Afleveringen
-
Genomic testing is cheaper than ever and can pick up a risk of disease in people with no family history. Should we expand it nation-wide?
IUDs are a highly effective form of contraception, but some women are concerned about pain. A new study looks at how commonly women experience pain on insertion and why.
Researchers have criticised the current state of peer review for scientific grants in Australia, arguing the process lacks transparency and opportunities for appeal.
And the TGA is cracking down on unregulated peptides, saying they're a safety risk for consumers.
Statement from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing in response to the Health Report.
For more on peptides, listen to our recent story Who's using peptides, and do we know what's in them?
References
Diabetes society apologizes after removal of Trump protesters from conference sparks outrageDiabetes Association in uproar after members expelled from annual meeting over protest of NIH cutsEgg Allergy Prevalence Before and After Guidelines for Earlier Egg IntroductionTGA strengthens compliance focus on unapproved peptide products as part of evolving risk responseTGA cracks down on unregulated peptides, says increased imports are posing a risk to consumer safetyFeasibility and outcomes of the DNA Screen nationwide adult genomic screening pilotFactors Associated With Pain Related to Insertion of a Contraceptive Intrauterine Device: Findings of a National SurveyAustralia’s erosion of peer review - Science -
Australia's specialist medical college for obstetrics and gynaecology is raising the alarm over proposed changes to abortion access in three Australian states.
How physical activity influences your 'biological clock' - and whether it can help you feel younger than you actually are.
Changes to how bulk billing is administered and what that could mean for community-run Aboriginal health services in remote parts of Australia.
And the withdrawal of a drug for breast cancer and endometriosis from Australia - why has it happened and what does it mean for patients?
References:
Ebola Outbreak: Current Situation (US CDC).AI Chatbot Use and Disclosure for Mental Health Among US Adolescents and Young AdultsAstraZeneca pulls critical breast cancer and endometriosis drug Zoladex from shelvesAbortion Access Under Attack Again in Two Australian States - RANZCOGPhysical activity and biological age measured by DNA methylation clocks: a systematic review and meta-analysis -
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
-
This week, an update on the diphtheria outbreak across multiple Australian states. What's changed to allow the spread to occur?
How to build healthier housing for remote communities - and it starts with maintenance.
A new trial shows some everyday steps people can take to protect themselves against depression.
And reviewing the evidence on calcium and vitamin D when it comes to fractures and falls.
References:
Ebola outbreak outpacing health response, WHO chief saysEbola-hit DR Congo faces 'catastrophic collision' of disease and conflict, WHO warnsEbola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus, Democratic Republic of the Congo & UgandaEbola Outbreak: Current Situation (CDC)Calcium, vitamin D, or combined supplementation to prevent fractures and falls: systematic review and meta-analysisDiphtheria in Australia – Epidemiological update – 18 May 2026Impact of Restriction-Resumption Protocols on Mood and Anxiety in Healthy Adults: Randomized Controlled Trial -
The popularity of peptides appears to be growing in Australia - what do we know about who is using them, what's in them and the risks?
A large study of Australians with Parkinson's disease finds links to certain pesticides and high-risk occupations.
For people with heart failure, there's a procedure that you can avoid with no ill-effect.
And an outbreak of diptheria across multiple states in Australia - how did this happen?
References
Obesity and cardiovascular disease: A clinical consensus statement from the National Heart Foundation of AustraliaImpact and Effectiveness of Australia's 2025 Hybrid RSV Immunisation Program: Results from the PAEDS-FluCAN NetworkDiphtheria outbreak could be 'contained within months' but response criticised as too slowResponding to injectable synthetic peptide use among young people: priorities for clinicians and public healthInsights from a cross-sectional population-based study of 10,929 Australians living with Parkinson's disease: risk factors, comorbidities, and sex differencesCardiac resynchronization therapy with or without atrioventricular node ablation in atrial fibrillation: the CAAN-AF trial -
The World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency of international concern over an outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
How does the disease spread, how can it be treated and how concerned should we be?
Further Information:
Why is there no vaccine for this Ebola outbreak?Ebola vaccine could take nine months as death toll rises further, WHO warns.Ebola disease in DRC and Uganda.Epidemic of Ebola Disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda determined a public health emergency of international concern.Absence of USAID likely slowed Ebola detection and response, former officials say -
ACL injuries are very common in Australia - and the common thinking has been that if you tear your ACL, you'll need surgery. Researchers are arguing the best evidence says we should be looking to rehab first, and that for many people they will recover without surgery.
Microplastics in our food supply - from processing and production - mean all of us are ingesting some level of plastic into our bodies. A new study out of Western Australia shows that it is possible to reduce your exposure, but it takes a lot of work.
There's a growing evidence base for the use of digital interventions for people with some categories of eating disorder. And they might have spillover benefits for mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, which can co-occur with an eating disorder. But how do you find one that you can trust?
Plus, the renaming of polycystic ovary syndrome and the implications for people with the condition.
References:
Low-plastic diet and urinary levels of plastic-associated phthalates and bisphenols: the randomized controlled PERTH TrialTreatment of Anterior Cruciate Ligament RuptureAcute, Longer-Term, and Transdiagnostic Outcomes After Digital Interventions for Eating DisordersAluminium adjuvants in vaccines and potential health effects: systematic reviewPolycystic ovary syndrome renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndromeThriving Kids - Services Australia -
Urgent care clinics are getting $1.8 billion in this year's federal budget to make them a permanent part of Australia's health system. We speak to the Health Minister Mark Butler about the decision.
'Fitspo' content that sometimes glamourises a ripped bod or restrictive ways of eating could be flooding your social feed - what do we know about its effect on our mental health?
And 'phage therapy' - a novel form of treatment aimed at providing an alternative to antibiotics. What are bacteriophages, how does this therapy work and how far off is it from showtime?
Plus, success for Australia in eliminating trachoma - an infectious eye disease - as a public health issue.
References:
Australia becomes the 30th country to eliminate trachoma as a public health problemMpox disease epidemiology, vaccine uptake and vaccination coverage in Australia 2022–2024: a descriptive studyHantavirus-hit cruise ship leaves Cape Verde after three evacuatedMajor budget boost means Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are here to stayLifting the Screen on Fitspiration: A Meta-AnalysisCross-reactive anti-prophage antibodies and bacterial heteroresistance implicated in phage therapeutic failure -
A new review suggests there may be biomarkers linked to irritable bowel syndrome, typically a diagnosis of exclusion.
How you get followed up after going to the doctor with symptoms of bowel cancer is shaped in part by where you live.
People can now access their diagnostic and pathology results digitally, and for one woman in Brisbane that meant spotting a breast cancer finding that might otherwise have been missed.
References:
Serological and faecal markers of irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysisVariations in the investigation of colorectal cancer-related symptoms in Australian primary care: a retrospective cohort studyOutbreak of diptheria in the Kimberley.Nine-Valent Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and Related Cancers in MalesAn estimated 450,000 diabetics will miss out on subsidised Mounjaro after negotiations stalled -
Two thirds of women report concerns over memory loss, concentration or other cognitive symptoms during menopause. What do we understand about what's going on, and how can it be managed?
A new plan for improving asthma outcomes in Australia and ending that reliance on the blue puffer.
Understanding how the genes we're born with could shape our risk of some cancers in childhood - with implications for adults too.
And the links between home cooking and dementia - with studies suggesting slicing and dicing at home (instead of eating out more often) could have a protective effect for your cognition.
