The Lab DoctoRs: Recent Episodes
The Lab DoctoRs
We are biomedical researchers who realised that we still have so much to learn. Join us as we talk about all things science and medicine in our quest to better understand the world around us. New episodes every Monday!
We would like to share some important news: The Lab DoctoRs podcast is taking a break. We have deeply cherished creating and sharing content, and truly appreciate your unwavering support. We do not have concrete plans for our return yet, but you can stay connected on socials or via email for updates.
Take care, stay curious, and keep learning!
TLDR: Thank you for your support!
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Is kombucha just another health fad, or should we all be drinking this beverage that was historically dubbed the "Tea of Immortality"? Listen along as we discuss the origins of kombucha and the science behind how this drink gets its fizziness and flavor (spoiler: it's fermentation!). Moreover, does it truly improve your health, and what should you watch out for?
TLDR: Kombucha is often lauded for its health benefits because it contains tea and probiotics, however there is limited human studies on the direct effect of kombucha.
Links:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/8-benefits-of-kombucha-tea
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxARRckS9dA
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-are-kombuchas-health-benefits-and-how-much-can-you-safely-drink/
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Tired of the constant FOMO? It may be time to ditch that fear embrace JOMO, or the joy of missing out. In this week’s episode, we discuss whether JOMO is linked to certain factors like social media use, loneliness, depression, anxiety, and even personality types. Discover how disconnecting can be the solution, and learn practical ways to cultivate this joy in your day-to-day life.
TLDR: JOMO, or the joy of missing out, does not imply a steady state, rather it represents the enjoyment found in momentary periods of disconnecting from others or societal demands.
Links:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/03/230320102038.htm
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772503023000142
https://theconversation.com/how-to-ditch-fomo-and-foster-jomo-the-joy-of-missing-out-200400
https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/blog/happiness-is-state-mind/201807/jomo-the-joy-missing-out
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Why do some people love exercise whilst others absolutely dread physical activity? A recent study from Johns Hopkins Medicine explored the influence of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, on perceived physical effort and motivation to complete future tasks in Parkinson’s patients. Join us as we tease out how brain chemistry may impact our affinity for exercise and the implications of these findings.
TLDR: Dopamine levels can affect how much effort you feel that you are putting into your workouts, and may influence your willingness to push yourself.
Links:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/04/230412131051.htm
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41531-023-00490-4
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
When someone says “Picture this,” can you actually visualize the scene in your mind, or did you think that phrase was a metaphor? If you answered the latter, you may have aphantasia, a condition characterized by the inability to conjure mental images. This week, we explore everything on the spectrum from aphantasia to hyperphantasia and its impact on certain cognitive functions and personality traits.
TLDR: Aphantasia describes the inability to visualise images in one’s mind, but this does not necessarily limit one’s imagination, creativity, or overall cognitive abilities
Links:
https://theconversation.com/aphantasia-explained-some-people-cant-form-mental-pictures-162445
https://psyche.co/ideas/when-the-mind-is-dark-making-art-is-a-thrilling-way-to-see
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/06/210609115555.htm
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Did you know that lazy eye, or amblyopia, affects 5% of the population? Whilst it is more common in children, it may persist to adulthood if untreated learning to wandering eyes, poor depth perception, or even eye strain. In this episode, we will explore the causes of amblyopia as well as up-to-date treatment options and how early intervention can make a difference.
TLDR: Lazy eye is typically treatable, especially when caught early through routine eye exams
Links:
https://www.healthline.com/health/lazy-eye
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2775449
https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0022-510X(22)00235-0
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Be honest, how much time do you really spend looking at a screen every day? As technology advances, and especially in a post-pandemic world, screen time is at an all-time high. Join us as we see what the research has to say about how screen time impacts the risk of myopia (or nearsightedness), and tips on how we can protect our eyes
TLDR: Experts suggest that screen time increases risk of myopia due to eye strain and prolonged near work, one helpful way to combat this is the 20-20-20 rule (Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and at an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
Links:
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/nov/14/eyeballs-screens-vision-nearsightedness-myopia
https://reviewofmm.com/what-does-science-say-about-screen-time-and-childhood-myopia/
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landig/article/PIIS2589-7500(21)00135-7/fulltext
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Deadlines are an inevitable part of most people’s lives, whether you’re in school or at work. But have you ever wondered how these dreaded deadlines impact our stress levels. In this week's episode, we explore a compelling study that delves into the effects of deadlines on researchers' stress levels, specifically their sympathetic load. Tune in to discover the other factors that exacerbate stress indicators.
TLDR: Stress levels remained the same with or without deadlines, for which researchers suggest that this may be due to challenging nature of the work or negativity bias.
Links:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/04/230424133310.htm
https://dl.acm.org/doi/pdf/10.1145/3544549.3585585
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Breath-holding spells in infants and young children may be triggered by anger, frustration, pain, or shock. This phenomenon can be scary for caregivers, especially if the child’s face turns blue or becomes pale. This week, we look into why this happens, signs to look out for, how to prevent or treat it, and when to seek medical attention.
TLDR:
Links:
https://fb.watch/jUkKkf-HlI/?mibextid=l2pjGR
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24492453/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4325862/
https://www.webmd.com/children/children-breath-holding
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Have you ever wondered about the meanings behind phrases like "cold feet" and "heart swells"? This week, we explore the fascinating research conducted by a team of biomedical engineers who mapped bodily reactions to various emotions. Discover the commonalities between emotions like happiness and love, as well as those linked to sadness and depression.
TLDR: Pattern of bodily sensation, whether increase or decrease in activation in specific areas of the body, in response to common emotions were consistent across cultures.
Links:
https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1321664111
https://greatist.com/connect/emotional-body-maps-infographic
https://www.wired.co.uk/article/mapping-body-emotions
https://www.healthline.com/health/mind-body/how-to-release-emotional-baggage-and-the-tension-that-goes-with-it
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Artificial Intelligence, particularly large language models like ChatGPT, has become a hot button topic. This week, we hit pause and ask the question, how does AI impact social interactions? Join us as we share the findings from a recent study on how AI influences conversation speed, the use of positive language, cooperation, and affiliation, as well as people's perceptions of AI-aided communication
TLDR: Use of AI led to more efficient and emotionally positive conversations as well as increased cooperation and affiliation, despite overt use of AI being perceived negatively.
Links:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/04/230405112130.htm
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-30938-9
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Have you wondered why people join cults? In most cases, there are many factors that may make someone susceptible to cults. These inclusde self-factors like emotional vulnerability, high levels of stress, or lack of social support. Furthermore, some cults use manipulation tactics, coercion, or intimidation, all of which can result in serious consequences for the individual and community.
TLDR: Individual susceptibility to cults is influenced by factors such as emotional vulnerability, unmanageable stress, weak social support system, and falling prey to the manipulation tactics of cults
Links:
https://doi.org/10.2466/pr0.1993.73.2.451
https://www.discovermagazine.com/mind/the-psychology-behind-cults
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Can a new "magic pill" be the solution for managing weight? Researchers at UT Health San Antonio investigated the role of magnesium, and specifically a magnesium transporter on mitochondria called Mrs2, on energy and metabolism. Find out how mice without Mrs2 fared against wildtype mice when fed a normal vs Western (read: high fat) diet, and whether magnesium blockers are the key to weight control.
TLDR: Mice lacking the gene responsible for promoting magnesium transport into mitochondria showed improved metabolism and less weight gain on a high-fat diet, which can now be replicated using a new small-molecule drug.
Links:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/03/230322082730.htm
https://www.cell.com/cell-reports/fulltext/S2211-1247(23)00166-3
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Emotional intelligence, or where you fall on the emotional quotient (EQ), involves the ability to recognize and manage one’s own and others’ emotions. This week we talk about the five key components of emotional intelligence and the factors that can affect development including genetics and childhood experiences. Finally, we present the RULER model for developing emotional intelligence.
TLDR: Emotional intelligence has been linked to improved wellbeing and quality of life, and can be developed using the RULER (recognize, understand, label, express, and regulate) model
Links:
https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/low-emotional-intelligence
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/low-emotional-lintelligence
https://pg.casel.org/ruler-approach/
https://howwefeel.org/
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
The premise of HBO's 'The Last of Us' may seem far-fetched, but how implausible is a fungal pandemic? Can fungi make us zombies? Should we be concerned? What role does climate change play in this? Tune in as we answer these questions and give you the lowdown on the latest research on heat-adapted fungi and the current culrpits that we should be wary of.
TLDR: Whilst a zombie apocalypse may not be of immediate concern, climate change and rising temperatures could lead to the emergence of pandemic-level, heat-adapted fungi
Links:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/01/230131160543.htm
https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2209831120
https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/the-last-of-us-apocalypse-is-not-realistic-but-rising-threat-of-fungal-pathogens-is/
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Picture this, it’s really late and you have to wake up early tomorrow, but your streaming platform says, “Next episode starts in..” If you’ve succumbed to the autoplay function, you’re not alone! This week we talk about revenge bedtime procrastination: what it is, why it happens and what you can do to prevent it.
TLDR: Revenge bedtime procrastination is caused by the complex interaction of emotional regulation, self-control and chronotype (whether you’re a morning person or night owl)
Links:
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/revenge-bedtime-procrastination
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00611/full
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00252/full
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00077/full
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Do you ever feel like the weekend is too short? Would you take a pay cut to work one less day? This week we look at the largest, coordinated 4 day work week trial to date, involving 2,900 employees from various industries. Listen along as we go through the types of 4 day work weeks as well as how this model impacted employee wellbeing and company revenue.
TLDR: Moving to a 4 day work week with no loss of pay led to improvements in employee wellbeing and work-life balance and no compromise in company productivity targets.
