JOY Drive

25 Feb 2025

Professor Oliver A.H. Jones: Fluoride

Diet and Nutrition, Health, News & Politics, Science & Medicine

Fluoride—it’s a word that stirs up debate and headlines. For decades, it’s been hailed as a public health triumph, reducing tooth decay and protecting millions from dental disease.

But it’s also been at the center of controversy, with claims about health risks and debates over personal choice. Recently, fluoride has returned to the spotlight.

In the US, the incoming ‘health czar,’ Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has called for its removal from drinking water, while here in Australia, the Australian Medical Association Queensland is urging local councils to reintroduce it amid rising oral health concerns.

So, what exactly is fluoride? Why do we add it to drinking water?

Guest: Oliver A.H. Jones, Professor of Chemistry, RMIT University

Presenter: Warren Andrew

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 9:23 — 12.9MB)

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15 Mar 2026

Associate Professor Micah Goldwater: Why Rational People Still Believe in Superstitions

Popular Culture, Social Sciences, Society & Culture

Most of us consider ourselves rational, yet superstitions still shape everyday behaviour. Psychologist Micah Goldwater explains why scientific thinking and ...

15 Mar 2026

Associate Professor Lauren Rosewarne: Why Some Gen Z Men Are Returning to Traditional Gender Views

LGBTIQA+ Community, Popular Culture, Social Media, Society & Culture

New research suggests some Gen Z men are expressing more traditional views about gender roles than older generations. Associate Professor ...

15 Mar 2026

Ben Cork: What the Pride in Sport Survey Reveals About Inclusion in Australian Sport

LGBTIQA+ Community, Professional, Society & Culture, Sports & Recreation

New results from the Pride in Sport Index survey reveal how LGBTQIA+ players, coaches and volunteers are experiencing sport across ...