What's That Rash?

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 
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Multivitamins: Are they a scam?
Can consuming dairy really give you acne?
Is sitting the new smoking?

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
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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?

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 
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How risky is sharing a toothbrush?
Should you be avoiding perfumes and fragrances?
Do healthy people need lymphatic treatments?

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
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What is the perfect nap duration?
Can tattoos increase your risk of cancer?
Why are people taping their mouths?

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
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Why is everyone suddenly talking about seed oils?
Does magnesium work against muscle cramps?
Why is the internet telling me to lower my cortisol?