Links:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/02/230221113132.htm
https://www.cam.ac.uk/stories/fourdayweek
https://autonomy.work/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/The-results-are-in-The-UKs-four-day-week-pilot.pdf
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Do you ever get hangry, or is hunger purely biological for you? This week, we explore the link between hunger and emotion. Several groups have investigated different aspects of this phenomenon, from studying the effect of low blood glucose levels on stress and anxiety in rats, to using experience sampling to understand how hunger affects emotional outcomes in individuals’ everyday lives.
TLDR: Low blood glucose has been linked to stress and anxiety in rats, whilst a human study found that self-reported hunger was significantly associated with anger, irritability, and decreased pleasure.
Links:
https://joinzoe.com/learn/hunger-what-happens-in-body
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/09/180925115218.htm
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/07/220706153034.htm
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Research suggests that women sleep slightly more than men, however, this can vary from person to person. In this episode, we explore the complex relationship between gender and sleep, including hormonal and neurological differences. We also discuss the impact of unpaid labour, varying perceptions, and societal expectations on sleep quality.
TLDR: Whilst gender can influence how much sleep we need, this may differ greatly amongst different individuals
Links:
https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sleep/do-women-need-more-sleep
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/women-sleep/do-women-need-more-sleep-than-men
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24956068/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4164903/
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Can exercise be a bad thing? Enter: Exercise dependence (or in severe cases, exercise addiction). As we discuss this week’s study investigating the relationship between exercise and two forms of escapism, self-expansion or self-suppression, think about your exercise behaviour. Is it adaptive or maladaptive, are you promoting motivation or just avoiding your problems?
TLDR: Exercise may provide an escape, but you should be aware if you are using it for self-expansion or self-suppression, as the latter has been linked to exercise addiction and reduced well-being.
Links:
https://neurosciencenews.com/running-maladaprive-escapism-22359/
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1035196/full
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Magnesium supplements are currently experiencing a surge in popularity and sales, but is it worth the hype? This week we discuss the importance of magnesium in our overall healthand where we can get it naturally. Listen along to learn about different forms (including magnesium glycinate), and things to consider before jumping on board the magnesium hype train.
TLDR: Magnesium supplements are a convenient way to boost intake and experience the benefits, however, you should consult your doctor regarding unwanted side effects and interaction with other medication.
Links:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/magnesium-benefits
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/magnesium/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/magnesium-types
https://www.healthline.com/health/magnesium-glycinate
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Think of the last time you were angry: was your response warranted and proportionate, or was it excessive? This week we talk about maladaptive behaviour, what it is and common signs, and more importantly a study investigating whether internet-delivered emotion regulation treatment reduced several anger indices. Listen along to find out what mindful emotion awareness and cognitive reappraisal entail, and how it could apply to your life.
TLDR: Emotional regulation (in this case, via the internet) significantly lowered outward anger expression, rumination, and aggression
Links:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/ccp0000769
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/12/221212140633.htm
https://news.ki.se/internet-treatment-for-anger-works
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbWvYupGqq3aMJ6LsG4q-Yg
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.comentail
Muscle cramps plague many people all over the world, but what causes it and how do we deal with it? In this week’s episode, we cover the basics of muscle cramps and discuss the research available to date. Stay until the end to get some helpful tips for dealing with cramps, especially in common areas like the thighs and calves.
TLDR: The safest and most effective treatment for exercise-associated muscle cramps is to apply gentle static stretching to the affected cramp area until it subsides
Links:
https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/exercise-fitness/exercise-muscle-cramps
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6901412/
https://meridian.allenpress.com/jat/article/57/1/5/467132/An-Evidence-Based-Review-of-the-Pathophysiology
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
This week we are learning our alphabet, specifically the vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K (fun fact: there are eight B vitamins including B1, B3, B6, and B12!) Listen along as we discuss the purpose of the various vitamins, what happens if your body doesn’t get enough of it, and good sources to hit your recommended daily intakes.
TLDR: Eating a well-balanced diet is important to achieve the recommended intake of vitamins, or you may consider taking multivitamins (after consulting your healthcare provider!)
Links:
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamins/
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Welcome back to part 2 of capitalisation celebrations and perceived social support. Listen along for how virtual celebrations stack up against in-person celebrations, whether you should plan a celebration for yourself or someone else, and finally how all these celebrations affect how we treat others.
TLDR: Capitalisation celebrations, whether as the planner or the beneficiary, virtual or in person, were shown to increase perceived support and charitability
Links:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/12/221221105752.htm
https://doi.org/10.1177/07439156221145696
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
As we usher in the Lunar New Year, we were wondering why do people celebrate? And that’s exactly what the researchers in this week’s episode studied, specifically whether capitalisation celebrations will leave you feeling more socially supported. Listen along to find out what capitalisation celebrations are, and how different factors affect the outcome of perceived social support.
TLDR: Capitalization celebrations were shown to increase perceived social support, which may also benefit your physical and mental health
Links:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/12/221221105752.htm
https://doi.org/10.1177/07439156221145696
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Have you ever watched a talent show where the contestant stutters through their introduction but blows away the audience with a flawless rendition of a song? This week we delve into how singing, or even just speaking with an accent or in a melodic progression, helps with stuttering and the scientific theories behind this phenomenon.
TLDR: Singing a song, and even just changing your speech accent or reciting a poem, hsa been shown to help with stuttering
Links:
https://www.stuttering.co.nz/news/why-dont-we-stutter-when-we-sing/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2996848/
.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2996848/
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.2466/pms.1996.83.2.511
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Did you learn to play a musical instrument and do you think it helped with your anxiety and stress? A recent study compared music training, music listening and a non-musical activity for their effects on audio visual synchrony perception as well as depression, anxiety, and stress.
TLDR: Music training was shown to improve audio-visual processing and reduce depression, anxiety, and stress in a small study of 31 adults
Links:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-23340-4
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/12/221202124841.htm
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Following last week’s episode on the potential benefits of artificial sweeteners, this week we discuss the association (read: not necessarily causation) between these sweeteners and risk of various diseases and health conditions. These include various types of cancers, gut microbiome, and cardiovascular disease.
TLDR: Consume less sugar and sweeteners, if you do, consume in moderation
Links:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8954878/
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/obr.13020
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/artificial-sweeteners-good-or-bad
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
We have learnt about sugar, let’s talk about artificial sweeteners! How do these sweeteners work, do they help with weight management and diabetes, and are there any risks linked to consuming these sweeteners? Join us as we answer these questions and more!
TLDR: Artificial sweeteners are generally safe to consume, within the recommended daily intake.
Links:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8954878/
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/obr.13020
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/artificial-sweeteners-good-or-bad
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Shaken baby syndrome is a traumatic brain injury resulting from forcefully shaking a baby, and is fatal in a quarter of reported cases. In this week’s episode, we talk about the symptoms of this syndrome, the science behind these symptoms and ways you can prevent it.
Disclaimer: This episode contains sensitive content related to infant harm, death, or dying.
TLDR: Just DON’T shake your baby!
Links:
https://www.nuh.com.sg/Health-Information/Diseases-Conditions/Pages/Shaken-Baby-Syndrome.aspx
https://www-tandfonline-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/doi/full/10.3109/15513815.2014.999394#top-content-scroll
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/13779-shaken-baby-syndrome
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Can excessive mosquito bites be explained away with the age-old “your blood is too sweet”? Listen along to hear how researchers tackled the question of mosquito attraction and what they found. Specifically, what distinguishes a low attractor from a high attractor, and whether we can do anything about it.
TLDR: High (mosquito) attractors were found to have scent profiles that comprised higher levels of specific carboxylic acids
Links:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2022.09.034
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/10/221027124001.htm
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Swimming in open waters may sound exhilarating, but swimmers should be prepared as 79% of all drownings occur in open water. Listen along as we go through the six stages of drowning, interspersed with tips from the show Bondi Rescue, as well as post-immersion syndrome or dry/secondary drowning.
TLDR: Some signs of people drowning include shorter swim stroke length, more frequent swim strokes, facing inland, and raised hands. If you were close to downing or inhaled water, monitor your symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary
Disclaimer: This episode contains sensitive content related to death or dying.
Links:
https://www.youtube.com/@BondiRescue
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/00258172211053127
https://www.parkwayeast.com.sg/healthplus/article/post-drowning-complications-children
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Do you believe COVID brain fog is real, or something that people are saying to justify their bad memory? Researchers from Stanford University investigated the effect of mild COVID on the brain and how this may affect cognitive function. Join us as we go through these neurological changes and give you some tips on how to counter COVID brain fog.
TLDR: Mild COVID infection caused inflammation in the brain that resulted in cognitive dysfunction, without the virus infecting brain cells directly.
Links:
https://www.healthline.com/health/covid-brain-fog
https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2022/06/brain-fog-covid-chemo-brain.html
https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(22)00713-9
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Are microrobots the future of biomedicine? Engineers at UCSD have developed microrobots, from algae cells, to swim around the lungs and deliver antibiotics directly to bacteria in the lungs. Join us this week as we bring you through how they developed these microrobots and the mice model that they used to demonstrate its value in treating ventilator-associated pneumonia.
TLDR: Nanoengineers have developed microrobots (from algae) to deliver antibiotics within the lungs to eliminate pneumonia-causing bacteria in mice
Links:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/09/220922124405.htm
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41563-022-01360-9
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
What is the deal with ASMR videos? This week, we bring you through the world of ASMR triggered by audio stimuli and more! The tingling sensation that some people reportedly feel is associated with certain physiological and neurological changes, and may have positive effects on our wellbeing.
TLDR: ASMR (or “autonomous sensory meridian response”) is the tingling sensation that people may experience when exposed to certain audio or visual stimuli, or even close contact from a person.
Links:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4iuzz2sGPXyDdKyxNuMSX3
https://www.healthline.com/health/autonomous-sensory-meridian-response
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0196645
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6209833/
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Have you ever had a nasty sore throat accompanied by fever, headaches, and difficulty swallowing? It could have been tonsillitis, which may be induced by bacteria or viruses. This week, we go through the signs and symptoms of different types of tonsillitis as well as the lesser-known tonsilloliths or tonsil stones, specifically what they are, how they develop, and how to treat them.
TLDR: Distinguishing the cause of tonsillitis (e.g. bacteria vs virus) is important to ensure that you get the necessary and appropriate treatment for your condition.
Links:
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/picture-of-the-tonsils
https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-to-do-about-cryptic-tonsils-1191883
https://www.everydayhealth.com/tonsillitis/symptoms/
https://www.healthline.com/health/tonsillitis
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
The European Society of Cardiology states that drinking 3-4 cups of coffee a day is moderately beneficial in preventing heart diseases, should we trust them? This week, we take you through the recent observational studies in Europe that studied whether the intake of various types of coffee was beneficial for heart health. Listen until the end for coffee’s less desirable side effects and varying caffeine tolerance amongst individuals.
TLDR: Recent observational studies in Europe have reported that coffee consumption reduced the risk of heart diseases and all-cause mortality
Links:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/09/220926200838.htm
https://academic.oup.com/eurjpc/advance-article/doi/10.1093/eurjpc/zwac189/6704995#373347590
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Are you a teeth grinder, or the person suffering through someone else’s teeth grinding? Either way, this episode on bruxism (which covers teeth grinding and clenching, awake or during sleep) may be helpful! We give you the lowdown on bruxism, from factors linked to grinding or clenching, why you should care, what you can do about it, and when you should consider seeking professional help.
TLDR: Teeth grinding or clenching has been linked to increased stress, misaligned bite, smoking, caffeine, and alcohol
Links:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/190180
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-stop-grinding-teeth
https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2021/12/taking-teeth-grinding-clenching
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Acupuncture, which has roots in traditional Chinese medicine, involves the insertion of thin needles through your skin at specific points in the body to treat certain conditions. Join us this week as we discuss how it works, the scientific evidence for some of the benefits associated with acupuncture, and whether we would use acupuncture to treat our ailments.
TLDR: Acupuncture triggers specific points on the skin with needles to treat certain conditions and has been shown relieve pain and improve circulation
Links:
https://www.healthline.com/health/acupuncture-how-does-it-work-scientifically
https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/0003-4819-136-5-200203050-00010?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532287/
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Winning is more motivating than losing, right? Seems straightforward enough, but a recent study reported that people who were close to winning gained greater motivation to succeed in subsequent tasks. Tune in this week to find out how researchers engineered the different scenarios, the outcomes, and tips on how to harness this near-win effect in our everyday life.
TLDR: Researchers report that nearly winning at one task led to increased motivation, increased desire for winning, and increased effort expanded in an unrelated task
Links:
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0956797614568681
https://ideas.ted.com/theres-a-surprising-power-in-not-winning-heres-how-to-make-it-work-for-you/
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Do you know what cholesterol is, and why it gets such a bad rep? Join us this week as we give you the lowdown on cholesterol, why it may be harmful at high levels, what lipoproteins are, and the new research conducted on LDL. Don’t miss out on the tips for managing cholesterol levels at the end!
TLDR: In severe cases, fatty deposit buildup in blood vessels due to excess cholesterol may cause a heart attack or a stroke
Links:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/11/191118115341.htm
https://www.healthline.com/health/high-cholesterol
https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/diseases-and-conditions/622/hyperlipidemia
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Are scientists close to achieving immortality? Recent studies in pigs described the revival of major organs after death using the breakthrough technology known as OrganEx. This technology involves a machine that pumps synthetic, enriched blood around the body that resulted in some restoration of function in these organs up to an hour after the heart stopped beating. Tune in to find out how the current developments can be used to preserve transplant organs and prolong the window for treatment of patients who have suffered a heart attack.
TLDR: Researchers managed to partially revive pig organs up to an hour after the animal’s heart stopped beating
Links:
https://www.bbc.com/news/health-62406350
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-02112-0
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-01995-3
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-01216-4
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-019-1099-1
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Did you yawn after reading that title, or when you just think about the act of yawning? Scientists propose that yawning increases arousal and alertness whilst also helping to cool the brain and to relieve ear pressure. Listen until the end as we discuss why yawning is contagious and why some people (read: not Zhao Yong) are usually immune to it.
TLDR: Drowsiness and boredom are the most common stimulus for yawning where scientists propose that yawning increases arousal and alertness
Links:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3678674/
https://link.springer.com/article/10.3758/BF03334587
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Do you feel tired after using your brain a lot? New research has discovered a possible culprit for mental fatigue: glutamate. Specifically, glutamate accumulation in the lateral prefrontal cortex led to increased signs of fatigue and changes in participants’ decision-making. Tune in to learn more about why thinking hard makes you tired.
TLDR: Cognitive fatigue, due to glutamate accumulation, led to study participants favouring low-effort and short-delay options.
Links:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220811135344.htm
https://www.cell.com/current-biology/pdf/S0960-9822(22)01111-3.pdf
https://edition.cnn.com/2022/08/11/health/cognitive-fatigue-study-wellness/index.html
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
If you’ve held the belief that low serotonin levels are a major cause of depression, you’re not alone! This week we clarify what recent research has to say about lowered serotonin levels and activity with regard to depression. We also talk about the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a widely prescribed antidepressant, and possible mechanisms of action for this drug besides altering serotonin levels.
TLDR: Lowered serotonin levels may not be solely responsible for depression, that said, SSRIs may have other mechanisms of action that render them effective at treating mood disorders
Links:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-022-01661-0
https://www.vice.com/en/article/88qge4/the-new-study-on-serotonin-and-depression-isnt-about-antidepressants-chemical-imbalance
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Why do we sweat? How do deodorants and antiperspirants work, and which should you use? Join us this week as we answer these questions as well as discuss the studies that have linked antiperspirants to certain health conditions (breast cancer, Alzheimer’s, dementia, and kidney problems) and the various chemicals present in these products.
TLDR: If you are concerned about antiperspirants, consider opting for deodorants that do not contain parabens, fragrances, and aluminium
Links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAcNRHV6yn4&ab_channel=It%27sAumSumTime
https://oce-ovid-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/article/00008469-200312000-00006/HTML
https://www.healthline.com/health/deodorant-vs-antiperspirant#breast-cancer-risk
https://analyticalsciencejournals-onlinelibrary-wiley-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/doi/10.1002/jat.958
https://www-sciencedirect-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/science/article/pii/S0160412018303404?via%3Dihub
https://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/features/antiperspirant-facts-safety
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
How stressed do you feel right now? What are you stressed about? This week, we go through the definition of stress (beyond psychological stress) and what happens to our body when a stress response is triggered. We also cover the potentially silent and harmful effects of stress, especially prolonged stress, and ways to manage your stress.
TLDR: Following a distress signal in the brain, the fight or flight response is activated to help us deal with the stress, however, prolonged or excessive stress responses may have harmful effects on the body
Links:
https://www.healthline.com/health/stress#management
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-the-stress-response
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/145855#definition
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Is intelligence a curse or a blessing, and while we are asking that question, how do we truly measure intelligence? In this week’s episode, we discuss studies that surveyed IQ scores against conditions including mood disorders, anxiety, depression, ADHD, food allergies, and asthma. Find out more about how psychological and physiological overexcitabilities fit into this story as well as whether intelligence is a predictor of success (spoiler alert: grit is involved).
TLDR: High IQ scores were linked to self-reported several psychological and physiological conditions including mood disorders and autoimmune diseases (P.s. Remember, correlation is not causation)
Links:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intell.2017.09.001
https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1910510116
https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.92.6.1087
https://www.forbes.com/sites/duncanmadden/2019/01/11/ranked-the-25-smartest-countries-in-the-world/?sh=e8a02a3163f7
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Have you ever had a catchy song relentlessly play again and again in your head? You aren’t alone! Earworms affect almost everyone and can be triggered when you are unattentive, nostalgic, or sometimes even when you are stressed. Tune in this week to find out why our brain retains these catchy tunes, what predisposes you to be plagued by earworms and how you can get rid of them.
TLDR: Some ways to get rid of your earworms include listening to the whole song, distracting yourself, chewing gum, or just stop listening to the song!
Links:
ttps://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-you-cant-get-a-song-out-of-your-head-and-what-to-do-about-it-2017100412490 https://www.samitivejhospitals.com/article/detail/stuck-song-syndrome
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/phonological-loop
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Obesity rates are rising globally, but is there anything we can do about it? Obesogens, belonging to a larger group known as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), have been linked to obesity-related metabolic conditions including insulin resistance and high blood pressure. Tune in this week as we discuss how obesogens promote obesity, common types of obesogens, and what we can do to reduce our exposure.
TLDR: Obesogens are chemicals that promote obesity and may be found in food packaging, toys, medical devices, and even some foods we consume.
Links:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1xi8yNwyarBhQC2YFKAhKi?si=8UbTkvnoTae5vXoWRPcQWQ
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-are-obesogens
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2021.780888/full
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night in fright wanting to run away but feeling like an ominous presence is holding you down? Studies suggest that 15-40% of people have experienced an episode of sleep paralysis. Listen along as we discuss the science behind this phenomenon, why some people sense or even see demons, and the three-factor structural model that has been proposed for hallucinations.
TLDR: Muscle atonia affecting the limbs and the auxiliary respiratory muscles are respectively responsible for the paralysed state and the feeling of a heavy weight on the rib cage
Links:
https://doi.org/10.1007%2Fs13311-020-00966-8
https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep/sleep-paralysis-demon
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sleep-paralysis/
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2wawlHtimDdzG4m34kCnQn?si=AxwnPqbBTkWtOMPc6JH1MA
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Limb lengthening surgery, originally intended for the management of different conditions including birth defects, cerebral palsy, and poliomyelitis, is a medical procedure that aims to stimulate bone and tendon growth thus leading to longer legs and extra height. Listen to this week’s episode to find out more about the process (which involves screws, nails, external frames, and literally breaking your bones), as well as the risks and recovery associated with this surgery.
TLDR: The maximum length for a patient undergoing limb lengthening surgery is 15cm, with most averaging around 7cm
Links:
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/cnainsider/bone-breaking-limb-lengthening-surgery-grow-taller-risk-india-2082011
(Content warning: Graphic depiction of limb-lengthening surgery: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRHpCXgdhR8)
https://www.healthline.com/find-care/articles/orthopedists/wp-599506
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Whilst some risk factors are modifiable by lifestyle changes, we are generally stuck with certain physical traits, like our height. In this week’s episode we discuss a recent genetic study looking at how a person’s height may affect their risk for several health conditions. Tune in to find out whether you may be at a higher risk for developing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, neuropathies, and many other diseases as well as the significance of these associations.
TLDR: A recent study reported that being shorter was linked to higher risk of many heart-related issues whereas being taller was linked to several neuropathies, dermatological and musculoskeletal conditions, and varicose veins.
Links:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/06/220602140801.htm
https://journals.plos.org/plosgenetics/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgen.1010193
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1570677X09000495
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Do we spend too much time on social media, and more importantly, how is it affecting our lives? In this week’s episode, we discuss a recent study assessing the effect of social media on how satisfied we are with our lives and vice versa across different age groups. Fret not, there are still benefits to social media, it all depends on how you use it!
TLDR: Researchers reported an overall association between social media use and lower life satisfaction, where effect sizes were the largest in adolescence
Links:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/03/220328090012.htm
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-29296-3
https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/adolescence/adolescent-age-range-and-what-it-means/
https://doi.org/10.1089%2Fcyber.2014.0070
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Hair transplant is one of the many hair treatment solutions available today for hair loss or hair thinning, but do you really know what this process entails? Join us this week as we give you the rundown on modern hair transplant techniques, what to expect long-term, and who would most benefit from a hair transplant (spoiler alert: it is not suitable for everyone).
TLDR: Hair transplant procedures are considered permanent, however, hair follicles may thin over time.
Links:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21519-hair-transplant
https://advancedclinicsok.com/hair-transplant-faqs/
https://www.healthline.com/health/hair-transplant#procedure
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/hair-transplants
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
This week, we delve deeper into how we hear the world around us and what happens when our brain processes these signals and information. Besides being a useful mnemonic device, music is connected to memory of events in our lives, some of which are inextricably linked to certain emotions thanks to the activation of the limbic system. These associations may prove useful in improving cognitive function and even in managing neurological diseases.
TLDR: Researchers have found that playing Alzheimer’s patients music that they have a connection to may improve recall of memories
Links:
https://www.healthline.com/health/echoic-memory
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-27/music-memory-song-that-takes-you-back-to-a-moment-in-time/12391160
https://www.nature.com/articles/srep15219
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2776393/
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
You may be familiar with short- and long-term memory, but how do we get to these stages of memory? In this episode, we go through sensory memories, or simply what happens when our sensory systems receive information. Listen along as we discuss the fascinating neurobiological explanation for the close association of smell with memory, and how our senses may be linked to mental health.
TLDR: The sense of smell is the strongest amongst the five major senses at evoking a memory, which may be attributed to the direct connection between the olfactory system and the hippocampus
Links:
https://www.webmd.com/brain/what-are-sensory-memory-examples
https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/sensory-memory#types-of-sensory-memory
https://newatlas.com/science/olfactory-smell-memory-hippocampus-connectivity-evolution/
https://www.verywellmind.com/why-do-we-associate-memories-so-strongly-with-specific-smells-5203963
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
The recent monkeypox outbreaks in multiple non-endemic countries have health officials concerned, but will it be the cause of the next pandemic? In this episode, we cover what is monkeypox, how the virus is transmitted, symptoms to look out for and where the smallpox vaccine fits into this story. Stay until the end for the dos and don’ts for protecting yourself against monkeypox.
TLDR: The current risk for the general public appears to be low, according to WHO, where spread of the virus is through close physical contact
Links:
https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/about.html
https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/symptoms.html
https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/2022-DON385
https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease-outbreak-news/item/16-may-2019-monkeypox-singapore-e
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
With the news that Singapore will soon provide women access to elective egg freezing, we go through the entire process of this procedure in this week’s episode. Egg freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, involves consultation, precise medications for egg production and maturation to facilitate successful egg retrieval and vitrification. Listen on to learn about the finer details of each step and other factors that should be considered during egg freezing and beyond.
TLDR: Social or elective egg freezing provides the option of preserving women’s fertility should they choose to conceive later in life
Links:
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/egg-freezing-unmarried-women-fertility-career-prepared-motherhood-2621591
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-61076349
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/sperm-banking
https://extendfertility.com/egg-embryo-freezing-ivf-fertility-medication/
https://www.pacificfertilitycenter.com/egg-freezing/vitrification
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Have you ever wondered whether the colour or shade that you see is the same as what the people around you see? In this episode, we talk about the colour of objects, how humans see colour, and the different types of colour blindness. Finally, we go through the technology behind colour blind glasses and whether they actually work.
TLDR: Currently available EnChroma glasses are designed to address only certain forms of red-green colour blindness (specifically deuteranomaly and protanomaly)
Links:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0pV1gobG58vZIdkzangvYd?si=o00f6QaAQ6S0DRnID9tKBQ
https://ed.ted.com/lessons/how-we-see-color-colm-kelleher
https://www.healthline.com/health/color-blindness
https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/what-do-colorblind-people-see
https://enchroma.com/pages/how-enchroma-glasses-work
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
All of us have forgotten something in our lives, but how can you explain it when the thing you forgot is a whole baby. This week we discuss memory in the context of the forgotten baby syndrome, from retrospective to prospective, explicit and implicit memory. Listen along to find out the significance of each of these types of memory, which part of the brain is responsible for them, and the steps we can take to remember.
TLDR: This syndrome involves a child coming to injury by being unintentionally left in a car, and is likely due to failure of prospective memory
Disclaimer: This episode contains mature content related to infant death
Links:
https://journals-sagepub-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/doi/10.1177/0025802419831529?url_ver=Z39.88-2003𝔯_id=ori:rid:crossref.org𝔯_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4226205/
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09658211.2013.812220
https://www.sjweh.fi/article/1131
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Besides the environment and caregiving, can intergenerational trauma be transmitted genetically? This week we discuss the research that has been conducted in mice to better understand where biology fits in the context of trauma. From epigenetic and behavioural changes in traumatised parents, to what was observed in their offspring and future generations. Make sure you listen to the end, where we go through preliminary evidence on healing from trauma with enriched environments and positive life experiences.
TLDR: Studies in mice showed that trauma-induced epigenetics changes that alter behaviour are inherited in offspring
Disclaimer: This episode contains mature content related to trauma and mental health
Links:
https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Epigenetics
https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/germ-line
https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Somatic-Cells
https://www.cdc.gov/genomics/disease/epigenetics.htm
https://www.science.org/content/article/parents-emotional-trauma-may-change-their-children-s-biology-studies-mice-show-how
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Over the next two weeks, we will be discussing psychological and emotional trauma, specifically how trauma may be transferred between generations. In this episode, we delve into the social aspect of intergenerational trauma with examples from both mice and human studies, and the impact of parenting/caregiving on offspring.
TLDR: We all have trauma, no matter how big or small or different from the person next to you, which may be transferred between generations
Disclaimer: This episode contains mature content related to trauma and mental health
Links:
https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/Understanding_Intergenerational_Trauma
https://psychcentral.com/lib/how-intergenerational-trauma-impacts-families?c=1105172035561#family-impact
https://doi.org/10.1080/10926771.2015.1129655
https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/Understanding_Intergenerational_Trauma
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Is runner’s high a sham that gyms are trying to sell you, or do people really experience this state of euphoria when working out? Is it really just endorphins, where do drugs fit into the picture, what about hunger and satiety? This week, we get to the bottom of runner’s high, specifically the hormones that scientists believe are responsible for this phenomenon. TLDR: New research suggest that runner’s high may be due to endocannabinoids, which acts on the same system affected by THC present in cannabis Links: https://www.healthline.com/health/runners-high https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1514996112 https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/can.2021.0113 https://www.healthline.com/health-news/discovery-explains-runners-high-090115 Socials: instagram.com/thelabdoctors twitter.com/thelabdoctors Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031 Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Can you nurture empathy or is empathy mostly innate? Many researchers have been trying to better understand the link between empathy and genetics. In this week’s episode, we look at two studies which assessed the heritability of empathy in twins versus non-twin siblings as well as how much empathy is really determined by our genes.
TLDR: Empathy is variably dependent on both genetics and environment, where affective empathy was found to be more heritable compared to cognitive empathy
Links:
Quiz - http://socialintelligence.labinthewild.org/mite/
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/is_your_empathy_determined_by_your_genes
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-017-0082-6
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Bonus episode alert! We decided to record the top five regrets of the dying, as collated by Bonnie Ware, an Australian palliative caretaker. Listen along and reflect, hopefully you won’t have the same regrets in the future!
TLDR: Reflect every now and then, not just at the end of your life
Links:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/life-s-biggest-decisions/202106/the-6-most-common-regrets-people-experience
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Every single day we wake up and make decisions, whether taking action or not, and some of these decisions are bound to be met with regret. What affects the intensity of the regret we feel? Research findings from a group in New Zealand explore how time, justifying our decision, and social contexts affect our regrets. Stay till the end where we go through global regrets from the World Regret Survey compiled by Daniel Pink and his team.
TLDR: Both social factors and decision-justification affects the intensity of our life regrets
Links:
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01941/full
https://www.ted.com/talks/daniel_h_pink_4_kinds_of_regret_and_what_they_teach_you_about_yourself?language=en
https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/blog/pressure-proof/202202/the-4-major-kinds-regret
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Historically, inbreeding in royal families was common to preserve bloodlines and power, but at what cost? On this week’s episode, we discuss the biology of inbreeding and incest, how this impacts genetic diversity, and why it matters. Inbreeding also extends to the animal kingdom, where sheep and cows are selectively bred in the farming industry, to mice used in experiments with research, and even in pedigree dogs.
TLDR: Inbreeding increases the odds of congenital defect and genetic diseases carried by recessive alleles
Links:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-47907847
https://www.bbcearth.com/news/what-are-the-effects-of-inbreeding
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Have you ever felt irrationally happy, sad, or even angry in a situation, only to look back after you’ve calmed down and wonder why you reacted so emotionally at that point in time. Emotional bias describes the way we process stimuli and information in different ways, namely negatively (negativity bias) or positively (positivity offset). In this episode, we discuss how stimulus arousal (high vs low), stimulus type (image vs verbal) and cultural background (West vs East) affects emotional bias.
TLDR: Different stimuli and preferences impacts our emotional bias when processing information, be it to negativity bias or positivity offset
Links:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0149763419300697
https://www.healthline.com/health/negativity-bias#recognizing-negativity-bias
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Could sitting down all day in offices make our lives shorter? A recent meta-analysis looked at the increase in mortality rate with every seated-hour. Tune in to this week’s episode to see how you compare to international and local averages of seated hours per day as well as pick up some tips on how to combat a sedentary lifestyle.
TLDR: Regular sitting breaks (a 2-minute walk every 20 minutes) is beneficial for cardio-metabolic and overall health
Links:
https://dx.doi.org/10.3389%2Ffpubh.2018.00288
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25884916
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Are cold showers the answer to losing weight and living longer? How effective is cryotherapy and ice baths for elite athletes, and should amateurs follow their lead? This week we go through the health benefits of cold therapy, and accessible ways people can also experience these benefits. Before jumping in (to cold pools or to cold therapy), take note of some safety tips and consult your doctor, especially if you have any cardiovascular conditions.
TLDR: Cold therapy has several health benefits, including improving circulation and reducing muscle soreness, and has also been shown to extend lifespan in animal models
Links:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4EY3kkgV9MYY3L15bkTGIz?si=d8-Ljq99Svi1pGsTRDytvQ
https://www.healthline.com/health/cold-water-therapy
https://www.healthline.com/health/cold-shower-vs-hot-shower
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Another milestone as we come into the third year of the pandemic is the approval of the first antiviral drug for the treatment of COVID-19. Paxlovid, developed by Pfizer, will be prescribed and prioritised for patients with higher risk of severe COVID-19. On today’s episode, we talk about EPIC-HR, the clinical study where a dramatic reduction in COVID-19 related hospitalisation or death was observed with Paxlovid when taken within 3-5 days of symptom onset compared to placebo. We also cover how the drug works, its side effects and reproductive safety.
TLDR: Paxlovid is another weapon in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and not a replacement for COVID-19 vaccines and boosters
Links:
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/covid-19-paxlovid-pill-singapore-receives-its-first-batch-pfizer-treatment-2494671
https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizers-novel-covid-19-oral-antiviral-treatment-candidate
https://dmd.aspetjournals.org/content/dmd/early/2022/02/13/dmd.121.000801.full.pdf
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07853890.2022.2034936
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890623822000120
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
We should all be experts in mask-wearing at this point in the pandemic, but could there be a better way to protect yourself? This week, we talk about the research conducted on different mask hacks and which is the best. Factoring in things like mask fit and filtration efficiency, and of course comfort of the wearer. Stay safe and pick up some tips to keep you and your community safer!
TLDR: A good mask fit increases filtration efficiency and thus greater protection against viral transmission
Links:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/02/220202143042.htm
http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0262830
http://jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?doi=10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.8168
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Welcome back to part 2 of the friendship series! Have you ever thought about how many friends are too many? Are we even able to keep up with such a large number of people in our lives? This week we discuss Dunbar’s number of stable social relationships and the different layers of friend zones, as well as how these numbers track in our lives and whether numbers even matter.
TLDR: To us, numbers don’t matter as much as the people that make up those numbers.
Links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elKVLCRdOcI
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/(SICI)1520-6505(1998)6:5%3C178::AID-EVAN5%3E3.0.CO;2-8
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
This week, we kick off the two-part series on friendship with the topic of making and losing friends. Join us as we go through our personal journey of friendships and strategies for making friends as well as what the research has to say about what it takes to make a friend. Finally, we talk about relationship decay and why we have lost friends in our own lives.
TLDR: Reasons for losing friends include changing locations or circumstances, making new friends, and decreased effort invested into relationships.
Links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elKVLCRdOc
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0265407518761225
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12110-015-9242-7
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
When you buy groceries, how confident are you in the product that you walk out the store with? How about your confidence in the bigger, life-changing decisions that you’ve made? This week, we discuss a recent study that examined what leads to greater confidence in value-based choices. Don’t miss out as we get real with our personal experiences, from buying eggs to navigating our careers, and find out the role of introspection in our journeys.
TLDR: More attention and introspection may lead to greater confidence in your decisions
Links:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/01/220112105650.htm
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-27618-5
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08870446.2017.1316847
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Gyms for spin classes, CrossFit, circuit training, and so many other types of fitness activities are popping up all over the world, but is it really all people hype it up to be? In this episode, we talk about the pros and cons of group fitness as well as our personal experience with training in a group. What is your experience? Should TLDR go for a group spin class? Let us know!
TLDR: There are a lot of pros to group exercise including increased weight loss and increased enjoyment, just be wary of pushing yourself past your physical limits.
Links:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/exercise-motivation-group-workout-online/2021/02/19/c922b9a6-538c-11eb-a931-5b162d0d033d_story.html
https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/why-you-should-work-out-crowd-ncna798936
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6756792/
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
A recent study conducted by researchers at Cardiff University found that women found men who wore medical masks more attractive. Do you agree? Do we agree? This week, we discuss their research findings, possible reasons for this preference, and pre-pandemic perceptions of mask-wearing. Don’t miss out on where evolutionary psychology fits in all of this and our (hot?) takes on mask-wearing and attractiveness.
TLDR: Perhaps there would be more trips to Paradise if the men on Single’s Inferno wore medical masks.
Links: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/medical-surgical-face-mask-more-attractive-covid19-2434876 https://cognitiveresearchjournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s41235-021-00351-9
Socials: instagram.com/thelabdoctors twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Stitch, more accurately referred to as exercise-related transient abdominal pain (ETAP), is a sharp, stabbing pain that people often experience when exercising. Despite its overwhelming prevalence across different sports, researchers do not really understand why this side ache or muscle stitch occurs. This week, we go through the various theories that have been proposed and decide which makes the most sense to us scientifically.
TLDR: We have no idea, but it is likely a combination of the pulling of ligaments supporting the abdominal organs as well as lack of oxygen and muscle cramps surrounding the abdominal area.
Links:
https://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/Fulltext/2000/02000/Characteristics_and_etiology_of_exercise_related.26.aspx
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Rhabdomyolysis cases are on the rise in Singapore, with one of the precipitating factors being spin classes. What is this condition and is it very dangerous? Listen this week to find out more about the causes and symptoms of rhabdomyolysis, and how it could possibly lead to more serious conditions like kidney failure and heart issues.
TLDR: Rhabdomyolysis refers to striated muscle breakdown, and is commonly due to intense exercise.
Links:
http://www.singaporesportsclinic.com/rhabdomyolysis-specialist-clinic/
https://youtu.be/Hnxqc4sT85I
https://youtu.be/wj_AOzSSDMM
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557379/
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Some experts consider lying, which starts as early as age 2, a developmental milestone in humans. So we decided to find out how often people lie, by how much, and how often. What are some of the reasons that people lie, and what stops people from lying? Listen along as we discuss lying in our day-to-day lives.
TLDR: Most lies are told for selfish reasons, but other reasons include protecting others’ feelings and maintaining social politeness.
Links:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2018/08/24/why-liars-lie-what-science-tells-us-about-false-statements/
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-science-tells-us-about-why-we-lie/
https://www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/why-do-humans-lie/
https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/science/13-people-are-pathological-liars-and-suffer-from-distress-impaired-social-functioning-study-5564651.html
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Does a sudden traffic jam or train fault throw you off for the rest of your workday? Researchers at Dartmouth College conducted a study to assess whether worker commutes can predict job performance and productivity. This week, we delve into the commuting patterns of high and low performers, and how our personal commutes affect our workday.
TLDR: Research shows that your commute to work predicts the rest of your day.
Links:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/11/211119085150.htm
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/355836043_Predicting_Job_Performance_Using_Mobile_Sensing
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
During the current pandemic, consultation rates in both primary and specialist care declined compared to that of pre-COVID-19 levels. A recent study showed that one-fifth of the population avoided healthcare institutions during the pandemic. Tune in this week to find out how the pandemic has affected us in terms of seeking medical attention, why some people may be avoiding their doctor and what is the COVID Stress Syndrome?
TLDR: If you have severe symptoms, go and see a doctor!
Links:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/11/211123162726.htm
https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1003854
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Within TLDR, we are team #CryYourHeartOut, and the research shows that this may not be a bad thing at all, as long as you don’t take things to the extreme. The real and intense emotions that we feel when consuming content, from watching TV/movies to reading, is a byproduct of the parasocial relationships that we form with the characters or personas. This week we talk about the four stages of parasocial relationships and the pros/cons of these types of interactions.
TLDR: Research has shown that people often tend to feel better after crying, and tragic/sad stories can be one of these outlets to purge negative emotions from our system.
Links:
https://time.com/4681115/crying-television-this-is-us/
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2HRBOel0UjdsbOKeJ1dGEt?si=7TZoQxl2QF6koWqEbG86wQ
https://www.simplemost.com/7-professionals-explain-love-shows-make-us-cry/
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
This week we discuss spousal concordance, from the genetic, social, and the environmental factors that all contribute to not only our health, but the health of our partners (and our families). We delve into how these findings relate to other couple studies on immunity and microexpressions, and finally how cardiometabolic factors (including high BMI, hypertension, and smoking) fit into all of this. Get real with us as we reflect on these revelations and its impact on our own lives!
TLDR: Your actions and decisions have consequences, not only in your life, but also your partner’s/family’s lives.
Links:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/09/210927102558.htm
https://www.atherosclerosis-journal.com/article/S0021-9150(21)01310-1/fulltext
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oby.22098
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Feel betrayed by your new shoes that look so good but give you painful friction blisters? This week we discuss how they form, and go through the other types of blisters that exist; blood and heat blisters. Finally, as much as we do not advise you to pop a blister, we go through the step-by-step guide of how to do it properly and signs to look out for that would necessitate further medical attention.
TLDR: You should NOT pop a blister, but if you really need to, do it carefully and cleanly. If the blister doesn’t subside or gets infected, consult a doctor.
Links:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16787-blisters
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4994503/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/blisters-overview-a-to-z
https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-blisters/basics/art-20056691
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Who doesn’t like a big breakfast? But also, how many of us have our largest meal at dinner time? Research shows that metabolism and digestion is not just about the food you eat, but also what time you eat. On this week’s episode, we discuss the importance of meal times, the consistency of these meal times, and the size of each meal.
TLDR: The science behind: “eat breakfast like a king; lunch like a prince; dinner like a pauper.”
Links:
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190304-how-meal-timings-affect-your-waistline
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
This week, join us as we embark on a journey of self-discovery about picky eating. Take the quiz along with us and find out where you fall within the demographic of picky eaters. We also discuss the relationship between picky eating and other biological factors (like dietary consumption and hard stools) as well as psychosocial outcomes (including social phobia and situational distress).
TLDR: Amongst the TLDR members, Dorothy, Zhao Yong and Amanda are high, medium and low picky eaters respectively!
Links:
https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/145/6/e20192018
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/05/200526091408.htm
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/10/211007101010.htm
https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1499404621007259
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Are personality tests a sham or are they on to something? New research reported an interesting association between personality and neurological disease: participants who scored higher in neuroticism and lower in conscientiousness exhibited biological factors that increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. In this episode, we discuss our personality traits and our response to these interesting study results.
TLDR: Researchers suggest that if you are conscientious and not neurotic, you are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease
Links:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/10/211012185709.htm
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-accurate-are-personality-tests/
https://www.truity.com/test/big-five-personality-test
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
The war on sugar has begun, with countries around the world lobbying to reduce the amount of sugar in packaged foods and beverages, or to impose a levy on these products. Researchers in the US have developed a model to simulate and quantify the impacts of these policies with staggering results: the prevention of 2.48 million and half a million heart disease-related events and deaths respectively in their country alone. Listen along to hear the compelling case against sugar and steps the government on our shores are taking, including grading your favourite beverages for the public to strive for an ‘A’ grade.
TLDR: Reducing sugar from packaged food and beverages alone can prevent 2.48 million of heart disease-related events and save over US$4 billion in healthcare expenditure in the US.
Links:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/08/210827082431.htm
https://www.straitstimes.com/politics/parliament-pre-packaged-sugary-drinks-to-carry-a-d-grading-by-end-2021-bubble-tea-to-follow
https://nutrition.moh.gov.my/en/the-implemention-of-taxation-on-sugar-sweetened-beverages-ssbs-in-malaysia/
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
This week we discuss the TED talk that makes the case for us to reframe our understanding of obesity as a disease, rather than a physiological condition brought about merely by overeating and not enough exercise. Listen along as we cover the high-fat feeding rat study, hormones like GLP-1 and other genetic factors in obesity, and finally the environmental and social factors surrounding this topic.
TLDR: Whilst environmental factors do affect obesity, genetic factors also play an important role in this disease.
Links: https://www.ted.com/talks/mads_tang_christensen_the_brain_science_of_obesity/transcript https://www.truthaboutweight.com/the-science-behind-weight-loss.html https://highline.huffingtonpost.com/articles/en/everything-you-know-about-obesity-is-wrong/
Socials: instagram.com/thelabdoctors twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Do you get a headache after taking a nap? Two out of the three of us do! In this episode, we talk about the common causes of these specific types of headaches including teeth grinding or clenching, snoring, sleep hygiene, and serotonin disruption. Listen until the end for some nap headache remedies (and whether any of them work for us). TLDR: Common causes of nap headaches include snoring, teeth grinding, and poor sleep hygiene. Links: https://www.healthline.com/health/headache-after-nap https://www.healthline.com/health/headache-from-oversleeping Socials: instagram.com/thelabdoctors twitter.com/thelabdoctors Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031 Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Have you ever felt the hit of wakefulness right after drinking coffee, but slowly start to feel tired and sleepy as the day wears on? This week we discuss the paradox of caffeine and the science behind this phenomenon, particularly, the involvement of adenosine and ATP. We veer off-topic to talk about caffeine- (and nap-)induced headaches then circle back to how to optimize your coffee-drinking experience.
TLDR: As with most things, caffeine should be consumed in moderation. If it no longer has an effect on you, consider taking a break then try to only drink coffee when you really need a boost.
Links:
https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/wellness/coffee-tiredness-sleep-279031
https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/jappl.1998.85.1.154
https://www.heartfoundation.org.nz/about-us/news/blogs/can-i-drink-coffee-and-have-a-healthy-heart
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
We got carried away talking about all things period with Luting, so here is part TWO! This week we discuss our experiences with delayed periods, and being freaked out about blood clots. We continue the conversation reflecting honestly about our PMS, how we feel and how we live with the changing hormones and emotions. We round out the episode talking about period hygiene and other period telltale signs like swollen breasts and bloating.
TLDR: You’re not alone if you feel angry or emotional or extra prone to getting overwhelmed just before your period, hang in there! 💪🏻
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
On this TIS episode, it is all about knowing your flow. With our special guest, Luting, we talk about our period experiences and how we handle our monthly visit from Aunt Flo. From dealing with period cramps and bloating, to the period products that we use. Luting also shares with us what to look out for when experiencing abnormal symptoms (including possible conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease) and the dangers of toxic shock syndrome.
TLDR: If you experience heavy bleeding or painful cramps that are worse than usual, you should consider consulting a medical professional.
Links:
https://www.mountelizabeth.com.sg/healthplus/article/is-your-period-pain-normal
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Periods, as remarkable as the phenomenon of childbirth is, can get quite frustrating. From abdominal cramps and bloating to mood swings and anxiety, we wanted to find out why these symptoms occur and what causes them? As an added bonus, we also discuss whether period syncing is legit or a myth. Hint: Fluctuating hormones is a repeat offender, affecting many systems in the body (even serotonin levels in the brain!)
TLDR: Cramps are caused by prostaglandins that make the uterus contract to help shed the uterine lining during periods, but we could not find out why cramps have to hurt 😞
Links:
https://www.healthline.com/health/why-do-periods-hurt
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319579#what-causes-period-bloating
https://www.healthline.com/health/pms-mood-swings#why-it-happens
https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/period-syncing
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Welcome to the Period Month Extravaganza Questionnaire! In this month’s edition, we asked the period practical basics like what is menstrual flow, how long do periods and cramps last, and how much blood does the body lose? We also talk about period products, and how to deal with period displeasures: what to eat and what to avoid, easing menstrual cramps and swimming during periods. Listen along to find out if that last one leaves you vulnerable to shark attacks!
TLDR: Water, fruit, and dark chocolate are recommended whereas spicy foods, alcohol, and coffee should be avoided during menstruation.
Disclaimer: The episode contains mature content related to sexual topics.
Links:
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-much-blood-do-you-lose-on-your-period
https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/what-to-eat-during-period
https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/menstrual-cramp-remedies
https://www.healthline.com/health/does-your-period-stop-in-water
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
It’s the start of PERIOD month! How apt that we will be talking about the menstrual cycle for a whole month, since that coincides with an average menstrual cycle. Consider this your cheat sheet for the basics of periods and menstruation, where we tell you about the different stages of the menstrual cycle and period through the different ages of life. We also cover more practical aspects like period blood colours and missed or late periods.
TLDR: Similar to poops, take note of anything that is irregular or abnormal with periods and consult a medical professional if you are concerned.
Links:
https://www.healthline.com/health/facts-statistics-menstruation
https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/period-changes-20s-30s-40s-50s
https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/period-blood
https://www.healthline.com/health/is-it-normal-to-miss-a-period
https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/why-is-my-period-late
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Does the belly button even serve a purpose after the umbilical cord is cut? If the appendix is so important, why does removing it not affect the patient much? And are male nipples necessary, or is it for aesthetics? Listen to this TWL episode to hear us sort through our curiosities and the research on these body parts.
TLDR: Scientists have proposed several functions for each of these useless body parts, but you be the judge on whether they are useful!
Disclaimer: The episode contains mature content related to sexual topics.
Links:
https://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/parts/5-things-didnt-know-about-belly-button.htm
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1631068316300653?via%3Dihub
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-is-the-function-of-the-human-appendix-did-it-once-have-a-purpose-that-has-since-been-lost/
https://www.healthline.com/health/mens-health/why-do-men-have-nipples#takeaway
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
How much water does our body really need? Throughout the work day, we sometimes forget to drink water (because it’s not allowed in the lab!), so this bad habit sparked the idea for this TWL episode. From the bare minimum we should be consuming, to how much water is too much water? Finally, we also have an interesting conversation on who can urinate faster and who can hold their urine longer.
TLDR: A good gauge for fluid intake is thirst and excreting clear to pale yellow urine, and according to research, males were found to have higher urine flow rates.
Links:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-much-water-can-kill-you
https://bjui-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1464-410X.1989.tb05518.x
https://www.auajournals.org/doi/10.1097/01.ju.0000149947.28100.cd
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
After all that poop talk, we just couldn’t neglect our other bodily waste: urine. On this TWD episode, we briefly talk about how urine is formed, kidney function and what urine actually is. Moving to the unhealthy aspects, we discuss unhealthy urine indicators, what should not be in your pee and finally the symptoms and causes of urinary tract infections. TLDR: In general, yellow-amber to clear colour, mild smell and clear to very slightly cloudy urine are indicators of healthy pee. Disclaimer: The episode contains mature content related to sexual topics. Links: https://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Kidneyhealth/Documents/kidney%20guide.pdf https://www.healthline.com/health/urine-color-chart https://www.health.com/condition/digestive-health/smelly-urine-causes https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447 https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/not-again-when-utis-wont-quit-at-midlife-201509258353 Socials: instagram.com/thelabdoctors twitter.com/thelabdoctors Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Another bonus TIS for poop month! We begin the poop journey with our painful experiences including bad poops, severe stomach aches, gluten and lactose intolerances. Then, listen on to find out how we dealt with it, the doctors appointments, colonoscopy experiences, changing diets and managing stress. Gastrointestinal conditions are crappy (pun intended), especially if unresolved, so we hope this episode will normalize talking about our issues instead of hiding them.
TLDR: Don’t ignore your body. If something is out of the ordinary, don’t be afraid to talk to someone about it or consult a medical professional if it persists.
Disclaimer: This episode contains mildly explicit language.
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Jun Wei (linkedin.com/in/jun-wei-goh-吴畯纬-1b290b88) is back this week as we continue the conversation about where our poop goes. In this episode, we learn that under a third of wastewater in Singapore undergoes the NEWater process to produce reclaimed water, which includes drinking water! We also cover wastewater surveillance, from its early utility as a tool to monitor drug use to how it can be used as an epidemiological tool in a pandemic. Last but not least, shoutout to all the environmental engineers and water agency staff who work tirelessly so that we don’t have to think twice about where our water comes from!
TLDR: You are probably drinking poop water (at least in Singapore)! It is important to note that wastewater undergoes rigorous processes and a battery of tests and audits to ensure the safety of this high-grade, reclaimed water.
Disclaimer: This episode contains mildly explicit language.
Links:
https://www.pub.gov.sg/watersupply/watertreatment
https://www.pub.gov.sg/watersupply/fournationaltaps/newater
https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/bathing/srwg1.pdf
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935121000426
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
What happens when we flush our toilets? On today’s episode we have a special guest, Jun Wei (linkedin.com/in/jun-wei-goh-吴畯纬-1b290b88), an Environmental Engineering graduate student, to tell us all about wastewater treatment in Singapore. We cover the activated sludge process, where we learn that diversity is important, just like our gut microbiome! Next up, we have the secondary sedimentation process (separating the nasties from what we want to keep) and solid management. Listen on to find out about all this and more, including the highway of poop!
TLDR: In Singapore, wastewater will (pass through your neighbour’s house!) be collected in the public sewer that serves your area and be transported to the water reclamation plant or wastewater treatment plant.
Disclaimer: This episode contains mildly explicit language.
Links:
https://www.pub.gov.sg/usedwater/treatment/usedwatertreatmentprocess
https://www.pub.gov.sg/Documents/requirements_UW.pdf
https://www.pub.gov.sg/dtss/about
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Welcome to the Poop Month Mega Extravaganza Questionnaire! This week, we have our version of the popular game show, [REDACTED], oh, hmm, guess you will have to listen to find out! Listen along as we answer all the questions related to normal and abnormal human poops. From shape, colour, size/density of good stool, to acceptable length of time to poop and regular frequency of poops.
TLDR: Abnormal or irregular poops may sometimes occur, but if these symptoms persist or worsen, you should consult a healthcare professional.
Disclaimer: This episode contains mildly explicit language. The Pigeon Prince mentioned in this podcast episode is a work of fiction and does not have any relation to the 2017 book published by Outskirts Press. Any resemblance to animals, living or dead, real or fictional, or events, in real life or in stories, is purely coincidental.
Links:
https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/types-of-poop
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1379343/
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Every year scientists are finding out more and more about poop and how important it is in our lives. What better way to share these poop revelations with you than during Poop Month’s TIS! First on the list is poop transplant, or fecal microbiota transplants, which is being studied for the treatment of bacterial infections and gastrointestinal conditions. Next, we discuss how ancient poop is different from contemporary poop, and what this means for our gut microbiome. And stay tuned until the end, when we answer the question, ‘Is farting indicative of the need to poop?
TLDR: Poop transplant, or fecal microbiota transplant, is highly effective in treating certain bacterial infections and has been used in other gastrointestinal conditions. Methods of transplant include colonoscopy, enema, nasogastric tubes and swallowing pills containing a stool preparation.
Disclaimer: This episode contains mildly explicit language.
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
The inaugural episode of POOP MONTH! You have probably never thought of this, but different species in the animal kingdom have very different kinds of poops, adapted according to their various environments. In this TWL episode, we talk about the animal poops that we found particularly interesting. This includes the perfectly spherical rabbit poops, wombats and their cubed poops, and not forgetting, insect poops. Do ants poop?! Is honey just bee poop? Listen on to find out!
TLDR: Wombats! Their incredibly unique cubed poops are a result of the dry environment that they live in and an interesting digestive tract.
Disclaimer: This episode contains mildly explicit language.
Links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7s-GhDknV1A&ab_channel=OxbowAnimalHealth
https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1113/jphysiol.1983.sp014661
https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2021/01/how-do-wombats-poop-cubes-scientists-get-bottom-mystery
https://doi.org/10.1590%2F1676-0611-BN-2015-0034
https://www.livescience.com/58321-do-bugs-poop.html
https://www.honeybeesuite.com/monday-morning-myth-honey-is-bee-poop/
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
There are two ends of the food preference spectrum; the person who only eats maybe 20 food items willingly vs the person who will eat almost anything. Why do people like different kinds of food, and why are some people so picky? On this TWL episode, we discuss the different theories about food preferences, different taste buds (is umami a sham?) and the perils of spicy foods.
TLDR: Amanda says that umami is elevated, nuanced saltiness, but Dorothy and Zhao Yong are not convinced (they say that umami = salty).
Links:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9240927/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6381575/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279408/
https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/health-and-wellness-articles/spicy-foods-healthy-or-dangerous
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Feeling bloated or gassy after drinking milk or eating bread? Many people are unaware that their bodies are actually intolerant to certain foods, like lactose and gluten. On top of these common food intolerances, this week, we also dive into the world of food allergies. How does a peanut or shellfish trigger an allergic reaction? What causes all these symptoms, from swollen lips to severe anaphylaxis? Listen on to find out!
TLDR: Food allergies and intolerances are often undiagnosed, especially in milder cases, but they should not be downplayed as they can lead to serious reactions or conditions like anaphylaxis or coeliac disease.
Links:
https://medlineplus.gov/medlineplus-videos/histamine-the-stuff-allergies-are-made-of/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/lactose-intolerance-101
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6647104/
https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/gluten-allergy-symptoms
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
On this TWD episode, we will be talking about meat alternatives, specifically plant-based meat and lab-grown meat. Do these meat substitutes have a good taste that rivals real meat? Are they good for our bodies and provide us with nutrients comparable to normal meats? Finally, are they good for the environment? We answer these questions and also dive into what they are made of and how they are made!
TLDR: The nutritional content of lab-grown meat can be controlled to make them healthier, but whether or not they are better for the environment compared to animal farming is still up for debate.
Links:
https://sciencemeetsfood.org/plant-based-burgers/
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2020.00007/full
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-20061-y
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-47283162
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
The first episode of #FoodMonth is here, and it is about vegan and vegetarian diets! Are vegetables and plant-based foods enough to make you full? Can you get enough proteins and nutrients without meat? And is switching to a more plant-based diet really enough to combat climate change and promote sustainability? Listen to this week’s TWD episode to find out if these wonder foods are enough.
TLDR: With careful planning, switching to a plant-based diet may be more healthy and equally satiating. Bonus: Plant-based or plant-forward diets are better for the environment!
Links:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/animal-vs-plant-protein
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4081456/#!po=1.47059
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200122-are-there-health-benefits-to-going-vegan
https://files.wri.org/d8/s3fs-public/Shifting_Diets_for_a_Sustainable_Food_Future_1.pdf
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Five Mondays in May?! We decided to record an extra TIS because tighter pandemic restrictions have derailed our original plans. Hear us chat about how research is going with the current measures, coping mechanisms and content recommendations, excessive respirators, and exercise regimens. Want more of these episodes? DM/email us or leave a comment to let us know!
TLDR: Throughout this pandemic, just do you (responsibly)! And share this podcast with the people in your lives!
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
With tighter restrictions, we have moved to recording remotely, so why not talk about the pandemic? In this TIS episode, we cover the few COVID-19-related topics at the forefront of our minds. What is a good mask and should we stop wearing masks after getting vaccinated? What are the modes of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and what does airborne transmission mean for all of us? And finally, why do people succumb to panic buying? Listen along, and please bear with the lag and not-as-crisp audio!
TLDR: Stay safe and stay calm! Wear your masks and do your best to avoid crowded and poorly ventilated areas.
Links:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-57160923
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41579-021-00535-6.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7277661/
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
This week’s TWL episode was inspired by our mild annoyance at having to constantly cut our nails and hair, which made us wonder, what is the point of fingernails and toenails, and all the different kinds of hairs on our body? How do nails that have fallen off grow back clear and how do hair on some parts of the body know when to stop growing? Listen on as we answer all these questions!
TLDR: Nails serve as a form of protection for the ends of our extremities whilst the primary purpose of hair is temperature regulation.
The episode contains content related to sexual topics.
Links:
https://www.livescience.com/65277-why-fingernails-keep-growing.html
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/hair-stopped-growing
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/why-do-humans-have-eyebrows-eyelashes
https://www.healthline.com/health/purpose-of-pubic-hair#tips-for-overall-hygiene
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
This month, we start off with the AstraZeneca vaccine, specifically discussing the reported blood clot cases and symptoms to look out for if you are taking it. Next up, are humans vain, or just seeking happiness? We talk about a recent study that studied looking at your own face and the dopamine reward pathway. Finally, in lieu of the upcoming festivities, we share the pros and cons of the four-day workweek. To all our Muslim listeners, Selamat Hari Raya!
