Dr Xand's Con or Cure

In this episode, presenter Ashley John‑Baptiste delves into the various approaches being tested to manage pain experienced by astronauts during missions. He examines the scientific research behind these treatments, the challenges of delivering medication in micro‑gravity, and the potential impact on crew wellbeing. The same programme also follows Xand van Tulliken as he investigates the puzzling phenomenon of people falling ill when they take time away from work. He looks into possible physiological and psychological triggers, the role of routine disruption, and why the body seems to react negatively to periods of rest. Together, the segments highlight ongoing efforts to understand and improve health outcomes in both extreme and everyday environments.

This episode looks at a controversial practice where firms are able to withdraw cash from a customer’s bank account without the account‑holder even realising it’s happening. It examines how the legality of the process masks the ethical concerns, highlighting the way unsuspecting people can lose money while the companies claim they’re operating within the law. The programme also turns its attention to a hair‑loss medication that has proven to be habit‑forming, outlining the risks of dependence and the potential health consequences for users who become addicted. Both stories reveal hidden dangers lurking behind everyday products and services in modern society. The investigation raises questions about regulation and consumer protection.

The episode investigates the cheap cosmetic‑surgery deals that have left many people out of pocket, probing how promises of low prices often conceal hidden costs, unsatisfactory outcomes and unexpected financial loss. It features testimonies from individuals who pursued the bargains, highlighting the disappointment and extra expenses that frequently follow. The programme also turns its attention to the popular belief that stress can make a person's hair turn grey, reviewing current research and expert commentary to assess whether the stress‑grey hair link is genuine or merely a myth. Overall, the show aims to expose the financial risks of bargain surgery and to clarify the scientific reality behind stress‑induced greying.