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U.S.WEIRD SCIENCE

Scientists discover a surprising nasal decongestant

German researchers measured airflow in eighteen couples and found the effect matched a standard decongestant spray for up to an hour; the study required teamwork.

On air: Hank Ledger, Vera Bullock and Dale Bearman on BBN Tonight
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  1. Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorAs promised: the surprising decongestant is sex.

  2. Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorGerman researchers had eighteen couples measure their nasal airflow before, immediately after orgasm, and again at thirty minutes, one hour and three hours.

  3. Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorAirflow rose by two hundred and fourteen millilitres per second right after, and reached two hundred and forty-nine at thirty minutes.

  4. Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorThe next day the couples used xylometazoline, a standard nasal spray, for comparison.

  5. Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorReported results say the effect matched the spray for up to an hour, with no prescription needed.

  6. Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorA portable rhinomanometer in the bedroom. That's commitment to data collection, and the rigor required both partners to reach the finish line.

  7. Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorBoth partners. Eighteen couples. Think of the scheduling.

  8. Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorSomewhere a pharmacist is rereading the word over-the-counter.

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