What's That Rash?
Get answers to the health questions everyone's asking. Our experts give you the information you need to feel good and make the best decisions for your brain and body.
Episodes
Is farting a sign your gut microbiome is happy?
Everyone wants a healthy gut, and your microbiome plays a big role in keeping you well.So how do you know your microbiome is in top shape? Are there stinky signs that things are going right, or wrong?Norman and Tegan breeze through the research in this live recording at the World Science Festival Brisbane.References:The Invisible College of Experimental FlatologyExplainer: The ch
Still coughing — are you still infectious?
Cold season is upon us, so it’s no wonder you’re side-eyeing that person coughing on the bus.But does a cough mean someone is still infectious? How do you know you’re in the clear to go back to work?Norman and Tegan talk through the science, and also how attitudes have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic.References:How Long Does a Cough Last? Comparing Patients’ Expectations With
Can your joints predict the weather?
Have you heard the phrases, "aches and pain, coming rains" or about "ill health due to evil winds"? Many people believe they can feel a change in weather coming on because pain flares in their joints. Norman and Tegan unpack what could be going on, and whether it's backed by scientific evidence. References:Associations between weather conditions and osteoarthritis pain: a systema
Should you get a full-body MRI?
It’s good to be on top of your health – but how far would you go to ensure you’re staying healthy?Ads have popped up for full-body MRIs, promising to catch things from cancer to aneurysms.Norman and Tegan scan through the potential benefits and risks of looking inside seemingly healthy bodies. References:Principles of screening - Cancer CouncilIncidental Findings and Low-Value Ca
Deep dive on progressive exercise
You might've heard the qualifier that exercise is good for you – but you need to be progressing that exercise over time.Running further, lifting heavier, exercising for longer. How important is it to up the stakes?Norman and Tegan flex their muscles on progressive training and its benefits.References:Thomas L. DeLorme and the Science of Progressive Resistance ExerciseAssociations
Hantavirus: what we know about the cruise ship outbreak
A cruise ship at the centre of a virus outbreak — sound familiar?Passengers and crew are beginning to disembark the MV Hondius after several cases of hantavirus sent them into quarantine. The virus is usually caught through contact with infected rodent urine, droppings or saliva. Transmission between humans is rare. Norman and Tegan answer common questions about the hantavirus, a
Why is yawning contagious?
It’s easy to catch a yawn – you might even yawn while you’re reading this.It’s not just humans that yawn, but all kinds of verterbrates, even fish! But contagious yawning is rarer.Norman and Tegan unpack why we yawn in this live recording at the World Science Festival Brisbane.References:Yawning: no effect of 3-5% CO2, 100% O2, and exercise Brain size and neuron numbers drive dif
Tonsils, appendix, gallbladder: is anything actually useless?
You might know them as "vestigial" organs, but we no longer overlook organs that aren’t vital for life.While they can be removed, your tonsils, appendix and gallbladder play important roles in the body.Norman and Tegan define what "vestigial" actually means, and how our bodies adapt to losing an organ.References:How Do We Know What Human Organs Do? - JSTOR Daily Tonsils, adenoids
Should you be eating more fruit?
Not a fruit lover, but eat plenty of veggies? Ever wondered if skipping that banana might actually matter?We all know a mix of fruit and vegetables is key to a long, healthy life.Norman and Tegan dig into whether eating little or no fruit could actually be bad for you.References:What exactly is a tomato? The difference between fruit and veg - ABC NewsKey statistics and data about
Red and other light therapy — can it work?
If you’re into skincare, you’ve probably been advertised light therapy face masks.These high-tech hockey masks promise to plump up or heal your skin through light – often red, but sometimes yellow, green, blue or even purple.Norman and Tegan go through the rainbow to assess where there's evidence, and where there's not.References:Sweaty sauna bathing for better health - What's Th
Why are some people right (or left) handed?
What determines whether you’re right or left handed? Is there really such a thing as being ambidextrous?It’s a surprisingly complicated story, and culture comes into play – some people are forced to go against their dominant hand.Norman and Tegan parse through the history of handedness in this live recording at the World Science Festival Brisbane.References:A large-scale populati
Headaches: causes, cures and exercise?!
Headaches are common, but the causes are wide and varied, and some are more serious than others. Why do we get headaches? What's the difference between a headache and a migraine?Norman and Tegan talk through some basics about headaches, and why a round of squats might help...References:The Science Behind Headaches: What's Really Happening In Your Skull The vascular theory of migr
Is a vibration plate worth the cost?
We've all probably wished for a way to achieve our fitness goals without the strain and sweat that can come with exercise.So what if you could lose weight, gain muscle and improve circulation just by standing on a vibrating platform?Norman and Tegan buzz through the evidence for and against vibration plates and so called "passive exercise".References:Dr Gustav Zander’s Victorian-
Should you add snail slime to your skincare routine?
Snail slime, or snail mucin, has become a popular product in skin care.Some claim it has anti-ageing properties, but if the early research shakes out, snail mucus could have even more significant uses.Norman and Tegan discuss why snail gunk has become a hero of cosmetics, and what else it might be capable of.References:Why Snail Mucin? Or, How This Ancient Practice Became a Skin
Could headphones be damaging our ears?
