What's That Rash?

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 episode first aired on October 23, 2024. References:Allergic Rhinitis: A ReviewO Rose thou art sick… history of allergic rhinitisI’m considering allergen immunotherapy for my hay fever. What do I need to know?Ingestion of honey improves the symptoms of allergic rhinitis: evidence from a randomized placebo-controlled trialThe Potential use of Honey as a Remedy for Allergic Diseases: A Mini ReviewCan you adapt to allergies or does the dog have to go?You can listen to more episodes of the What’s That Rash? podcast with presenters Norman Swan and Tegan Taylor on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. We answer your questions on everything from TikTok wellness trends to wonder drugs and diet myths.

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 traveler - 1969Jet lag syndrome: circadian organization, pathophysiology, and management strategiesAn Abrupt Shift in the Day/Night Cycle Causes Desynchrony in the Mammalian Circadian CenterThe genetics of mammalian circadian order and disorder: implications for physiology and diseaseHow To Travel the World Without Jet LagEastward Jet Lag is Associated with Impaired Performance and Game Outcome in the National Basketball AssociationManaging Travel Fatigue and Jet Lag in Athletes: A Review and Consensus StatementMelatonin for the prevention and treatment of jet lag | Cochrane ReviewIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Chronotypes: Early birds vs night owlsIs daylight saving time bad for us?What is the perfect nap duration?

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 biomarker of the pace of agingHow old are you really? Are the latest ‘biological age’ tests all they’re cracked up to be?Plasma-Based Strategies for Therapeutic Modulation of Brain AgingInfusion of young donor plasma components in older patients modifies the immune and inflammatory response to surgical tissue injury: a randomized clinical trial | Journal of Translational MedicineOld plasma dilution reduces human biological age: a clinical studyMetformin as Anti-Aging Therapy: Is It for Everyone?Targeting ageing with rapamycin and its derivatives in humans: a systematic review - The Lancet Healthy LongevityA Phase 1/2a Follistatin Gene Therapy Trial for Becker Muscular DystrophyFollistatin Gene Therapy Improves Ambulation in Becker Muscular DystrophyIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Is it safe to dose yourself with pre-workout?Can collagen supplements keep your skin supple?Can you train yourself to sleep less?

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 of bread is mostly limited to the immediate vicinity of the visible infestationAflatoxins - National Cancer InstituteErgot poisoning: Symptoms, treatment, and historyThe expert verdict on whether it's ever OK to cut off the mould on food and eat the rest - ABC NewsDisgust as an adaptive system for disease avoidance behaviourYucky! How Do Toddlers Learn About Disgust?If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Why the carnivore diet is so riskyCracking your knuckles: good, bad or just annoying?

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 defense systemModerate exercise induces trained immunity in macrophages | American Journal of Physiology-Cell PhysiologyHigher risk of upper respiratory tract infection post marathon running: when physical exercise becomes a threat to the immune systemSport and exercise during viral acute respiratory illness—Time to revisitExercise effect on symptom severity, morbidity and mortality in viral infections: a systematic review and meta-analysisEffects of 60-day bed rest with and without exercise on cellular and humoral immunological parameters | Cellular & Molecular ImmunologyThe effect of exercise training on the severity and duration of a viral upper respiratory illnessOrthostatic reactions and blood volumes after moderate physical activation during acute febrile infectionsExercising while sick won’t help you get over a cold faster – but it may prevent your next oneIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Can you train yourself to pee less?Why is everyone suddenly talking about seed oils?Is sitting the new smoking?

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:Understanding Human Genetic VariationWhat Can At-Home Genetic Tests Tell Me About My Health? - PMCThe sense and nonsense of direct-to-consumer genetic testing for cardiovascular diseaseFirst, do no harm: direct-to-consumer genetic testingDo at-home genetic tests work? - MD AndersonGenetic testing | Cancer Council Direct‐to‐consumer genetic tests providing health risk information: A systematic review of consequences for consumers and health servicesAustralians’ perspectives on support around use of personal genomic testing: Findings from the Genioz studyUnderstanding Direct-to-Consumer genetic DNA testing | NHMRCWhat people really change after genetic testing (GT) performed in private labs: results from an Italian studyDirect‐to‐consumer genetic tests providing health risk information: A systematic review of consequences for consumers and health servicesIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Should you base your diet on your blood type?Why is the internet telling me to lower my cortisol?What on earth is grounding?!

