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CrowdScience: Can sea-swimming improve my health?

Discussion & Talk

Can sea-swimming improve my health?

19/05/2023 GMT

BBC World Service - CrowdScience, Can sea-swimming improve my health?

Crowdscience takes a deep dive into the science of ‘blue health’ and the idea that being in or near the sea boosts our physical and mental wellbeing.

Anyone who has ever enjoyed a beach holiday will know there’s something special about being by the seaside. But does sea swimming actually have tangible health effects? This week’s listener Holly is a self-confessed water baby, and says her regular surf sessions on Sydney’s iconic Bondi beach make her feel happier and look younger. But could we get some of the benefits from the beach without getting our feet wet?  

At the Plymouth Marine Lab, researchers have shown that the smell of the sea makes most people feel happier. They’re measuring sea spray aerosols containing natural compounds derived from algae, that dial down the inflammatory response in lung cancer cells. Other scientists in the region have investigated the use of virtual reality to simulate being by the coast, which is proven to reduce the experience of dental pain during treatment. Finally, we visit Teats Hill in Plymouth to find out how a waterside amphitheatre and an urban beach are helping residents feel safer and more connected to one another.  

Producer: Marijke Peters
Presenter: Marnie Chesterton

Editor: Richard Collings
Production Coordinator: Jonathan Harris

Contributors:

Dr Frances Hopkins, Plymouth Marine Laboratory
Dr Mike Moore, Plymouth Marine Laboratory
Dr Mathew White, University of Vienna
Dr Easkey Britton

Image credit: David Sacks | The Image Bank | Getty Images | 164241179

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