Episodes
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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 Academic
Are Daylight Saving Time Changes Bad for the Brain? | Cerebrovascular Disease | JAMA Neurology
Daylight Saving Time and Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Meta-Analysis
Daylight savings time transitions and risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: An interrupted time series analysis
Embryo transfers performed during daylight savings time led to reduced live birth rates in older patients | Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
Daylight saving time as a potential public health intervention
Does lowering evening rectal temperature to morning levels offset the diurnal variation in muscle force production?
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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 Report
The history of spectacles - the College of Optometrists
To Correct or Not Correct? Actual Evidence, Controversy and the Questions That Remain Open
Undercorrection of myopia enhances rather than inhibits myopia progression
Interventions to slow progression of myopia in children - Cochrane Review
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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 context
Use of Aluminium in Antiperspirants - Australian Department of Health
Antiperspirants/Deodorants and Breast Cancer - National Cancer Institute
Antiperspirants - National Kidney Foundation
How Advertisers Convinced Americans They Smelled Bad - Smithsonian Magazine
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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 Zealand
Tips to boost protein in your diet from Dietitians Australia
How much protein can the body use in a single meal for muscle-building? Implications for daily protein distribution
Association between dietary protein intake and risk of chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
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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 pollution
Ambient (outdoor) air pollution - World Health Organization
Particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) - Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
Air pollution is not ‘the new smoking’: comparing the disease burden of air pollution and smoking across the globe, 1990–2017
East Side Story: Historical Pollution and Persistent Neighborhood Sorting
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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 Hydration and Electrolyte Supplementation on Incidence and Time to Onset of Exercise-Associated Muscle Cramps
Magnesium for skeletal muscle cramps - Cochrane Review
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study assessing the efficacy of magnesium oxide monohydrate in the treatment of nocturnal leg cramps
Pickle Juice Intervention for Cirrhotic Cramps Reduction: The PICCLES Randomized Controlled Trial
Australian Institute of Sport's sports supplement framework: pickle juice
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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 an overview of treatments - NIH
Female pattern hair loss - Healthdirect
What is minoxidil, the anti-balding hair growth treatment? Here's what the science says - ABC News
Low-Level Laser (Light) Therapy (LLLT) for Treatment of Hair Loss
Autologous platelet-rich plasma therapy for pattern hair loss: A systematic review
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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]
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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 fungi
Medicinal Mushroom Supplements in Cancer: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies
Fungal beta-glucans as adjuvants for treating cancer patients – A systematic review of clinical trials
A review of the effects of mushrooms on mood and neurocognitive health across the lifespan
Mushrooms magnify memory by boosting nerve growth - University of Queensland
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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 study
The Impact of Mouth-Taping in Mouth-Breathers with Mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Preliminary Study
The Role of the Nose in Sleep-disordered Breathing
Acute nasal breathing lowers diastolic blood pressure and increases parasympathetic contributions to heart rate variability in young adults
Nocturnal mouth-taping and social media: A scoping review of the evidence
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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 neuropsychiatry
Subjective brain fog: a four-dimensional characterization in 25,796 participants
Comprehensive Clinical Characterisation of Brain Fog in Adults Reporting Long COVID Symptoms
Understanding the Experience and Impacts of Brain Fog in Chronic Pain: A Scoping Review
Low-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
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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 Mortality
Serum n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and risk of death: the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study
Omega-6 fats to prevent and treat heart and circulatory diseases
Polyunsaturated 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 studies
Perspective on the health effects of unsaturated fatty acids and commonly consumed plant oils high in unsaturated fat
If you’re worried about inflammation, stop stressing about seed oils and focus on the basics
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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 hygiene
The Cutaneous Microbiome and Aspects of Skin Antimicrobial Defense System Resist Acute Treatment with Topical Skin Cleansers
The Role of Every-Day Cosmetics in Altering the Skin Microbiome: A Study Using Biodiversity
How Often People in Various Countries Shower - The Atlantic
What Happens When You Don’t Shower For Five Years - Science Friday
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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 review
Blood Type Is Not Associated with Changes in Cardiometabolic Outcomes in Response to a Plant-Based Dietary Intervention
Genetically Determined ABO Blood Group and its Associations With Health and Disease
The Role of ABO Blood Type in Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Systematic Review
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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.
References
Neurobiology of habit formation
How the brain controls our habits - MIT
Bridging the gap between striatal plasticity and learning
Basal ganglia and beyond: The interplay between motor and cognitive aspects in Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation
You are what you repeatedly do: Links between personality and habit
How are habits formed: Modelling habit formation in the real world
How does habit form? Guidelines for tracking real-world habit formation
The role of habit in compulsivity
Goal-Directed and Habitual Control in Human Substance Use: State of the Art and Future Directions
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'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 countries
Moderate Wine Consumption and Health: A Narrative Review
Health Effects of Red Wine Consumption: A Narrative Review of an Issue That Still Deserves Debate
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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 Therapy
Effect of NASA Light-Emitting Diode Irradiation on Wound Healing
Visible Red Light Emitting Diode Photobiomodulation for Skin Fibrosis: Key Molecular Pathways
Utilization of light-emitting diodes for skin therapy: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Photodynamic Therapy Using HMME for Port-Wine Stains: Clinical Effectiveness and Sonographic Appearance
Effect of Blue Light on Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review
The efficacy of violet light in the treatment of acne
Featured review: What are the benefits and risks of light therapy for treating atopic eczema?
Light therapy for preventing seasonal affective disorder
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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 Shots
International society of sports nutrition position stand: energy drinks and energy shots
Consumption of energy drinks by children and young people: a systematic review examining evidence of physical effects and consumer attitudes
Energy Drinks and Their Adverse Health Effects: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
A randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial of a decaffeinated energy drink shows no significant acute effect on mental energy
Taurine deficiency as a driver of aging
This scientist treated her own cancer with viruses she grew in the lab
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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 2007/2008–2017/2018
Recent Trends in Sedentary Time: A Systematic Literature Review
Sedentary behaviour and health in adults: an overview of systematic reviews
Around 10,000 steps a day may counteract health risks of high sedentary time
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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 Skin
Effects of Oral Collagen for Skin Anti-Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Oral Collagen Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Dermatological Applications
The impact of collagen protein ingestion on musculoskeletal connective tissue remodeling: a narrative review
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