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 GeographiesChemical Characterization and In Vivo Toxicological Safety Evaluation of Emu Oil - PMC Review on emu products for use as complementary and alternative medicine - ScienceDirect Anti-inflammatory activity of emu oils in rats | InflammopharmacologyEmu Oil Combined with Lyprinol™ Reduces Small Intestinal Damage in a Rat Model of Chemotherapy-Induced MucositisEmu oil expedites small intestinal repair following 5-fluorouracil-induced mucositis in ratsVitamins and fatty acids against chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositisEmu Oil and zinc monoglycerolate independently reduce disease severity in a rat model of ulcerative colitisOrally administered emu oil attenuates disease in a mouse model of Crohn's-like colitisEmu Oil reduces disease severity in a mouse model of chronic ulcerative colitisEmu oil enhances cutaneous wound healing by modulating inflammation through promoting macrophage M2 polarization via MAPK signaling pathwayEffects of Topical Emu Oil on Burn Wounds in the Skin of Balb/c MicePreparation and evaluation of minoxidil foamable emu oil emulsionComparative effects of emu and olive oil on aortic early atherosclerosis and associated risk factors in hypercholesterolemic hamstersEmu oil decreases atherogenic plaque formation in cafeteria diet-induced obese rats If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Should we all be vegetarian?Infrared, ultraviolet and LED therapy – can lights cure us?Can collagen supplements keep your skin supple?

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 families - the Health ReportGenetic Basis of Chronotype in Humans: Insights From Three Landmark GWASA Length Polymorphism in the Circadian Clock Gene Per3 is Linked to Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome and Extreme Diurnal PreferenceChronotype variation drives night-time sentinel-like behaviour in hunter–gatherers | Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological SciencesMindful larks and lonely owls: The relationship between chronotype, mental health, sleep quality, and social support in young adultsA systematic review of circadian function, chronotype and chronotherapy in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder | ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity DisordersHow to Become a Morning Person - Sleep FoundationResetting the late timing of ‘night owls’ has a positive impact on mental health and performanceChronotype changes with age; seven-year follow-up from the Netherlands study of depression and anxiety cohortFrom early birds to night owls: a longitudinal study of actigraphy-assessed sleep trajectories during the transition from pre- to early adolescenceThe morality of larks and owls: unethical behavior depends on chronotype as well as time of dayCheck out our other sleep episodes!What is the perfect nap duration?Rapid-fire round: Answering your sleep questionsCan you train yourself to sleep less?Is melatonin the answer to a good night's sleep?

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.References:Efficacy and safety of methylene blue in the treatment of malaria: a systematic reviewMethylene blue as antidote for cyanide poisoning - JAMACellular and Molecular Actions of Methylene Blue in the Nervous SystemMethylene Blue: The Little-Known DisinfectantThe Potentials of Methylene Blue as an Anti-Aging Drug - PMCIs methylene blue really a brain booster? A pharmacologist explains the scienceFrom Mitochondrial Function to Neuroprotection—an Emerging Role for Methylene Blue | Molecular NeurobiologyAnti-Aging Potentials of Methylene Blue for Human Skin Longevity | Scientific ReportsWhat to know about methylene blue - Harvard Health Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of methylene blue trihydrate (Cas No. 7220-79-3) in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 miceChromoendoscopy with methylene blue and associated DNA damage in Barrett's oesophagus - The LancetGeneration of oxidant stress in cultured endothelial cells by methylene blue: protective effects of glucose and ascorbic acid - ScienceDirectThe photodynamic and direct actions of methylene blue on mitochondrial energy metabolism: A balance of the useful and harmful effects of this photosensitizerIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!How worried should you be about microplastics?Is NAD+ a miracle anti-ageing supplement?

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: Manual lymphatic drainage treatment for lymphedema: a systematic review of the literatureComparative Effects of Facial Roller and Gua Sha Massage on Facial Contour, Muscle Tone, and Skin Elasticity: Randomized Controlled TrialComparison of the Immediate Effect of Petrissage Massage and Manual Lymph Drainage Following Exercise on Biomechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of the Rectus Femoris Muscle in WomenThe Effects of Kinect-Enhanced Lymphatic Exercise Intervention on Lymphatic Pain, Swelling, and Lymph Fluid LevelExercise and the lymphatic system | MD Anderson Cancer Center If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Can collagen supplements keep your skin supple?Which hair loss treatments actually work?

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 to Teeth Whitener: The Science Behind Historic Uses of UrineShades of white: what you should know about teeth whitening - The University of SydneyWhite wine can stain teeth - NatureDo different bleaching protocols affect the enamel microhardness? - PMC Assessment of cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of conventional and whitening kinds of toothpaste on oral mucosa cells: Acta Odontologica ScandinavicaAccidental ingestion of 35% hydrogen peroxide - PMCIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!How risky is sharing a toothbrush?Why are people taping their mouths?

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:Coffee - The Nutrition Source - Harvard School of Public HealthCoffee consumption and risk of endometrial cancer: Findings from a large up-to-date meta-analysisCaffeinated and Decaffeinated Coffee Consumption and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and a Dose-Response Meta-analysisCoffee consumption and risk of stroke in womenCaffeine, Mental Health, and Psychiatric DisordersAssociation of Coffee Drinking With Mortality by Genetic Variation in Caffeine Metabolism: Findings From the UK BiobankPhysical characteristics of the paper filter and low cafestol content filter coffee brews - ScienceDirect Coffee consumption and mortality from cardiovascular diseases and total mortality: Does the brewing method matter? | European Journal of Preventive CardiologyPhenolic Acid–Amino Acid Adducts Exert Distinct Immunomodulatory Effects in Macrophages Compared to Parent Phenolic Acids | Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry The deep, rich and problematic history of coffee in Australia and worldwide - ABC NewsIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Am I addicted to caffeine?Can consuming dairy really give you acne?A single glass of red wine for your health, yeah or nah?

