Sliced Bread

In this intriguing discussion, listener Alice Kemp sparks a debate on the necessity of various cleaning sprays. Joined by Dr. Sally Bloomfield, an expert in home hygiene, and Lynsey Crombie, the 'Queen of Clean,' they dissect whether cleaning sprays are essential or if soap and water suffices. The trio unpacks the effectiveness of natural products like vinegar versus commercial options, while emphasizing targeted hygiene practices for household safety. They also explore the evolution of cleaning products and the balance between cleanliness and sustainability.

In this milestone discussion, physicist and computational biologist Andrew Steele, author of 'Ageless,' explores the science behind longevity supplements. He delves into popular compounds like NMN and spermidine, questioning their true effectiveness in extending life. Listener Solly Milton highlights the buzz around biohackers aiming to reverse aging, prompting a critical look at these claims. The conversation critiques the antioxidant myth and suggests a balanced approach to health, emphasizing evidence-based practices over costly supplements.

Maddy Emery, a passionate runner, dives into the world of float tanks to uncover their impact on performance and mental health. Joined by Justin Feinstein, a clinical neuropsychologist, they explore the scientific backing for claims of stress reduction and enhanced recovery. Paul Morgan adds insights on how float therapy aids athletic recovery, tackling muscle soreness and blood lactate levels. Together, they analyze personal experiences, societal pressures, and the real benefits of this trending therapy, making a compelling case for its potential.

In this conversation, principal entomologist Dr. Hayley Jones and ecologist Dr. Gordon Port tackle the vexing issue of slugs in gardens. They discuss eco-friendly slug repellents like eggshells and copper tape, evaluating their effectiveness. The experts delve into the biology of slugs, innovative control strategies, and the ethical considerations of pest management. Join the fun as they even test some remedies to see which ones truly keep slugs at bay, blending science with a dash of humor.

In this engaging discussion, Graham Close, a renowned Professor of Human Physiology and Head of Research at Liverpool John Moores University, explores the true role of electrolytes in hydration. He tackles the effectiveness of electrolyte drinks versus plain water, revealing how these products can enhance athletic performance and recovery. Close emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet for maintaining electrolyte levels and clarifies common misconceptions about hydration. Tune in for some surprising insights that could revolutionize your understanding of sports nutrition!

Dr. Michael de Podesta, a chartered physicist and measurements expert, shares his insights on insulated coffee cups. He discusses how double-walled technology works and tests a high-tech cup that promises perfect temperature control. Joining him is Kamisha Darroux from Which?, who explains which features are worth the investment. They dive into the heat retention of different materials, comparing polypropylene and ceramic cups, and reveal the science behind effective insulation. Tune in for practical advice on keeping your coffee hot!

Greens powders are made up of dozens of ingredients, which are ground up and added to water. They claim to do all sorts of things for our bodies, like give us extra energy, clearer skin, boost our gut health and reduce bloating. But they're not cheap. So what's in them and do they work? That's what listener Sofie, whose social feeds have been bombarded with adverts for greens powders, wants to know. She's not alone - we've had lots of messages asking us to look into these products. To get some answers, Greg speaks to British Dietetic Association spokeswoman Sian Porter, and food scientist Dr Emily Leeming. The prices of the products were correct at the time of the recording.PRESENTER: GREG FOOT PRODUCER: TOM MOSELEY

Lots of people use a foam roller, either before after exercise. It's not usually a very comfortable experience - as Greg finds out in this episode - but is worth the pain? Can they really increase flexibility before exercise, and ease our muscles afterwards? Is it any better than stretching? As you'd expect, there are plenty of claims around these products, which cost anything from a tenner to more than ?100 for a vibrating version. We're going right around the world for this one - listener Brendon joins us all the way from New Zealand, and to get him some answers we've got foam roller expert Dr David Behm dialling in from Canada. National Physiotherapy Lead for Nuffield Health Jodie Breach also joins Greg in the studio. So are foam rollers the best thing since sliced bread?PRESENTER: GREG FOOT PRODUCER: TOM MOSELEY

Do more expensive dishwasher tablets clean better? And how do eco versions stack up?We are back with a new series of Sliced Bread and even more investigations into your suggested wonder products! We'll also be hitting a significant milestone during this batch of programmes so look out for more on that.First up - dishwasher tablets. Listener Deborah got in touch after hearing our deep-dive into dishwashers themselves and had some burning questions about the tablets we put in them. Do more expensive ones give you a better clean? Do they protect glasses better? And what about the eco brands that promise to be kinder to the environment? Listener Graham sent a voicenote asking whether buying an 'all-in-one' tablet is better than using separate components, either for cleaning or the environment. Greg's joined by Deborah and a panel of experts in our studio at Media City in Salford to run all these questions through the wash.All our investigations start with YOUR suggestions. If you've seen an ad, trend or wonder product promising to make you happier, healthier or greener, email us at sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk OR send a voicenote to our WhatsApp number 07543 306807. PRESENTER: GREG FOOT PRODUCER: SIMON HOBAN

Could fridges make way for kitchen cabinets that don't just keep food fresh but actually grow it?Dough is a new series from BBC Radio 4 which looks at the business behind profitable, everyday products, assessing where the smart money is going now and what that could mean for all of us in the years ahead.In this episode, the entrepreneur Sam White speaks with experts from the world of refrigeration including:Federica Torelli ? Head of Product Management?with Smeg which makes fridge freezers.Emir Lasic - Principal Analyst with the industry analysts, Omdia.Jason Hirst - CEO and founder of EvoGro which makes plant growing cabinets.Also joining them is the technology expert and applied futurist, Tom Cheesewright, who offers his insight and predictions on what might be coming beyond the current production pipeline.Together, they explore fridge freezer trends and inventions chatting about their own choices for game changing, and pointless, innovations.We hear how energy efficiency labels are not always as accurate as you might think and assess the chances of indoor incubators providing a new home for vegetables and leafy greens away from the fridge. Produced by Viant Siddique & Jon Douglas. Dough is a BBC Audio North production for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in August when Greg Foot will investigate more of the latest so-called wonder products to find out whether they really are the best thing since sliced bread.In the meantime, Dough is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds