What's That Rash?

Still coughing — are you still infectious? 03.06.2026 18min

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 Data From a Systematic Review of the Literature Acute cough in outpatients: what causes it, how long does it last, and how severe is it for different viruses and bacteria? Estimating influenza latency and infectious period durations using viral excretion data Duration of viral infectiousness and correlation with symptoms and diagnostic testing in non-hospitalized adults during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection: A longitudinal cohort study How the pandemic shaped presenteeism trends between healthcare and non-healthcare workers using the Korean working conditions surveys (2010–2023) Sickness Presenteeism in the Aftermath of COVID-19: Is Presenteeism Remote-Work Behavior the New (Ab)normal? Over‐the‐counter (OTC) medications for acute cough in children and adults in community settings Comprehensive evidence-based review on European antitussives If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is it OK to exercise when you're sick? Are office jobs ruining our bodies? Should you add snail slime to your skincare routine?

Can your joints predict the weather? 27.05.2026 19min

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 systematic review and meta-analysis Come rain or shine: Is weather a risk factor for musculoskeletal pain? A systematic review with meta-analysis of case-crossover studies Cloudy with a chance of pain: How the weather affects the pain of citizen scientists using a smartphone app Temperature extremes causing gout flare hospitalisation Can aching joints really predict the weather? Exploring the science behind the stormy debate What triggers weather-related joint pain? - Harvard Health If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! You'll catch your death! Does cold weather cause colds? Can consuming dairy really give you acne? How risky is sharing a toothbrush?

Should you get a full-body MRI? 20.05.2026 22min

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 Council Incidental Findings and Low-Value Care Prevalence of abnormalities in knees detected by MRI in adults without knee osteoarthritis: population based observational study (Framingham Osteoarthritis Study) Whole‐body MRI for preventive health screening: A systematic review of the literature The effects of incidental findings from whole-body MRI on the frequency of biopsies and detected malignancies or benign conditions in a general population cohort study Clinical value of whole-body magnetic resonance imaging in health screening of general adult population Long-Term Psychosocial Consequences of Whole-Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Reporting of Incidental Findings in a Population-Based Cohort Study Impact of whole-body MRI in a general population study Elective MRI Screening of the General Public—Buyer Beware If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! At-home DNA tests — what can they tell you? Do glasses make your eyesight worse? Can functional mushrooms really help treat cancer?

Deep dive on progressive exercise 13.05.2026 22min

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 Exercise Associations of Muscle Mass and Strength with All-Cause Mortality among US Older Adults Skeletal Muscle Strength as a Predictor of All-Cause Mortality in Healthy Men Progressive overload without progressing load? The effects of load or repetition progression on muscular adaptations Strength and Hypertrophy Adaptations Between Low- vs. High-Load Resistance Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Physical activity types, variety, and mortality: results from two prospective cohort studies If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Working out? Why 'No Pain No Gain' is bull Is a vibration plate worth the cost? You'll catch your death! Does cold weather cause colds?

Hantavirus: what we know about the cruise ship outbreak 11.05.2026 13min

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, and how it compares to the handling of COVID-19.

Why is yawning contagious? 06.05.2026 17min

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 differences in yawn duration across mammals and birds Excessive yawning and thermoregulation: two case histories of chronic, debilitating bouts of yawning Different yawns, different functions? Testing social hypotheses on spontaneous yawning in Theropithecus gelada Why yawns are contagious—in all kinds of animals: Evolutionary biologist Andrew Gallup explains why we yawn after others Mirror neuron activity during contagious yawning—an fMRI study The mirror-neuron system If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Why are some people right (or left) handed? Can consuming dairy really give you acne? Is daylight saving time bad for us?

