What's That Rash?

If you've seen a physiotherapist, you might’ve undergone needling with the promise it will reduce your pain. Did you receive dry needling or acupuncture? How can you tell the difference between the two? Norman and Tegan poke through the evidence to find out how effective these techniques can be. References: Similarities between Ashi acupoints and myofascial trigger points: Exploring the relationsh...

You might’ve seen headlines about high levels of lead being found in common protein supplements. With these products becoming more popular, the news has some eager gym-goers concerned about what they’re consuming. Norman and Tegan discuss how these results compare to our historical exposure – from Ancient Rome to Australia in the 1960s. References: Protein Powders and Shakes Contain High Levels of...

Once you go looking, you realise there are scents in everything – from skincare to cleaning supplies to candles. And of course, perfume. Are there any implications to our health from taking in natural and synthetic fragrances from all these products? Norman and Tegan sniff out the evidence when it comes to scent, and whether we should be worried. References: The first chemist in history may have b...

Whether you can or not, it feels like a sign of fitness to be able to reach down and touch your toes. But how important is flexibility when it comes to your physical fitness? Is it a necessary part of healthy ageing? Norman and Tegan stretch through the evidence on flexibility – when does it count, and how can you achieve it? References: Genetics of Muscle Stiffness, Muscle Elasticity and Explosiv...

The battle between butter and margarine has been happening since margarine was invented in the 19th century. So have we figured out which one is better for your health – butter with its high saturated fat content, or margarine which is an ultra-processed food? Norman and Tegan unpack the winding history of this debate from its inception to the present day. References: The Butter Wars: When Margari...

Do you ever wonder while you’re shampooing and conditioning – is this really necessary? The no-poo movement encourages people to ditch their products and turn to homemade concoctions, or nothing at all. Norman and Tegan rinse out the evidence for and against hair care, and how we got here in the first place. References: Clean: A History of Personal Hygiene and Purity Shampoo and Conditioners: What...

It’s marathon season, but whether you’re running 40 kilometres or four you might’ve wondered what it’s doing to your joints. It used to be thought things like osteoarthritis of the knee or the hip were caused by wear and tear, and running made things worse. Norman and Tegan jog through how the evidence has evolved, and answer the question: should you be hopping on the run club trend? References: ...

A post from Queensland Health has been ridiculed after for urging people not to kiss their pets or let them sleep in the same bed. So how do the risks of pet ownership stack up to the presumed benefits of having a furry (feathery or scaly) friend? Norman and Tegan take a look at the evidence – and some of its flaws – and reignite the age-old cat vs dog debate. References: If you have a pet as a ki...

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 allergy. 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.  This episo...

It’s a tale as old as air travel … you’re off on a whirlwind holiday but spend the first week suffering from fatigue. If you ask anyone about jet lag they’ll have their own tips, but what are some evidence-based ways to reset your body clock? Norman and Tegan talk through some of the ways you can adjust to a totally different timezone. References: Time-zone effects on the long-distance air travele...

If you haven’t heard of the Don’t Die movement or Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Protocol, then buckle in. Johnson is a millionaire who is pouring his money into a massive effort to stay as young as possible, for as long as possible. Norman and Tegan unpack the basics of his routine, and some of his whackier attempts to turn back the biological clock. References: DunedinPACE, a DNA methylation biomarke...

You go to make a sandwich and notice mould on the corner of a single slice of bread — we've all been there.  So what do you do? Chop off the affected corner? Ditch the single slice and choose bread from further down in the bag? Or chuck the entire bag? Norman and Tegan take on this controversial topic at the World Science Festival in Brisbane.  References: Mycotoxin contamination in moldy slices o...

It might be the last thing on your mind when you’re congested and miserable, but we swear it’s a genuine question we get asked. When you’ve got exercise baked into your routine, do you have to take a break when you’re unwell? Norman and Tegan unpack the nuance of exercising when you’re sick – when you can, and when you can’t. References: The compelling link between physical activity and the body's...

It has become pretty common to send off a saliva sample or a cheek swab to find out more about yourself. At-home DNA testing kits offer insights into ancestry, but also claim to be able to tell you your risk of certain diseases, or even give you unique diet advice. Norman and Tegan explore the limits of these kits, and some things you should consider before potentially buying one. References: Unde...

Australians have a long and complicated history with the emu – and the tale continues in the murky wellness space. There are a handful of emu farms still operating locally to harvest meat, oil, eggs and feathers from the flightless birds. Norman and Tegan discuss the growing demand for emu oil, and what it’s claimed to do. References: The Emu: More-Than-Human and More-Than-Animal Geographies Chemi...

Not everyone is a morning person, and not everyone can stay up past midnight. How hard-wired are our internal schedules? It’s long been suspected there was an evolutionary advantage to humans falling asleep and waking up at different times. Norman and Tegan unpack what are called chronotypes, and whether you can shift yours to better fit your lifestyle. References: Early bird trait might run in fa...

In a video that went viral, Robert F. Kennedy Jr was seen on a plane dropping a cobalt blue liquid into his drink. People quickly started to assume it was methylene blue, a substance that in some corners is being heralded for apparent anti-ageing properties. Norman and Tegan look at the research that has been done so far … and some of the risks of dosing yourself with unproven medications. Referen...

You might've been advertised lymphatic massage treatments promising to boost your energy and leave you looking snatched. The lymphatic system is great at clearing out gunk and checking our bodies for potential nasties like bacteria and viruses. Norman and Tegan discuss whether it's possible to have a 'sluggish' lymphatic system in need of help, without having a diagnosable condition. References: ...

Some people might be naturally blessed with pearly whites, but many people aren’t happy with the shade of their teeth. There’s nothing inherently unhealthy about yellower teeth, and staining happens throughout our lives. Norman and Tegan unpack the long history of teeth whitening (with everything from urine to nitric acid) and discuss where there’s potential for harm. References:  From Gunpowder t...

Coffee has been an important part of human cultures for centuries, and it has a long history of being both heralded and demonised. But the more we learn about coffee – even independent from caffeine – the more that comes to light about its potential benefits. Norman and Tegan drink in the evidence so far, which gets down to the nitty gritty of brewing techniques and milk additions.  References: Co...

There tend to be more bugs around in winter making everyone snotty and uncomfortable. But does this mean that cold weather causes colds? Well no, viruses cause the common cold. But, as Norman and Tegan explain, winter does set the stage for those viruses to have more moments in the spotlight. References: Understanding the symptoms of the common cold and influenza - PMC Cold temperature and low hum...

Organic fruits and vegetables are one thing, but the label is popping up on packaged foods too. Are they healthier for us because they’re certified organic? How much harm are pesticides doing to our health? Norman and Tegan dig into organic farming to find out whether they’re worth the extra price.  References: Organic Certification Explained Pesticides | Food Standards Australia New Zealand   Pes...

What is silence, anyway? Well if you’ve got tinnitus silence can feel like a distant dream. There are many causes of the ringing or buzzing that many people hear despite there being no external sound. Norman and Tegan discuss some of the treatments – current and in the works – that could one day bring some peace and quiet. References: Intrinsic network activity in tinnitus investigated using funct...

If you're a keen gym-goer you might've heard conflicting advice about optimising your workout. Some people claim that doing both cardio (getting your heart pumping) and strength (getting those muscles pumping) on the same day might cancel out the benefits. Norman and Tegan unpack what concurrent training is, and what the evidence tells us about its effects. References A Brief Review on Concurrent...

Are you constantly getting scolded for pressing your cold feet against your partner in bed? Or told your hands are icy cold? It’s well known that some people run cold and others run hot. But why does this happen, and does it say anything about your health? Norman and Tegan unpack the physiology and get into some of the reasons we experience temperature differently. References: Individual differenc...