Helen Banwell – The Conversation

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May 19, 2026

What’s the risk of infection from manicures and pedicures?

Helen Banwell, Adelaide University and Kristin Graham, Adelaide University

Reports of infections have left some people wondering whether it’s still worth getting their nails done.

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May 14, 2025

Whatever happened to Barbie’s feet? Podiatrists studied 2,750 dolls to find out

Cylie Williams, Monash University and Helen Banwell, University of South Australia

Barbie has evolved over time. But a new study shows she isn’t ready to ditch the high heels just yet.

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August 22, 2023

Ballet flats are back. Here’s what the research says about how they affect your feet

Kristin Graham, University of South Australia; Helen Banwell, University of South Australia, and Saravana Kumar, University of South Australia

The verdict is mixed.

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May 16, 2023

Do high top shoes actually reduce ankle sprain risk? Here’s what the research says

Kristin Graham, University of South Australia; Helen Banwell, University of South Australia; Lewis Ingram, University of South Australia; Ryan Causby, University of South Australia, and Saravana Kumar, University of South Australia

The ankle protection provided by high-top shoes may not be enough to reduce sprain risk significantly. In fact, this design may reduce athletic performance, and increase risk of ankle sprain for some.

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