References
RSV Vaccine - Department of HealthHome cooking, cooking skills and dementia requiring long-term care: a population-based cohort study in JapanTypology of out-of-home eaters: a description of sociodemographic, lifestyle, nutritional and environmental characteristics in the NutriNet-Santé cohortGender and age differences in weekend eating habits: associations with fat mass percentage in a cross-sectional studyGlucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and risk of substance use disorders among US veterans with type 2 diabetes: cohort studyHeart-nosed bat alphacoronaviruses use human CEACAM6 to enter cellsAdvances in understanding of cognitive symptoms during menopauseA Bold Blueprint for Asthma Reform in AustraliaIntegrated germline and somatic molecular profiling to detect cancer predisposition has a high clinical impact in poor-prognosis paediatric cancer -
Can you trust the advice ChatGPT Health gives about whether you should go to the hospital or not?
Who is using GLP-1 weight loss drugs and how common are they?
New guidelines for supporting young people with suicidal ideation or who self-harm.
And more findings that drugs removing amyloid from the brain don't help prevent dementia.
References:
Intensive LDL Cholesterol Targeting in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular DiseaseMunicipal water fluoridation, adolescent IQ, and cognition across the life courseAndrographis paniculata (Andrographis) and anaphylaxis - updated safety review and supplementary reportAmyloid‐beta‐targeting monoclonal antibodies for people with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s diseaseChatGPT Health performance in a structured test of triage recommendationsInitiators of Semaglutide in General Practice in New South Wales, 2020–2023: A Retrospective Cohort StudySuicide and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Children and AdolescentsSuicide and intentional self-harm hospitalisations among young peopleGenerational effects in self-reported age of onset for youth suicidal ideation, self-harm and attempted suicide: A retrospective analysis using data from the Australian National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2020–2022 -
When a medical emergency happens in space, how is it treated? And what does life in Antarctica have to teach us about staying healthy on a spaceflight?
Findings from a large study of Australian teenagers find links between school connection, sleep and mental health trajectories through adolescence.
If you have a shoulder injury and suspect it's the rotator cuff, should you have a scan? You might find more than you bargained for.
And how badly should you want to hang on to your appendix in the case of appendicitis? Is it better to jettison it or keep it in there?
References:
Association between GLP-1 receptor agonist use and worsening mental illness in people with depression and anxiety in Sweden: a national cohort studyRetraction: Cosmetic talc powderOncologic Risk of Missed Appendiceal Tumors in Acute AppendicitisFuture Proofing Study - Research Insights 2026Incidental Rotator Cuff Abnormalities on Magnetic Resonance Imaging -
Which flu strains are likely to be dominant this flu season - and what's the story with the new nasal spray vaccine?
Speaking of sprays ... there's a simple saline spray that might help kids with sleep apnoea avoid surgery.
And a treatment for enlarged prostate that doesn't involve going under the knife.
Plus, a new review finds vaping is likely to cause certain types of cancer.
References:
The carcinogenicity of e-cigarettes: a qualitative risk assessmentCost-Effectiveness of Oral Immunotherapy Treatments vs No Treatment for Peanut Allergy in ChildrenAnnual Immunisation Coverage Report 2025Vaping likely to cause cancer, new Australian review of evidence finds (ABC News)Influenza (flu) vaccine - Department of HealthInfluenza immunisation resources - National Centre for Immunisation Research and SurveillanceHistoric 1994 influenza vaccine cohorts define breadth of antibody and B cell responses toward future influenza A and B virusesLab Notes: Super-K flu is here … but it's not our biggest problemIntranasal Treatments for Children With Sleep-Disordered Breathing: The MIST+ Randomized Clinical TrialProstate artery Embolisation Assessment of Safety and feasibilitY (P-EASY): a potential alternative to long-term medical therapy for benign prostate hyperplasiaThe ‘Prostate Embolisation AS first-line therapY compAred to meDication in treatment naïVe men with prostAte eNlargement, a randomised ControllEd trial’ (P-EASY ADVANCE): a randomised controlled trial of prostate embolisation vs medication for BPHProstate artery EmbolisAtion Safety and efficacY: Preliminary and foLlow-Up urodynamic Studies (P-EASY PLUS) -
3D printing is becoming an incredibly versatile modern tool - with scope to apply it to engineering, manufacturing, architecture and design challenges. And it's increasingly being used in ... healthcare.
