rose thou art sick… history of allergic rhinitis I’m considering alle...
Oct 22, 2024•18 min
Many of us are disconnected from nature – we live in cities, work in offices, exercise indoors. There is a hypothesis that our disconnection from the earth itself – the ground – is causing a range of illnesses. But the people selling this hypothesis are also trying to sell you a range of expensive products. Norman and Tegan debunk a pseudoscience that has been gaining traction. References: Electrical Grounding Improves Vagal Tone in Preterm Infants Associations between Nature Exposure and Health...
Oct 15, 2024•17 min
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavour enhancer that often gets a bad wrap. You might know someone who swears it makes them sick, or you yourself might steer clear of foods unless they have that 'no added MSG' label. Norman and Tegan explain why the bad PR around MSG has more to do with shonky research and misconceptions than the ingredient itself. References: MSG in food - Food Standards Australia and New Zealand A review of the alleged health hazards of monosodium glutamate Monosodium glutama...
Oct 08, 2024•19 min
If you've found yourself in a particular corner of health and wellness TikTok, chances are you've heard all about cortisol. Influencers might be urging you to massage your face, stuff your mouth full of dates and even supplement your diet with sea moss. Norman and Tegan explain why some of that MIGHT make you healthier, but not in the way that you think. References Forgotten episodes of the birth of cortisone The effects of exercise intensity on the cortisol response to a subsequent acute psycho...
Oct 01, 2024•19 min
If you've ever complained about a bad night's sleep, you might've been urged to take melatonin. It's a hormone our bodies naturally produce, and also a supplement that many claim can cure insomnia and leave you better rested. But Norman and Tegan tuck into all the reasons we shouldn't be taking melatonin lightly. References What do we really know about the safety and efficacy of melatonin for sleep disorders? Is melatonin safe for children? Quantity of Melatonin and CBD in Melatonin Gummies Sold...
Sep 24, 2024•19 min
Iron deficiency is incredibly common, especially in menstruating women. But this mineral is vital. Our bodies use iron to make haemoglobin, which carries oxygen to our cells. Norman and Tegan take us through what it means to have adequate iron levels, and what it takes. References A Review of Nutrients and Compounds, Which Promote or Inhibit Intestinal Iron Absorption Intermittent iron supplementation for reducing anaemia and its associated impairments in adolescent and adult menstruating women ...
Sep 17, 2024•18 min
It's a tale as old as time – as you age, hangovers hit harder. The tolerance of your youth wastes away. There's no doubt that any alcohol consumption is bad for you. But that doesn’t mean people aren't drinking. Norman and Tegan explain what alcohol is doing to the body, and why the after effects get harder to cope with as you get older. References The Assessment of Overall Hangover Severity Aldehyde dehydrogenase isozyme variation and alcoholism in Japan Endogenous formation of 1-propanol and m...
Sep 10, 2024•18 min
We get a LOT of questions about sleep – on everything from cheese dreams to sleep farts. Why do you jerk awake as you're drifting off? Why are you itchy as soon as you get into bed? Norman and Tegan snooze through some sleep-related questions in this rapid-fire special. References Too Sour to be True? Tart Cherries (Prunus cerasus) and Sleep: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Dreams of the Rarebit Fiend: food and diet as instigators of bizarre and disturbing dreams Sleeping position during e...
Sep 03, 2024•18 min
It might not seem like it, but we humans are electrical beings. We rely on electrical impulses to stay alive. So can we rely on electrical impulses … to get swole? Norman and Tegan investigate the various claims surrounding electrical muscle stimulation. References Functional Electrical Stimulation and Spinal Cord Injury Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction on Quadriceps Strength, Function, and Patient-Oriented Outcomes : A Systematic Re...
Aug 27, 2024•18 min
The Mediterranean diet is the most well studied dietary pattern out there. So – what is it? It’s more than just vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and sparing consumption of meat. Norman and Tegan take us through ALL the elements that make up this way of eating, which has been attributed to a myriad of health benefits. References Scientific evidence supporting the newly developed one-health labeling tool “Med-Index” Mediterranean diet and health outcomes: a systematic meta-review Perspective...
Aug 20, 2024•18 min
In some parts of the world sauna bathing is a daily activity. In Finland, it would even be rude to deny an invitation to get hot and sweaty with a business associate. As well as being culturally significant, the sauna has many touted health benefits – from protecting against cardiovascular disease, to fending off cognitive decline. Norman and Tegan sort through the evidence. References The multifaceted benefits of passive heat therapies for extending the healthspan: A comprehensive review with a...