Tonsils, appendix, gallbladder: is anything actually useless? 29.04.2026 20min

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 and throat infections — do doctors still recommend surgery? - ABC News Association of Long-Term Risk of Respiratory, Allergic, and Infectious Diseases With Removal of Adenoids and Tonsils in Childhood Influence of Tonsillectomy on Various Disease Outcomes: An Outcome-wide Association Analysis and Mendelian Randomization Analysis Cytokine production in patients with recurrent acute tonsillitis: analysis of tonsil samples and blood - PMC Association of Long-Term Risk of Respiratory, Allergic, and Infectious Diseases With Removal of Adenoids and Tonsils in Childhood - PMC Microbial Composition of Human Appendices from Patients following Appendectomy Long-term impacts of appendectomy associated with increased incidence of inflammatory bowel disease, infection, and colorectal cancer Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal) If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Why do we have wisdom teeth? Can peptides keep you young and buff? Is it OK to exercise when you're sick?

Should you be eating more fruit? 22.04.2026 20min

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 News Key statistics and data about child and adult consumption of fruit and vegetables - Australian Bureau of Statistics Fresh fruit consumption and all-cause and cause-specific mortality: findings from the China Kadoorie Biobank Fruit consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes: results from three prospective longitudinal cohort studies Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Mortality: Results from Two Prospective Cohort Studies of US Men and Women and a Meta-Analysis of 26 Cohort Studies The global burden of disease attributable to suboptimal fruit and vegetable intake, 1990-2021: a systematic analysis of the global burden of disease study Fruit and vegetable consumption and all-cause mortality: evidence from a large Australian cohort study A basket of new fruit varieties is coming your way – The Economist Releasing a sugar brake generates sweeter tomato without yield penalty If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! What's the best time of day to exercise? Is whitening your teeth bad for you? What are the health benefits of coffee?

Red and other light therapy — can it work? 15.04.2026 18min

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 That Rash? 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 This episode first aired on December 18, 2024.

Why are some people right (or left) handed? 08.04.2026 19min

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 population study of early life factors influencing left-handedness The handedness of Kerrs and Carrs The association between switching hand preference and the declining prevalence of left-handedness with age Stuttering and “Retraining” Left-Handed Children in Mid-Century U.S. Can training to become ambidextrous improve brain function? Brain Size Associated with Foot Preferences in Australian Parrots The Influence of Handedness on the Clinical Presentation and Neuropsychology of Alzheimer Disease If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Can sudoku really keep your brain younger for longer? Should you train cardio and strength on the same day? The four steps you need to form a habit

Headaches: causes, cures and exercise?! 01.04.2026 21min

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 migraine—a great story wrecked by the facts Twelve-month efficacy of CGRP monoclonal antibodies and predictive value of short-term response: results of an Australian multicentre study Trial of Galcanezumab in Prevention of Episodic Cluster Headache Erenumab for Chronic Cluster Headache: A Randomized Clinical Trial Effect of Exercise on Chronic Tension-Type Headache and Chronic Migraine: A Systematic Review The effect of different exercise types on migraine frequency in individuals with migraine: A pilot study If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Am I addicted to caffeine? Is emu oil the new snake oil? There's a lot of fog around brain fog

Is a vibration plate worth the cost? 25.03.2026 23min

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-Era Exercise Machines Made the Bowflex Look Like Child’s Play The effects of whole body vibration therapy on reducing fat mass in the adult general population: A systematic review and meta-analyses Whole-body vibration administered during a 3-week in-hospital multidisciplinary body weight reduction program increases resting energy expenditure in obese adolescents, a randomized clinical trial Immediate effects of localized vibration on flexibility: A randomized crossover trial Effects of whole body vibration with exercise therapy versus exercise therapy alone on flexibility, vertical jump height, agility and pain in athletes with patellofemoral pain: a randomized clinical trial Whole Body Vibration as an Adjunct to Static Stretching Whole-Body Vibration Stimulates Microvascular Blood Flow in Skeletal Muscle Whole body vibration training improves leg blood flow and adiposity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus Effects of Whole-Body Vibration Training on Lower Limb Blood Flow in Children with Myelomeningocele—A Randomized Trial Effect of localised vibration on muscle strength in healthy adults: a systematic review Whole-body vibration training improves muscle mass and strength in older adults through intra- and extra-muscular pathways The effect of whole body vibration training on quadriceps voluntary activation level of people with age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia): a randomized pilot study Hormonal responses to a single session of wholebody vibration exercise in older individuals Hormonal and Metabolic Responses to Whole Body Vibration in Healthy Adults Low-frequency vibrotherapy considerably improves the effectiveness of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) in patients with lipedema: A two-armed, randomized, controlled pragmatic trial Efficacy of whole body vibration exercise in older people: a systematic review If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Can you zap yourself buff with electrical muscle stimulation? Do the benefits of creatine go beyond the gym? Do healthy people need lymphatic treatments?

Should you add snail slime to your skincare routine? 18.03.2026 20min

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 Care Sensation Chemical composition, mineral profile, anti-bacterial, and wound healing properties of snail slime of Helix aspersa Müller Extraction, structure, pharmacological activities and applications of polysaccharides and proteins isolated from snail mucus Antimicrobial Activities of Different Fractions from Mucus of the Garden Snail Cornu aspersum Antimicrobial efficacy of Egyptian Eremina desertorum and Helix aspersa snail mucus with a novel approach to their anti-inflammatory and wound healing potencies Reviewing The Potential of Snail Extract to Accelerate and Improve Burn Wound Healing: A Literature Review HelixComplex snail mucus exhibits pro-survival, proliferative and pro-migration effects on mammalian fibroblasts The efficacy of Helix aspersa Müller extract in the healing of partial thickness burns: A novel treatment for open burn management protocols Helix aspersa maxima mucus exhibits antimelanogenic and antitumoral effects against melanoma cells 849 Snail mucus increases the anti-cancer activity of anti-PD-L1 antibody in melanoma Snail Mucus Enhances Chemosensitivity of Triple-negative Breast Cancer Via Activation of the Fas Pathway Snails and Skin: A Systematic Review on the Effects of Snail-based Products on Skin Health From Nature to Nurture: The Science and Applications of Snail Slime in Health and Beauty Artificial Snail Mucus Could Advance Cancer Treatments – Johns Hopkins University If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Does anti-ageing skincare actually work? Should you be avoiding perfumes and fragrances? What we do (and don't) know about tinnitus

Could headphones be damaging our ears? 11.03.2026 22min

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 Laboratories Pumping loud music is putting more than 1 billion young people at risk of hearing loss - University of Melbourne A Partial History of Headphones - Smithsonian Prevalence and global estimates of unsafe listening practices in adolescents and young adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis Hearing thresholds, tinnitus, and headphone listening habits in nine-year-old children Do Noise-Cancelling Headphones Help or Hurt Hearing? - University of Colorado Tips for safe listening using headphones and earbuds – Hearing Australia If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is there such thing as TOO much sun protection? Is there a cure for jet lag? Don’t Die: Is Bryan Johnson going to live forever?

Vitamin C: can it cure colds and cancer? 04.03.2026 19min

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 Treatment for scurvy not discovered by Lind Linus Pauling’s Vitamin C Crusade Ascorbic Acid in Cancer Treatment: Let the Phoenix Fly A randomized trial of pharmacological ascorbate, gemcitabine, and nab-paclitaxel for metastatic pancreatic cancer The Role of Vitamin C in Cancer Prevention and Therapy: A Literature Review High-dose vitamin C: A promising anti-tumor agent, insight from mechanisms, clinical research, and challenges Vitamin C reduces the severity of common colds: a meta-analysis Two Faces of Vitamin C—Antioxidative and Pro-Oxidative Agent Vitamin C - Australian Institute of Sport Vitamin C – EatforHealth.gov.au If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Multivitamins: Are they a scam? Can consuming dairy really give you acne? Is sitting the new smoking?