Plus, Kylie and Gillian had been friends for years when Kylie had a stroke in her early 30s. It turned Kylie's work-driven life upside down, and forced her and husband Chris to re-evaluate everything.
This week's Health Report features stories from our archive. We'll be back with a new program next week.
-
There's been major buzz in recent years over ultra-processed foods and whether they may be harmful to our health. A new study out of Canada has measured what toddlers eat and how much of it is ultra-processed - and then followed up two years later to examine the behavioural outcomes of those same children.
New findings on 'silent' women's health issues and where women would like the focus of healthcare research and spending to be - what the authors are saying is a call to go 'beyond the bikini line.'
It takes days for the results of an STI test to come back, and that can cause all sorts of problems. A new 'point-of-care' test aims to shave that testing window down to less than an hour, with implications for sexual health treatment in regional and remote areas.
Plus, sex differences after a diagnosis of cancer - men and women appear to follow separate trajectories, especially when it comes to their risk of death and adverse outcomes.
References:
Psilocybin or Nicotine Patch for Smoking CessationSex-based prognosis in industry-sponsored advanced solid tumour trials: an individual participant data meta-analysis of survival and adverse eventsThanks to AI, Paul can see the culprit of his dog's cancerMeet the man who designed a cancer vaccine for his dogUltraprocessed Food Consumption and Behavioral Outcomes in Canadian ChildrenMultilevel predictors of ultra-processed food intake in Canadian preschoolers‘Women deserve better’: a national mixed-methods exploration of the ‘silent’ health conditions and social issues affecting women and girls in AustraliaCRISPR-Cas-based diagnostics for point-of-care detection of sexually transmitted infections: a laboratory development and evaluation study -
MDMA psychotherapy was approved in Australia three years ago. Who's using it and what do we know about treatment side effects?
Vaccine reminders can help nudge people back on track, but how the message is framed matters.
A new review of screen use and sleep in young people finds no link between the amount of use and sleep quality or duration.
And a different way of looking at mental health outcomes - whether digital tools can help us forecast someone's future needs and provide better, more personalised care.
References:
Within-Person Association Between Daily Screen Use and Sleep in YouthAcetaminophen (Paracetamol) or Opioid Analgesia Added to Ibuprofen for Children’s Musculoskeletal InjuryEffects of daily multivitamin–multimineral and cocoa extract supplementation on epigenetic aging clocks in the COSMOS randomized clinical trialSide-effects of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysisExperiences of Australian clinicians, researchers, and patients with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder: A framework-guided qualitative analysisThe AuTOMATIC trial: a multicentre digitally-automated, Bayesian, adaptive, parallel, factorial randomised controlled trial of SMS reminders for childhood vaccinationThe necessity of digital measurement-based care for navigating complexity in youth mental healthDynamic learning of individual-level suicidal ideation trajectories to enhance mental health care -
Are Australian schoolkids eating too much salt? And does it put them at risk of high blood pressure?
A new approach to breast cancer screening based on risk could reduce the number of screens needed for some women.
There's been a lot of hype around brain training to protect against cognitive decline, but the results haven't always measured up. Now a new long-term study has promising results.
Plus, navigating the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis -- when can the condition be medically managed and when should you consider surgery?
References:
Impact of cognitive training on claims-based diagnosed dementia over 20 years: evidence from the ACTIVE studyEfficacy and safety of once-daily oral orforglipron compared with oral semaglutide in adults with type 2 diabetes (ACHIEVE-3)Risk factors for the development of food allergy in infants and childrenSodium, potassium and blood pressure in Australian schoolchildren: exploring differences by sex and weight status — a cross-sectional studyRisk-Based vs Annual Breast Cancer Screening: The WISDOM Randomized Clinical Trial -
We know many people are turning to generative AI for health advice, including tips on how to manage stress, anxiety and low mood.