Aug 13, 2024•18 min
Many people go through phases of nail biting in childhood, and fewer people continue biting their nails into adulthood. It's a habit that can be difficult to break – especially when anxiety can be a trigger, along with boredom. Norman and Tegan take us through the current treatments available for people who want to stop munching on their cuticles. References Onychophagia and onychotillomania can be effectively managed Prevalence and correlates of clinically significant body-focused repetitive be...
Aug 06, 2024•17 min
If you're glued to your couch watching the Paris Games, you know that elite athletes are beyond impressive. But does that mean they're healthy? Not necessarily. Norman and Tegan unpack the positive and negative impacts of elite-level sport on the body and the mind. References Female and male US Olympic athletes live 5 years longer than their general population counterparts: a study of 8124 former US Olympians Long-term function, body composition and cardiometabolic health in midlife former athle...
Jul 30, 2024•18 min
Offices are catching up to the idea that sitting for eight hours a day might not be great for your health. Standing desks, adjustable monitors and hand rests are common tools in the arsenal of ergonomics. But are we getting it all wrong? Norman and Tegan dispel some myths about the impact of office jobs on the body. References Having 'good' posture doesn’t prevent back pain, and 'bad' posture doesn't cause it Evaluating the Evidence on Sitting, Smoking, and Health: Is Sitting Really the New Smok...
Jul 23, 2024•18 min
Bodies are weird … but are they THAT weird? Sexually-induced sneezing has been written about in medical texts for hundreds of years. In this live episode from the World Science Festival Brisbane, Norman and Tegan explain what it is, and why it might happen. References Sneezing induced by sexual ideation or orgasm: an under-reported phenomenon
Jul 16, 2024•12 min
You've either seen it, or you've tried it. Ice baths are all the rage right now, in part because they claim to be an effective health and wellbeing booster. Is this just a fad, or is there solid evidence that dipping into freezing cold water can improve your immune system, calm down inflammation and better your mood? Norman went for the plunge – and lived to tell Tegan the tale. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to [email protected]. We'd love...
Jul 09, 2024•16 min
Once you get past the initial ick-factor of toothbrush sharing, it's worth considering whether there are any actual harms. Whether we like it or not, our mouths are home to a unique microbiome. As Norman and Tegan explain, it's influenced by what we eat, who we kiss – and yes, who we might share a toothbrush with. References Armed to the Teeth—The Oral Mucosa Immunity System and Microbiota Assessment of Microbial Contamination of a Toothbrush Head with and without a Protective Cover: An Ex Vivo ...
Jul 02, 2024•17 min
There's no doubt people with coeliac disease should stay away from gluten, but what about the rest of us? There is nothing inherently harmful about gluten when it doesn’t cause you gut trouble. Norman and Tegan talk us through why a gluten-free diet is not necessarily a healthy one. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you! References Avoiding gluten when you’re not a coeliac - Health Report Coeliac di...
Jun 25, 2024•17 min
Feeling yuck? Have you ever wondered about the purpose of all that gunk you're coughing up? At least one of our listeners has … and she wants to know whether there’s any benefit to spitting or swallowing… In this live episode from the World Science Festival Brisbane, Norman and Tegan take us through the answer.
Jun 18, 2024•12 min
It might feel like this wrinkle-busting procedure has been around forever, but it's a relatively recent cosmetic concoction. At first, it was a procedure for already aged skin. Now 20-somethings are using it to try prevent wrinkles from ever forming. Norman and Tegan unpack how we got to this point, and the do's and dont's of the procedure. References: The whole truth about botulinum toxin – a review Botulinum toxin type A for facial wrinkles - Cochrane review Botulinum Toxin and Muscle Atrophy:...
Jun 11, 2024•18 min
For the meat eaters still out there, you may be wondering how much is too much when it comes to your health. You will have to weigh up the benefits and the harms. Norman and Tegan take us through the recommendations, and the science to back them up. References: Health effects associated with consumption of unprocessed red meat: a Burden of Proof study Red Meat and Processed Meat Consumption and All-Cause Mortality: A Meta-Analysis Plant-based diets and long-term health: findings from the EPIC-Ox...
Jun 04, 2024•16 min
Apple cider vinegar is revered in wellness spaces for its health-giving benefits, but is there anything to it? There are claims it can aid with weight loss, boost your gut microbiome and manage blood sugar levels. Norman and Tegan explain how this salad dressing became so famous, and what the science tells us. References: Apple cider vinegar for weight management in Lebanese adolescents and young adults with overweight and obesity: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study Antibacteri...
May 28, 2024•18 min
