Podcasts about Michelle Dickinson

What if your next medical test involved breathing into a tube instead of drawing blood? A new study out this week published in the journal Current Biology has discovered that every human has a way of breathing through their nose that is so unique to them, it can be used to identify individuals with incredible accuracy. These personal "nasal respiratory fingerprints" may even hold powerful clues about your health, your mood, and even how your brain works. We often take our breath for granted. But behind every inhale and exhale is a complex web of brain networks working quietly in the background. The researchers attached tiny wearable device placed in a nasal cannula (like a mini oxygen tube) for 24-hour recordings on 100 volunteers. They found that a computer could identify individuals from their breathing patterns with up to 97 percent accuracy and this pattern remained stable for nearly two years. The researchers found that these unique breathing patterns, could predict a person's Body Mass Index (BMI), arousal state, and even levels of anxiety, depression, and traits related to autism. They found that: People with higher anxiety levels tended to take shorter inhales during sleep. Higher depression scores were linked to stronger nasal airflow and longer pauses after breathing out. And people with higher autism traits showed longer pauses between breaths and more variability in how they inhaled. All this was measured passively, just from how air flows in and out of the nose. The nose is more than just a smell detector, it's closely linked to the brain's emotional and cognitive circuits. Previous research has even shown that the rhythm of nasal breathing can sync up with brain waves and influence memory, attention, and emotion. This study supports the idea that breathing, especially through the nose, is more than a life-sustaining reflex. It's a mirror of our inner world. The potential of this new discovery is huge! If nasal breathing patterns can reflect not only who we are but also how we feel and function, then this non-invasive technique could become a powerful tool in health monitoring, mental wellness, and neuroscience. Instead of detecting early signs of depression or anxiety with a questionnaire, you could potentially diagnose in just a day's worth of breath. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most of us think clapping is just about two hands hitting each other, but new research out this week in the journal Physical Review Research found that the clap that we hear actually comes from the air being squeezed out between our palms. When your hands come together, whether flat or cupped, they trap a tiny bubble of air. That bubble escapes through small gaps, like the one between your thumb and index finger, creating a mini jet of air that blasts out and disturbs the surrounding atmosphere. This results in a burst of sound created by a phenomenon called Helmholtz resonance, the same thing that happens when you blow across the top of a bottle. Your hands, in that moment, are transformed into a musical instrument. To test their theory, the research team built silicone hands of different shapes and stiffness levels, and gave them microphones, pressure sensors, and high-speed cameras. They clapped the hands together again and again, studying every tiny movement and sound wave. They found that the shape of your hands plays a big role in how your clap sounds. Cupped hands trap more air and make a lower, deeper sound. Flat hands create a higher-pitched pop. Even the grooves between your fingers contribute, acting like tiny open-ended pipes that add extra tones. The study showed how a handclap might actually be used to identify someone. Because everyone has differently sized hands, skin textures, and clapping styles, no two claps are exactly alike, each person's clap is unique, like a musical fingerprint. One researcher is already exploring whether clapping could be used to take attendance in classrooms - where students walk into a room, clap once and the system recognises you and checks you in. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sundy 8 June 2025, Artistic Director for Cirque du Soleil's Corteo, Olaf Triebel, shares insights into just how his artists pull off their high risk stunts. Much loved Kiwi cook Annabel Langbein has a new home ... in France. She tells Francesca just how hard it was to buy a house in France and why she's made the move. South Island boys schools are banding together to help our young men with societal issues, principal Steve Hart tells us why. Who will win the war of words between Trump and Musk? US correspondent Dan Mitchinson with the latest. And did you know it's not your hands hitting each other than makes the sound when you clap? Dr Michelle Dickinson with the latest research into clapping. Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you think of penguins, you might imagine adorable black-and-white birds waddling across icy landscapes. But a surprising new study published in the journal Communications Earth and Environment reveals that penguins might also be helping to form clouds that could influence climate change. Adélie penguins, a species found only in Antarctica, eat a diet rich in fish and krill. This high-protein menu results in poop, or guano, that's not just smelly but chemically active, releasing ammonia gas into the atmosphere. That ammonia reacts with sulfur-containing gases in the air, creating tiny particles which give water vapor something to cling to, helping clouds to form. The researchers set up instruments near a colony of 60,000 penguins. They found that when the wind carried air from the colony, ammonia levels were up to 1,000 times higher than normal. Even after the penguins moved on, the leftover guano kept producing ammonia. The scientists also noticed more fog, likely caused by the increased aerosol particles shortly after these ammonia spikes. The findings confirmed that penguin poop significantly boosts the formation of clouds, by up to 10,000X. Clouds play a major role in our planet's climate. Over the ocean, clouds typically have a cooling effect. Over Antarctica's bright, reflective ice, however, the impact can be more complex. In some cases, clouds may trap heat, warming the surface below. Scientists are still figuring out exactly how penguin-made clouds influence temperatures, but understanding these natural systems is critical to improving climate models. One fascinating idea raised by this study is that declining penguin populations, due to climate change, could actually reduce cloud formation, which might in turn make warming even worse. And while it's still too early to know how big of a role penguin poop plays in Earth's climate, researchers believe it's another important piece of the climate puzzle and a reminder why protecting penguin colonies isn't just about saving the birds, it might also help protect the planet. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you've ever had your lunch snatched by a seagull, you're not alone. However, new research published in the journal Royal Society Open Science suggests that your chips might be safer than you think - if there is only one gull hanging around. Scientists have discovered that lone seagulls are far more cautious than those in a group. This behaviour is driven by a trait called neophobia, which means fear of the unknown. In a recent study by researchers at Ghent University, herring gulls were put to the test to see how brave they were when unfamiliar objects were placed near their food. They found that when on their own, the gulls hesitated nearly three times longer to approach food than when they were in a group. Some lone gulls wouldn't go near the food at all. But once in a flock, their confidence soared. The birds not only approached the food faster, they also spent more time hanging around it, even with strange objects nearby. The researchers concluded that being in a group helps gulls feel safer, making them more willing to take risks - like swooping in for your lunch. So, next time you spot a gull eyeing up your snack, count how many friends it has to calculate your risks. A previous study found that gulls prefer food they've seen humans handle, so clutching your sandwich tightly might actually make it more appealing to a gull, and research from the University of Exeter found that gulls take much longer to approach food if they feel watched, so giving a seagull a good hard stare might protect your food for long enough for another bite. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 25 May 2025, in the space of a week Raynor Winn was made bankrupt and learned her husband was terminally ill. This week she talks Francesca how a 630 mile coastal walk healed her husband turned her life back around. Ahead of the Aotearoa Music Awards, singer-songwriter Georgia Lines performs her brand new single 'Wonderful Life'. The dream is over for Auckland FC, football analyst Jacob Spoonley on the low of the semi final loss after an amazing season. David Seymour is about to become Deputy Prime Minister, he tells Francesca what the role means to him and how he will approach the role. And have you ever noticed a flock of seagulls will steal your lunch, but a lone seagull rarely will? Dr Michelle Dickinson shares the science behind this. Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you get when a group of podiatrists team up with a Barbie doll collector? A research paper published in the journal PLOS ONE that looks into 65 years of Barbie history. The idea started when one of the authors was watching the 2023 Barbie movie. In it, there was a scene when Barbie steps out of her high heels and her feet flatten for the first time. For those of us who grew up with Barbie, we know that her feet used to be in a permanent tip-toe position. The researchers found a Barbie collector and analysed 2750 of their Barbie dolls from her debut in 1959 to June 2024 with a specific tool designed to measure foot posture of the doll. They found that over the decades Barbie has moved from a world of endless stilettos to one where flats are more common, especially when she's on a job. Just like many women today, Barbie now 'chooses' her shoes based on what she needs to do. If she's skateboarding, working as an astronaut, or heading to a medical shift, it's flats all the way. But when it's time to party, those heels come back out. In the 1960s, all Barbies stood on tip-toes, ready for a night out. But by the 2020s, only 40 percent of Barbies had that high-heel-ready posture. That change aligns with Barbie's expanding résumé. From being an astronaut in 1965 to a surgeon, Barbie has boldly entered fields once dominated by men. As women gained more workplace rights and opportunities, so did Barbie. In fact, by 2024, 33 percent of Barbies represent real-world jobs. And with that shift came new footwear more functional, more stable, and more diverse. The study found that Barbie's foot posture reflected more than just job roles. It mirrored broader changes in representation and inclusion. For example, Barbie dolls with prosthetic limbs wore flat shoes to reflect stability, but intriguingly, some dolls in wheelchairs still wore high heels, reminding us that fashion and function can coexist, and that breaking stereotypes isn't always about ditching glamour. The topic of high heels often comes with warnings - about bunions, knee pain, back problems. But here's the twist: these issues are also common in people who don't wear heels. And most research into high-heel risks involves people who rarely wear them or wear them during high-impact activities. There's a lot we don't know about the long-term effects of regularly wearing high heels. What we do know is this: they slow your walking pace and challenge your balance. But risk varies depending on heel height, shoe design, and individual lifestyle. Ultimately, Barbie reflects us. She's not just a plastic fashionista, she's a cultural mirror. Her shift from stilettos to flats isn't about turning her back on glamour. It's about making purposeful choices. Barbie wears heels when she's feeling fabulous, and sneakers when she's saving the world. And maybe that's the real message here: women can and do make thoughtful decisions about their footwear based on comfort, identity, and function. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine seeing a colour so vivid, so unlike anything in nature, that your brain has no reference for it. That's exactly what happened to five people who took part in an experiment published in the journal Science Advances this week. The newly perceived colour, which is described as a hyper-saturated blue-green shade, has been named olo, and it unlocked a visual experience that was previously impossible with natural light alone. To understand the experiment, we first need to understand how we see colour. At the back of your eye lies the retina, which contains three types of photoreceptor cone cells - S, M, and L cones -each tuned to different wavelengths of light: S cones respond to short, bluish wavelengths, M cones to medium, greenish wavelengths, L cones to long, reddish wavelengths. Together, they allow your brain to mix and interpret the colours of the world around you. But here's the catch: in nature, the M and L cones are almost always activated together due to how their sensitivities overlap. This means it's essentially impossible to isolate just the M cones with regular light. As a result, a truly pure green, seen by stimulating only M cones, is something no one had ever seen - until now. The researchers used pinpoint lasers and advanced optics to stimulate individual photoreceptors in the human eye. Using a laser no more powerful than a standard green laser pointer, the team was able to target cone cells with surgical precision. First, they needed to create a cone map, a detailed image showing the exact arrangement of cone types on each participant's retina. This map allowed the system to fire microscopic pulses of light solely at the M cones, leaving the others in darkness. When volunteers looked into the laser system, they described a colour that doesn't exist in nature. Some said it was like a supercharged peacock green, others just stared in amazement. As soon as the laser was adjusted to stimulate even a few non-M cones, the olo colour vanished and was replaced instantly by the familiar green of the laser. The implications of this go far beyond a cool visual trick and open up new possibilities in both science and medicine. By allowing researchers to control cone cells at this level of precision, it may help us: Understand how colour vision truly works on a cellular level, Simulate what it's like to lose certain types of vision, helping us study degenerative eye conditions like macular degeneration, Explore how to expand human perception, possibly giving people with colour blindness access to colours they've never seen before or even enable humans to experience tetrachromacy. Sadly, most of us will never get to see olo ourselves, but its discovery is a powerful reminder of how much there is still to learn about the human body, even something as seemingly simple as colour. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever found yourself nodding along in a noisy bar, pretending to understand your friend's story, but truthfully, you're just hoping for a quieter moment to catch the plot? You're not alone. Hearing conversation in loud environments is something many of us struggle with. But thanks to a new study published in the journal Proceedings Of The Royal Society B - science might have a simple fix! All you need to do is tap your fingers to a beat, before the talking starts. The researchers explored whether rhythmic motor priming, like tapping your finger to a beat, could help your brain process speech more efficiently in noisy environments. Participants listened to long sentences buried in background noise. Right before the sentence began, some were asked to tap along to a beat at different speeds, like one tap every half-second or so. The other participants didn't tap at all. After the sentence, all participants had to identify a word they'd just heard. They found that the people who tapped at a specific rhythm, around 1.5 to 2 times per second, did noticeably better at understanding the sentence, even in the noisy environment. It turns out that this tapping rate lines up with the natural pace of words in human speech (called the “lexical rate”) and helps your brain tune in more effectively. Think of it like syncing up your brain's "listening rhythm" with the speaker's flow. The study also supports a growing idea in neuroscience: our motor system (the one that moves your body) also plays a role in how we listen. When we move rhythmically, even just by tapping a finger, it seems to help our brains track the rhythm of speech. It's an easy, no-tech, zero-cost hack to try the next time you are in a noisy café or busy dinner party. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bitter flavours act as nature's warning signs, evolved over hundreds of millions of years to steer us away from potentially toxic compounds. New research published this week in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry has just identified the most potent natural bitter compounds known to date and with it insights into why bitterness is so important. The star of this discovery is the mushroom Amaropostia stiptica, a non-toxic fungus renowned among foragers for its relentless, mouth-puckering bitterness. By guiding their isolation efforts with taste assays, the researchers extracted and characterised three previously unknown triterpene glucosides from this mushroom. Among the trio of new compounds, oligoporin D stole the show. In cell-based assays, oligoporin D activated the human bitter taste receptor TAS2R46 at astonishingly low concentrations of around 63 millionths of a gram per litre (roughly one gram dissolved in the volume of a million bathtubs) Why does this matter? Most entries in BitterDB hail from plants or human-made chemicals. Adding fungal compounds like oligoporin D enriches our chemical map of bitterness, revealing new scaffolds that challenge existing predictive models of taste receptor activation Bitter taste receptors predate flowering plants by some 300 million years. By discovering a potent fungal bitterant, researchers gain clues about ancient ecological interactions, did early vertebrates encounter fungi that drove the diversification of their taste receptors? Bitter receptors aren't confined to our mouths - they're sprinkled throughout the gut, lungs, heart, and even on blood cells. Understanding how natural bitterants like oligoporin D engage these extraoral receptors could unlock new avenues in digestion, immunity, and respiratory health The discovery of oligoporin D opens doors to practical innovations including the development of a natural, ultra-bitter coating for household chemicals or pharmaceuticals to prevent accidental ingestion. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Practical strategies to avoid burnout, build resilience, manage stress, and create joy in a tech-driven world. Find the shownotes at https://changesbigandsmall.com If you enjoy the episode, please share it with a friend. You can reach me at contact@changesbigandsmall.com if you have any questions or feedback. If you'd like to appear on the podcast, reach out to me for more information. I'm currently interviewing for the next season, which is focused on relationships. Join the Changes Big and Small Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/changesbigandsmall1/ The post Mindful Technology Use: How to Avoid Burnout and Find Joy with Michelle Dickinson appeared first on . Related posts: How to Overcome Fear and Find Beauty in the Darkness This 1-Minute Morning Habit Will Ignite Your Creativity (and Invite More Joy) with Katrina Mason How to Experience Joy During Life’s Challenges