When is it safe to turn to a chatbot, and when do you need to see a real human being? And what if you can't afford it?
Also, a home review program that aims to get people off drugs they don't need to be on that might be negatively impacting their lives.
And good news when it comes to Australia's goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2035.
References:
Uptake and performance of self-collection offered through primary care to all eligible participants in a national cervical screening programme in Australia: a retrospective cohort studyExtended follow-up of invasive cervical cancer risk after quadrivalent HPV vaccination: nationwide, register based studyLeisure-Time Physical Activity and Cancer Mortality Among Cancer SurvivorsInformed use of AI technologies for mental healthAI and mental health in Australia: what needs to happen next - Black Dog InstitutePharmacists call for medicine review program to be expanded - ABC NewsThe effect of deprescribing interventions on mortality and health outcomes in older people: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis -
A paper has suggested exercise has minimal, short-term effects on osteoarthritis. But experts are warning people with the condition that they shouldn't stop moving.
Also, school kids are being called on to help in the fight against superbugs. A new study shoots down low-dose aspirin for older people wanting to prevent cancer.
And we take a look at another form of arthritis: gout. It's under-recognised and under-treated, but what can be done about it, and why is it such a complicated story?
References:
Menopausal hormone therapy and long term mortality: nationwide, register based cohort studySixth Australian report on antimicrobial use and resistance in human health (AURA report)Education and Behaviour Change - The Fleming Initiative's StanceIntermittent fasting for adults with overweight or obesityEffectiveness of exercise therapy for osteoarthritis: an overview of systematic reviews and randomised controlled trialsCancer Incidence and Mortality With Aspirin in Older Adults: Follow-Up of the ASPREE TrialThe effects of daily low-dose aspirin on white matter hyperintensity lesions and retinal vascular calibre in healthy older adults: the ENVIS-ion exploratory neuroimaging substudy of the ASPREE randomised clinical trial Treat-to-Target Urate-Lowering Treatment and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With GoutArthritis Australia gout resourcesGout Medcast resources -
Researchers have pin-pointed the best exercise routines for depression or anxiety symptoms, and they might be equal to medication and talk therapy.
Also, why states and territories are making changes to their maternity care guidance for doctors.
An update on Alzheimer's disease off the back of important vaccine discoveries. Why the packaging of statins might need an upgrade.
And some clarity on beta blockers after a heart attack. Does everyone need to be taking them?
References:
Valacyclovir Treatment of Early Symptomatic Alzheimer Disease: The VALAD Randomized Clinical TrialAssessment of adverse effects attributed to statin therapy in product labels: a meta-analysis of double-blind randomised controlled trialsNutritional deficiencies and muscle loss in adults with type 2 diabetes using GLP-1 receptor agonists: A retrospective observational studyEffect of exercise on depression and anxiety symptoms: systematic umbrella review with meta-meta-analysisRespectful Maternity and Newborn Care Frameworkβ blockers after myocardial infarction with mildly reduced ejection fraction: an individual patient data meta-analysis of randomised controlled trialsBeta-Blockers after Myocardial Infarction in Patients without Heart FailureBeta-Blockers after Myocardial Infarction without Reduced Ejection Fraction -
When you pay for private health insurance, you might assume you'll be well covered if you get injured or fall ill.
But a new report has revealed the huge costs that catch people off guard, and sometimes prevent them from receiving care.
Also, a study hints that constant colds in childhood might not be business-as-usual and should be taken more seriously.
And we talk through the Nipah virus outbreak in India, and changes in Victoria to ADHD medication prescribing.
References:
Nipah and Hendra Viruses: Deadly Zoonotic Paramyxoviruses with the Potential to Cause the Next Pandemic - PMCUrgent ADHD Top-Up Prescriptions Even Easier And CheaperRestoring affordable access to specialist care in AustraliaBurden of Infections in Early Life and Risk of Infections and Systemic Antibiotics Use in Childhood - Laat meer zien
