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?
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Chronotypes: Early birds vs night owls
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?
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Methylene blue: why are people drinking blue dye?
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?
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Do healthy people need lymphatic treatments?
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?
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Is whitening your teeth bad for you?
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?
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