What's That Rash?

Feeling under the weather? Discover the delicate balance between exercising and illness. The hosts dive into how moderate exercise can boost your immune defenses but warn against overdoing it during a cold. They tackle common myths surrounding workouts with mild symptoms, blending science with humor. A quirky study on nasal discharge weight brings a light-hearted twist to the conversation about exercise and illness. Plus, enjoy a nostalgic reflection on traditional health remedies that spark listener stories!

It has become pretty common to send off a saliva sample or a cheek swab to find out more about yourself.At-home DNA testing kits offer insights into ancestry, but also claim to be able to tell you your risk of certain diseases, or even give you unique diet advice.Norman and Tegan explore the limits of these kits, and some things you should consider before potentially buying one.References:Understanding Human Genetic VariationWhat Can At-Home Genetic Tests Tell Me About My Health? - PMCThe sense and nonsense of direct-to-consumer genetic testing for cardiovascular diseaseFirst, do no harm: direct-to-consumer genetic testingDo at-home genetic tests work? - MD AndersonGenetic testing | Cancer Council Direct‐to‐consumer genetic tests providing health risk information: A systematic review of consequences for consumers and health servicesAustralians’ perspectives on support around use of personal genomic testing: Findings from the Genioz studyUnderstanding Direct-to-Consumer genetic DNA testing | NHMRCWhat people really change after genetic testing (GT) performed in private labs: results from an Italian studyDirect‐to‐consumer genetic tests providing health risk information: A systematic review of consequences for consumers and health servicesIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Should you base your diet on your blood type?Why is the internet telling me to lower my cortisol?What on earth is grounding?!

Australians have a long and complicated history with the emu – and the tale continues in the murky wellness space.There are a handful of emu farms still operating locally to harvest meat, oil, eggs and feathers from the flightless birds.Norman and Tegan discuss the growing demand for emu oil, and what it’s claimed to do.References:The Emu: More-Than-Human and More-Than-Animal GeographiesChemical Characterization and In Vivo Toxicological Safety Evaluation of Emu Oil - PMC Review on emu products for use as complementary and alternative medicine - ScienceDirect Anti-inflammatory activity of emu oils in rats | InflammopharmacologyEmu Oil Combined with Lyprinol™ Reduces Small Intestinal Damage in a Rat Model of Chemotherapy-Induced MucositisEmu oil expedites small intestinal repair following 5-fluorouracil-induced mucositis in ratsVitamins and fatty acids against chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositisEmu Oil and zinc monoglycerolate independently reduce disease severity in a rat model of ulcerative colitisOrally administered emu oil attenuates disease in a mouse model of Crohn's-like colitisEmu Oil reduces disease severity in a mouse model of chronic ulcerative colitisEmu oil enhances cutaneous wound healing by modulating inflammation through promoting macrophage M2 polarization via MAPK signaling pathwayEffects of Topical Emu Oil on Burn Wounds in the Skin of Balb/c MicePreparation and evaluation of minoxidil foamable emu oil emulsionComparative effects of emu and olive oil on aortic early atherosclerosis and associated risk factors in hypercholesterolemic hamstersEmu oil decreases atherogenic plaque formation in cafeteria diet-induced obese rats If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Should we all be vegetarian?Infrared, ultraviolet and LED therapy – can lights cure us?Can collagen supplements keep your skin supple?

Not everyone is a morning person, and not everyone can stay up past midnight. How hard-wired are our internal schedules?It’s long been suspected there was an evolutionary advantage to humans falling asleep and waking up at different times.Norman and Tegan unpack what are called chronotypes, and whether you can shift yours to better fit your lifestyle.References:Early bird trait might run in families - the Health ReportGenetic Basis of Chronotype in Humans: Insights From Three Landmark GWASA Length Polymorphism in the Circadian Clock Gene Per3 is Linked to Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome and Extreme Diurnal PreferenceChronotype variation drives night-time sentinel-like behaviour in hunter–gatherers | Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological SciencesMindful larks and lonely owls: The relationship between chronotype, mental health, sleep quality, and social support in young adultsA systematic review of circadian function, chronotype and chronotherapy in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder | ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity DisordersHow to Become a Morning Person - Sleep FoundationResetting the late timing of ‘night owls’ has a positive impact on mental health and performanceChronotype changes with age; seven-year follow-up from the Netherlands study of depression and anxiety cohortFrom early birds to night owls: a longitudinal study of actigraphy-assessed sleep trajectories during the transition from pre- to early adolescenceThe morality of larks and owls: unethical behavior depends on chronotype as well as time of dayCheck out our other sleep episodes!What is the perfect nap duration?Rapid-fire round: Answering your sleep questionsCan you train yourself to sleep less?Is melatonin the answer to a good night's sleep?

In a video that went viral, Robert F. Kennedy Jr was seen on a plane dropping a cobalt blue liquid into his drink.People quickly started to assume it was methylene blue, a substance that in some corners is being heralded for apparent anti-ageing properties.Norman and Tegan look at the research that has been done so far … and some of the risks of dosing yourself with unproven medications.References:Efficacy and safety of methylene blue in the treatment of malaria: a systematic reviewMethylene blue as antidote for cyanide poisoning - JAMACellular and Molecular Actions of Methylene Blue in the Nervous SystemMethylene Blue: The Little-Known DisinfectantThe Potentials of Methylene Blue as an Anti-Aging Drug - PMCIs methylene blue really a brain booster? A pharmacologist explains the scienceFrom Mitochondrial Function to Neuroprotection—an Emerging Role for Methylene Blue | Molecular NeurobiologyAnti-Aging Potentials of Methylene Blue for Human Skin Longevity | Scientific ReportsWhat to know about methylene blue - Harvard Health Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of methylene blue trihydrate (Cas No. 7220-79-3) in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 miceChromoendoscopy with methylene blue and associated DNA damage in Barrett's oesophagus - The LancetGeneration of oxidant stress in cultured endothelial cells by methylene blue: protective effects of glucose and ascorbic acid - ScienceDirectThe photodynamic and direct actions of methylene blue on mitochondrial energy metabolism: A balance of the useful and harmful effects of this photosensitizerIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!How worried should you be about microplastics?Is NAD+ a miracle anti-ageing supplement?

You might've been advertised lymphatic massage treatments promising to boost your energy and leave you looking snatched.The lymphatic system is great at clearing out gunk and checking our bodies for potential nasties like bacteria and viruses.Norman and Tegan discuss whether it's possible to have a 'sluggish' lymphatic system in need of help, without having a diagnosable condition.References: Manual lymphatic drainage treatment for lymphedema: a systematic review of the literatureComparative Effects of Facial Roller and Gua Sha Massage on Facial Contour, Muscle Tone, and Skin Elasticity: Randomized Controlled TrialComparison of the Immediate Effect of Petrissage Massage and Manual Lymph Drainage Following Exercise on Biomechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of the Rectus Femoris Muscle in WomenThe Effects of Kinect-Enhanced Lymphatic Exercise Intervention on Lymphatic Pain, Swelling, and Lymph Fluid LevelExercise and the lymphatic system | MD Anderson Cancer Center If you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Can collagen supplements keep your skin supple?Which hair loss treatments actually work?

Some people might be naturally blessed with pearly whites, but many people aren’t happy with the shade of their teeth.There’s nothing inherently unhealthy about yellower teeth, and staining happens throughout our lives.Norman and Tegan unpack the long history of teeth whitening (with everything from urine to nitric acid) and discuss where there’s potential for harm.References: From Gunpowder to Teeth Whitener: The Science Behind Historic Uses of UrineShades of white: what you should know about teeth whitening - The University of SydneyWhite wine can stain teeth - NatureDo different bleaching protocols affect the enamel microhardness? - PMC Assessment of cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of conventional and whitening kinds of toothpaste on oral mucosa cells: Acta Odontologica ScandinavicaAccidental ingestion of 35% hydrogen peroxide - PMCIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!How risky is sharing a toothbrush?Why are people taping their mouths?

Coffee has been an important part of human cultures for centuries, and it has a long history of being both heralded and demonised.But the more we learn about coffee – even independent from caffeine – the more that comes to light about its potential benefits.Norman and Tegan drink in the evidence so far, which gets down to the nitty gritty of brewing techniques and milk additions. References:Coffee - The Nutrition Source - Harvard School of Public HealthCoffee consumption and risk of endometrial cancer: Findings from a large up-to-date meta-analysisCaffeinated and Decaffeinated Coffee Consumption and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and a Dose-Response Meta-analysisCoffee consumption and risk of stroke in womenCaffeine, Mental Health, and Psychiatric DisordersAssociation of Coffee Drinking With Mortality by Genetic Variation in Caffeine Metabolism: Findings From the UK BiobankPhysical characteristics of the paper filter and low cafestol content filter coffee brews - ScienceDirect Coffee consumption and mortality from cardiovascular diseases and total mortality: Does the brewing method matter? | European Journal of Preventive CardiologyPhenolic Acid–Amino Acid Adducts Exert Distinct Immunomodulatory Effects in Macrophages Compared to Parent Phenolic Acids | Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry The deep, rich and problematic history of coffee in Australia and worldwide - ABC NewsIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Am I addicted to caffeine?Can consuming dairy really give you acne?A single glass of red wine for your health, yeah or nah?

There tend to be more bugs around in winter making everyone snotty and uncomfortable.But does this mean that cold weather causes colds? Well no, viruses cause the common cold.But, as Norman and Tegan explain, winter does set the stage for those viruses to have more moments in the spotlight.References:Understanding the symptoms of the common cold and influenza - PMCCold temperature and low humidity are associated with increased occurrence of respiratory tract infections - ScienceDirect Immune system of cold-exposed and cold-adapted humans | European Journal of Applied PhysiologyImmune changes in humans during cold exposure: effects of prior heating and exerciseCold exposure impairs extracellular vesicle swarm–mediated nasal antiviral immunity - Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Airborne transmission efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 in Syrian hamsters is not influenced by environmental conditions | npj VirusesIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Norman tried an ice bath so you don't have toIs NAD+ a miracle anti-ageing supplement?

Organic fruits and vegetables are one thing, but the label is popping up on packaged foods too.Are they healthier for us because they’re certified organic? How much harm are pesticides doing to our health?Norman and Tegan dig into organic farming to find out whether they’re worth the extra price. References:Organic Certification ExplainedPesticides | Food Standards Australia New Zealand Pesticides impacts on human health and the environment with their mechanisms of action and possible countermeasures - ScienceDirectGlobal analysis shows how pesticides leach into the environment - The University of SydneyEcological impacts and management strategies of pesticide pollution on aquatic life and human beings - ScienceDirectA Systematic Review of Organic Versus Conventional Food Consumption: Is There a Measurable Benefit on Human Health?Cellulose Surface Nanoengineering for Visualizing Food SafetyComparison of Different Home/Commercial Washing Strategies for Ten Typical Pesticide Residue Removal Effects in Kumquat, Spinach and CucumberIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out!Should we all be vegetarian?Can you adapt to allergies or does the dog have to go?