TLDR: If you want to look at yourself in the mirror, treat yo’ self.
Links:
https://www.bbc.com/news/health-55302595
https://academic.oup.com/cercor/advance-article/doi/10.1093/cercor/bhab096/6227018
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Does getting on a cruise, ferry or any waterborne vessels make you feel like vomiting? Then we are in the same boat (pun intended)! On this TWL episode, we find out why people get motion sickness and how common remedies (including traditional Chinese and Western medicine) prevent dizziness or combat the urge to puke.
TLDR:
Motion sickness is an evolutionarily conserved response to rid your body of poison (in this case, sensations that make your body think that it is poisoned) and can be counteracted with medicine and conditioning.
Links:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/176198#causes
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11452572/
https://www.simpleonlinepharmacy.co.uk/blog/how-do-travel-sickness-tablets-work/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S000368702030212X?dgcid=author
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
On this TWL episode, we will be talking about some familiar ailments that plague our bodies’ largest organ: the skin. Like why are insect bites itchy, and come to think of it, why do we feel the sensation of itch? Why do scars form and should we peel scabs? And finally what is the point of pimples, and should we pop them?
TLDR:
Pimples actually keep the bacteria and the gunk contained, so popping them may cause the nasty stuff to splatter in other pores, spread and cause more pimples.
Links:
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20160226-why-its-feels-so-good-to-scratch-an-itch
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20160226-why-its-feels-so-good-to-scratch-an-itch
https://dermatix.asia/the-science-of-scars/what-are-scars-and-why-do-they-form
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/features/pop-a-zit
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
For our monthly Today In Science episode, we start off by sharing our experience with intermittent fasting after practising it for a month. Moving along the similar vein of fasting, we discuss a recent study that reported the positive impact of caloric restriction in leukemic patients receiving chemotherapy. We finally move on to more light-hearted topics on whether walking with a partner is bad for your health and Singapore’s clean energy efforts by setting up one of the world’s largest floating solar farms.
TLDR: Holding hands slows down walking speed and reduces gait quality of both partners, which may inadvertently reduce the health benefits of walking.
Links:
https://ashpublications.org/bloodadvances/article/5/7/1853/475625/Caloric-and-nutrient-restriction-to-augment
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/04/210402141736.htm
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-now-home-to-one-of-the-worlds-largest-floating-solar-farms
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
twitter.com/thelabdoctors
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
What happens to your body from that first sip of alcohol? What is with the Asian flush and can you prevent it? Are there health benefits to drinking alcohol (in moderation, of course)? We answer these questions and more including the impact of excessive alcohol consumption on your body in this week’s TWD episode.
TLDR: Whilst light to moderate alcohol consumption may provide certain health benefits, the risks of any level of alcohol use (especially heavy drinking) greatly outweigh the potential benefits.
Links:
https://www.healthline.com/health/alcohol/effects-on-body
https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/wellness/asian-flush-drinking-alcohol-red-face-solutions-11507338
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/alcohol/art-20044551
https://www.healthline.com/health/alcoholism/withdrawal#symptoms
Socials:
instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Ever feel anxious about standing in front of the microwave while you are heating up your food? Do you switch off your phones when you go to sleep? Is sunblock really necessary? In this TWL episode, we talk about radiation and electromagnetic waves, and what really causes (or doesn’t cause) cancer?
TLDR: There is currently no consistent data on whether radiofrequency energy (a type of non-ionizing radiation emitted by cellular devices, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) can increase cancer risk.
Links:
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/radiation-exposure/radiofrequency-radiation.html
https://rosettaradiology.com/rosetta-radiology-blog/how-many-x-rays-are-safe-in-a-year/
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/radiation-exposure/cellular-phones.html
https://www.livescience.com/32493-why-does-the-body-tan.html
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Why do we need to sleep for more than a third of our life? Why are some people able to survive (and thrive) on 5 hours of sleep? Can I make up for lack of sleep during the week on the weekend or with naps during the day? Tune in to this week’s episode where we answer these questions and why sleep is so important.
TLDR: Adults (above 18 years old) generally require 7 to 9 hours as lack of sleep negatively impacts your body including your brain, heart, immune system and hormone regulation.
Links:
https://www.healthline.com/health/why-do-we-sleep#what-happens-during-sleep
https://www-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/pmc/articles/PMC7065627/
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/myths-and-facts-about-sleep
https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-deprivation/effects-on-body
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Mosquitoes are one of the most annoying insects, and worse, they even transmit diseases such as dengue, Zika and malaria. So why do they exist? Besides mosquitoes, what about the existence of larger mammals, like pandas and sloths? In this TWL episode, we talk about how, and possibly why, these insects and animals have survived through the millenia.
TLDR: Mosquitoes are food sources for animals (such as fish, frogs, birds and bats) whilst male mosquitoes are also useful as flower pollinators.
Links:
https://mosquitoreviews.com/learn/mosquitoes-purpose/
https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/could-pandas-be-an-evolutionary-mistakeor-proof-of-an-intelligent-designer
http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20140916-the-truth-about-sloths
http://hatchery.hpl.umces.edu/oysters/importance-of-oysters/
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
We got vaccinated! For this Today In Science episode, we answered questions we’ve been asked by our followers as well as families and friends. We cover questions on vaccine immunity and efficacy, taking paracetamol (Panadol) and our experience of receiving both doses of the vaccine. Feel free to DM or email us if you have any more questions!
TLDR: We hope this episode clarifies some of your concerns and queries about the vaccines. As always, do not hesitate to speak to your healthcare professional if you are unsure about anything.
Links:
https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/the-effects-of-virus-variants-on-covid-19-vaccines
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5027726/
https://www.goodrx.com/blog/covid-19-vaccine-drug-interactions/
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Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
What is intermittent fasting and is there a right way to do it? Does it really help with weight loss? How does it work? Is it suitable for everyone; young or old, healthy or diseased? Join us and our very first guest, Vis, as we explore the intricacies and benefits of intermittent fasting.
TLDR: Intermittent fasting has been shown to improve general health, including metabolic conditions like obesity and diabetes, as well as increasing alertness and mental acuity.
Links:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/intermittent-fasting-surprising-update-2018062914156
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5411330/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3680567/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5959807/
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instagram.com/thelabdoctors
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Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Can dogs smell COVID, and how do they do so? What about detecting other diseases and conditions like cancer and diabetes? We go through the remarkable phenomenon of sniffer dogs as well as other extremely beneficial applications of animal senses on this Today We Discuss episode, including mine-sniffing rats, truffle-sniffing pigs and death-sensing cats.
TLDR: Preliminary results show that dogs are able to smell COVID at detection rates comparable to various commercially available kits, for a fraction of the cost and time (and they’re so much cuter!)
Links:
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-03149-9
https://bmcinfectdis.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12879-020-05281-3
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2015/10/151006-giant-rats-landmines-cambodia-science-animals/
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/8/140816-rats-tuberculosis-smell-disease-health-animals-world/
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp078108
https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/can-animals-predict-disaster-tall-tales-or-true/131/
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Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Pretty sure everyone knows that we should always make sure pork is fully cooked, but have you wondered why? Why is it that some meats can be eaten rare while others must be handled with care? Find out the science behind all these on today’s TWL episode.
TLDR: Pork should always be fully cooked but there are instances when you can actually eat it rare.
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Which is better, alcohol-based or alcohol-free sanitisers? Is it safe to use hand sanitisers before eating? Do we really need to wash our hands? Is there a difference in effectiveness between liquid and foam soap? Listen to this week’s episode to find out what the best way to clean your hands is.
TLDR: Washing your hands with soap and water is the most effective at keeping your hands clean.
Links:
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/qa-consumers-hand-sanitizers-and-covid-19
https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-me-the-science-hand-sanitizer.html#:~:text=CDC%20recommends%20washing%20hands%20with,and%20spreading%20germs%20to%20others.
https://msphere.asm.org/content/4/5/e00474-19
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Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Are people really okay with giving or receiving e-Angpaos as opposed to cash this Lunar new year? Just FYI, niu = ox in Chinese. Also, what are the implications of the newly discovered coronavirus variants on the current pandemic? Listen about these topics and more on our debut Today In Science episode.
TLDR: Continue to be vigilant and safe during the festivities as the current measures are still effective at combating the spread of the new virus variants.
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Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Today we were curious about identical triplets, do they even exist and how does it happen? Can IVF babies be identical twins? What about fishes? Listen on to find out more about twins, triplets and however many babies are possible with each pregnancy.
TLDR: Yes, but we don’t know if identical twin fishes exist because no one has done the research, yet.
Links: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2016/01/05/these-newborn-triplets-are-all-identical-heres-how-that-happens/
https://academic.oup.com/hropen/article/2020/1/hoaa024/5837339
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Ever wondered why your fingers get pruny after a swim, but your face doesn’t? Why do we pee in pools and how does water not completely fill our ears and nose? We answer all these questions and more on today’s TWL episode.
TLDR: The urge to pee in pools is scientific, but our body is pretty good at controlling it.
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Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
What are vaccines and why are there so many different types for COVID-19? Are they safe? Will vaccinations mean the end of the pandemic? We cover this and other burning questions you may have about COVID-19 vaccines.
TLDR: Cheer that the vaccines are effective at preventing disease, but fear (and stay safe and masked up) as transmission of the virus can still occur.
Links:
Types of COVID-19 Vaccines https://dx.doi.org/10.1208%2Fs12249-020-01744-7
COVID-19 Vaccine Frontrunners https://dx.doi.org/10.1021%2Facsnano.0c07197
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Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
We still have so much to learn about science, so join us on this quest for knowledge!
New episodes every Monday!
Socials:
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Email: thelabdoctors@gmail.com
Credit for theme music: Fresh Time by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031