What's That Rash?

Mar 04 2025 250 ep. 14 mins 1.4k

What's That Rash? Podcast artwork

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.

Health & Fitness Science

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What's so bad about fine particulate air pollution?

Mar 04 2025 20 mins

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:

Does magnesium work against muscle cramps?

Feb 25 2025 19 mins

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 hypoth

Which hair loss treatments actually work?

Feb 18 2025 19 mins

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 - Healthdirect Male Androgene

We're answering your questions LIVE! March 30!

Feb 16 2025 2 mins

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 [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can functional mushrooms really help treat cancer?

Feb 11 2025 20 mins

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 evi

Why are people taping their mouths?

Feb 04 2025 19 mins

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. Refere

There's a lot of fog around brain fog

Jan 28 2025 15 mins

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 neuropsychiatry Subjective brain fog: a four-dimensional

Why is everyone suddenly talking about seed oils?

Jan 21 2025 20 mins

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 Dietar

Can you get away with skipping your daily shower?

Jan 14 2025 18 mins

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 hygiene Th

Should you base your diet on your blood type?

Jan 07 2025 18 mins

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 typ