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 LaboratoriesP
Vitamin C: can it cure colds and cancer?
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 Trea
Can peptides keep you young and buff?
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.Reference
Can flossing benefit more than your teeth?
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 Fes
Doing nothing: the benefits of boredom
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: Deve
Should we all be taking fish oil?
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
Should you wait to swim after eating?
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 Feder
Is retirement bad for you?
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
Diet vs exercise: which is more important?
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: Th
Why you don't need to avoid seed oils
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 F
Should you opt for aluminium-free deodorant?
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. Re
Why do some people pee more often?
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
Sunscreen spectacular: UV protection, SPF drama, endocrine disruptors
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 sunscree
Do the benefits of creatine go beyond the gym?
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: wha
Why do we dream?
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.R
What's the best time of day to exercise?
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
Should you aim for an alkaline lifestyle?
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.Referen
Anything wrong with falling asleep in front of the TV?
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
Difference between dry needling and acupuncture?
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
What is lead doing in protein powder?
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
Should you be avoiding perfumes and fragrances?
Once you go looking, you realise there are scents in everything – from skincare to cleaning supplies to candles. And of course, perfume.Are there any implications to our health from taking in natural and synthetic fragrances from all these products?Norman and Tegan sniff out the evidence when it comes to scent, and whether we should be worried.References:The first chemist in hist
Should you be flexible enough to touch your toes?
Whether you can or not, it feels like a sign of fitness to be able to reach down and touch your toes.But how important is flexibility when it comes to your physical fitness? Is it a necessary part of healthy ageing?Norman and Tegan stretch through the evidence on flexibility – when does it count, and how can you achieve it?References:Genetics of Muscle Stiffness, Muscle Elasticit
Butter vs margarine: what's better for you?
The battle between butter and margarine has been happening since margarine was invented in the 19th century.So have we figured out which one is better for your health – butter with its high saturated fat content, or margarine which is an ultra-processed food?Norman and Tegan unpack the winding history of this debate from its inception to the present day.References:The Butter Wars
No-poo: why do we shampoo our hair?
Do you ever wonder while you’re shampooing and conditioning – is this really necessary?The no-poo movement encourages people to ditch their products and turn to homemade concoctions, or nothing at all.Norman and Tegan rinse out the evidence for and against hair care, and how we got here in the first place.References:Clean: A History of Personal Hygiene and PurityShampoo and Condi
Is running bad for your knees?
It’s marathon season, but whether you’re running 40 kilometres or four you might’ve wondered what it’s doing to your joints.It used to be thought things like osteoarthritis of the knee or the hip were caused by wear and tear, and running made things worse.Norman and Tegan jog through how the evidence has evolved, and answer the question: should you be hopping on the run club tren
Is loving your pets bad for you?
A post from Queensland Health has been ridiculed after for urging people not to kiss their pets or let them sleep in the same bed.So how do the risks of pet ownership stack up to the presumed benefits of having a furry (feathery or scaly) friend?Norman and Tegan take a look at the evidence – and some of its flaws – and reignite the age-old cat vs dog debate.References:If you have
Checking the pollen count? Here are some hay fever tips
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
Is there a cure for jet lag?
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-distan
Don’t Die: Is Bryan Johnson going to live forever?
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 methyl
Should you cut or chuck mouldy food?
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
Is it OK to exercise when you're sick?
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
At-home DNA tests — what can they tell you?
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.R
Is emu oil the new snake oil?
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 Geo
Chronotypes: early birds vs night owls
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 m
Methylene blue: why are people drinking blue dye?
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 medi
Do healthy people need lymphatic treatments?
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 conditio
Is whitening your teeth bad for you?
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: Fr
What are the health benefits of coffee?
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.
You'll catch your death! Does cold weather cause colds?
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 temperatur
Should you go organic if you're worried about pesticides?
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
What we do (and don't) know about tinnitus
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 investigat
Should you train cardio and strength on the same day?
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
Why do some people run hot, while others run cold?
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:Indivi
Can consuming dairy really give you acne?
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 Fact
Cracking your knuckles: good, bad or just annoying?
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.Refere
Can tattoos increase your risk of cancer?
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 Tatto
Why the carnivore diet is so risky
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: Beh
The perimenopause diaries from Ladies, We Need to Talk
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 symptom
Can you train yourself to pee less?
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:
How worried should you be about microplastics?
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
Is daylight saving time bad for us?
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 concep
Do glasses make your eyesight worse?
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:Wh
Don't sweat it? Conventional vs natural deodorants
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
How much protein do you REALLY need?
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 Aust
What's so bad about fine particulate air pollution?
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
Does magnesium work against muscle cramps?
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 hypothesisI
Which hair loss treatments actually work?
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 A
We're answering your questions LIVE! March 30!
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 thatrash@abc.net.au
Can functional mushrooms really help treat cancer?
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 f
Why are people taping their mouths?
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:
There's a lot of fog around brain fog
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 chara
Why is everyone suddenly talking about seed oils?
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 F
Can you get away with skipping your daily shower?
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 Cutane
Should you base your diet on your blood type?
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
The four steps you need to form a habit
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 pa
Is that glass of red wine over Christmas dinner good for you?
'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 Review
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