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 - PMCCold temperature and low humidity are associated with increased occurrence of respiratory tract infections - ScienceDirect Immune system of cold-exposed and cold-adapted humans | European Journal of Applied PhysiologyImmune changes in humans during cold exposure: effects of prior heating and exerciseCold exposure impairs extracellular vesicle swarm–mediated nasal antiviral immunity - Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Airborne transmission efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 in Syrian hamsters is not influenced by environmental conditions | npj VirusesIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Norman tried an ice bath so you don't have toIs NAD+ a miracle anti-ageing supplement?

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 ExplainedPesticides | Food Standards Australia New Zealand Pesticides impacts on human health and the environment with their mechanisms of action and possible countermeasures - ScienceDirectGlobal analysis shows how pesticides leach into the environment - The University of SydneyEcological impacts and management strategies of pesticide pollution on aquatic life and human beings - ScienceDirectA Systematic Review of Organic Versus Conventional Food Consumption: Is There a Measurable Benefit on Human Health?Cellulose Surface Nanoengineering for Visualizing Food SafetyComparison of Different Home/Commercial Washing Strategies for Ten Typical Pesticide Residue Removal Effects in Kumquat, Spinach and CucumberIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Should we all be vegetarian?Can you adapt to allergies or does the dog have to go?

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 functional MRIAuditory Resting-State Network Connectivity in Tinnitus: A Functional MRI Study | PLOS OneTargeting the Limbic System: Insights into Its Involvement in Tinnitus - PMC Chronic tinnitus and the limbic system: Reappraising brain structural effects of distress and affective symptoms - PMC Gray matter declines with age and hearing loss, but is partially maintained in tinnitus | Scientific Reports Therapy and Treatment Options | American Tinnitus AssociationEffects of tinnitus retraining therapy on patients with tinnitus: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials | European Archives of Oto-Rhino-LaryngologyEffect of Tinnitus Retraining Therapy vs Standard of Care on Tinnitus-Related Quality of Life: A Randomized Clinical Trial | Otolaryngology Neuromodulation for Treatment of Tinnitus: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis - Wiley Online Library 

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.ReferencesA Brief Review on Concurrent Training: From Laboratory to the Field - PMCConcurrent Training: A Meta-Analysis Examining Interference of Aerobic and Resistance ExercisesCompatibility of Concurrent Aerobic and Strength Training for Skeletal Muscle Size and Function: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis | Sports MedicineConcurrent Strength and Endurance Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Impact of Sex and Training Status | Sports MedicineConcurrent training in team sports: A systematic reviewSpecific Training Effects of Concurrent Aerobic and Strength Exercises Depend on Recovery DurationConcurrent aerobic plus resistance exercise versus aerobic exercise alone to improve health outcomes in paediatric obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysisThe Effects of 12 Weeks of Concurrent and Combined Training on Inflammatory Markers, Muscular Performance, and Body Composition in Middle-Aged Overweight and Obese Males

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 differences in normal body temperature: longitudinal big data analysis of patient records | The BMJGender Matters! Thermal Comfort and Individual Perception of Indoor Environmental Quality: A Literature Review | SpringerLinkSex differences and aging: Is there a role of brown adipose tissue? - ScienceDirectCool Temperature Alters Human Fat and Metabolism | National Institutes of Health (NIH) A Review of Cultural Background and Thermal Perceptions in Urban EnvironmentsOutdoor thermal perception and adaptation of immigrants from cold climates to hot arid climate - ScienceDirectDrivers of diversity in human thermal perception – A review for holistic comfort models - PMC

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 Pathogenesis of Acne: A Twin Study of Acne in WomenPatient Perceptions About Acne, Nutrition, and a Dietary Information Gap Diet and acne: A systematic reviewCan the right diet get rid of acne? - American Academy of Dermatology Association High school dietary dairy intake and teenage acneEffect of Chocolate on Acne Vulgaris - 1969Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study Assessing the Effect of Chocolate Consumption in Subjects with a History of Acne Vulgaris

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:Mathematical Model for the Sounds Produced by Knuckle Cracking | Scientific ReportsDoes knuckle cracking lead to arthritis of the fingers?The Consequences of Habitual Knuckle CrackingEffect of habitual knuckle cracking on hand functionThere might not be anything wrong with your creaky joints - the Health ReportMisophonia: When sounds really do make you "crazy" - Harvard Health

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 | UCSF SynapseWhat's in my ink: an analysis of commercial tattoo ink on the US market - PMCMuch ‘tattoo’ about nothing; Tattoo pigment mimicking breast microcalcifications on mammographyTattoo ink exposure is associated with lymphoma and skin cancers – a Danish study of twins | BMC Public HealthMelanoma Arising in Tattoos: A Case Series and Scoping Review of the LiteratureDoes tattoo ink give you cancer? - Cancer Council Australia2016 report from the Australian Government’s Department of Health, National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme