Best Iron Lab Podcasts (2025)

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156: The Hidden Crisis of Iron Deficiency in Women 6:32

Play Pause

9d ago6:32

6:32

Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies worldwide, often causing fatigue, weakness, and cognitive impairment. Women face a higher risk due to menstruation and pregnancy, making proper iron intake essential. In this episode, we break down iron supplementation guidelines for women—exploring how to maintain healthy iron levels …

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Is AI watching you? The hidden links between research and surveillance 31:30

19h ago31:30

31:30

We’d like to learn more about our listeners, please help us out by filling in this short survey. In this episode: 00:45 Is AI-research being co-opted to keep track of people? A significant amount of research in the AI field of computer vision is being used to analyse humans in ways that support the development of surveillance technologies, accordin…

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04 | Brain Rot: Is internet addiction real? 25:37

1d ago25:37

25:37

Plenty of people will say they are addicted to the internet. But how well-recognised, scientifically, is an addiction ... to your screen? In episode four of Brain Rot, we dig into how behavioural addictions work. And we hear from self-described internet addicts about the treatment programs that help them stay “internet sober”. Brain Rot is a new fi…

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158: Gut Intelligence: The Hidden Cravings We Can't Taste 6:37

2d ago6:37

6:37

Discover how the mind-body connection influences your food choices, cravings, and overall well-being. In this episode, we explore the roles of dopamine and serotonin in driving eating behaviors, uncover the biological and psychological triggers behind cravings (like sugar), and discuss how nutrients such as omega-3s and gut health impact mood and i…

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Delving into blood and plasma donation changes 10:56

6d ago10:56

10:56

Gay or bisexual men and transgender women who have sex with men will be able to give blood or plasma under changes introduced by Lifeblood. Also, a report digs into the high fees and long wait times most people face when going to see a specialist doctor. References Lifeblood announces changes to sexual activity rules for blood and plasma donation S…

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Changing the brain to reduce pain and walk the Camino 11:27

6d ago11:27

11:27

The way a doctor talks to you about your osteoarthritis can go on to impact how much pain you feel as a result. A pilot program has offered people pain education alongside exercise therapy, to address unhelpful pain beliefs. It was hoped this education would help people push through initial pain flares and achieve their exercise goals. Guest/s Pete…

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Screening for genetic mutations in couples before they conceive 10:45

6d ago10:45

10:45

Couples can unknowingly be carriers for genetic conditions, even though there are tests available to reveal recessive traits before conceiving. Medicare covers genetic carrier screening for cystic fibrosis (CF), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and fragile X syndrome (FXS). However advocates are calling for subsidies to cover more conditions, so paren…

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Losing scavengers like hyenas and vultures could harm human health 6:29

6d ago6:29

6:29

Scavenger species play a role in cleaning up towns, scavenging on the animal waste that people have thrown away. New research has shown apex scavengers, large and specialised scavengers, are declining because of human behaviour. And it's putting our health at risk. One reason is that more humans and livestock become exposed to carcases. The other i…

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Mailbag: Medicinal cannabis 4:10

6d ago4:10

4:10

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at [email protected] References What's gone wrong with cannabis prescribing? Should we be worried about for-profit radiology?By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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157: Breathe Easy: Uncovering Hidden Air Quality Dangers 5:17

6d ago5:17

5:17

In this episode, air quality educator Mike Feldstein joins us to discuss the impact of the Los Angeles fires on air quality and how you can protect yourself. Learn why this fire poses unique risks, how to choose the right air purifier, and practical steps to ensure cleaner, healthier air in your home. Tune in for expert insights and actionable tips…

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Flight simulator for moths reveals they navigate by starlight 30:37

8d ago30:37

30:37

We’d like to learn more about our listeners, please help us out by filling in this short survey. In this episode: 00:45 The tiny moths that use the stars to navigate Bogong moths use the stars to help them navigate during their enormous migration across Australia, according to new research. Every year, billions of these nocturnal moths travel up to…

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03 | Brain Rot: Is tech making your memory better or worse? 27:40

8d ago27:40

27:40

We’re trusting tech with more tasks than ever — including the ones our brains once did.We’re Googling things we used to know, taking screenshots of things we’ll instantly forget, and hoarding all kinds of data we’ll never check again.On this episode of Brain Rot: is tech giving your brain a holiday, or putting it out of a job?You’ll also meet a guy…

