Do you really know?

What are the pros and cons of homeownership in the UK?

Currently there are many people that just feel they cannot get onto the property ladder, but is buying your own home really the best way to invest your money? Well, there are many benefits to owning your home, such as the stability and peace of mind that it can bring you. You can’t be evicted by a landlord, you can decorate and furnish it as you want, and you can enjoy the social and psychological benefits of having a place to call your own. Another benefit is you can save money. When interest rates are low, and if you have a big deposit, owning your home can be cheaper than renting. You can also control your monthly payments with a fixed mortgage. And of course you can make money. In a rising property market, you can benefit from the increase in property values. You can also use your home as an asset to borrow money, or rent it out if you live elsewhere for a while. What are the cons then? And what are the advantages of renting? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What is body neutrality? What are the most popular and unusual baby names in the UK? How can I return unwanted gifts? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why does the year begin on January 1st?

As we embrace resolutions and light up the skies with fireworks, it's time to mark the arrival of the New Year! All of us on the Do You Really Know team, hoping you soaked in the holiday vibes and send you our warm wishes for a splendid 2024. Today, planet Earth has set off on another full orbit around the sun, a journey which will span 365 days until we hit the reset button again next year. And that's why we now refer to January 1st as New Year's Day. But bear in mind, that wasn't always the case. We can trace back our calendar roots to the Romans and their initial 355-day calendar. That’s right: 355, and not the 365 we're used to these days. That lunar-based system was credited to Numa Pompilius, the legendary second King of Rome, who succeeded Romulus. And it saw the New Year kick off in March, a nod to Mars, the Roman god of war.  When did January 1st appear then? What about elsewhere in the world? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What is body neutrality? What are the most popular and unusual baby names in the UK? How can I return unwanted gifts? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Which Wikipedia pages were most visited in 2023?

It's been over two decades since Wikipedia flipped the script on how we gather information. Every year, millions of us turn to it to feed our curiosity or settle friendly debates.  Now there might be doubts over how reliable it is, but Wikipedia can count on the over 250,000 volunteers who keep it a top-notch source by regularly updating its pages. In 2023, the English-language version of Wikipedia racked up a whopping 84 billion page views. But of course, some pages stood out more than others. Are you saying there’s a ranking? What about number one then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What is body neutrality? What are the most popular and unusual baby names in the UK? How can I return unwanted gifts? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do we get bad breath in the morning?

It’s somewhat unpleasant when you wake up with halitosis, more commonly known as bad breath, but it’s actually a totally normal and natural phenomenon. A 2018 research review on the subject found that as many as 31.8% of people are affected. What’s more, it can happen even if you brush your teeth carefully the night before. There are actually quite a few different factors that contribute to morning bad breath. One of those is to do with ketones, a type of energy source formed when glucose is not readily available, usually when our stomach is empty. Now while we sleep our bodies generate ketones, and the liver releases these compounds as a compensatory energy mechanism after we eat a meal. Their distinct odour is partly responsible when we have less-than-fresh morning breath. What are the other reasons? Why do we sometimes have bad breath during the day? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What is future faking? Why are we so fascinated by true crime? Why is the UK not as happy as it used to be? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does Mercury in retrograde mean?

As you may well know, astrology involves looking at the position of planets and stars when we were born, and using that to interpret their influence on our lives. Mercury happens to be one of the planets which is supposed to have the most influence and that’s particularly true when it’s in retrograde, which happens several times a year. Planets in our solar system orbit around the sun. If you think about it, those that are closest to the Sun have to travel the distance to complete a full orbit. Of all the planets, Mercury is closest to the Sun, and it actually completes a full rotation in just 88 days, compared to the 365 days it takes planet Earth. What does that mean in concrete terms? Why are astrologers interested in this phenomenon? Is Mercury being in retrograde always negative then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What is future faking? Why are we so fascinated by true crime? Why is the UK not as happy as it used to be? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. First broadcast: 29/03/2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is body neutrality?

According to a 2019 online survey conducted by the Mental Health Foundation and YouGov, over a third of UK adults have felt anxious or depressed because of their body image. Although that particular survey didn’t specifically address how gender affected the chances of someone feeling unsatisfied about their appearance, the summary acknowledged that it is often more common among young women.  We’ve talked about the increasing popularity of the body positive movement in the past on Do You Really Know, but such findings show that it hasn't yet fundamentally shifted women's perspectives on their bodies. The pressure to have a ‘perfect body’ remains significant. However, there’s a new trend out there which suggests adopting a more measured and neutral stance towards our appearance, rather than advocating unconditional self-love. It’s known as body neutrality. Where does this movement come from? So, does this mean we shouldn't love our bodies anymore? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What is future faking? Why are we so fascinated by true crime? Why is the UK not as happy as it used to be? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are the most popular and unusual baby names in the UK?

According to the most recent data from the Office for National Statistics. For boys, the top name was Noah, which replaced Oliver from the previous year. For girls, the top name was Olivia, which remained the same for the sixth year in a row. Other popular names for boys included Henry, Arlo, Sebastian and Luca, while for girls, Freya, Florence, Willow and Alys were among the favourites. There are many factors that can influence parents' choices, such as family traditions, personal preferences, cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, and even celebrities. For example, some parents may name their children after famous actors, singers, sports stars, or characters from books, movies, or TV shows. What about uncommon names? Why do some parents opt for these unconventional names? What are the predictions for popular names in 2024? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What is future faking? Why are we so fascinated by true crime? Why is the UK not as happy as it used to be? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why are we so fascinated by true crime?

The 21st century has seen true crime stories surge in popularity, dominating bookshelves and TV schedules. Documentaries like Making A Murderer and podcasts like Serial, which investigate real-life crimes, have become smash hits, attracting millions of viewers and downloads. Over in the US, a 2022 YouGov poll revealed that half of Americans enjoy true crime content, with one in three consuming it weekly. True crime is a unique genre, and distinct from detective fiction or thrillers due to its non-fictional nature. To comprehend the modern fascination with true crime, you have to venture back in time. The roots of the cultural phenomenon trace back to the early days of penny dreadfuls, crime novels and sensationalised crime reporting in the 19th century. How did it become popular? What is it about true crime that captivates so many people? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: How can I protect my mental health during the holiday season? Why is the UK not as happy as it used to be? Why do we give each other gifts at Christmas? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is future faking?

“I can’t wait for us to get married;” “Let’s travel the world together;” “We’re going to have two kids and buy that apartment across the street” When you’re in a romantic relationship, it can be genuinely heartwarming to hear your partner paint a vibrant picture of days ahead. But what about if it happens much earlier than you expected - say on your second or third date? Usually at that stage, you're still figuring each other out, so beware - it could be a sign of what’s known as future faking.  Of course, there’s no one single pace for all relationships to abide by, but generally speaking couples don’t make life plans or even say “I love you” within the first couple weeks of dating. So it’s only really a red flag when talk of those kinds of plans pop up too early. In some cases, you could be dealing with a narcissist who’s using false promises to win you over in the moment, creating an illusion of intimacy when in reality they’re not thinking about the future at all. Hence the name: future faking. Is it similar to love bombing? How can I deal with a future faking partner? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: How can I protect my mental health during the holiday season? Why is the UK not as happy as it used to be? Why do we give each other gifts at Christmas? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is the UK not as happy as it used to be?

According to the World happiness report, of the 137 countries they include, the UK has fallen to 19th position. This follows a steady decline over the past few years although they are happier than Lithuania in 20th position and France in 21st position. As ever Finland has continued its winning streak and stays at number one just above New Zealand.  The report combines both subjective well-being assessments and objective indicators. Respondents rate their own current lives on a scale from 0 to 10. They ask people to imagine a ladder with the best possible life for them being a 10 and the worst possible life being a 0. What has caused the decrease in happiness? Is this the same all across the UK? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Which types of alcohol should we avoid mixing? Why do we kiss under the mistletoe? What is erectile dysfunction? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do we give each other gifts at Christmas?

In the UK, Christmas is synonymous with festive meals, Yule logs, and the classic roast turkey. We adorn our homes with red, gold, and green decorations, and the Christmas tree takes center stage – a topic we've previously explored on this podcast. These traditions have become so ingrained in our lives that we rarely question their origins. Take, for instance, the tradition of exchanging Christmas gifts. Is the act of gift-giving tied to Christianity? How did New Year's gifts evolve into Christmas gifts then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why do we kiss under the mistletoe? Where did the story of the Grinch come from? Why do the Japanese eat KFC at Christmas? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is Christmas tree syndrome?

Sniffling, sneezing, itchy eyes, asthma flare-ups, and even sleep disruptions. If you're wondering why you're dealing with all the telltale signs of hay fever smack in the middle of December, you might just be grappling with what's commonly known as the Christmas tree syndrome. In a nutshell, it's a seasonal allergy triggered by the presence of mould in the needles and trunk of the tree. The cosy and humid indoor setting provides the perfect breeding ground for mould, which had already set up camp on the tree back when it was outside. So, what does this mean in everyday terms? What other exposures are we talking about? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why do we kiss under the mistletoe? Where did the story of the Grinch come from? Why do the Japanese eat KFC at Christmas? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are the strangest Christmas traditions?

