What's That Rash?

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

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 Characteristics and Self-Reported Health Status among 2029 Adults Consuming a “Carnivore Diet” - Current Developments in NutritionLimitations of Self-reported Health Status and Metabolic Markers among Adults Consuming a “Carnivore Diet” - Current Developments in NutritionAssessing the Nutrient Composition of a Carnivore Diet: A Case Study ModelYellowish Nodules on a Man Consuming a Carnivore Diet | Lifestyle Behaviors | JAMA Cardiology

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 after yourself in this stage of life. No sweat!Essential listening if you're going through perimenopause right now, or for those wanting to know what's over the hormonal horizon.

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 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

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 per week?A review of the endocrine disrupting effects of micro and nano plastic and their associated chemicals in mammalsAssociation of mixed exposure to microplastics with sperm dysfunction: a multi-site study in China First evidence of microplastics in human ovarian follicular fluid: An emerging threat to female fertilityMicroplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas and Cardiovascular Events | New England Journal of MedicineBioaccumulation of microplastics in decedent human brains | Nature MedicineChewing Gum Releases Hundreds of Microplastics In Your Mouth, Study Finds

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 features of human circadian rhythms: implications for human health | Nutrition Reviews | Oxford AcademicAre Daylight Saving Time Changes Bad for the Brain? | Cerebrovascular Disease | JAMA NeurologyDaylight Saving Time and Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Meta-AnalysisDaylight savings time transitions and risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: An interrupted time series analysisEmbryo transfers performed during daylight savings time led to reduced live birth rates in older patients | Journal of Assisted Reproduction and GeneticsDaylight saving time as a potential public health interventionDoes lowering evening rectal temperature to morning levels offset the diurnal variation in muscle force production?

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 outside doesn't slow short-sightedness - the Health ReportThe history of spectacles - the College of OptometristsTo Correct or Not Correct? Actual Evidence, Controversy and the Questions That Remain OpenUndercorrection of myopia enhances rather than inhibits myopia progressionInterventions to slow progression of myopia in children - Cochrane Review

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 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

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 ZealandTips to boost protein in your diet from Dietitians AustraliaHow much protein can the body use in a single meal for muscle-building? Implications for daily protein distributionAssociation between dietary protein intake and risk of chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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 mortality burden associated with short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5)The health effects of fine particulate air pollutionAmbient (outdoor) air pollution - World Health OrganizationParticulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) - Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and WaterAir pollution is not ‘the new smoking’: comparing the disease burden of air pollution and smoking across the globe, 1990–2017East Side Story: Historical Pollution and Persistent Neighborhood Sorting

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 hypothesisInfluence of Hydration and Electrolyte Supplementation on Incidence and Time to Onset of Exercise-Associated Muscle CrampsMagnesium for skeletal muscle cramps - Cochrane ReviewA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study assessing the efficacy of magnesium oxide monohydrate in the treatment of nocturnal leg crampsPickle Juice Intervention for Cirrhotic Cramps Reduction: The PICCLES Randomized Controlled TrialAustralian Institute of Sport's sports supplement framework: pickle juice

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 - HealthdirectMale Androgenetic Alopecia with an overview of treatments - NIHFemale pattern hair loss - HealthdirectWhat is minoxidil, the anti-balding hair growth treatment? Here's what the science says - ABC NewsLow-Level Laser (Light) Therapy (LLLT) for Treatment of Hair LossAutologous platelet-rich plasma therapy for pattern hair loss: A systematic review

What's That Rash? is returning to the World Science Festival Brisbane for another year. Norman and Tegan will be answering the health questions everyone (at WSFB) is asking, 10am on March 30 at Queensland Museum Theatre. Check out the event here and send in your questions to [email protected]

The use of mushrooms in medicine goes back centuries, but there’s still a lot to learn about the bioactive compounds in fungi.There are many claims surrounding 'functional mushrooms' – types of mushrooms thought to have medicinal properties beyond simple nutrition.These include lion’s mane, reishi, cordyceps, shiitake and turkey tail.Norman and Tegan forage through the evidence for using mushrooms against cancer, to boost the immune system and to amplify cognition.We're doing a live show! Catch What's That Rash? at the World Science Festival Brisbane on March 30th. References:Aboriginal use of fungiMedicinal Mushroom Supplements in Cancer: A Systematic Review of Clinical StudiesFungal beta-glucans as adjuvants for treating cancer patients – A systematic review of clinical trialsA review of the effects of mushrooms on mood and neurocognitive health across the lifespanMushrooms magnify memory by boosting nerve growth - University of Queensland

Depending on your corner of the internet, you might have seen people swearing by this new sleep hack, mouth taping.People claim they’re better rested, have better breath and stronger jawlines – all because they force themselves to breathe through their noses overnight.Norman and Tegan tackle this taping trend with an N=1 experiment, and a look at the relevant research.References:Mouth taping: a little less conversation, a little more action, please!Effect of mouth taping at night on asthma control--a randomised single-blind crossover studyThe Impact of Mouth-Taping in Mouth-Breathers with Mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Preliminary StudyThe Role of the Nose in Sleep-disordered BreathingAcute nasal breathing lowers diastolic blood pressure and increases parasympathetic contributions to heart rate variability in young adultsNocturnal mouth-taping and social media: A scoping review of the evidence

Unfortunately many more people have heard about brain fog because of the pandemic and long COVID.But the symptom was first mentioned centuries ago, and has been associated with dozens of conditions.Norman and Tegan try to define brain fog, and explain why it can be difficult to treat.References:What is brain fog? - BMJ neuropsychiatrySubjective brain fog: a four-dimensional characterization in 25,796 participantsComprehensive Clinical Characterisation of Brain Fog in Adults Reporting Long COVID SymptomsUnderstanding the Experience and Impacts of Brain Fog in Chronic Pain: A Scoping ReviewLow-dose naltrexone use for the management of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19‘Brain fag’: a syndrome associated with ‘overstudy’ and mental exhaustion in 19th century Britain

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

January is an especially sweaty time in Australia, so maybe park this life change until the weather cools down…But is it necessary to bathe every day?As we learn more about the microbiome on our skin, more and more people are questioning their hygiene routine.Norman and Tegan sniff out the evidence for and against regular washing. References:A natural history of hygieneThe Cutaneous Microbiome and Aspects of Skin Antimicrobial Defense System Resist Acute Treatment with Topical Skin CleansersThe Role of Every-Day Cosmetics in Altering the Skin Microbiome: A Study Using BiodiversityHow Often People in Various Countries Shower - The AtlanticWhat Happens When You Don’t Shower For Five Years - Science Friday

You might've heard of the blood type diet popularised in the 90s off the back of a best-selling book.It’s based on the theory that blood types emerged at different times in history, when our ancestors had very different diets.So does that mean certain foods are better for an A-, an AB+ or even an O-?As Norman and Tegan explain, it’s a complicated story.References:Blood type diets lack supporting evidence: a systematic reviewBlood Type Is Not Associated with Changes in Cardiometabolic Outcomes in Response to a Plant-Based Dietary InterventionGenetically Determined ABO Blood Group and its Associations With Health and DiseaseThe Role of ABO Blood Type in Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Systematic Review

There are MANY books out there on habit formation. Are they all saying the same thing?Some habits are more complicated than others. Some habits require us to untangle one automatic set of behaviours and replace them with another.It can be a long process — much longer than the 21 days that's often promised. Norman and Tegan tell us how to form a new habit, in far less than 300 pages, so you can get started. ReferencesNeurobiology of habit formationHow the brain controls our habits - MITBridging the gap between striatal plasticity and learningBasal ganglia and beyond: The interplay between motor and cognitive aspects in Parkinson’s disease rehabilitationYou are what you repeatedly do: Links between personality and habitHow are habits formed: Modelling habit formation in the real worldHow does habit form? Guidelines for tracking real-world habit formationThe role of habit in compulsivityGoal-Directed and Habitual Control in Human Substance Use: State of the Art and Future Directions

'Tis the season to indulge. As you sit down with family and friends, an age-old debate might arise: does drinking a single glass of red wine make you healthier?In this episode first published May 1, 2024, Norman and Tegan try to find out the answer once and for all. References: The French paradox: Lessons for other countriesModerate Wine Consumption and Health: A Narrative ReviewHealth Effects of Red Wine Consumption: A Narrative Review of an Issue That Still Deserves Debate

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 TherapyEffect of NASA Light-Emitting Diode Irradiation on Wound HealingVisible Red Light Emitting Diode Photobiomodulation for Skin Fibrosis: Key Molecular PathwaysUtilization of light-emitting diodes for skin therapy: Systematic review and meta-analysisPhotodynamic Therapy Using HMME for Port-Wine Stains: Clinical Effectiveness and Sonographic AppearanceEffect of Blue Light on Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic ReviewThe efficacy of violet light in the treatment of acneFeatured review: What are the benefits and risks of light therapy for treating atopic eczema?Light therapy for preventing seasonal affective disorder

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 ShotsInternational society of sports nutrition position stand: energy drinks and energy shotsConsumption of energy drinks by children and young people: a systematic review examining evidence of physical effects and consumer attitudesEnergy Drinks and Their Adverse Health Effects: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysisA randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial of a decaffeinated energy drink shows no significant acute effect on mental energyTaurine deficiency as a driver of agingThis scientist treated her own cancer with viruses she grew in the lab

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-Reported Sitting Time by Physical Activity Levels Among US Adults, NHANES 2007/2008–2017/2018Recent Trends in Sedentary Time: A Systematic Literature ReviewSedentary behaviour and health in adults: an overview of systematic reviewsAround 10,000 steps a day may counteract health risks of high sedentary time

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. References:Decreased Collagen Production in Chronologically Aged SkinEffects of Oral Collagen for Skin Anti-Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisEffects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysisOral Collagen Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Dermatological ApplicationsThe impact of collagen protein ingestion on musculoskeletal connective tissue remodeling: a narrative review

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 Science. References:National Cancer Institute - Cell Phones and Cancer RiskMobile phone use and incidence of brain tumour histological types, grading or anatomical location: a population-based ecological studyHas the incidence of brain cancer risen in Australia since the introduction of mobile phones 29 years ago?5G: the new generation of the mobile phone network and health

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 BiographyFlavonoids, alkaloids and saponins: are these plant-derived compounds an alternative to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis? A literature reviewRisk assessment of glycoalkaloids in feed and food, in particular in potatoes and potato-derived productsα-Solanine attenuates chondrocyte pyroptosis to improve osteoarthritis via suppressing NF-κB pathwayAntioxidants in Potatoes: A Functional View on One of the Major Food Crops Worldwide

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 ageingNAD+ in Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative DisordersWhat is really known about the effects of nicotinamide riboside supplementation in humansDietary Supplementation With NAD+-Boosting Compounds in Humans: Current Knowledge and Future DirectionsThe use of a systems approach to increase NAD+ in human participantsSpecific ablation of Nampt in adult neural stem cells recapitulates their functional defects during aging

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, SensationalizedMoon and Health: Myth or Reality?The undead in culture and scienceReversibility of apoptosis in cancer cellsMedical practice and placebo response: an inseparable bond?

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 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?

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 InfantsAssociations between Nature Exposure and Health: A Review of the Evidence

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 ZealandA review of the alleged health hazards of monosodium glutamateMonosodium glutamate sensitivity in asthmaChinese-Restaurant Syndrome - New England Journal of Medicine

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. ReferencesForgotten episodes of the birth of cortisoneThe effects of exercise intensity on the cortisol response to a subsequent acute psychosocial stressorSignalling cognition: the gut microbiota and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

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. ReferencesWhat 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 in the USClinical trial on the effect of regular tea drinking on iron accumulation in genetic haemochromatosis

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.ReferencesA Review of Nutrients and Compounds, Which Promote or Inhibit Intestinal Iron AbsorptionIntermittent iron supplementation for reducing anaemia and its associated impairments in adolescent and adult menstruating womenThe yersiniabactin transport system is critical for the pathogenesis of bubonic and pneumonic plague

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.ReferencesThe Assessment of Overall Hangover SeverityAldehyde dehydrogenase isozyme variation and alcoholism in JapanEndogenous formation of 1-propanol and methanol after consumption of alcoholic beveragesUnderstanding trends in Australian alcohol consumption—an age–period–cohort modelThe Alcohol Hangover Research Group: Ten Years of Progress in Research on the Causes, Consequences, and Treatment of the Alcohol Hangover

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.ReferencesToo Sour to be True? Tart Cherries (Prunus cerasus) and Sleep: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysisDreams of the Rarebit Fiend: food and diet as instigators of bizarre and disturbing dreamsSleeping position during early and mid pregnancy does not affect risk of complicationsThe Relationship between Sleeping Position and Sleep Quality: A Flexible Sensor-Based StudyNocturnal Pruritus: The Battle for a Peaceful Night’s Sleep

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 InjuryEffects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction on Quadriceps Strength, Function, and Patient-Oriented Outcomes : A Systematic ReviewFeasibility and efficacy of progressive electrostimulation strength training for competitive tennis playersEffects of Whole-Body Electromyostimulation on the Energy-Restriction-Induced Reduction of Muscle Mass During Intended Weight Loss

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.ReferencesScientific evidence supporting the newly developed one-health labeling tool “Med-Index”Mediterranean diet and health outcomes: a systematic meta-reviewPerspective: Beyond the Mediterranean Diet—Exploring Latin American, Asian, and African Heritage Diets as Cultural Models of Healthy Eating

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.ReferencesThe multifaceted benefits of passive heat therapies for extending the healthspan: A comprehensive review with a focus on Finnish saunaAssociation Between Sauna Bathing and Fatal Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality EventsCardiovascular and Other Health Benefits of Sauna Bathing: A Review of the Evidence

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.ReferencesOnychophagia and onychotillomania can be effectively managedPrevalence and correlates of clinically significant body-focused repetitive behaviors in a non-clinical sampleHabit reversal vs. negative practice treatment of nailbitingA review of N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of grooming disorders

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.ReferencesFemale and male US Olympic athletes live 5 years longer than their general population counterparts: a study of 8124 former US OlympiansLong-term function, body composition and cardiometabolic health in midlife former athletes: a scoping reviewThe mental health of Australian elite athletesAdaptation to life after sport for retired athletes: A scoping review of existing reviews and programs

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.ReferencesHaving 'good' posture doesn’t prevent back pain, and 'bad' posture doesn't cause itEvaluating the Evidence on Sitting, Smoking, and Health: Is Sitting Really the New Smoking?The effectiveness of physical and organisational ergonomic interventions on low back pain and neck pain: a systematic review

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.ReferencesSneezing induced by sexual ideation or orgasm: an under-reported phenomenon

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 to hear from you!ReferencesDoes the Wim Hof Method have a beneficial impact on physiological and psychological outcomes in healthy and non-healthy participants? A systematic reviewGetting colder ... the invigorating effect of ice baths - The Health Report