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How Tour Pros Really Practice Wedge Play (And Why You Should Rethink Yours) 37:52

9d ago37:52

37:52

Ever wondered why tour pros rarely hit 60-yard wedge shots? Or why amateurs obsess over yardages that the best in the world actively avoid? In this episode of the Golf Well Podcast, host Cordie Walker sits down with Dr. Nico Darras of Golf Blueprint to unpack the real data, strategies, and myths behind distance wedge play. From launch angles and sp…

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Questions to ask after mix ups at Monash IVF 8:49

13d ago8:49

8:49

For the second time, Monash IVF has transferred the wrong embryo to a patient. It has led to the resignation of its CEO and prompted calls to tighten industry regulations. It also raises questions about the priorities of for-profit IVF clinics. Also, RFK Jr in the United States has made the unprecedented decision to overhaul the nation's vaccine ad…

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What's gone wrong with cannabis prescribing? 9:44

13d ago9:44

9:44

Health regulators are concerned it’s too easy for people to get their hands on medicinal cannabis. Regulators are concerned practitioners are putting profits over patient safety, with some writing more than 100 scripts a day. What does the evidence say about what medicinal cannabis is effective for, and some of the risks associated with using it? G…

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Weight loss drugs could help people with schizophrenia 8:31

13d ago8:31

8:31

Antipsychotic medications can be transformative for people with schizophrenia, but they come with side effects. Weight gain and metabolic dysfunction are common, and contribute to people with schizophrenia having a higher mortality than the rest of the population. A trial out of Queensland has looked at whether semaglutide might help address this w…

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Should we be worried about for-profit radiology? 7:45

13d ago7:45

7:45

A national audit of radiology practices has revealed that 3 in 5 private practices are owned by large for-profit corporations. It also found that four corporations own over half of all clinics that provide MRI. There are concerns growing corporate dominance raises questions about the future of affordable, high-quality care. Guest/s Dr Sean Docking,…

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Mailbag: Poo tests and cats 3:57

13d ago3:57

3:57

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at [email protected] Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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Hundreds of physicists on a remote island: we visit the ultimate quantum party 9:07

13d ago9:07

9:07

According to legend, physicist Werner Heisenberg formulated the mathematics behind quantum mechanics in 1925 while on a restorative trip to the remote North Sea island of Heligoland. To celebrate the centenary of this event, several hundred researchers have descended on the island to take part in a conference on all things quantum physics. Nature r…

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This stretchy neural implant grows with an axolotl's brain 36:55

15d ago36:55

36:55

00:45 A flexible neural-implant that grows with the brain Researchers have developed a soft electronic implant that can measure brain activity of amphibian embryos as they develop. Understanding the neural activity of developing brains is a key aim for neuroscientists, but conventional, rigid probes can damage growing brains. To overcome this, a te…

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02 | Brain Rot: Is AI turning us off human relationships? 25:33

15d ago25:33

25:33

Whether it’s social media, the omnipresent smartphone or AI companions, in recent decades the way we relate to each other has been completely up-ended. In episode two of Brain Rot, we explore the potential implications that tech poses to human relationships. Worldwide estimates suggest there are around one billion users of AI companion — people usi…

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155: Unlocking Brain Power: Movement's Surprising Benefits 6:03

16d ago6:03

6:03

We often think of exercise as a way to burn calories and build muscle, but what if its most powerful effects are happening inside your brain? Neuroscientist Dr. Wendy Suzuki reveals how movement rewires the brain, improving memory, sharpening focus, and even protecting against cognitive decline. Discover how just one daily workout can reduce your r…

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The new COVID strain infecting Australia 9:04

20d ago9:04

9:04

COVID cases are rising in Australia, with Victoria seeing a 55 per cent increase in the past week, and NSW following closely behind with a 29 per cent spike. The new NB.1.8.1 strain is sublineage of Omicron and descends from the JN1 variant, which is what the current vaccine protects against. Also, we take a look at a potential gap in measles vacci…

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Exercise could extend life after a colon cancer diagnosis 10:19

20d ago10:19

10:19

Something as simple as an exercise program post-chemotherapy could significantly increase the risk of survival in colon cancer. A 17-year randomised-controlled trial found a 37 per cent lower risk of death in patients who participated in the three-year program. This compared to a group that received exercise advice but didn't receive structured sup…

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A genetic variant could double dementia risk in men 10:04

20d ago10:04

10:04

If you’re a man carrying a common genetic variant, you could be twice as likely to develop dementia in your lifetime compared to women. An Australian study made the connection between risk and variants in the haemochromatosis gene, which is critical for regulating iron levels in the body. It’s not yet known why having two copies of this variant inc…

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Postpartum period longer than commonly thought 7:26

20d ago7:26

7:26

If you've given birth and still aren't feeling back to your old self physically, a new study could explain why. Researchers took blood tests up to 80 weeks postpartum, and found in about 50 per cent of cases values didn't return to baseline for between three months and a year. The study also revealed the ongoing effect of pregnancy complications li…

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Mailbag: More on osteoporosis 3:32

20d ago3:32

3:32

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at [email protected] Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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Trump wants to put humans on Mars: what scientists think of the plan 11:47

20d ago11:47

11:47

In this Podcast Extra, we examine President Donald Trump's calls for NASA to land humans on Mars. Although the White House has proposed spending some US$1 billion in 2026 on Mars plans, critics say the final cost will likely be hundreds of billions of dollars spread over a number of years. This call comes amidst plans to drastically reduce NASA's f…

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Male mice can grow female organs — if their mothers lack iron 30:08

22d ago30:08

30:08

00:45 Iron’s role in mice sex determination Iron deficiency in mice mothers can sometimes result in their offspring developing female sex organs despite having male sex genes, according to new research. While genetics has been thought to be the primary factor in determining offspring sex in mammals, the new work shows that a lack of iron disrupts a…

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103 - Lessons not Learned: State of Maine HR System Project Debacle 51:22

22d ago51:22

51:22

Think your project’s on fire? 🔥 Come hear how Maine tried to swap a 30‑year‑old COBOL HR/payroll system for something cloud‑friendly … and wound up with six years, two vendors, and ± $35 M spent—with no live system to show for it. (Psst—Love this kind of real‑world PM talk? Join our member community for templates, monthly problem‑solving Happy Hour…

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01 | Brain Rot: Is there any proof your phone is destroying your attention span? 29:19

22d ago29:19

29:19

Everyone seems to have a hunch that their phone is destroying their attention span, but is there any science to back it up? In episode one of Brain Rot, we’re doing our best to focus on the topic of attention for a full 25 minutes — and find out what's actually happening in your brain every time your phone buzzes or dings. Is brain rot a real thing…

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154: Weight Loss: The Science of Sustainable Change 7:17

23d ago7:17

7:17

Feeling stuck with confusing diet plans and endless weight-loss advice? This episode breaks it all down with simple, practical tips to help you set realistic goals, eat healthier, and achieve your ideal weight without the stress. Send us a text Support the show Please leave us a 5-star review, like, and share this episode to keep it free for everyo…

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Training GPs to diagnose and treat ADHD 13:33

27d ago13:33

13:33

GPs in NSW will soon be able to undertake further training to diagnose and treat kids and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Western Australia and Queensland have already implemented similar reforms to address the barriers to seeing a paediatrician or a psychiatrist. Also, fears the collapse of Australia's second-largest p…

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Your cognitive skills at age two might predict your ability in adulthood 8:42

27d ago8:42

8:42

We’ve known for some time that the first few years of childhood are critical when it comes to development. But a new study has highlighted just how critical the early years are for cognitive ability. It found cognitive ability at age 29 can be predicted by the genetic and environmental influences on you at age two, and even more so at age seven. Gu…

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An update on osteoporosis care 9:55

27d ago9:55

9:55

Many people don’t find out they have osteoporosis until they suffer a fracture from a small fall. However of those aged 50 years and over, 66 per cent do have osteopenia or osteoporosis, where bones become less dense and more fragile. An updated guideline has been published, including new information about drugs used to treat the condition. Guest/s…

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Scanxiety: Could scans in cancer remission do more harm than good? 5:44

27d ago5:44

5:44

People who are in remission from cancer have regular scans and tests as part of surveillance. It’s a period of huge anxiety for many – but is surveillance overdone and does it make a difference to how well you fare? Guest/s Professor Katy Bell, clinical epidemiologist in the University of Sydney’s School of Public Health References Routine Surveill…

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Mailbag: More complexity in prostate cancer testing 4:44

27d ago4:44

4:44

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at [email protected] Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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153: The Ancient Wisdom of Modern Self-Improvement 7:47

27d ago7:47

7:47

Feeling stuck with confusing diet plans and endless weight-loss advice? This episode breaks it all down with simple, practical tips to help you set realistic goals, eat healthier, and achieve your ideal weight without the stress. Send us a text Support the show Please leave us a 5-star review, like, and share this episode to keep it free for everyo…

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Audio long read: Three ways to cool Earth by pulling carbon from the sky 15:59

27d ago15:59

15:59

With the world looking likely to blow past the temperature targets laid out in the 2015 Paris climate agreement, a growing number of voices are saying that carbon removal technologies will be necessary if humanity is to achieve its long-term climate goals. If these approaches succeed, they could help nations and corporations to meet their climate c…

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AI linked to boom in biomedical papers, infrared contact lenses, and is Earth's core leaking? 20:11

29d ago20:11

20:11

00:33 Was a boom in papers driven by AI? A spike in papers formulaically analysing a public data set has sparked worries that AI is being used to generate low quality and potentially misleading analyses. Nature: AI linked to explosion of low-quality biomedical research papers 08:07 Lenses that give humans infrared vision Researchers in China have c…

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Two Drivers in the Bag?! Here’s Why It’s Actually Genius 33:35

29d ago33:35

33:35

What if the 3-wood is the most overrated club in your bag? In this episode of the Golf Well podcast, I sit down with Marty Jertson, VP of Fitting & Performance at Ping, to talk about the rise of the Thriver—a shorter, higher-lofted second driver that's replacing fairway woods for tour players like Neil Shipley and Preston Summerhays. We break down:…

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INTRODUCING — Brain Rot 3:00

29d ago3:00

3:00

For Science Friction, it's Brain Rot — a new series about the science of being chronically online and what it’s doing to our brains. What's really going on with our attention spans? Is data-dumping your entire life into ChatGPT helpful? And what's it like to be in love ... with an AI? National technology reporter Ange Lavoipierre tackles the wildes…

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Donanemab approved to treat Alzheimer's disease 8:26

1M ago8:26

8:26

The TGA has approved a drug — donanemab — to treat Alzheimer's disease in its early stages. The drug has a small effect in slowing cognitive decline, however it isn't a cure and can have significant side effects. Also, the World Health Assembly adopts historic Pandemic Agreement with zero objections.…

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Real Norman vs deepfake Norman 3:24

1M ago3:24

3:24

For months, the Health Report has been getting emails about ads where 'Norman' was promoting unproven supplements. Scammers have been using Norman's voice and face to create AI videos to sell hundreds of dollars worth of supplements to trusting listeners. References The growing impact of deepfake health scams | 7.30 Deepfake videos of Norman Swan a…

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Why wasn't Joe Biden's aggressive prostate cancer detected? 6:39

1M ago6:39

6:39

Former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an ‘aggressive’ form of prostate cancer. It follows the diagnosis of one of our own prominent politicians, Barnaby Joyce. There’s been a lot of changes lately in the guidelines for detecting and treating prostate cancer, but gaps remain. Guest/s Associate Professor Jeremy Grummet, director of ur…

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There's been a big CRISPR breakthrough. What does the future hold? 12:23

1M ago12:23

12:23

In a world first, a baby has been treated with a personalised gene-editing technique. KJ’s parents were given the choice of a liver transplant or a CRISPR therapy that nobody had ever received. The journey isn’t over, but KJ has improved. So what’s on the horizon for CRISPR therapies – will we continue to see personalised applications? Guest/s Prof…

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How much does sleep duration really matter? 7:14

1M ago7:14

7:14

The amount of sleep people get varies across cultures, but does that mean their health differs too? Researchers looked at countries with shorter average sleep durations to find out whether they suffered negative health outcomes – but they didn’t. Instead, people who stuck closer to their cultural norms around sleep – independent of sleep duration –…

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Mailbag: Getting enough iron 3:44

1M ago3:44

3:44

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week. You can email us at [email protected] Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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These malaria drugs treat the mosquitos — not the people 31:40

1M ago31:40

31:40

00:45 Treating mosquitoes for malaria Researchers have developed two compounds that can kill malaria-causing parasites within mosquitoes, an approach they hope could help reduce transmission of the disease. The team showed that these compounds can be embedded into the plastics used to make bed nets, providing an alternative to insecticide-based mal…