For the regular drinker it is a source of great comfort: the fat pile of studies that say a daily tipple is better for a longer life than avoiding alcohol completely. But a new analysis challenges that thinking and says it was based on flawed research that compares drinkers with people who are sick and sober. Madeleine Finlay hears from the study’s lead auth ... Show More
Jul 30
Revisited: Saunas and cold plunges, where does the evidence stand?
Saunas and cold plunge pools are popping up everywhere in the UK, bringing fiery heat and icy cold to a beach, city farm or park near you. Their users will be ready with all the reasons why it’s good for both the mind and the body. But what’s the evidence for the benefits of saun ... Show More
16m 13s
Jul 28
Revisited: The surprising science of dreams and nightmares
In this episode from January 2026, Ian Sample puts listeners’ questions about dreams and nightmares to Dr Michelle Carr, the director of the Dream Engineering Laboratory in Montreal’s Centre for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, and the author of the book Into the Dream Lab. T ... Show More
22m 6s
Jan 2025
What's the Truth About Alcohol, Cancer, and Your Health?
Today's episode has been a long time coming. For years, more scientists and health influencers have claimed that even moderate drinking does serious damage to one's health. As someone who likes being healthy and also loves a glass of wine (or scotch), Derek really wanted to under ... Show More
39m 27s
Dec 2020
Drinking Alcohol: how bad is it?
<p>Vodka, Beer or Cider? Is one worse than others? With the holidays coming, being stuck at home and drinking can become a vice. So, according to physiology, how bad is it? Today we talk about why you get drunk, if small amounts can be healthy and why alcohol can feel “fun”. </p> ... Show More
54m 15s
Jul 2024
How Bad Is Drinking for You, Really?
<p>Midway through one of the booziest holiday weekends of the year, we re-examine our love-hate relationship with alcohol.</p><p>Susan Dominus, a staff writer for The New York Times Magazine, gets to the bottom of the conflicting guidance on the benefits and risks of drinking.</p ... Show More
25m 49s
Mar 2022
Alcohol: Can it ever be healthy?
For many of us, it's a ritual to help us wind down after a long day, an excuse to catch up with friends, or a lubricant to an awkward social situation. Alcohol can be delicious, but our relationship with it is often complicated. Good times with friends aren’t without sacrifice, a ... Show More
42m 34s
Feb 2023
Alcohol: Does It CAUSE CANCER!?
<p>New research says alcohol can cause cancer in your mouth, stomach and throat, and it may be going the route of cigarettes!? CANADA SAYS YOU CAN ONLY HAVE TWO DRINKS PER WEEK, WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO US!?</p><br><p>What did we learn this week?:</p><p>06:16 - Dimples, why are t ... Show More
49m 22s
Apr 2024
Is Any Amount of Alcohol Okay for Your Health?
Research is growing every day about the health risks of drinking. From heart health to cancer to damaging the immune system and sleep quality, even small amounts of drinking may be harmful. Medical toxicologist, Ryan Marino, MD, explains alcohol’s impact and whether any level of ... Show More
26m 6s