Painkillers
Science: Smart watches and Parkinson's
Science commentator Allan Blackman joins Kathryn to talk about how smart watches could identify Parkinson's disease up to seven years before tell-tale symptoms appear. Electrons are round! How round… Audio
Why some people need less sleep than others
Ever wondered how some people are able to function optimally on just a few hours' sleep, while others still find themselves feeling a lot less than ideal after a solid eight hour shift? Those lucky… Audio
Painkillers behind hundreds of past deaths at UK hospital
More than 450 patients died at a British hospital between 1989 and 2000 after being given powerful painkillers without medical justification. An independent panel said, taking into account missing… Audio
Industry denies cold, flu medicine make unsubstantiated claims
The cold medicine industry is rubbishing the idea sick people are better off taking painkillers and going to bed than taking over-the-counter cold-and-flu remedies. Scott Milne, the executive director… Audio
Codeine-based painkillers may become prescription-only
Common over-the-counter painkillers like Panadeine, Nurofen Plus and many others may soon require a prescription. Video
Targetting pain
Painkillers marketed as targetting "specific pain" are being pulled off the shelves in Australia for being misleading. Consumer NZ has recommended we follow suit. Audio
Paracetamol
New Zealand's most widely consumed drug, paracetamol. With John Ashton of the Otago School of Medical Sciences. Audio
Naked Science: Paracetamol use in pregnancy
Dr Chris Smith of The Naked Scientists on a study suggesting caution over paracetamol use during pregnancy. Also a chemical extracted from the Thunder God Vine shows amazing results in helping animals… Audio