What's That Rash?

ABC Australia

4.8 (9.7K)
MEDICINE
UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

1 DAY AGO

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-Era Exercise Machines Made the Bowflex Look Like Child’s PlayThe 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 StretchingWhole-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 individualsHormonal 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?

23 min
17 MAR

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 Care SensationChemical 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 mucusAntimicrobial Activities of Different Fractions from Mucus of the Garden Snail Cornu aspersumAntimicrobial efficacy of Egyptian Eremina desertorum and Helix aspersa snail mucus with a novel approach to their anti-inflammatory and wound healing potenciesReviewing 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 fibroblastsThe efficacy of Helix aspersa Müller extract in the healing of partial thickness burns: A novel treatment for open burn management protocolsHelix aspersa maxima mucus exhibits antimelanogenic and antitumoral effects against melanoma cells849 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 PathwaySnails and Skin: A Systematic Review on the Effects of Snail-based Products on Skin HealthFrom Nature to Nurture: The Science and Applications of Snail Slime in Health and BeautyArtificial Snail Mucus Could Advance Cancer Treatments – Johns Hopkins UniversityIf 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

20 min
10 MAR

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 LaboratoriesPumping 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 ColoradoTips 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?

22 min
3 MAR

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 Treatment for scurvy not discovered by LindLinus Pauling’s Vitamin C CrusadeAscorbic Acid in Cancer Treatment: Let the Phoenix FlyA randomized trial of pharmacological ascorbate, gemcitabine, and nab-paclitaxel for metastatic pancreatic cancerThe 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 SportVitamin 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?

19 min
24 FEB

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. References: Effects of Topical Copper Tripeptide Complex on CO2 Laser–Resurfaced Skin Don’t risk using tanning products containing melanotan - TGAMelanotan‐associated melanomaMelanotan II: a possible cause of renal infarction: review of the literature and case reportMelanotan II: a possible cause of renal infarction: review of the literature and case reportMelanotan-induced priapism: a hard-earned tan – BMJ case studyBPC-157: Experimental peptide prohibited - US Anti-Doping AuthorityEffect of BPC-157 on Symptoms in Patients with Interstitial Cystitis: A Pilot StudySafety of Intravenous Infusion of BPC157 in Humans: A Pilot StudyIntra-Articular Injection of BPC 157 for Multiple Types of Knee PainGeneral practitioner disqualified for inappropriately prescribing peptidesIf 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?

23 min
17 FEB

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 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 cariesFlossing 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-analysisWhy would cardiovascular disease and poor oral health be connected? - Harvard Health Oral health and later coronary heart disease: Cohort study of one million peopleStronger 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?

20 min
10 FEB

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: 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 ageIf 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?

22 min
3 FEB

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 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 HealthThe relationship between polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammation: evidence from cohort and Mendelian randomization analysesOmega‐3 fatty acids for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseaseRegular use of fish oil supplements and course of cardiovascular diseases: prospective cohort studyAssociations Between Plasma Omega-3 and Fish Oil Use With Risk of Atrial Fibrillation in the UK BiobankAssociations of fish oil supplementation with incident dementia: Evidence from the UK Biobank cohort studyOmega-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 degenerationOmega-3 fatty acids for depression in adultsFish-Oil Supplementation and Cardiovascular Events in Patients Receiving HemodialysisIf 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?

21 min

See All (569)

Norman Swan

Host
Tegan Taylor

Host

4.8

out of 5

9,677 Ratings

Chip’n’ buttie

7 Jan

Amoloch007

Scottish mum bought her cooking with her. We had the same chip pot that the health dept would have closed down but those chips were the best. Thanks for clarifying the myths and misinformation about seed oils etc.
Fantastic podcast

07/09/2025

......Ellie......

Such a great listen
Evidence often conflated

21/12/2025

Squinty01

Norman Swann undermines the value of this Podcast by often cherry picking evidence without enough disclaimers such as lack of RCTs in humans and basing his narrative around animal studies whilst ignoring evidence that goes against it. The latest example was the episode on Creatine. Extremely disappointing.
So interesting!

25/08/2025

Warrior 308

Tegan and Norman are perfect for this podcast. Tegan is just delightful and Norman a fountain of knowledge. I look forward to it every week. Thank you for bringing it to us.

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.