We've all felt the instant relief of scratching an itch, but what if that fleeting moment of bliss was actually doing more than just satisfying an itch? Scientists have just published new research in the journal Science which shows how scratching activates an immune response that can help protect the skin against harmful infections. Scratching has long been thought to serve a practical function: removing irritants like insects, dust, or allergens. But some itches, such as those caused by mosquito bites, persist long after the culprit is gone. This suggests that scratching might serve another purpose beyond simply removing irritants. Researchers induced an itchy allergic contact dermatitis on the ears of mice have of which were allowed to scratch the itch and half that couldn't due to wearing a tiny headcollar. The mice that were allowed to scratch developed increased swelling and a surge of immune cells called neutrophils at the site. However, the mice that were prevented from scratching, had significantly lower inflammation and fewer immune cells in the affected area. The researchers found that scratching activates pain-sensing neurons, which then release a powerful neurochemical called substance P. This messenger molecule wakes up mast cells which are immune cells that play a key role in allergic reactions. Once activated, mast cells recruit neutrophils, amplifying inflammation at the scratched site. Previously, scientists believed that mast cells were only triggered by allergens, however this study revealed an entirely new pathway: scratching itself can activate these immune responses. While this might sound like a bad thing, it turns out that it has a hidden benefit. The team discovered that scratching isn't just about relief, it also helps to keep dangerous bacteria at bay. In their experiment, they found that mice who were allowed to scratch had lower levels of the potentially harmful bacteria Staphylococcus aureus on their skin compared to those prevented from scratching. This suggests that scratching might have antibacterial effects, helping to remove harmful microbes before they cause infection. Of course, not all scratching is beneficial. Chronic scratching, as seen in conditions like eczema or diabetes, can lead to skin damage and increase the risk of infection. In these cases, the same immune response that helps in the short term can become a problem if it's constantly activated. Interestingly, researchers identified two separate nerve pathways, one that signals an itch and another that controls the immune response from scratching. This discovery opens the door to potential treatments that could block the itch-scratch cycle while preserving the immune benefits of scratching. Scientists hope that by targeting specific nerve pathways, they can develop new therapies that stop the discomfort without shutting down the body's natural immune defences. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lower back pain is something most of us have experienced at some point. Whether it's from sitting too long, lifting something heavy, or just the wear and tear of daily life, it's a common issue. But with so many treatments available, which ones actually work? A team of researchers set out to answer this question in a massive study published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine. Gathering data from hundreds of previous studies, the researchers analysed 301 randomized controlled trials, covering 56 different treatments for low back pain. These treatments ranged from exercise and spinal manipulations to medications like NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and antidepressants. To make the study even more precise, they divided the results into two categories: Acute low back pain (pain lasting less than 12 weeks). Chronic low back pain (pain lasting 12 weeks or more). Then, they compared each treatment to a placebo to see if it actually provided pain relief. The good news is that some non-surgical treatments do work, though not as dramatically as you might hope. For acute low back pain, NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) were the only treatment found to be effective, with a small but measurable pain reduction. For chronic low back pain, five treatments stood out: Exercise: Physical movement tailored to strengthen the back and improve flexibility. Spinal manipulative therapy: Techniques often used by chiropractors to adjust the spine. Taping: Using supportive tape to stabilize muscles and joints. Antidepressants: Certain medications that seem to reduce pain perception. TRPV1 agonists: A class of treatments that target pain receptors. Each of these treatments provided modest pain relief, meaning they worked better than a placebo, but not by much. What Doesn't Work? Some common treatments, surprisingly, did not provide significant pain relief. For acute low back pain, these treatments were found not to be effective: Exercise (which works better for chronic pain but not short-term pain). Glucocorticoid injections (steroid shots that are sometimes used for inflammation). Paracetamol (acetaminophen) (commonly recommended but found to be ineffective in this study). For chronic low back pain, these treatments failed to provide significant benefits: Antibiotics (sometimes prescribed for infections that might cause pain, but no clear benefit). Anaesthetics (numbing agents that didn't prove effective for long-term relief). Many treatments had inconclusive results, meaning there wasn't enough strong evidence to say whether they truly help. These included: Acupuncture Massage Heat therapy Laser therapy Electromagnetic therapy This doesn't necessarily mean they don't work, just that more high-quality research is needed. So, if you have low back pain and are looking for non-surgical options, the research suggests: If your pain is short-term, NSAIDs may help. If your pain is chronic, consider exercise, spinal manipulative therapy, taping, antidepressants, or TRPV1 agonists. Some treatments commonly recommended (like paracetamol and steroids) might not be as effective as previously thought. Many alternative treatments show promise but need better studies to confirm their benefits. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 30 March 2025, Amanda Knox joins Francesca to talk about being the girl accused of murder. Australian actress Rebecca Gibney discusses brand new show 'Happiness', which centres around a community theatre group. Ahead of Nicola Willis' announcement, competition consultant Ernie Newman considered what the supermarket sector needs to do to introduce more competition in the industry. Francesca wonders if the country's stadium wars will ever be over. And, Dr Michelle Dickinson discusses non-surgical treatments for lower back pain - what works and what doesn't? Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever wondered whether people with big feet just have larger versions of the same foot structure as those with smaller feet? New research published in Royal Society Open Science took a deep dive into how human feet change shape with size, and the results were surprising. The researchers studied the two largest bones in the human foot, the talus (which connects the foot to the leg) and the calcaneus (better known as the heel bone). They gathered 3D computed tomography (CT) scans from 36 adults, covering a range of foot sizes. Then, they used advanced statistical modelling to examine how these bones' shapes and surfaces scaled with size. If big feet were just larger versions of small feet, their bones would scale isometrically, meaning that all dimensions would grow at the same rate. However, if the bones changed shape as they got bigger, they would be scaling allometrically, adapting their proportions to accommodate different stresses and forces. The results showed that while the talus scaled pretty much as expected (meaning it grew proportionally in all directions), the calcaneus did something different. Instead of just getting larger, it became more cube-like as foot size increased. The researchers found that as the heel bone got bigger, it became taller, wider, and shorter in length relative to its size. This means that big feet are not just enlarged copies of small feet, their bones actually shift in shape to better handle stress and pressure. Interestingly, the joint surfaces of the calcaneus, where it connects with other bones, grew at a faster rate than the rest of the bone. This suggests that larger feet need bigger contact areas at the joints to distribute pressure more effectively, reducing stress and potential injury. Understanding how foot bones scale can have major implications for medicine, biomechanics, and even footwear design. Next time you look at your feet, or someone else's, you can appreciate that they might be very different to your own. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 02:55:35 +0000 https://sustainable-forces-arup.podigee.io/15-new-episode a2963e42be4ce979fdfdb9dc60b8c46f The property industry is one of the highest-emitting industries, with the built environment contributing to almost 40 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. So, what's driving this number so high? It's scope 3 emissions – also known as indirect emissions, which are often hidden inside complex value chains. In this podcast episode, we chat to Cate Harris, Global Head of Sustainability at Lendlease and Enrico Zara, Global Decarbonisation Leader at Arup on how bold action is helping the property industry uncover, track, measure and report on scope 3 emissions. Discussed in this episode: https://www.arup.com/services/decarbonisation/ https://www.lendlease.com/au/sustainability/climate-and-environment/scope-3-emissions-protocol/ https://www.arup.com/insights/practical-ways-to-decarbonise-healthcare/ Follow our host, Dr Michelle Dickinson: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleDickinson https://www.linkedin.com/in/medickinson/ full no

The need for blood is constant, and every day lives are saved thanks to the generosity of blood donors. With a law change last year, even more people in New Zealand can now become blood donors. The removal of the ban on those who lived in the UK, France, or Ireland between 1980 and 1996 means thousands more Kiwis are now eligible to donate. This restriction was originally introduced due to concerns about Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD), also known as Mad Cow Disease. New research published in the journal Blood suggests that in addition to helping save lives, being a regular blood donor might also reduce your risk of developing certain blood cancers. The study compared the blood of 200 healthy male blood donors in their 60s. One group had donated blood three times a year for 40 years, while the other had donated only around five times in total. While both groups showed a similar number of natural genetic mutations that accumulate with age, the type of mutation in stem cells differed: 50 percent of the frequent donors had a specific genetic variation. 