Can peptides keep you young and buff? 25.02.2026 23min

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. References: Effects of Topical Copper Tripeptide Complex on CO2 Laser–Resurfaced Skin Don’t risk using tanning products containing melanotan - TGA Melanotan‐associated melanoma Melanotan II: a possible cause of renal infarction: review of the literature and case report Melanotan II: a possible cause of renal infarction: review of the literature and case report Melanotan-induced priapism: a hard-earned tan – BMJ case study BPC-157: Experimental peptide prohibited - US Anti-Doping Authority Effect of BPC-157 on Symptoms in Patients with Interstitial Cystitis: A Pilot Study Safety of Intravenous Infusion of BPC157 in Humans: A Pilot Study Intra-Articular Injection of BPC 157 for Multiple Types of Knee Pain General practitioner disqualified for inappropriately prescribing peptides If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Can collagen supplements keep your skin supple? Should you be flexible enough to touch your toes? Can you zap yourself buff with electrical muscle stimulation?

Can flossing benefit more than your teeth? 18.02.2026 20min

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 Festival Brisbane ticket giveaway! References: Ask the Expert: Do I Really Need to Floss? - NIH Home use of interdental cleaning devices, in addition to toothbrushing, for preventing and controlling periodontal diseases and dental caries Flossing Is Associated with Improved Oral Health in Older Adults Does flossing before or after brushing influence the reduction in the plaque index? A systematic review and meta-analysis Why would cardiovascular disease and poor oral health be connected? - Harvard Health Oral health and later coronary heart disease: Cohort study of one million people Stronger connections made between oral health and Alzheimer's disease Large study links gum disease with dementia What Dentists Have to Say About Red-Light Therapy for Optimal Oral Health If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! How risky is sharing a toothbrush? Should you be avoiding perfumes and fragrances? Do healthy people need lymphatic treatments?

Doing nothing: the benefits of boredom 11.02.2026 22min

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: Development, Function, and Impact on Mental Health Default-mode brain dysfunction in mental disorders: A systematic review Just think: The challenges of the disengaged mind - Science The Importance of the Default Mode Network in Creativity—A Structural MRI Study The Importance of the Default Mode Network in Creativity—A Structural MRI Study People are increasingly bored in our digital age If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! What is the perfect nap duration? Can tattoos increase your risk of cancer? Why are people taping their mouths?

Should we all be taking fish oil? 04.02.2026 21min

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 His Back: In the late 19th century cod-liver oil was proclaimed the cure for many ailments "Fishing" for the origins of the "Eskimos and heart disease" story: facts or wishful thinking? Omega-3 Fatty Acids - National Institutes of Health The relationship between polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammation: evidence from cohort and Mendelian randomization analyses Omega‐3 fatty acids for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease Regular use of fish oil supplements and course of cardiovascular diseases: prospective cohort study Associations Between Plasma Omega-3 and Fish Oil Use With Risk of Atrial Fibrillation in the UK Biobank Associations of fish oil supplementation with incident dementia: Evidence from the UK Biobank cohort study Omega-3 Fatty Acids for the Management of Osteoarthritis: A Narrative Review Omega 3 fatty acids for preventing or slowing the progression of age‐related macular degeneration Omega-3 fatty acids for depression in adults Fish-Oil Supplementation and Cardiovascular Events in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Why is everyone suddenly talking about seed oils? Does magnesium work against muscle cramps? Why is the internet telling me to lower my cortisol?

Should you wait to swim after eating? 28.01.2026 14min

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 - 1908 The International Lifesaving Federation medical position statement 2014 Effect of food consumption on 200-yard freestyle swim performance The National Drowning Report 2025 Monday’s medical myth: wait 30 minutes after eating before you swim – the Conversation If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Does magnesium work against muscle cramps? Why do you feel so tired after a big meal? Is being an Olympian bad for your health?