Original version

BBC World Service East Asia

CrowdScience

Documentaries

Factual: Science & Nature

Factual: Science & Nature: Science & Technology

Answering your questions about life, Earth and the universe

We take your questions about life, Earth and the universe to researchers hunting for answers at the frontiers of knowledge.

GettyImages-164241179.jpg

No Master Brand

BBC World Service Australasia

BBC World Service Online

BBC World Service schedule for American satellite radio and the Caribbean

BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean

BBC World Service

BBC World Service South Asia

BBC World Service News Internet

BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

BBC Afghan Radio

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa Schedule

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa

BBC World Service West and Central Africa Schedule

BBC World Service West and Central Africa

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

Created for the #BBCWorldService.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

CrowdScience

Can sea-swimming improve my health?

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC World Service East Asia

About BBC World Service