30 percent of the irregular donors showed the same mutation. Interestingly, this genetic change is not linked to a higher risk of blood cancers like leukaemia. In fact, lab tests showed that blood stem cells from frequent donors were good at producing healthy red blood cells. As we age, stem cells in our bone marrow naturally accumulate mutations, resulting in groups of blood cells with slightly different genetic makeups. Sometimes, these mutations can increase the risk of blood cancers like leukaemia. One gene of particular interest in this study is called DNMT3A, which is known to be mutated in people who develop leukaemia. However, researchers found that the mutations in DNMT3A observed in frequent donors occurred in areas not associated with a pre-leukemic risk. When you donate blood, your body responds by producing new blood cells to replace what was lost. This process places mild stress on the body, which appears to promote the renewal of healthy blood stem cells and select for mutations that favour growth rather than disease. These findings add another potential benefit to regular blood donation. While the research does not prove that donating blood directly reduces the risk of blood cancer, it suggests that the process of blood renewal may positively influence the genetic makeup of stem cells. With the recent eligibility changes in New Zealand, there has never been a better time to become a donor. By giving blood, you not only help those in need but may also support your own long-term health. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Digital Learning Today, Jeff welcomes Michelle Dickinson and Heather Hartinger discuss the critical issues of burnout and resilience among educators. They explore the definitions and symptoms of burnout, the importance of self-awareness, and practical strategies for managing stress. The discussion emphasizes the need for educators to prioritize their own wellbeing, establish boundaries, and implement micro habits that can lead to significant improvements in their mental health. The conversation also highlights the importance of agency and the role of support systems in the journey towards recovery from burnout. If you are a new listener to TeacherCast, we would love to hear from you.  Please visit our Contact Page and let us know how we can help you today! Conversation Takeaways Burnout is often a cumulative effect that sneaks up on individuals. Self-awareness is crucial in identifying stress and energy levels. Educators often wait for external changes to feel better, which is counterproductive. Setting boundaries is essential for maintaining mental health. Many educators struggle to identify what brings them joy. Micro habits can lead to significant improvements in wellbeing. Sleep, hydration, and nutrition are foundational to resilience. Agency is key; educators must take control of their lives. Support systems and resources are vital for recovery from burnout. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Resilience and Burnout 03:14 Understanding Burnout: Definitions and Symptoms 05:45 Strategies for Identifying and Managing Stress 09:08 The Role of Agency in Managing Burnout 12:07 Creating Boundaries and Finding Joy 15:06 Micro Habits for Daily Resilience 17:48 The Journey of Recovery from Burnout 21:02 Resources and Support for Educators Follow The Jeff Bradbury Show And Subscribe View All Episodes Apple Podcasts Spotify Follow Our Host Jeff Bradbury | @JeffBradbury TeacherCast | @TeacherCast About our Guests Heather Hartinger Co-Founder, Partner, Program Director Heather Hartinger co-founded Resilience As A Lifestyle Solutions to redefine resilience as agency, not endurance. With over 20 years in branding, marketing, and culture development, she believes agency—paired with regulation and communication—is the universal solution for responsible living across all sectors. A Conscious Capitalist, she empowers educators and leaders through practical, trust-driven strategies, drawing from her global expertise with Fortune 500s, startups, and Web3 innovators. Michelle E. Dickinson Founder of Trifecta Mental Health and Resilience As A Lifestyle Solutions Michelle E. Dickinson is flipping the script on stress management. As a globally celebrated Resilience Visionary, Burnout Interventionist, TED speaker and bestselling author, she's taught over 15,000 people across education, Fortune 500s, and healthcare how to actually deal with burnout - not just talk about it. Michelle doesn't do typical coaching. She teaches practical skills that work right away - like getting a user manual for your brain. Her simple, profound...

Can you wiggle your ears? Apparently around 15 percent of the population can consciously move their ears up and down. Now, new research published in the journal Frontiers in Neuroscience have figured out where this ear wiggling skill came from. While humans can't turn their ears like some animals, our ear muscles still try to make tiny, unconscious movements when we're listening to something intently. In the study, the researchers asked 20 volunteers to listen to an audiobook played through a speaker at the same time as a podcast was also played from the same location. They created different scenarios, starting with easy ones where the podcast was quieter than the audiobook and the pitches for both were very different. They also created challenging scenarios where two podcasts were played together over the audiobook and the pitch of all three were similar. Electrodes were placed on the volunteers allowing the researchers to record the electrical activity produced by the muscles involved in wiggling the ears. The researchers found activity in the superior auricular muscles, which lift the ear upwards and outwards, was larger during the most difficult listening conditions and that the posterior auricular muscles, which pull the ear backward, were more active when the sounds came from behind the participant than in front of them. While the majority of the volunteers couldn't physically move their ears, the subtle twitches measured are thought to be remnants of an ancient reflex, called a "neural fossil" which came from our ancestors who could move their ears to focus on sounds. Although we lost the ability to visibly move our ears about 25 million years ago, these findings suggest that the neural pathways for ear movement are still present - and might subtly aid our ability to hear things. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 9 March 2025, godfather of British cinema Mike Leigh joins Francesca to discuss his 60 years in the industry, and latest film Hard Truths. Patricia Kelly, wife of one of the greatest stars in Hollywood Gene Kelly, discusses bringing tribute show Gene Kelly: A Life in Music down to Auckland. Professor Susan St John says providing NZ Super as a tax-free basic income grant and putting recipients on a higher tax rate for other income, may be a better solution than increasing the age of eligibility, or reducing the amount paid. Australia correspondent Murray Olds shares the latest on Cyclone Alfred. Can you wiggle your ears? Dr Michelle Dickinson discusses why only 15% of the population can do the party trick. Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it possible to be calm, healthy, and even happy during a time that seems so fraught and uncertain? Yep, says resilience and burnout expert and mental health advocate Michelle E. Dickinson, and it's necessary if we want to live with mental well-being and make positive changes in our communities and workplaces. She says there will always be outside stresses, but how we respond to them determines how well we will live. In this episode, Dickinson shares practical insights on cultivating mental strength, and shifting our mindset and focus to give attention to the things that help us feel better and manage stress effectively. Polly and Michelle talk about building emotional endurance, practicing gratitude, and thriving during uncertain times whether you are facing personal struggles or global upheaval. To learn more about Michelle Dickinson's consulting, speaking, and book go to: https://michelledickinson.com. For more on how to live well, do good, be happy join our Simply Said community at https://pollycampbell.substack.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is it that humans can talk but mice can't? New research published in the journal Nature Communications found that it might be due to a specific gene. If you asked somebody what sound a mouse makes, most people would answer 'squeak' - but mice can also make chirping sounds in the ultrasonic range that humans can't hear. The researchers took a variant of a gene called NOVA1, which is only found in humans, and gene-edited it into mice. The genetically modified mice started to squeak differently to the mice without the gene. Genetically modified baby mice that were separated from their mothers made very distinctly different sounds compared to non-modified baby mice from the same litter. Adult male mice also changed their songs during mating calls when they had the NOVA1 gene. These results suggests that the human version of NOVA1 is likely to influence vocal communication and could be a key player in the evolution of our speech. To confirm that this genetic variant was truly unique to modern humans, the researchers then did an analysis that checked genomes from extinct human species, the Neanderthals and Denisovans. They found that our ancient ancestors lacked this variant, however it was present in the genomes of modern humans from around the world. Humans are unique as a species when it comes to how we communicate, and knowing the gene involved in language could help us to understand how we began talking in the first place as well as potentially helping in treating speech disorders. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most people wouldn't guess ‘fish' when asked about intelligence in animals, but new research in the journal Biology Letters shows that fish might be smarter than many of us think. Previous lab studies have shown that captive archerfish, can recognise human faces in controlled settings, however there is little evidence that wild fish can do the same. To learn more about wild fish, researchers from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behaviour ran experiments to test whether they could distinguish between different humans based solely on visual recognition. They started by getting a diver to attract the attention of local fish 8 metres underwater in the Mediterranean sea. The diver wore a bright red vest and fed the fish while swimming in a straight line for 50 metres. Every day the diver repeated this process, but started to remove some of the visual cues on their dive gear like the red vest. They also stopped feeding the fish continually during the 50m swim, instead waiting until they had swam the whole 50m with them until feeding them. Two species of wild sea bream willingly engaged in the swimming task and after 12 days of training, around 20 fish would reliably follow the diver for 50m in order to get some food at the end. In the next part of the experiment, two divers entered the water, with the new diver wearing a different coloured wetsuit and fins. The divers swam 50m in opposite directions and on the first day the fish were confused as to which diver to follow. At the end of the 50m swim, only the original diver fed the fish and by day two the fish ignored the new diver and followed the original diver who fed them at the end. To see how the fish were recognising the original diver as the deliverer of food, the next part of the experiment involved both divers wearing exactly the same colour and style of dive gear. This confused the fish and they didn't know which diver to follow which suggests that wild fish can quickly learn to use specific cues like colour to recognise individual human divers and is a finding that challenges long-held assumptions about fish cognition. This study not only sheds light on the sophisticated cognitive abilities of fish but also prompts a re-evaluation of how we perceive and interact with marine life. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Barbara Hales interviews Michelle Dickinson, a TED speaker and best-selling author, about burnout management and resilience training. Michelle shares how her approach focuses on practical, non-clinical strategies that help professionals manage stress and prevent burnout before it becomes overwhelming. • She emphasizes the power of personal agency, self-awareness, and micro-habits to

