This episode is all about sex, drugs and alcohol. Kate and Tamal investigate a new male contraceptive at the University of Wolverhampton and a supposed hangover-free version of alcohol called alcosynth. Also, a group of women take a month off the booze to see the difference it makes to their health. The results are surprising and so are some of the women's reactions. Morland Sanders trials the smart drug Modafinil. He also looks at whether it's time to lift the ban on medical marijuana.
In this episode, Kate and Tamal look at a health problem that affects so many of us - stress. They investigate whether singing can measurably influence the stress markers in your body; the surprising effects of pollution on our heart; and the latest science around long-term brain health. In this week's big experiment a group of volunteers trial whether particular foods can reduce their high blood pressure.
This time, Kate Quilton and Tamal Ray investigate the subjects of pain and disease. They look into the latest scientific approaches for growing bone; the alleged curative effects of echinacea; and some of the latest surgical approaches to treating back pain. Lower back pain is thought to affect around one third of the UK population. This time, the big experiment finds out whether osteopathy, physiotherapy or yoga can help. Meanwhile, journalist Morland Sanders delves into the world of online DNA testing kits and the risks you might like to consider before sending off a sample of your saliva.
In this episode, Kate Quilton and Tamal Ray investigate the subject of diet and gut bacteria. Tamal Ray looks into the benefits of bacteria on our mental health and takes a lesson in sauerkraut fermentation. Five volunteers who usually eat poor diets attempt to overhaul their gut bacteria by increasing their intake of fruit, vegetables, yogurt and cheese. And investigative journalist Morland Sanders finds out about the balloon pill, to see if it holds the answer to our obesity crisis.