ShutterstockSocial media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and Facebook overwhelmingly show vaping in a positive light. This messaging makes it seem that e-cigarette use is common and socially accepted. Traditional tobacco advertising has been ... [Continue Reading]
The budget includes $7.3 million to get more young people out of aged care homes. Is it enough?
ShutterstockJust over three years ago, then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the federal government would finally solve the issue of young people with disability having to live in nursing homes. The government developed a strategy and committed to ... [Continue Reading]
NIH launches $140 million effort to investigate genetic variation in normal human cells and tissues
Common Fund Program will accelerate research on human development, aging, and disease. SOURCE: NIH News Release - Read entire story here. ... [Continue Reading]
Obstructive sleep apnea associated with increased risks for long COVID
Study suggests adults with both the sleep disorder and COVID may benefit from clinical monitoring. SOURCE: NIH News Release - Read entire story here. ... [Continue Reading]
We worked out how many tobacco lobbyists end up in government, and vice versa. It’s a lot
ShutterstockWe’ve just revealed the extent of the close relationship between tobacco lobbyists and government, in the first Australian study of its kind. Our study, published today, found about half of people involved in tobacco lobbying held ... [Continue Reading]
Scientists release a new human “pangenome” reference
More complete and sophisticated collection of genome sequences captures significantly more human diversity. SOURCE: NIH News Release - Read entire story here. ... [Continue Reading]
The aged-care budget delivers for workers but meeting our future needs will require bold funding reforms
ShutterstockThe 2023-24 federal budget takes a step in the right direction for aged care, with a much-needed pay boost for workers in the sector. But there are major medium- to long-term challenges to overcome from cost increases. Despite a royal ... [Continue Reading]
Increased mental health awareness is one thing – but New Zealanders need greater mental health literacy too
Getty ImagesSomething is not working in our approach to mental health in Aotearoa New Zealand. According to Statistics New Zealand, more than a quarter of the population can be described as having poor mental wellbeing, and this proportion is ... [Continue Reading]
Researchers develop model for how the brain acquires essential omega-3 fatty acids
Findings may aid design of targeted drug delivery into the brain and central nervous system. SOURCE: NIH News Release - Read entire story here. ... [Continue Reading]
Why exercising your ‘good arm’ can also help the one in a sling
ShutterstockInjured limbs need rest. They are often kept in a sling or cast to immobilise them as a way to promote healing. But that can mean smaller and weaker muscles several weeks later. It takes a long time to rehabilitate these muscles and ... [Continue Reading]
NIH researchers identify large genetic changes that contribute to dementia risk
Discovery provides potential clues for Lewy body and frontotemporal dementias. SOURCE: NIH News Release - Read entire story here. ... [Continue Reading]
NIH study identifies features of Long COVID neurological symptoms
Findings offer insight into biological mechanisms, pointing to possible treatments. SOURCE: NIH News Release - Read entire story here. ... [Continue Reading]
New funds will tackle Indigenous smoking. But here’s what else we know works for quit campaigns
Studio Romantic/ShutterstockAmong all the talk this week about a crackdown on vaping – the most significant tobacco control reforms in a decade – has been the roll-out of another major document. The National Tobacco Strategy 2023–2030 was launched ... [Continue Reading]
Homelessness today sees workers and families with nowhere stable to live. No wonder their health is suffering
ShutterstockDuring the current housing affordability crisis, we’re seeing people who work and families with children becoming homeless or living in unstable housing. They may be living in a motel room, vehicle, tent or caravan park. They may be on a ... [Continue Reading]
Young men at highest risk of schizophrenia linked with cannabis use disorder
NIH study highlights the need to proactively screen for, prevent, and treat cannabis use disorder especially among young people. SOURCE: NIH News Release - Read entire story here. ... [Continue Reading]
The government says NDIS supports should be ‘evidence-based’ – but can they be?
GettyThe federal government and National Cabinet has committed to rebooting and fixing the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for people with disabilities. It plans to invest more in the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), which ... [Continue Reading]
NIH researchers uncover new details on rare immune disease
Idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia leaves immune system vulnerable to other diseases, cancers. SOURCE: NIH News Release - Read entire story here. ... [Continue Reading]
AI has potential to revolutionise health care – but we must first confront the risk of algorithmic bias
Getty ImagesArtificial Intelligence (AI) is moving fast and will become an important support tool in clinical care. Research suggests AI algorithms can accurately detect melanomas and predict future breast cancers. But before AI can be integrated ... [Continue Reading]
Can vaping help people quit smoking? It’s unlikely
ShutterstockAustralian Health Minister Mark Butler has announced a major policy shift on vaping. Its two primary objectives are to make it harder for children and non-smokers to access vapes and to allow people trying to quit smoking to access ... [Continue Reading]