Have you ever finished a huge meal but still found room for dessert? Some people might talk about having a separate stomach for desserts. It turns out that your brain might be driving you to eat that sweet treat even though you don't 'need' it. Recent research in the journal Science found that the same nerve cells that signal 'you're full' also spark cravings for you wanting something sweet. Deep within a part of your brain called the hypothalamus are special cells known as pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons. They are well known for their role in telling us when we're full - however, these neurons have been found to have a surprising double life. When sugar enters your mouth, POMC neurons release natural opioids, like ß-endorphin, which trigger a rewarding sensation making us want more of the sugar even if our stomach is already full. The researchers found this out using experiments on mice. First, they bathed slices of mouse brain tissue in a fluorescent solution that binds to opioid receptors. They found that the highest density of these receptors was in a brain region known as the PVT, a key player in regulating feeding behaviours. This hinted at a direct link between the fullness signal and sugar cravings. They then let some lab mice eat their regular meal. After about 90 minutes, when the mice were clearly full, introduced a dessert of sugary food. Neuronal activity between the arcuate nucleus and the PVT spiked to nearly four times the level observed during the meal. Interestingly, this surge began before the mice even started eating the dessert, suggesting that the brain anticipates the sweet treat. To confirm this pathway, the scientists used a technique called optogenetics which uses light to control cells. When they inhibited the signals from the POMC neurons to the PVT, the mice consumed 40 percent less dessert. This confirmed that these satiety neurons, far from solely curbing appetite, also drive our desire for sugar when we're full. The researchers hypothesise that this might be evolutionary. Sugar was once a rare and quick source of energy and our brains evolved to seize opportunities when they come around, which may have meant eating more energy rich foods when you're already full. While sugar is now plentiful, that ancient wiring could still make us crave a sweet finish to our meals. Understanding that our dessert cravings have a neurological basis might help pave the way for new approaches to combat overeating and obesity. By targeting the specific brain pathways that drive sugar cravings, future treatments could help reduce excessive sugar consumption without dampening overall appetite. Next time you're tempted by that slice of cake after dinner, remember: it's not just a sweet tooth, it's your brain's finely tuned system working as it has for millennia. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we are talking eggs. Scientists have just come up with the perfect way to cook a boiled egg - the drawback is that it will take you 32 minutes. Normally, I would boil an egg by placing it in boiling water for anywhere between 6 and 10 minutes depending on how runny I like my yolk. The research published in the nature journal Communications Engineering took computer simulations to mathematically calculate the best way to boil an egg, then the researchers took 300 eggs and ran their own practical tests directed by the computer models. The challenge with egg cooking is that the white of an egg cooks at 85C, whereas the yolk of an egg cooks at 65C. This means that often when an egg is cooked in its shell you can have a perfectly cooked yolk with an undercooked egg white. To measure their eggs the researchers used: FT-IR spectroscopy to assess the extent of protein denaturation. TPA (texture profile analysis) to measure texture of egg albumen and yolk. Quantitative Description Analysis to get insights on colour, consistency, texture and taste of the cooked eggs. Metabolomic Analysis to investigate nutritional profile. Their new method of cooking, which they called Periodic Cooking, results in an evenly-cooked egg with a higher nutritional content than other ways of cooking an egg. So how do you cook the perfect egg? Bring a pan of water to the boil, and also have another bowl of water that is sitting at 30 C. First, spoon the egg into the boiling water, wait 2 minutes - then move the egg to the cooler bowl of water for 2 minutes. Repeat this process of hot and cold 6 times and the egg will be perfectly cooked (according to science) - a total cook time of 32 minutes. So that's it - the perfect egg, if your perfect life means you can stand over a stove for 32 minutes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you could cuddle a friendly polar bear, how do you think it would feel? Most people might guess soft and fluffy, but new research out this week in the journal Science Advances found that the answer is actually greasy! Polar bears are masters of survival in one of the harshest environments on Earth. With temperatures plummeting well below freezing and a habitat that consists largely of ice and water, these Arctic giants need every advantage they can get. We already know that their thick fat layer and dense fur keep them warm, but we didn't know until now that greasy hair might be one of their most powerful survival tools!. The research found that the natural oils in polar bear fur prevent ice from sticking to it. Researchers collected fur samples from six wild polar bears and measured three key factors: Ice Adhesion Strength – How easily does ice stick to the fur? Hydrophobicity – Does water bead and roll off before freezing? Freezing Delay Time – How long does it take for a droplet of water to freeze? The results were striking. When unwashed, polar bear fur resisted ice adhesion significantly better than human hair and synthetic ski skins. But when the fur was washed and stripped of its natural grease, it lost this anti-icing ability and behaved just like human hair—meaning ice stuck easily. The team performed a detailed chemical analysis of the polar bear's fur grease (sebum) and identified a key mix of natural compounds—cholesterol, diacylglycerols, and fatty acids. These components work together to make the fur slippery, preventing ice from gaining a foothold. Interestingly, one common fatty substance—squalene—was notably absent. Squalene is found in human hair and in aquatic mammals like sea otters, but its lack in polar bears suggests it may actually hinder ice resistance. The benefits of this greasy fur go beyond just comfort. Polar bears rely on a hunting technique called 'still hunting,' where they patiently wait near a seal's breathing hole in the ice. If the bear needs to slide silently into the water for a surprise attack, its ice-resistant fur helps minimise friction and noise. This quiet approach gives them a better chance of catching their prey. Nature has long been a source of inspiration for engineers and scientists. The way polar bear fur repels ice could lead to the development of new, more sustainable anti-icing coatings. These innovations might one day replace synthetic, long-lasting chemicals like PFAS, which are currently used in many industrial applications, but pose environmental concerns. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hula-hooping is a popular and seemingly simple activity that many children can do. However, the physics behind what makes a good hula-hooper has only just been studied with the first to mathematical explanation of hula-hooping dynamics published this week in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The research not only found what keeps a hula-hoop spinning against gravity but also reveal why some people find it easier than others - and body shape does matter! The researchers used robotic models with different 3D-printed body shapes including cylinders, cones, and hourglasses to replicate hula-hooping motions. Using high-speed video analysis, they found that while twirling a hoop was straightforward across body types, keeping it elevated against gravity required a specific body shape. Bodies with sloping hips to push the hoop upward and curvy waists to hold it in place were most effective. The research shows that while all body shapes are able to hula-hoop, those with an hourglass or pear-shaped body will find it easier than those with a straight or apple shaped figure. The researchers also looked at the best way to start hula-hooping and determined that the launch speed is crucial: if it's too slow, or combined with a gyrating motion that's too slow, the hoop simply falls off. While studying hula-hooping sounds like fun, the research also has practical implications to inspire innovations in energy harvesting from vibrations and improve robotic positioners used in industrial applications. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever been caught in the rain and wondered how your vision stays relatively clear? You can thank your eyelashes for that! Recent research published in Science Advances reveals that our lashes do more than just keep out dust - they're also masters of water management. The researchers found that eyelashes are equipped with a special microstructure made up of tiny overlapping scales. These scales act like a 'micro-ratchet', allowing water to flow smoothly from the base to the tip while preventing it from reversing direction. Eyelashes are also naturally hydrophobic, meaning they repel water. When water lands on your lashes, it forms tiny droplets that bead up and roll away. This clever mechanism ensures your eyes stay dry and your vision remains unobstructed. The magic of eyelashes doesn't stop at their hydrophobic properties. Their curved shape is called a brachistochrone, a design that minimises the time it takes for water to move under the force of gravity. This natural curve helps lashes efficiently direct water away from your eyes. Unfortunately, common beauty practices can strip away these natural benefits: Mascara coated lashes are hydrophilic, meaning they attract water instead of repelling it. This can make them less effective at keeping your eyes dry. Curling lashes disrupts their natural brachistochrone shape, reducing their ability to efficiently expel water. Beyond their protective role, the unique structure of eyelashes has inspired engineers to think about new ways to manage liquids. Here are a few ideas sparked by this research: Advanced Drainage Systems: Eyelash-inspired designs could improve waterproofing for outdoor devices, drones, and wearable electronics. Self-Cleaning Materials: Mimicking the hydrophobic scales of eyelashes could lead to better anti-fogging glasses and self-cleaning surfaces. Efficient Liquid Management: Protective coatings for screens and other electronics could benefit from the same principles that keep your lashes dry. So next time it rains, take a moment to appreciate the remarkable engineering of your lashes - they're doing more for you than you might think! LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 19th January 2025, author and master of suspense David Baldacci reveals he's had death threats due to the subjects in this books. Knowing our values might just be the key to living a meaningful, purposeful life. Resilience expert Bradley Hook tells us how to identify our values and live by them. Urban planning expert Bruce Weir talks about where our building industry is going wrong after news tens of thousands of Auckland homes are overheating. Our eyelashes might be being compromised by our beauty regimes - Dr Michelle Dickinson has the latest in science news. And the panel discuss Christopher Luxon's upcoming cabinet reshuffle. Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent research has uncovered a fascinating phenomenon: when low on water, some plants emit high-pitched clicking noises, inaudible to human ears but detectable by certain insects. These ultrasonic “screams” might be nature's way of signalling distress—and they don't go unnoticed. New research published in the journal BioRXiv found that female moths use their sensitive hearing to listen to these ultrasonic signals steer clear of thirsty plants when laying eggs. This behaviour ensures their caterpillars hatch on healthier plants, with a better chance of survival. The researchers placed fertile female moths in a controlled arena. When given a choice between a hydrated tomato plant and a thirsty one, the moths overwhelmingly chose the silent, hydrated plant. But the researchers didn't stop there. In another experiment, two hydrated plants were placed in the arena, with a speaker next to one of them playing recorded distressed clicks. Again, the moths avoided the “noisy” plant, favouring the silent one. These results suggest that the sounds alone, even without visual or olfactory cues, are enough for moths to make a decision. What's even more fascinating is that these moths had no prior exposure to plants. Raised entirely in a lab, they had no opportunity to learn this behaviour. Their response to the ultrasonic signals appears to be hardwired in their genetics, highlighting the intricate connections between insects and plants in nature. This discovery isn't just a marvel of biology; it could have practical applications in the real-world. One could be pest management. By broadcasting ultrasonic distress signals, farmers might discourage moths from laying eggs on healthy crops, potentially reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Many insects have ultrasonic hearing, suggesting that this type of interaction might be widespread. This research invites us to rethink what we know about communication in nature. Beneath the threshold of human hearing lies a hidden world where plants and insects exchange critical information—a world we are only beginning to understand. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For 1 in 6 children with mental health challenges, being too scared to fall asleep knowing that terrifying nightmares await is a daily reality. Research published in the journal Frontiers in Sleep this week offers new hope with a new therapy showing a reduction in the frequency and distress caused by nightmares, which helped the children to sleep more peacefully through the night. Children who suffer from nightmares often dread going to sleep and sleep poorly which can make them tired and irritable during the day and lead to behavioural problems. 1. First each child received a box containing “boggle goggles” that simulate the effects of sleep deprivation and fabric pens to decorate pillowcases with happy thoughts they want to dream about. 2 .Cognitive behavioural therapy was combined with relaxation strategies, mindfulness, stress management, and visualisation to help children reshape their dream patterns. 3. The children were taught that they have the power to control their dreams and asked to create plans for 'changing the channel' if a nightmare occurs, helping them return to sleep calmly. The trial involved 46 children aged 6 to 17, all of whom had experienced persistent nightmares for at least six months. The results found: Significant reductions in nightmares and their associated distress. Improved ability to sleep through the night. A decrease in suicidal thoughts tied to nightmares, a crucial finding given the known link between nightmares and youth suicidality. While five children in each group reported suicidal thoughts at the start of the trial, only one child in the therapy group reported these thoughts at the end, compared to four in the control group. The study's success was the first time a randomised clinical trial was used to test a nightmare therapy for children rather than adults and marks an exciting leap in children's mental health care. By addressing nightmares directly, this therapy opens up new possibilities for improving the lives of children and their families. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine wearing clothes that could make you blend seamlessly into your surroundings, just like a chameleon or an octopus. New research published in the journal Science Advances just turned this concept from science fiction to science fact. The new material is able to adapt its appearance to its environment without the need for clunky electronics or high-tech devices using self-adaptive photochromism (SAP). The SAP material is made of special organic dyes and molecules called donor-acceptor Stenhouse adducts (DASAs). When exposed to light, the molecules in SAP rearrange their structure. This process changes how the material absorbs and reflects light, resulting in a colour shift that matches the surroundings. It's a bit like a synthetic version of a chameleon's skin, but instead of specialized colour-changing cells, SAP relies on a chemical reaction triggered by light. In the study, the researchers tested this material in several scenarios to showcase its abilities: Colour Matching in Boxes: A translucent container coated with SAP was placed in boxes of different colours - red, green, yellow, and black. In each case, the material adjusted its hue to match the box within seconds. Blending with Nature: The material was placed near clusters of colourful plants. Whether surrounded by red flowers, green leaves, or yellow blooms, it seamlessly melted into its environment in under a minute. Current camouflage systems rely on external power sources and complicated electronics, however these new SAP materials only need light to activate the camouflage effect. As they are much cheaper than traditional systems and can be sprayed onto surfaces as a coating, the potential uses for this technology are huge and we could all be walking around with our own invisibility cloak very soon. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are significant health challenges, with asthma affecting around 600,000 New Zealanders - with one in seven children and one in eight adults living with the condition. Tragically, asthma contributes to an average of 60 deaths per year in New Zealand, and Māori and Pasifika communities are disproportionately affected. New research out this week in the journal The Lancet could offer fresh hope. For the first time in 50 years, a new drug, benralizumab, has shown remarkable potential for treating severe asthma attacks. Clinical trials, led by researchers at King's College London, revealed that the drug outperformed conventional steroid tablets in treating life-threatening breathing difficulties caused by a severe form of asthma known as eosinophilic asthma. This type of asthma, which involves white blood cells called eosinophils, leads to inflammation that can cause the airways to swell and close. It's responsible for nearly half of all emergency asthma flare-ups and contributes to severe exacerbations of COPD as well. The trials demonstrated that patients who received an injection of benralizumab during an attack were less likely to experience symptoms like wheezing and breathlessness even four weeks later, compared to those treated with steroids. Importantly, these patients also reported a significant improvement in their overall quality of life, marking a shift in how we could manage these conditions moving forward. Asthma and COPD place a heavy burden on New Zealand's healthcare system, with thousands of hospital admissions every year. The reliance on steroid tablets during flare-ups has long been the standard treatment. While steroids can reduce inflammation, they don't work for everyone, and repeated use carries risks, including diabetes and osteoporosis. Benralizumab offers a different approach by specifically targeting eosinophils, providing a more precise and effective treatment option. This treatment could improve outcomes for over a billion people globally. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scientist and entrepreneur Dr Michelle Dickinson speaks about the difficult decision to put Nanogirl Labs into liquidation.    

On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 10th November 2024, Matty Matheson is best known to Kiwis as Neil Fak on Emmy Award winning show The Bear, but he's actually the only cast member who is a real chef. Matty joins Francesca to talk about how he got involved in the show and how he's finding acting. Author Oliver Burkeman talks about how we need to accept our life is finite and the key to improving your life is to accept you are never going to fix it. Helen Clark foundation Kali Mercier shares her report questioning who should pay for future insurance premium increases due to climate change risk. Dr Michelle Dickinson shares the science around aging and standing on one foot. And the panel gives their verdict on whether Donald Trump will be a better president than Joe Biden. Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're over 50 and can stand on one leg for at least 30 seconds, you may be aging well, according to recent research published in the journal PLOS ONE. Unipedal balance testing (standing on one leg) is a known measure of neuromuscular aging. The study found that as we age, our balance tends to decline more quickly than our walking speed or muscle strength making it a very sensitive predictor of physical ageing. In the study, 40 healthy individuals aged over 50 (20 aged under 65, 20 aged 65 and older) underwent tests for walking gait, balance, grip strength, and knee strength. During the balance tests, participants stood on force plates for 30 seconds in different positions: On both feet with eyes open On both feet with eyes closed On their non-dominant leg with eyes open On their dominant leg with eyes open Standing on one leg, particularly the non-dominant leg, showed the highest rate of decline with age. Balance is a complex skill that involves muscle strength, visual input, the vestibular system (located in the inner ear), and the somatosensory system, which helps detect and perceive sensations like pain, temperature, and body position. The researchers also found that grip strength decreased more rapidly with age than knee strength, making it a better predictor of aging while walking gait which was measured by having participants walk back and forth at their own pace along an 8-meter flat walkway did not change significantly with age. Knowing your grip strength and balance time on each leg can be helpful, as you can improve these areas through targeted exercises, reducing your risk of serious injuries as you age as unintentional falls are the leading cause of injury among adults 65 and older, with most falls resulting from a loss of balance. So if you want to age gracefully, test your balancing skills and maybe add some strength training to anti-wrinkle cream. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While it might seem really traditional, heading to the cinema to watch a movie for a first date could be a really great way to get to know a stranger, according to new research out this week. The study published in the journal Royal Society Open Science found that laughing during a comedy or crying together over a sad film was powerful in strengthening social bonds. The study took pairs of strangers and measured their emotional and physiological responses as they watched emotionally charged videos together. In addition to asking the participants to rate their emotional experiences they also measured their heart activity with an electrocardiogram, their respiratory activity and their skin conductance. They found: Positive Emotions Foster Connection Participants who watched positive videos felt a stronger sense of connection and social identification with each other, suggesting that positive emotions enhance feelings of mutual understanding and affiliation. Impact of Negative Emotions Even with negative emotional videos, an increase in positive feelings during the experience correlated with greater bonding. This suggests that while negative emotions capture attention, it's positive emotional responses that most reliably foster connection. Joint Attention Matters Watching the same video with a shared focus boosted prosocial attitudes and feelings of connection, especially in highly emotional contexts. This shared attention helped participants feel more connected, highlighting the power of collective emotional experiences. Physiological Synchrony Enhances Bonding The study also found that participants' physiological responses, such as heart rate and respiratory patterns, tended to synchronize during emotionally intense videos. This alignment was linked to a stronger sense of connection between individuals. The study illustrates that both positive and negative emotions can enhance social bonds, with positive emotions being particularly influential in creating a sense of connectedness. Shared attention and synchronised physiological responses amplify these effects, making emotionally charged experiences powerful catalysts for social bonding. So if you have a first date scheduled for this weekend - find a comedy and head to the movies to test how well you bond with your date. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you are going in for surgery soon and are looking for a simple, creative way to recover faster - music might be the key. According to research presented at the 2024 American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress, listening to music post-surgery can make a noticeable difference in your recovery. The researchers analysed 35 studies on the effects of music on surgery patients. They found that listening to music either through headphones or speakers resulted in: Lower pain levels: Patients who listened to music reported less pain the day after surgery, with up to a 19% reduction on pain scales. What's interesting is that the researchers couldn't prove that the patients were actually in less pain, but their perception around the amount of pain they were in was reduced. Reduced anxiety: Music helped lower anxiety levels by about 3%, offering patients much-needed calm during recovery. Less opioid use: Patients listening to music used less than half the amount of morphine compared to those who didn't. Slower heart rate: Music listeners had a reduced heart rate, which aids recovery by promoting better circulation and reducing the risk of complications like abnormal heart rhythms. The theory is that when patients wake up after surgery, they might feel scared or be unsure about where they are. Music helps to ease this transition after surgery and reduces stress levels in the body. Unlike more active recovery methods, listening to music requires little effort, making it a perfect option for post-op patients. So, if you've just had surgery, the advice is simple - just play the music you love. Whether it's classical, rock, or pop, music could be a comforting and powerful tool to help you heal. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 20 October 2024, British actress and global star Gemma Arterton talks about her new film The Critic and regrets from early in her career. Kiwi singer and solo sailor Andrew Fagan tells the story of ill-fated attempt at sailing around the world in a small yacht. Team New Zealand has claimed the America's Cup in commanding fashion - Francesca talks to our reporter on the ground Christopher Reive. Francesca's pleased the Greens are finally moving on from Darleen Tana and Dr Michelle Dickinson has good news for snackers! Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scientists have just found that the best way to burn more calories is to snack - exercise snack that is! The research published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that climbing stairs or walking for short bursts resulted in people consuming 20 percent to 60 percent more energy than if they did the same activity nonstop for the same distance. The study compared the oxygen and energy demands of volunteers walking or climbing stairs. It found that the first moments of activity are the least efficient. Much like how a car consumes more fuel when starting up, the human body uses more energy at the beginning of a walk or climb before it hits its stride. To gather these insights, researchers measured the oxygen consumption of participants across different walking speeds and durations, from as short as 10 seconds to up to four minutes. They found that short bursts of walking or stair-climbing demanded significantly more energy than continuous walking over the same distance. This research reinforces the health benefits of brief, energetic movements, known as 'exercise snacks' - which involve short bursts of activity lasting just a minute or two. These mini workouts can be especially beneficial for people who lead sedentary lifestyles or have limited mobility, including those with obesity or recovering from strokes. While most studies on walking have focused on steady-state exercises lasting several minutes, this research offers new insights into the benefits of shorter bursts. It also highlights the potential for designing rehabilitation programs tailored to those who may not be able to walk for extended periods, such as elderly individuals or those with gait disorders. By rethinking how we measure the energy demands of walking, this study opens the door to more inclusive and effective approaches to physical activity for all. Some examples of 'exercise snacks' include: Stair climbing Jumping jacks. Jumping rope. Chair squats. Lunges. Sprints. Pushups. Mountain climbers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The next time you head to the zoo and see an elephant, look closely at its trunk, you might be able to tell if it's a "lefty" or a "righty" based on its whiskers and wrinkles. A study published in the journal Royal Society Open Science offers a clever way to identify an elephant's preferred "handedness" by examining the wrinkles and whiskers on its trunk. Just as humans tend to favour one hand, elephants often prefer to bend their trunks either to the left or right when grabbing objects like fruit. This preference, known as "trunkedness," leaves two tell-tale signs: 1 - Whiskers on the side opposite the curl become shorter and sparser from constant contact with the ground. 2 - The skin on the curled-in side develops more wrinkles over time. The study closely analysed the skin wrinkles formed on the trunks of both living and deceased zoo elephants. They found that trunk wrinkles start forming in utero and double about every 20 days during an early phase of rapid development. Like humans, elephants accumulate more wrinkles as they age. For example, new-born elephants have an average of 87 wrinkles, while older elephants sport around 109. Elephant trunks are extraordinary, and attract the attention of researchers in fields like soft robotics as trunks function as muscular hydrostats - meaning they have no bones, but are made up of an intricate network of 46,00 muscles. In comparison, the human body has just 600 to 700 muscles. While a trunk's flexibility is remarkable, its thick outer skin also plays a crucial role. Surprisingly, this skin on the trunk of an elephant is stretchier on the upper surface than on the underside, which allows for the delicate manoeuvres elephants are known for, like peeling a banana or picking up a tortilla chip without breaking it. But these wrinkles are more than just signs of aging - they are essential to an elephant's survival. They help protect the flexible trunk and aid in gripping heavy objects. The combination of flexibility, strength, and unique skin characteristics makes the elephant trunk highly unique in nature and a source of valuable insight for robotics and other fields. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Michelle Dickinson discusses the science, complications, and potential new-ground with using stem cells to combat diabetes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A mysterious white substance found on the heads and necks of 3,600-year-old mummies in north-western China has just been identified as the world's oldest known cheese. Published in the journal Cell, this discovery offers a rare glimpse into the dietary practices of ancient civilisations. The mummies were actually unearthed two decades ago in the Tarim Basin desert and thanks to the regions dry, desert environment they were remarkably well-preserved. Along with their boots and hats, a structure that looked like a necklace was laid along the neck of one young woman. While it looked like a piece of jewellery, recent DNA tests revealed that the substance was in fact kefir cheese. Kefir cheese is a probiotic soft cheese made from cow and goat milk. The kefir contained bacterial and fungal species, including Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens and Pichia kudriavzevii, both of which are still found in modern kefir grains. This discovery marks the oldest known cheese sample ever found and provides a valuable opportunity for researchers to understand more about the diets and cultures of our ancestors. The research not only reveals insights into early food production methods, but also helps track the evolution of probiotic bacteria over the last 3,600 years. Further analysis revealed that the L. kefiranofaciens grains found in the cheese were closely related to similar grains from Tibet. By sequencing the bacterial genes, researchers could trace how dairy products and animal husbandry practices evolved across East Asia, shedding light on the interactions between ancient humans and their environment. The Xiaohe people, from what is now Xinjiang, buried items of significance alongside their dead, and the inclusion of kefir cheese indicates the importance of this food in their daily lives. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Sunday, it's time for our annual Ig Nobel Awards celebration - the annual prize ceremony that celebrates research that spurs interest in science.  The whole list of research can be found at Past Ig Winners (improbable.com) but among Dr Michelle Dickinson's favourites, the winners were:  A team that showed how the hair on your head swirls in a different direction depending on whether you live in the northern or southern hemisphere.  Research looking at how defrosted, dead fish swim.  How placing a cat on the back of a cow and then popping bags every 10 seconds to stress out a cow might affect its milk production.  How some mammals (including humans) can breathe through their bum!  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 15th September 2024, Liane Moriarty talks death, destiny and the random thought on a plane that inspired her latest book. Two Raw Sisters are back with what they say is there best book yet - they tell us how to make a great salad. Should life and health insurers be able to access the results of genetic testing to set premiums? Lawyer Emma Moran gives us her legal perspective and concerns around the lack of legislation in this area. Steve Newall previews the Emmys and Michelle Dickinson talks about see through mice! Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you ever dream you had X-ray vision when you were a kid? While that might sound like something from comic books, new research published in Science this week could bring us one step closer to making it a reality. Scientists have found a way to see inside the bodies of living animals without surgery by using a surprising tool: a food dye that is common in America. This breakthrough discovery revealed that the dye, known as tartrazine, can make skin, muscles, and connective tissues temporarily see-through! Tartrazine is a yellow food dye commonly found in products like Doritos and other snacks in the U.S. The dye doesn't just colour food; it has an unexpected ability to change how light moves through tissues. Normally, light entering biological tissue scatters because of the different structures inside the body, like fatty membranes and cell nuclei. These structures have a different refractive index from the air around them, which is why light doesn't travel smoothly through our skin and other tissues. This scattering effect is what keeps us from seeing through our skin - or anyone else's. However, in this study, tartrazine was found to reduce the amount of light scattering inside tissue, allowing light to penetrate more deeply. The result? Scientists could see through the skin of living animals. In a fascinating experiment using mice, researchers applied tartrazine to the animals' skin. When rubbed onto the belly, the dye allowed scientists to clearly see the liver, intestines, and bladder beneath the skin. When applied to the scalp, they could even observe blood vessels in the brain! Even more amazing, the skin returned to its normal colour after the dye was washed off, meaning the effect wasn't permanent. To understand how this works, think about what happens when you place a pencil in a glass of water. The pencil appears bent or distorted because light behaves differently when it passes through water compared to air. This is due to something called the refractive index, which measures how much light bends when it passes through different materials. The same principle applies when light passes through biological tissues like skin. Under normal circumstances, biological tissues scatter light, making it impossible to see through them. The dye used in this study helps certain wavelengths of light pass through tissues more easily, reducing that scattering effect. While this discovery is ground-breaking, it's not perfect. The effect is limited by how deeply the dye can penetrate into tissues. For now, the transparency only works on surface-level tissues. However, the scientists are already developing techniques like micro-needling and injections to allow the dye to reach deeper layers of skin and tissue. Although this study was conducted on mice, the potential applications for humans are enormous. Imagine doctors being able to visualize organs, blood vessels, and deep tissues without invasive surgery. This technology could revolutionise fields like diagnostics, allowing for real-time monitoring of the body's internal structures with minimal risk to the patient. The future possibilities are exciting. With further research, this dye technique could become a powerful tool for non-invasive medical imaging, bringing us closer to a world where X-ray vision isn't just a superpower - it's science. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vision in Action, Live! - Change Is A Constant Jim Boswell discusses Change Is A Constant with Michelle Dickinson, Resilience Visionary and Workplace Coach, TED speaker, and the author of Breaking Into My Life and other books. She empower individuals to discover their own potential and create a life of joy, overcoming obstacles with unwavering determination. What's Your Vision? So, do you have a vision for your life that satisfies your concept of a life well lived? How are you progressing with it? Can you articulate your goals and progress towards fulfillment? Would you like to be able to? Or are you just frustrated, confused, and unfocused? What's In It For You? Whether you label it happiness, fulfillment, satisfaction, or actualization, you can act genuine to your nature and calling, you can author and direct your personal achievements, and you can build strengths, tenacity, and focus. You will be in control of realizing your fondest dreams. Join Jim Boswell for Vision in Action, Live!

  Vision in Action, Live! - Change Is A Constant Jim Boswell discusses Change Is A Constant with Michelle Dickinson, Resilience Visionary and Workplace Coach, TED speaker, and the author of Breaking Into My Life and other books. She empower individuals to discover their own potential and create a life of joy, overcoming obstacles with unwavering determination. What's Your Vision? So, do you have a vision for your life that satisfies your concept of a life well lived? How are you progressing with it? Can you articulate your goals and progress towards fulfillment? Would you like to be able to? Or are you just frustrated, confused, and unfocused? What's In It For You? Whether you label it happiness, fulfillment, satisfaction, or actualization, you can act genuine to your nature and calling, you can author and direct your personal achievements, and you can build strengths, tenacity, and focus. You will be in control of realizing your fondest dreams. Join Jim Boswell for Vision in Action, Live!

Today's Guest: Michelle Dickinson Topic: The Truth About Resilience Guest Bio: Michelle E. Dickinson is a renowned figure in mental health innovation, known globally as a keynote speaker, Workplace Resilience Trainer, TED speaker, and bestselling author. With over 4000 hours dedicated to training and coaching educators, Michelle's expertise catalyzes profound shifts in emotional well-being, emphasizing self-reliance and personal mastery. Her dynamic presence and engaging storytelling inspire individuals to unlock their inherent power and lead lives of fulfillment. Michelle's impact is profound and pervasive, extending across a myriad of industries including logistics, banking, pharmaceuticals, and biotech. She revolutionizes workplace cultures, introducing monumental shifts such as de-escalation training, which become annual staples for seasoned professionals. Michelle's influence doesn't stop at corporate boundaries; her programs have a ripple effect that enhances family dynamics and community interactions. Her programs not only challenge and change traditional leadership paradigms but also convert the most resistant individuals into strong proponents of practices like meditation, resulting in monumental habit changes. Her clients range from educators, frontline staff, administration, HR, and individuals, to corporate executives.These simple yet transformative strategies foster lasting personal growth and create a chain reaction of positive and permanent shifts, making Michelle's followers not just participants but passionate advocates for her life-altering methods. Guest Links: https://sociatap.com/michelle_ev Find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truththathealspod My Linktree: https://linktr.ee/truththathealspod --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ryan-anthony-hernandez/support