In the Western world, we celebrate Christmas on December 25th to honour the birth of Jesus, a tradition dating back to around the year 300 AD. But well before that, various cultures had been marking the end of the year as a symbol of life's renewal. Over time, Christmas has transcended its origins and found unique expressions in different corners of the globe, from Brazil and Ethiopia to Japan and Egypt. Let’s take Nordic countries, for instance. Their holiday traditions, especially the culinary ones, can get quite bizarre. In Greenland, Christmas delicacies include Mattak – raw whale skin served with whale blubber. Are there other traditions? What about the kids? Are there any less creepy traditions? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Why do we kiss under the mistletoe? Where did the story of the Grinch come from? Why do the Japanese eat KFC at Christmas? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Which types of alcohol should we avoid mixing?

During the extended holiday feasts, it's common to let loose a little, perhaps mixing different kinds of alcohol. You might start out with a glass of champagne, then movie to wine or beer, and end the meal with a digestif. That’s despite the widespread belief that combining alcohol types can worsen the unpleasant aftermath of a hangover and all the symptoms that brings, like nausea, headaches, dehydration, vomiting, palpitations, and dizziness. First of all, it’s important to note that ethanol, the molecule found in all alcoholic drinks, gets partly expelled through urine, sweat, and breath. The liver also filters a portion, converting ethanol into acetaldehyde, the culprit behind hangover symptoms. Unfortunately, the liver can only handle a limited amount. So is it really more about how much alcohol you consume, then? What are these other substances? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: At which time of day do we burn the most calories? Why does the cold make us need to pee? How can I meditate without meditating? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do we kiss under the mistletoe?

Mistletoe is a small evergreen parasitic plant that grows in clusters on trees. It has white berries and it has been used for centuries as a symbol of love, fertility, and peace. The Greeks used mistletoe as a cure for all sorts of ailments while the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder noted it could be used as a balm against epilepsy, ulcers and poisons. The Druids came to view it as a sacred symbol of vivacity, and they gave it to humans and animals alike in the hope of restoring fertility. However, one of the most popular legends about mistletoe and probably the reason we associated this plant with kissing dates back to Norse mythology. But how did it become associated with kissing? How did kissing under the mistletoe become popular? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: At which time of day do we burn the most calories? Why does the cold make us need to pee? How can I meditate without meditating? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do the Japanese eat KFC at Christmas?

On the evening of December 24th, as many households in the UK prepare for festive gatherings with traditional roast turkey and yule log, an intriguing Christmas tradition unfolds in Japan. In the land of the rising sun, people aren't bustling around their kitchens; instead, they're braving the winter cold to queue up for a unique holiday feast at KFC.  Many Japanese then return home with a special Christmas bucket in red, white, and green colors, containing fried chicken, coleslaw salad, a Japanese strawberry shortcake to share, and sometimes even champagne. Yes, Kentucky Fried Chicken has become a Christmas essential for millions of Japanese families. And when did this tradition start? Where does KFC come in then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: At which time of day do we burn the most calories? Why does the cold make us need to pee? How can I meditate without meditating? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Where did the story of the Grinch come from?

During the festive season, what beats snuggling up under a blanket with a classic Christmas movie? If you're a '90s kid, you'll likely recall a certain massive hit from the year 2000. That's right, we're talking about The Grinch, starring Jim Carrey.  It sees Carrey play a recluse with a sour attitude who decides to spoil Christmas for the folks in Whoville, a small town nestled in a snowflake. And in English-speaking countries, the Grinch is a familiar character; someone might well be dubbed a "Grinch" if they show a miserly attitude towards Christmas. Who's the genius behind the Grinch? How did Seuss come up with the Grinch character? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: At which time of day do we burn the most calories? Why does the cold make us need to pee? How can I meditate without meditating? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do we associate red and green with Christmas?

Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, gift-giving and of course decorating. For the most part people tend to stick to ‘Christmassy colours’ especially red and green but these ‘traditional’ Christmas colours have a long history and symbolism. Arielle Eckstut, author of The Secret Language of Color found that holly, with its green leaves and red berries has long played a role in winter solstice celebrations that predate Christmas. People revered holly plants for being evergreen and surviving the winter and used them as symbols of protection and prosperity in their midwinter celebrations.  “It’s like a lot of things that have to do with culture and colour, where it’s some combination of a natural phenomenon mixed with other cultural forces,” she says. What cultural events have made red and green Christmassy? Do red and green have any religious significance? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: At which time of day do we burn the most calories? Why does the cold make us need to pee? How can I meditate without meditating? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christmas is coming, discover new episodes!

Christmas is coming and at Do You Really Know, we just can't wait! Now everybody knows that means pressies under the tree, precious family moments and a hearty Christmas dinner. It all calls for a lot of preparation, but the joy of the season makes it worth it, doesn't it! Still, the holiday season can cause some people to get the blues, so let's not forget them. This week, the team are discussing some of the main Christmas traditions and trends out there; and giving you advice on how to get the most out of this special time of year!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At which time of day do we burn the most calories?

To stay in shape, it's crucial that you watch what you eat and steer clear of snacks. What's less commonly known, though, is that there are specific times when the body burns more calories. Researchers at Harvard University were astonished when they stumbled upon this revelation. In a 2018 study published in Current Biology, they found that, "The number of calories people burn at rest varies depending on the time of day." Even at rest, "People burn 10% more calories in the late afternoon and early evening compared to the early morning." Impressive! How did they figure that out? That sounds like a challenging regimen! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What is the influence of the God complex in the workplace? Why is panto a Christmas tradition in the UK? Why are some kinds of fruit not considered vegan? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why does the cold make us need to pee?

We've all experienced it: the sudden urge to pee when it's cold is a common thing. This connection was supposedly discovered by Austrian physician Alfred Adler back in 1918. His experiment involved injecting cold water into a bladder to see how the body reacts. You might think it caused the kidneys to contract, but that's not the case... What did Adler discover then? Are there other factors explaining the link between the bladder and cold? What can you do if you struggle to hold it in? To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What is the influence of the God complex in the workplace? Why is panto a Christmas tradition in the UK? Why are some kinds of fruit not considered vegan? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do we cry?

Humans are the only creatures on Earth that shed tears. Whether it's tears of joy, laughter, anger, pain, sadness, or fatigue, the emotions that bring about crying are diverse. You might be familiar with these emotional triggers, but have you ever wondered about the physiological explanations behind them? Let's start by categorising tears into three types. There are "basal" tears that maintain a continuous lubrication of the cornea, "reflex" tears that emerge when you're chopping onions, have dust in your eye, or encounter too much light, and then there are the emotional tears – and they’re the ones we're delving into today. What happens in our eyes when we're sad? What about tears of joy then? But why does witnessing someone else cry make us want to do the same? To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What is the influence of the God complex in the workplace? Why is panto a Christmas tradition in the UK? Why are some kinds of fruit not considered vegan? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is the influence of the God complex in the workplace?

We've all had that moment of slipping on our headphones heading to school or work and feeling like an unstoppable force. But while most of us leave that unwavering confidence at the front door, for some, it's a whole different story. Their analyses are top-notch, decisions flawless, and social networks unbeatable. This phenomenon has a name – it's called the "god complex." Where does this god complex come from then? What's behind the causes of the god complex? How can one break free from the god complex? To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What were the Most Shocking Moments of the Turner Prize? What's really in vegan meat substitutes? Which are the dirtiest parts of our bodies? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is panto a Christmas tradition in the UK?

Panto, short for pantomime, has become a staple of British Christmas celebrations but surprisingly its origins are neither British or Christmassy. It has its roots in the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia, which was celebrated in December and involved dressing up as the opposite gender, swapping roles, and having a lot of fun. The word ‘pantomime’ comes from the Latin ‘pantomimus’, which means ‘actor who plays every role’. The Romans also had a tradition of performing plays called mummia, which were based on stories from Egypt. How did panto come to Britain? What are some of the earliest examples of panto in Britain? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What were the Most Shocking Moments of the Turner Prize? What's really in vegan meat substitutes? Which are the dirtiest parts of our bodies? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why are some kinds of fruit not considered vegan?

Ever had that moment when you're relishing a juicy fig, and someone drops the bomb that you might be chowing down on a wasp? Surprising as it sounds, it's true. Fig wasps do their thing by pollinating figs from the inside, but unfortunately, they sometimes get stuck in there! Now, bear in mind, these wasps are tiny, at around 1 to 2 mm tiny, so you won't notice them when you take a bite. But, let's switch gears from figs and delve into what makes a fruit not quite as vegan as you might think. There are some steadfast rules for those rocking the vegan lifestyle: no animal flesh, no by-products from livestock like milk, eggs, cheese, or honey, and definitely no additives like E120, a colorant made from insects. That's the universal baseline. Beyond that, depending on personal beliefs, some might steer clear of non-organic or environmentally questionable items. What about fruits that don't quite fit the vegan bill? How do I know if this is the case in my supermarket? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What were the Most Shocking Moments of the Turner Prize? What's really in vegan meat substitutes? Which are the dirtiest parts of our bodies? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are we more likely to fall in love when it's cold?

As winter quickly approaches, you might find yourself yearning to spend your evenings nestled on the couch, wrapped in a cosy blanket, sipping on hot tea or cocoa, all while enjoying a comforting movie – and ideally, with some company. You know, someone to share cuddles with. Who is that someone? Well, that's what cuffing season is all about. Think of it as the time of year when temperatures drop, and single folks start looking to couple up for the duration of the winter – whether they're consciously seeking it or not. Interestingly, many breakups tend to happen come spring. While the term has been around for quite some time in North America, it gained popularity through the 2013 song 'Cuffin' Season' by rapper Fabolous. In it, he crooned, "Though we gotta say goodbye for the summer, baby, I promise you this, I'll send you all my love, every day in a letter, sealed with a kiss." Does it really exists? And why ? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What were the Most Shocking Moments of the Turner Prize? What's really in vegan meat substitutes? Which are the dirtiest parts of our bodies? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What were the Most Shocking Moments of the Turner Prize?

The Turner Prize was established in 1984 by a group of art patrons who wanted to celebrate and support innovative and experimental art in Britain. The prize is named after J.M.W. Turner, a radical painter who challenged the conventions of his time with his bold use of colour, light and movement. The prize is awarded every year by the Tate Gallery to an artist under 50 years old who has made a significant contribution to British art in the past year. This year first prize was awarded to Jesse Darling, an Oxford-born artist who creates sculptures made of everyday objects that reflect the political and social realities of Britain and has received mixed reviews. What are some of the more shocking works? And what makes the Turner Prize so shocking? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: Which are the dirtiest parts of our bodies? Why do we cross our fingers to wish for luck? Which conspiracy theories were actually true? A podcast written and realised by Amber Minogue. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Which are the dirtiest parts of our bodies?

Our bodies are covered in billions of bacteria, and while some are good for our skin barrier, others can be troublemakers, contributing to the development of skin diseases. In September 2023, American researchers from George Washington University published a study in Frontiers in Microbiology. It found that our skin hosts its own microbiota, much like our intestines. This microbiota is a mix of millions of viruses, bacteria, and tiny fungi. Interestingly, they noted that the composition of the skin microbiota changes based on whether the skin is dry, moist, or oily. Over four years of studying the skin of 129 Americans, they pinpointed two areas with a high concentration of harmful bacteria. Are we talking about the belly button and armpits? What kind of skin issues can these bacteria cause? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What causes tocophobia, the fear of pregnancy and childbirth? Is it a good idea to sleep with my pet? How did flat Earth conspiracy theory start? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do we cross our fingers to wish for luck?

Whether it’s making a wish over a birthday cake, waiting for lottery results, or opening an email following a job interview, it's pretty common to cross your fingers. It’s a way of communicating that we’re hoping luck swings in our favor and our wishes come true. Often, you don’t even need to physically cross your fingers; simply saying "Fingers crossed” is enough to get the message across. But the roots of this tradition go way back. In the Middle Ages, folks crossed their fingers to ward off the Devil, mimicking the famous exorcism phrase "Vade Retro Satana" or "Back off, Satan!" uttered by a priest holding a cross. Yet, people were crossing their fingers for luck long before the Middle Ages. Are you saying that it originally had nothing to do with religion at all then? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What causes tocophobia, the fear of pregnancy and childbirth? Is it a good idea to sleep with my pet? How did flat Earth conspiracy theory start? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is holding back a sneeze dangerous?

Whether it's a matter of courtesy or preventing the spread of germs, it's not uncommon for people to hold back a sneeze. When this happens, the intercostal muscles contract strongly, but without the release of air if the nose is pinched or the mouth is closed. However, sneezing is a natural bodily reflex designed to expel dust, microbes, or any other irritating substances from the nasal cavity. Our respiratory system comes equipped with a filter lining the airways. Dust and allergens, for instance, are wrapped in mucus and propelled by vibratile cilia. Sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose helps expel this mixture, effectively cleansing the respiratory passages. So are you saying that sneezing is important? What kind of consequences are we talking about? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions! To listen to the last episodes, you can click here: What's the best way to choose my toothpaste? Is it a good idea to sleep with my pet? How did flat Earth conspiracy theory start? A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance. In partnership with upday UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices