Tegan Taylor

We've been searching for a fountain of youth for millennia. How can we not only live longer, but live healthier for longer? Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is the latest anti-ageing candidate under the microscope. Norman and Tegan explain what it is, and whether supplements promising to boost NAD actually do what's advertised on the bottle. References: NAD+ metabolism and its roles in cellular processes during ageing NAD+ in Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Disorders What is really known about the effects of nicotinamide riboside supplementation in humans Dietary Supplementation With NAD+-Boosting Compounds in Humans: Current Knowledge and Future Directions The use of a systems approach to increase NAD+ in human participants Specific ablation of Nampt in adult neural stem cells recapitulates their functional defects during aging

In epilepsy, seizures are caused by an 'electrical storm' in the brain that can be seen during an EEG test. But there is another kind of seizure, which presents the same but cannot be seen on an EEG. Despite being so common, there are few treatments for functional seizures and functional neurological disorder (FND). Guest Jackie, participant in Re-PROGRAM Dr Toby Winton-Brown, neuropsychiatrist at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne and at Monash Neuroscience at Monash University   References Re-PROGRAM: The evaluation of a brief intervention program for patients with functional seizures in an outpatient hospital setting "What the hell is wrong with me?" - Health Report, Saturday 29 June, 2024

When you fall asleep do you dream of falling Tetris pieces? There’s a name for this – the Tetris Effect. Scientists have been investigating its use in boosting creativity and productivity and brands are trying to figure out how to monetise it. So just how malleable does playing video games make our minds? And is it possible for companies to use this research to hijack our dreams?  Guest: Shelby Traynor for All In The Mind If you liked this episode of Quick Smart you might like this other episode we did about whether we're all too addicted to our phones or this one about how to find out whether you're in introvert or an extrovert

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression associated with certain times of the year. A hallmark sign someone has SAD is their symptoms completely dissipate when the season changes. While there isn’t a lot of data on its prevalence in Australia, experts believe it’s more common than once thought. Guests Paige Cockburn, health reporter Vicki Childs, registered counsellor References Seasonal depression may be ‘under-recognised’ in Australia so what are the symptoms?

AI is impacting every creative industry - and movies are no exception. If a young Harrison Ford can be churned out of a computer, what does the future of film look like? And would you feel differently about your favourite TV show if you knew the characters in it were created by a computer? Guest: Bev Wang for Stop Everything! This episode was originally published in January 2024

Much has been said about the single glass of red wine. It’s good for you, it’s bad for you, it’s good for you again. It can be confusing to follow. Norman and Tegan take on this age-old health question — does a single glass of red wine have health boosting benefits? References: The French paradox: Lessons for other countries Moderate Wine Consumption and Health: A Narrative Review Health Effects of Red Wine Consumption: A Narrative Review of an Issue That Still Deserves Debate

Smart people are getting caught out on private health insurance — so do they need to be more savvy, or does the system need to change?

Have you ever been told to ‘listen to your body’ when it comes to fitness? It makes sense. You shouldn’t push through injury, or past the point of exhaustion. But how far is too far? There are now dozens of apps and hundreds of advice columns on how best to ‘listen to your body’. One strategy that’s rising in the ranks is adjusting your workout routine to work alongside your menstrual cycle. Norman and Tegan explore whether this kind of tech is advancing faster than the research. References…

The only time most of us think about wisdom teeth is when they’re causing trouble. Do they have a use beyond causing pain (and leaving you with a hefty dental bill)? Norman and Tegan talk through the history of these meddlesome molars, and what happens when you ignore them. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We’d love to hear from you! Looking for COVID-19 updates? Don’t panic, they’ve moved over to The Health Report…

Because of the country’s high UV levels, Australians hear a lot about the risks of sun exposure. But there are some benefits too. Sunlight enables us to produce vitamin D for strong bones and immune function. But there are other ways rays can help our health. Norman and Tegan take a look at how the right dose of sunlight can be beneficial. Got a health question? Shoot us a line @ABCHealth on Instagram, or send a voice memo to thatrash@abc.net.au. We’d love to hear from you! Looking for CO…