A tortoise can live to an extraordinary age, but how can we medically explain this amazing phenomenon? And how can shingles lie within our bodies for decades before rearing up to become a painful ailment?

A tortoise can live to an extraordinary age, but how can we medically explain this amazing phenomenon? And how can shingles lie within our bodies for decades before rearing up to become a painful ailment?

In Part One of each episode, Dr Frank will talk about a famous figure from history who suffered from an illness or had a disability. At that time, no-one knew or understood what may have caused the problem, or how to treat it - It was a mystery at the time. In Part Two of the episode, Dr Frank will discuss that same or similar illness or ailment in a modern-day context, and many times it has remained a mystery. Each two-part episode will be intriguing and informative.

Medical Mysteries - Ancient and Modern

Medical Mysteries - Old and New

Medical Mysteries Series 6 - The tortoise, and shingles

One of the most famous singers of the Victorian era was an Australian, and Dame Nellie was the first Aussie to be internationally recognised as a classical musician. And did sepsis play a part in her demise, and what is sepsis?

One of the most famous singers of the Victorian era was an Australian, and Dame Nellie was the first Aussie to be internationally recognised as a classical musician. And did sepsis play a part in her demise, and what is sepsis?

Medical Mysteries Series 6 -  Dame Nellie Melba, and sepsis

What's the medical mystery behind one of histories greatest artists, Michelangelo? What contribution did the paints he was using have on his death?

What's the medical mystery behind one of histories greatest artists, Michelangelo? What contribution did the paints he was using have on his death?

Medical Mysteries Series 6 - Michelangelo, and paints.

Hear the remarkable story of King George 3rd, and then the mystery behind bipolar disorder.

Hear the remarkable story of King George 3rd, and then the mystery behind bipolar disorder.

Medical Mysteries Series 6 - The tortoise, and shingles

Medical Mysteries - Old and New

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips