What's That Rash?

Walking down the street, most people you pass will be wearing headphones or ear buds. Chances are you are too!But is this trend of noise-cancelling harming your ears or the way your brain processes sound?Norman and Tegan sound out the evidence on headphone use and hearing damage, and what you can do to protect your ears.References:Know Your Noise - National Acoustic LaboratoriesPumping loud music is putting more than 1 billion young people at risk of hearing loss - University of Melbourne A Partial History of Headphones - Smithsonian Prevalence and global estimates of unsafe listening practices in adolescents and young adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis Hearing thresholds, tinnitus, and headphone listening habits in nine-year-old children Do Noise-Cancelling Headphones Help or Hurt Hearing? - University of ColoradoTips for safe listening using headphones and earbuds – Hearing Australia  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Is there such thing as TOO much sun protection?Is there a cure for jet lag?Don’t Die: Is Bryan Johnson going to live forever?

Many people believe that taking vitamin C supplements helps their immune system fight off colds.But there are even bigger claims attached to this supplement – that it not only boosts immunity, but fights cancer.Norman and Tegan introduce us to the Nobel laureate who pushed these theories decades ago, and whether there’s any truth to them.References:The Discovery of Vitamin C Treatment for scurvy not discovered by LindLinus Pauling’s Vitamin C CrusadeAscorbic Acid in Cancer Treatment: Let the Phoenix FlyA randomized trial of pharmacological ascorbate, gemcitabine, and nab-paclitaxel for metastatic pancreatic cancerThe Role of Vitamin C in Cancer Prevention and Therapy: A Literature Review High-dose vitamin C: A promising anti-tumor agent, insight from mechanisms, clinical research, and challenges Vitamin C reduces the severity of common colds: a meta-analysis Two Faces of Vitamin C—Antioxidative and Pro-Oxidative Agent Vitamin C - Australian Institute of SportVitamin C – EatforHealth.gov.au If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Multivitamins: Are they a scam?Can consuming dairy really give you acne?Is sitting the new smoking?

Unless you're in certain corners of the internet, you won't be aware of the peptide craze promising to grow your muscles and slow ageing.That's because your average GP won't be printing a prescription for these injectable drugs, like BPC-157 or melanotan.Norman and Tegan discuss why there's so much fan fare over unproven peptides with some potentially nasty side effects.References:Effects of Topical Copper Tripeptide Complex on CO2 Laser–Resurfaced Skin Don’t risk using tanning products containing melanotan - TGAMelanotan‐associated melanomaMelanotan II: a possible cause of renal infarction: review of the literature and case reportMelanotan II: a possible cause of renal infarction: review of the literature and case reportMelanotan-induced priapism: a hard-earned tan – BMJ case studyBPC-157: Experimental peptide prohibited - US Anti-Doping AuthorityEffect of BPC-157 on Symptoms in Patients with Interstitial Cystitis: A Pilot StudySafety of Intravenous Infusion of BPC157 in Humans: A Pilot StudyIntra-Articular Injection of BPC 157 for Multiple Types of Knee PainGeneral practitioner disqualified for inappropriately prescribing peptidesIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Can collagen supplements keep your skin supple?Should you be flexible enough to touch your toes?Can you zap yourself buff with electrical muscle stimulation?

Your dentist might be nagging you to floss to avoid cavities, but does flossing have more to given than pearly whites?Interdental cleaning has been recommended for a while, but for many people it’s a habit hard to maintain.Norman and Tegan pick through the history of flossing, and whether it can improve your heart and brain health too.Terms and conditions of our World Science Festival Brisbane ticket giveaway! References:Ask the Expert: Do I Really Need to Floss? - NIH Home use of interdental cleaning devices, in addition to toothbrushing, for preventing and controlling periodontal diseases and dental cariesFlossing Is Associated with Improved Oral Health in Older Adults Does flossing before or after brushing influence the reduction in the plaque index? A systematic review and meta-analysisWhy would cardiovascular disease and poor oral health be connected? - Harvard Health Oral health and later coronary heart disease: Cohort study of one million peopleStronger connections made between oral health and Alzheimer's disease Large study links gum disease with dementia What Dentists Have to Say About Red-Light Therapy for Optimal Oral Health If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!How risky is sharing a toothbrush?Should you be avoiding perfumes and fragrances?Do healthy people need lymphatic treatments?

With endless entertainment at your fingertips on your phone, how often do you really sit and do absolutely nothing?It turns out that even when you’re staring into the middle distance, your brain is firing away with activity.Norman and Tegan explore why giving your brain a break might be important for learning and creativity.References:The Journey of the Default Mode Network: Development, Function, and Impact on Mental Health Default-mode brain dysfunction in mental disorders: A systematic review  Just think: The challenges of the disengaged mind - Science The Importance of the Default Mode Network in Creativity—A Structural MRI Study  The Importance of the Default Mode Network in Creativity—A Structural MRI Study  People are increasingly bored in our digital ageIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!What is the perfect nap duration?Can tattoos increase your risk of cancer?Why are people taping their mouths?

How many times a week are you eating fish? What about oily fish, like salmon and tuna?Our dietary guidelines recommend the regular consumption of fish to potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia and even macular degeneration.Norman and Tegan dig into the oily history of fish, and whether supplements can have the same effect.References:The Man with a Fish on His Back: In the late 19th century cod-liver oil was proclaimed the cure for many ailments"Fishing" for the origins of the "Eskimos and heart disease" story: facts or wishful thinking?Omega-3 Fatty Acids - National Institutes of HealthThe relationship between polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammation: evidence from cohort and Mendelian randomization analysesOmega‐3 fatty acids for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseaseRegular use of fish oil supplements and course of cardiovascular diseases: prospective cohort studyAssociations Between Plasma Omega-3 and Fish Oil Use With Risk of Atrial Fibrillation in the UK BiobankAssociations of fish oil supplementation with incident dementia: Evidence from the UK Biobank cohort studyOmega-3 Fatty Acids for the Management of Osteoarthritis: A Narrative Review Omega 3 fatty acids for preventing or slowing the progression of age‐related macular degenerationOmega-3 fatty acids for depression in adultsFish-Oil Supplementation and Cardiovascular Events in Patients Receiving HemodialysisIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Why is everyone suddenly talking about seed oils?Does magnesium work against muscle cramps?Why is the internet telling me to lower my cortisol?

It’s so common to tell kids to wait an hour after eating to swim that many of us never question it.But what are the actual consequences of jumping straight back in the pool after you’ve had your lunch?Norman and Tegan tackle whether this advice is grounded in evidence, and discuss what you should actually avoid.References:Scouting for boys - 1908The International Lifesaving Federation medical position statement 2014 Effect of food consumption on 200-yard freestyle swim performanceThe National Drowning Report 2025 Monday’s medical myth: wait 30 minutes after eating before you swim – the Conversation If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Does magnesium work against muscle cramps? Why do you feel so tired after a big meal?Is being an Olympian bad for your health?

Last year Norman made the shocking statement that people shouldn’t retire because it’ll be bad for their brains.After an influx of requests, we’ve looked at the evidence not only when it comes to brain health, but heart health, metabolic health and mental wellbeing.Norman and Tegan unpack the complex story of what happens to your brain and body when you retire – depending on the job you had.References:How Retirement Was Invented: The earliest schemes for financial support in old age were pegged to life expectancy Towards higher retirement incomes for Australians: a history of the Australian retirement income system since Federation Impact of retirement transition on health, well-being and health behaviours: critical insights from an overview of reviews Effect of retirement on cognitive function: the Whitehall II cohort study Retirement or no Retirement? The Decision’s Effects on Cognitive Functioning, Well-Being, and Quality of LifeRisk of Cognitive Declines With Retirement: Who Declines and Why?The Impact of Retirement on Cardiovascular Disease and Its Risk Factors: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal StudiesRetirement and mental health: Analysis of the Australian national survey of mental health and well-beingThe Effects of Retirement on Sense of Purpose in Life: Crisis or Opportunity?The Role of Meaning in the Retirement Transition: Scoping ReviewLife after work: how we can support retirees – R U OK? If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Is NAD+ a miracle anti-ageing supplement?At-home DNA tests — what can they tell you?How much protein do you REALLY need?

A few weeks into the new year you might be reassessing your resolutions and wondering where to put your energy. Is it possible to choose between diet or exercise? Or are the two inherently intertwined?Norman and Tegan try to untangle the untangleable, pitting diet and exercise against one another in different arenas. References:The history of nutritional sciences Casimir Funk: The scientist who gave us the word 'vitamin' How the Seven Countries Study contributed to the definition and development of the Mediterranean diet concept: A 50-year journey Coronary Heart Disease and Physical Activity of WorkLong-term effectiveness of diet-plus-exercise interventions vs. diet-only interventions for weight loss: a meta-analysis Efficacy of dietary intervention or in combination with exercise on primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: A systematic review Diet or diet plus physical activity versus usual care in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes: the Early ACTID randomised controlled trial Trading off dietary choices, physical exercise and cardiovascular disease risks If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Why Norman won't shut up about the Mediterranean dietWhy the carnivore diet is so riskyIs botox worth a shot?

It can be hard to keep up with food fads and diet trends (and spoiler: you don’t need to).But an intriguing assumption that has gained traction recently is that seed oils – think canola, sunflower, grapeseed – are terrible for you.Norman and Tegan unpack how that assumption has spread, and whether there’s any solid evidence to back it up.References:Biomarkers of Dietary Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Incident Cardiovascular Disease and MortalitySerum n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and risk of death: the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor StudyOmega-6 fats to prevent and treat heart and circulatory diseasesPolyunsaturated fatty acids intake and risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, mental health, and type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studiesPerspective on the health effects of unsaturated fatty acids and commonly consumed plant oils high in unsaturated fatIf you’re worried about inflammation, stop stressing about seed oils and focus on the basics

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.This episode first aired on March 19, 2025. References:The specific biochemistry of human axilla odour formation viewed in an evolutionary contextUse of Aluminium in Antiperspirants - Australian Department of HealthAntiperspirants/Deodorants and Breast Cancer - National Cancer InstituteAntiperspirants - National Kidney FoundationHow Advertisers Convinced Americans They Smelled Bad - Smithsonian Magazine

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. This episode first aired on April 15, 2025. References:Bladder control: Lifestyle strategies ease problemsA randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial of a product containing pumpkin seed extract and soy germ extract to improve overactive bladder-related voiding dysfunction and quality of lifePumpkin Seed Oil Extracted From Cucurbita maxima Improves Urinary Disorder in Human Overactive BladderProsta Fink Forte capsules in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Multicentric surveillance study in 2245 patients

There have been many discussions this year about sunscreen, its effectiveness and its ingredients.While there are some unknowns, what we’re sure of is sunscreen’s ability to protect us from the sun’s ageing and cancer-causing rays.Norman and Tegan slip, slop, slap some questions about sunscreen: SPF scandal, endocrine disruptors and vitamin D concerns.References:How does sunscreen work? - Cancer Council Sunscreen: a brief walk through historyWe tested the SPF claims of 20 sunscreens. 16 failed - CHOICETGA statement on CHOICE SPF sunscreen findings Safety Review of Seven Active Sunscreen Ingredients – July 2025 Daily sunscreen application and betacarotene supplementation in prevention of basal-cell and squamous-cell carcinomas of the skin: a randomised controlled trialMineral vs chemical sunscreens Can your sunscreen expire? If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Is there such thing as TOO much sun protection?We all need a daily dose of sunlight — but how much? Can you get away with skipping your daily shower?

Creatine is getting a lot of hype lately, at least according to our listeners.It’s being pushed for everything from menopause to dementia for its supposed energy-boosting, brain-boosting benefits.Norman and Tegan explore what is really going on with creatine outside of its muscle-building potential.References:Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show? | Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition Metabolic Basis of Creatine in Health and Disease: A Bioinformatics-Assisted Review - Nutrients Creatine in Health and Disease Creatine supplementation for older adults: Focus on sarcopenia, osteoporosis, frailty and CachexiaSingle dose creatine improves cognitive performance and induces changes in cerebral high energy phosphates during sleep deprivationCreatine monohydrate pilot in Alzheimer's: Feasibility, brain creatine, and cognition The Effects of 8-Week Creatine Hydrochloride and Creatine Ethyl Ester Supplementation on Cognition, Clinical Outcomes, and Brain Creatine Levels in Perimenopausal and Menopausal Women (CONCRET-MENOPA): A Randomized Controlled Trial It Is Not Just About Storing Energy: The Multifaceted Role of Creatine Metabolism on Cancer Biology and ImmunologyCreatine Supplementation for Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Scientific Rationale for a Clinical Trial International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Is it safe to dose yourself with pre-workout?Do healthy people need lymphatic treatments?Is that glass of red wine over Christmas dinner good for you?

Whether or not we remember our dreams, we all have them. But the answer to why we dream is complicated.There's a lot going on in our brains during sleep, especially during the rapid eye movement (REM) phase when most dreams go down.Norman and Tegan talk through the purpose of dreams, how time warps as we snooze and whether there are any downsides to these nightly hallucinations.References:Dreams: Why They Happen & What They Mean – Sleep Foundation Time for actions in lucid dreams: effects of task modality, length, and complexity High Dream Recall Frequency is Associated with Increased Creativity and Default Mode Network ConnectivityfMRI Evidence for Default Mode Network Deactivation Associated with Rapid Eye Movements in Sleep The relationships between insomnia, nightmares, and dreams: A systematic reviewNightmares affect the experience of sleep quality but not sleep architecture: an ambulatory polysomnographic study Gender differences in dreaming: Are they stable over time?Isotretinoin use and reports of sustained dreaming | British Journal of Dermatology | Oxford AcademicDreaming under antidepressants: A systematic review on evidence in depressive patients and healthy volunteersNightmare and Abnormal Dreams: Rare Side Effects of Metformin?If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!What's the deal with night terrors?How risky is sharing a toothbrush?Should you go organic if you're worried about pesticides?

When you’ve got a busy schedule, it’s important to just exercise when you can. But if you have the luxury of choice, is there an optimal one?You might’ve even heard that exercising at certain times of day can lead to harm.Norman and Tegan run through the evidence around heart attacks, workouts and what happens when you’re a morning or a night person.References:Association of the time of day of peak physical activity with cardiovascular mortality: Findings from the UK Biobank StudySetting your clock: associations between timing of objective physical activity and cardiovascular disease risk in the general population Best Time of Day for Strength and Endurance Training to Improve Health and Performance? A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis Gold, silver or bronze: circadian variation strongly affects performance in Olympic athletesDiurnal variation in tennis serviceThe effects of exercise session timing on weight loss and components of energy balance: midwest exercise trial 2 If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Chronotypes: early birds vs night owlsDoes magnesium work against muscle cramps?Norman tried an ice bath so you don't have to

Humans are slightly alkaline – your blood should be a pH between 7.35 to 7.45. Anything outside that range can be life-threatening.So why are you being told to follow an alkaline diet? Proponents of the diet claim it can tackle everything from osteoporosis to cancer.Norman and Tegan do a litmus test on the alkaline-acid balance and whether it’s a driver of chronic disease.References:Physiology, Acid Base BalanceThe effect of acid ash and alkaline ash foodstuffs on the acid-base equilibrium of manUrine pH is an indicator of dietary acid–base load, fruit and vegetables and meat intakes: results from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Norfolk population studyWhy is there so much on the internet about the alkaline diet and cancer? – MD Anderson Low-grade metabolic acidosis as a driver of chronic disease: a 21st century public health crisisDiet-Induced Low-Grade Metabolic Acidosis and Clinical Outcomes: A ReviewIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Why Norman won't shut up about the Mediterranean dietWhy is the internet telling me to lower my cortisol?MSG's messy myths and racist tropes

You’re settling into the couch after a long day, ready to relax with your favourite show … next thing you know, you’re asleep.What is it about the TV that puts people to sleep, and what can you do to avoid dozing off?Norman and Tegan explore comfort watching, binge-watching and blue light exposure.References:Exploring the Bob Ross effect: A psychophysiological investigationBinge Viewing, Sleep, and the Role of Pre-Sleep Arousal | Journal of Clinical Sleep MedicineThe inner clock—Blue light sets the human rhythm Morning and Evening Blue-Enriched Light Exposure Alters Metabolic Function in Normal Weight AdultsMitigating the Effects of Blue Light - Sleep Foundation If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!What is the perfect nap duration?Why do you feel so tired after a big meal?Is your (artificial) sweet tooth killing you?

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 relationship between body surface treatment points Dry Needling versus Acupuncture: The Ongoing DebateAcupuncture: Past, Present, and Future Clinical Effectiveness of Dry Needling in Patients with Musculoskeletal Pain—An Umbrella Review Methodological challenges in design and conduct of randomised controlled trials in acupuncture Needling Point Location Used in Sham Acupuncture for Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-AnalysisComparison of dry needling and trigger point manual therapy in patients with neck and upper back myofascial pain syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysisAcupuncture for Chronic Pain: Individual Patient Data Meta-analysisAcupuncture for musculoskeletal pain: A meta-analysis and meta-regression of sham-controlled randomized clinical trialsMagic tricks are helping scientists understand the placebo effect and pain - ABC NewsIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Can you zap yourself buff with electrical muscle stimulation?Are office jobs ruining our bodies?Is gluten really the enemy?

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 Lead - Consumer ReportsBioaccumulation of lead (Pb) and its effects on human: A review Lead in Food and Foodwares - FDA Low Level Lead Exposure: History and Discovery Lead Toxicity: an Australian Perspective Some US protein powders contain high levels of lead. Can I tell if mine is safe? - the ConversationIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!How much protein do you REALLY need?Norman tried an ice bath so you don't have toWhy do hangovers get worse as we age?