What's That Rash?

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...

You might've heard a friend complaining about their latest break-out and swearing off dairy products as a result. Or that friend might be you. It’s a common complaint, but does it have any scientific merit? Norman and Tegan explore whether consuming dairy can cause acne, and if so, how a glass of milk might lead to pimples. References: The Influence of Genetics and Environmental Factors in the Pat...

You might’ve been told by parents, teachers, colleagues, friends of friends to stop cracking your knuckles because it will give you arthritis. There’s a surprising amount of science going on when you crack a joint, and it suggests there’s very little risk of harming your bones. But as Norman and Tegan explain, there is one major risk – you could irritate everybody around you. References: Mathemati...

When weighing up the health risks of getting a tattoo, most people are concerned about the risk infection. But recently the ingredients in tattoo ink have come under the microscope, with some being identified as potential carcinogens. Norman and Tegan take a look at the many substances used to create permanent art, and whether they carry any real harm to humans. References: Why Tattoos Stay Put |...

The carnivore diet asks people to eat entirely animal-based, and the most extreme followers restrict themselves to only meat. Many carnivores claims they feel great — better than they ever have. They have more energy and lose weight. Norman and Tegan tuck into the reasons why carnivores feel better in the short-term, and the dangers they're inviting in the long-term. References:  Behavioral Charac...

Hot flashes. Night sweats. Aching joints. Sore boobs. Welcome to your body in perimenopause! In episode one of this four-part series, Yumi Stynes speaks to women in the thick of perimenopause and battling physical symptoms.  She also sits down with Dr Susan Davis, endocrinologist and world-leading expert on sex hormones and ageing to learn the best treatments for bothersome symptoms and how look a...

Do you find yourself complaining that you've got a small bladder, as you run to the toilet for the third time in an hour? There are many reasons a person might pee more than others, including some scary medical conditions.  But as Norman and Tegan explain, in most cases your bladder is just deconditioned and you need to get your urinary tract into shape.  References: Bladder control: Lifestyle str...

Microplastics are everywhere – they’re in the air, in the water and in our bodies. There’s plenty of evidence for that, but it’s still unclear what effects these microplastics are having on our health. Norman and Tegan unpack what we do and don’t know about these tiny specs of plastic, and what you might be able to do about them. References: Ingested microplastics: Do humans eat one credit card pe...

This week parts of Australia are preparing to wind back their clocks to mark the ending of daylight saving time. For a long time the country has been divided about the positives and the negatives of changing the clocks twice a year. Norman and Tegan look into the health effects of this shift – from the impact on sleep to medical procedures and road accidents. References: Basic concepts and unique...

If you're short-sighted or long-sighted, have astigmatism or double vision, you now live in a world where glasses can help you out. But there's a misconception hanging around that wearing spectacles weakens your eyes over time, and so some people avoid getting their vision checked. Norman and Tegan focus in on how glasses work and the long term impacts of wearing them. References: When time outsid...

We haven’t always suppressed our sweat or our natural body odour, but in many cultures now it’s expected we’ll all try to smell our best. You might be seeing more ads for ‘natural’ deodorants that promise to keep you fresh without any harmful ingredients. Norman and Tegan talk through those ingredients, and whether they carry any risks. References: The specific biochemistry of human axilla odour f...

Protein is having its moment — walk any supermarket aisle and you'll find product after product boasting its protein content.  Do you need to be loading up on protein through powders or processed foods, or can you meet your goals with whole foods? Norman and Tegan unpack why protein is important and how much you need each day.  References: Protein - Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New...

Long-time listeners would have heard Norman decrying fine particulate air pollution and its negative effects on health. But when it’s all around us – on our worksites, in our offices and on our motorways – how are you supposed to protect yourself? Norman and Tegan explain what fine particulate air pollution is, and what it does to the body once it’s breathed in. References: Estimates of global mor...

Cramping muscles are common, whether they’re associated with exercise or not. Knowing what causes them can help people avoid them or treat them, but for many people it's not a simple story. Norman and Tegan talk through some of the theories behind this painful phenomenon, and why magnesium might not be the answer. References: Muscle cramps: A comparison of the two-leading hypothesis Influence of H...

Hair loss is common, but there are many different causes and potentially many different treatments. From topical ointments to light therapy, to scalp massage routines. What works to slow, or even reverse, hair loss? Norman and Tegan comb through the evidence for approved treatments and too-good-to-be-true snake oil. References:  Male pattern baldness - Healthdirect Male Androgenetic Alopecia with...