Blood Pressure
How road traffic noise affects children's cognitive development
Traffic noise at schools has a detrimental effect on the development and working memory and attention in primary school students, new research out of Barcelona has found. Researcher Maria Foraster led… Audio
Science commentator Dr Siouxsie Wiles
Science commentator Dr Siouxsie Wiles joins Kathryn with some interesting studies, including one where Australian researchers found a species of worm able to feed on polystyrene. US scientists have… Audio
Can your height increase your risk of some diseases?
If you're taller than average, your genes may affect your risk for a variety of diseases, a new study suggests. We're discussing this new study and weight loss drugs this morning with… Audio
What you eat could be stopping your medicines working
US researchers have suggested that some artificial sweeteners could affect the way the body metabolises particular drugs, including antibiotics, antidepressants and antivirals. Dr Ali Hill from the… Audio
Why some people need less sleep than others
Ever wondered how some people are able to function optimally on just a few hours' sleep, while others still find themselves feeling a lot less than ideal after a solid eight hour shift? Those lucky… Audio
What if the food advice we know is wrong?
A new study out of Sweden says decades of official dairy wisdom is incorrect, suggesting dairy fats can actually protect us against heart attack and stroke. Dr Ali Hill runs the rule over some of the… Audio
Some types of obesity may increase dementia, stroke risk
As harmful fat accumulation continues to impair our physical health, researchers are warning that abnormal or excessive fat accumulation can increase the risk of dementia and stroke. Researcher Elina… Audio
A cup of coffee a day may keep Covid away
New research out of Northwestern University has found drinking one or more cups of coffee per day is associated with about a 10% decrease in risk of Covid-19. Study co-author Dr. Marilyn Cornelis… Audio
Study reveals cardio health influences your coffee consumption
University of South Australia researchers have found genetic evidence that cardio health influences your coffee consumption. Lead researcher Professor Elina Hyppönen says it's a positive finding and… Audio
New drug billed as a 'game-changer' in obesity crisis
A new weight-loss drug which has been granted FDA approval in the US, is being heralded by some health experts as "groundbreaking," and a potential "game changer". Professor Jeremy Krebs joins the… Audio
The incredible impact our mind can have on our physical health
In her new book, This Book Could Fix Your Life: The Science of Self Help, science journalist Helen Thomson debunks the fads and explores the real science of self-help to discover how we can… Audio
How spending time in nature can benefit your skin
Research shows that when we spend time outdoors, we are more active. And in addition to the benefits of physical activity, there are numerous benefits of engagement with nature. Health geographer Dr… Audio
Could 'rotten egg gas' guard against Alzheimer's disease?
Hydrogen sulfide's reputation may be on the cusp of getting a facelift thanks to new research out of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine which suggests the foul-smelling gas may protect… Audio
Is running or walking better for you?
We all know the benefits of exercise — but do we need to run to get the best returns, or can we get a sufficient dose just from walking? Sports engineer Steve Haake pits running against walking and… Audio
Sitting down: why you're doing it all wrong
Dr. Herman Pontzer has studied the Hadza people and found that the way they rest is different - and they are healthier for it. He says by engaging in more active resting postures while stationary, as… Audio
Covid 19: How much lockdown exercise are Kiwis getting?
How much physical activity are Kiwis actually doing during the Level 4 lock down period? It's a question Associate Professor Elaine Hargreaves and her team from the University of Otago are asking in… Audio
Using music as medicine
New research has revealed that music could be prescribed to help us focus, feel happier, relax and overcome sadness. Lyz Cooper is the founder of the British Academy of Sound Therapy and conducted the… Audio
Burnout linked to potentially deadly irregular heartbeat
A new study suggests that you could be at a higher risk of a potentially fatal heart flutter if you are suffering from vital exhaustion or burnout. Study author Dr. Parveen Garg from the University of… Audio
What do you do about stress?
So how can you better handle stress and what other jobs are under the pump? Audio
Salt, Blood Pressure and the Brain
A new study in rats shows that the link between high salt intake and high blood pressure is caused by changes in the brain Audio