Health Report - Separate stories podcast

In the news this week:Evidence for IVF add on treatments weak or non-existentHealth risks of toxic weight-loss peptides like unapproved "Retatrutide" purchased onlineBird flu update, WA Health says they are monitoring humans who have been exposed, but risk is lowReferencesSafety and effectiveness of ten common in-vitro fertilisation add-onsNo evidence most IVF add-on treatments improve fertilityConcerns regarding the public health risks associated with unapproved peptide productsWA Health provides public health update following avian influenza detection in wild bird

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) decision to restrict but not ban the use of paraquat by farmers has disappointed some in the medical and scientific community.Movement disorder specialist says the APVMA decision on the use of pesticide paraquat ignores evidence of the link with cases of Parkinson's disease.Guest/sAssociate Professor Wes Thevathasan, Parkinson's disease specialist working across several hospitals, the University of Melbourne and The Florey Institute ReferencesStatement from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines AuthorityChemical regulator approves restricted use of herbicide paraquat previously linked to Parkinson's disease

Following hospitalisation for cardiac procedures, patients are offered a 6-8 week rehabilitation program to help them recover and make lifestyle changes to improve heart health. But a study shows only 1 in 5 people do the program, despite the fact that it can make a huge difference to health outcomes. So what's going wrong?Guest/sDr Susie Cartledge, Senior Research Fellow, Monash University school of public health and preventive medicine ReferencesMapping patient outcomes associated with cardiac rehabilitation

There has been a substantial increase in vaccine concerns from parents, with changes to messaging on vaccines in the USA filtering through to Australia. A childhood immunisation expert says one on one conversations with trusted health care providers are vital for parents who have immunisation concerns and this can have real impact on others in their community.Guest/sProfessor Margie Danchin, immunisation expert at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute ReferencesChildhood vaccine hesitancy, The New England Journal of Medicine

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]

In the news this week:Neurological symptoms in survivors of Ebola.Internet searches surge after Trump's statements on autism and painkillersDelays to planned bulk billings changes.An update on the removal of a drug for breast cancer, endometriosis treatments from Australian markets.ReferencesNeurological Manifestations in Adult Survivors of Ebola Virus Disease.Internet Searches for Leucovorin, Folate, and Acetaminophen After a White House Autism AnnouncementAssignment of benefit changes delayed.Ongoing access to Zoladex monthly implant in Australia - AstraZeneca.

Those who drink alcohol want to do so safely, but the risks of disease are ever present.Studies show differing health outcomes and relationships between consumption of alcohol and diseases like cancer, early onset dementia and heart disease.A new review brings together data from studies worldwide and shows that the impact of alcohol has been underestimated, but that changing drinking habits can reverse and slow down damage.It shows that the 'no safe level of alcohol' finding does not exclude alcohol from having beneficial effects.GuestProfessor Jurgen Rehm, senior scientist and researcher, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Canada  ReferencesA review of the relationship between dimensions of alcohol consumption and the burden of disease

You've probably experienced it - full-volume music blasting during a sweaty gym class.Does it make your workout better, or is it just hurting your ears?GuestAssistant Professor Janet Choi, ENT Physician, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern CaliforniaReferencesLower Music Volume Levels in Fitness Class and Perceived Exercise Intensity

Neurodegenerative movement disorders like Parkinson's disease are currently diagnosed via the patient's clinical symptoms, without biomarkers.A study of more than 3000 donated brains from brain banks across the world, analysed genetic material and showed misdiagnosis rates of between 10 and 20 percent. Researchers hope to use these results to create clinical trials that will improve diagnostic accuracy. Guest/sClaire Shepherd, Director of the Sydney Brain Bank at Neuroscience Research Australia and Conjoint Associate Professor in Pathology, UNSW  ReferencesPathology and Genetics in a Global Cohort of Parkinsonian Disorders

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]

In the news this week:Researchers at a diabetes conference ejected after handing out editorial criticising US President Donald Trump.Fewer egg allergies in Australia after a shift in guidelines.The TGA says it's cracking down on unregulated peptides that risk consumer safety.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?ReferencesDiabetes 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 safety

For many years it's been expensive and challenging to do genetic testing that works out if you're at greater risk of something like a heart attack or a specific type of cancer.That's meant testing is limited to those who already have a condition or a strong family history.But the decreasing costs and increasing accessibility of these tests means expanding their use is becoming a stronger possibility.A new pilot study for population-wide genomic screening found one in 50 people were at high risk of developing certain conditions based on their genes.And in the sample of 10,000 people, more than half of them had no family history of the diseases they were at risk of.GuestDr Jane Tiller, Ethical Legal and Social Advisor, Public Health Genomics, Monash UniversityReferencesFeasibility and outcomes of the DNA Screen nationwide adult genomic screening pilot

IUDs -- intrauterine devices -- are a highly effective form of long-acting reversible contraception. But Australia lags behind other comparable countries when it comes to their uptake.One barrier to greater use is concerns over the pain of having an IUD put in.A national survey has looked at how common women experience pain during an IUD insertion and the factors linked to pain - including mental health and previous pregnancies. GuestProfessor Danielle Mazza, Head of the Department of General Practice, Monash University; Director, SPHERE Centre of Research Excellence ReferencesFactors Associated With Pain Related to Insertion of a Contraceptive Intrauterine Device: Findings of a National Survey

Australian researchers have published an editorial in Science critiquing the state of our peer review for scientific grants.They say the current state of affairs is 'farcical', with the removal of panel reviews limiting opportunities for true review of a grant application's merits and budget.GuestsProfessor Massimo Hilliard, Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, University of QueenslandProfessor Steve Wesselingh, CEO, NHMRCReferencesAustralia’s erosion of peer review - Science

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]

In the news this week:The latest on the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda.Chatbot use for mental health help among young people.A drug for breast cancer and endometriosis treatment to be withdrawn from Australia by AstraZeneca.ReferencesEbola 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 shelves

Australia's specialist medical college for obstetrics and gynaecology is raising the alarm over proposed changes to abortion access in three Australian states.The college says these attempts represent a trend of increasing barriers to reproductive health access for women.GuestDr Nisha Khot, President, Royal Australian College of Obstetrics and GynaecologyReferencesAbortion Access Under Attack Again in Two Australian States - RANZCOG

If you're plugged into the world of longevity online, you might have seen chatter about 'DNA clocks' or 'biological age.'These purport to measure how young you are biologically - as opposed to chronologically. The idea is that a fit, healthy person might have a younger biological age than their true age - and thus greater longevity.So what's the relationship between physical exercise and biological age?GuestProfessor Andrea Maier, Professor in Medicine, NUS Academy of Healthy Longevity, National University of SingaporeReferencesPhysical activity and biological age measured by DNA methylation clocks: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Could coming changes to how bulk billing is administered affect the viability of Aboriginal community-controlled healthcare in remote parts of Australia?GuestProfessor Paul Torzillo, Medical Director, Nganampa Health Council

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]

In the news this week:An update on the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda.Changes to bulk-billing for general practice.Calcium and vitamin D - a new review of their effectiveness in reducing falls and fractures.ReferencesEbola 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-analysis

Case numbers are now dropping in what has been the largest outbreak of diphtheria in Australia in decades.What does the epidemiology of the outbreak tell us about why it has happened?GuestDr Stephanie Williams, Australian Centre for Disease Control ReferencesDiphtheria in Australia – Epidemiological update – 25 May 2026

On last week's Health Report, Norman and Preeya discussed the links between unsafe housing and health in remote communities.To dig deeper into the area, they speak to an architect with more than three decades of experience working with local communities and Aboriginal organisations designing and managing remote housing.GuestDave Donald, Architect and Director, Healthabitat

Regular sleep patterns, exercise, eating well, and thinking positive. They're all examples of healthy behaviours that work to protect our mental health.What happens to someone's mood when you take them away?GuestProfessor Nick Titov, Macquarie University ReferencesImpact of Restriction-Resumption Protocols on Mood and Anxiety in Healthy Adults: Randomized Controlled Trial

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]

In the news this week:New obesity medicines recommended for heart disease.Effectiveness of a vaccine program for RSV.An outbreak of diptheria across multiple Australian states.We also put out a special episode of the Health Report focused on the emerging Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda: Ebola outbreak: how it spreads and prospects for a vaccineReferencesObesity 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 slow

There's reportedly a major uptick in the number of people using or interested in peptides - injectable protein building-blocks.You may have seen them on your social media feed linked to marketing that says they can ease joint pain, improve muscle recovery or for skin care.But large parts of the peptides market are unregulated. What do we know about who is using peptides, what they contain and the evidence base for the benefits they purport to give?GuestDr Tim Piatkowski, NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow, School of Public Health, University of QueenslandReferencesResponding to injectable synthetic peptide use among young people: priorities for clinicians and public health

Findings from a large study of Australians suggest the symptoms and experience of Parkinson's disease varies significantly between men and women.The researchers also found that the disease is associated with being exposed to certain pesticides or working in some high-risk occupations.GuestAssociate Professor Miguel Rentería, Group Leader, Computational Neurogenomics Laboratory, QIMR BerghoferReferencesInsights from a cross-sectional population-based study of 10,929 Australians living with Parkinson's disease: risk factors, comorbidities, and sex differences

For people with a heart defibrillator, it's been common to undergo a treatment that lets the device take over a particular part of your heart's function.But a study of people with defibrillators has found it makes no difference and doesn't need to be done.GuestProfessor Prash Sanders, Director of the Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders in AdelaideReferencesCardiac resynchronization therapy with or without atrioventricular node ablation in atrial fibrillation: the CAAN-AF trial

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]

In the news this week:Review finds no direct link between aluminium adjuvanted vaccines and health conditionsPCOS renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS)Budget details for Thriving Kids programReferencesAluminium adjuvants in vaccines and potential health effects: systematic reviewPolycystic ovary syndrome renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndromeBudget 2026-27: Thriving Kids

Microplastics are everywhere, including food processing and production.So is it inevitable that microplastics are a part of your diet?A new West Australian study shows there are ways to reduce your exposure, but it's not simple.GuestMichaela Lucas, Clinical Professor at the University of Western Australia ReferencesLow-plastic diet and urinary levels of plastic-associated phthalates and bisphenols: the randomized controlled PERTH Trial

A torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) has most commonly been treated with surgery.But new research is showing there are rehab treatments that work for some, without the need for the operating theatre.GuestDr Marc-Olivier Dubé, Physiotherapist and Postdoctoral Research Fellow at La Trobe University Sport and Exercise Medicine Research CentreReferencesTreatment of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture

Digital interventions, like websites and chatbots, have shown positive effects in the treatment of some eating disorders according to a new study.Evidence shows the potential for flow-on benefits for mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, which can co-occur with an eating disorder.But not all the digital tools available are created equal.GuestAssociate Professor Jake Linardon, School of Psychology, Deakin UniversityReferencesAcute, Longer-Term, and Transdiagnostic Outcomes After Digital Interventions for Eating Disorders

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]

In the news this week:Australia eliminates trachoma as a public health problem.Mpox vaccine coverage less than expected.An outbreak of hantavirus aboard a cruise ship.ReferencesAustralia 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 evacuated

Urgent care clinics will receive $1.8 billion in the 2026-7 Budget to make them a permanent part of Australia's health system. We speak to the Health Minister Mark Butler about the decision.GuestMark Butler, Federal Health Minister

Could 'fitspiration' social media content be harming mental health?A new study from Northwestern has investigated the effects of consuming this content online and argues that it has serious negative effects on young peoples' body image.GuestValerie Gruest, Phd Candidate, School of Communication, Northwestern UniversityReferencesLifting the Screen on Fitspiration: A Meta-Analysis

'Phage therapy' is a novel form of treatment aimed at providing an alternative to antibiotics.What are bacteriophages, how does this therapy work and what are the obstacles to making it a first-line treatment?ReferencesCross-reactive anti-prophage antibodies and bacterial heteroresistance implicated in phage therapeutic failure

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]

In the news this week: An outbreak of diptheria in the Kimberley.Lower risk of cancer for boys who get a HPV vaccine.Negotiations stall on adding Mounjaro to the PBS for people with type 2 diabetes.ReferencesOutbreak 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

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has long been a diagnosis of exclusion - doctors rule out a number of other conditions before they can say it's IBS.That's because there haven't been reliable biomarkers to flag it. But a new analysis from researchers at the University of Newcastle suggests there may in fact be a number of biomarkers associated with IBS.GuestDr Grace Burns, Postdoctoral Researcher in Immunology and Microbiology, Centre for Research Excellence in Digestive Health, University of NewcastleReferencesSerological and faecal markers of irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Symptoms of bowel cancer can include blood in your stool, bloating, constipation, changes in bowel habit and unexplained weight loss.But two people presenting with the same symptoms could go down very different paths to test if their symptoms are, in fact, bowel cancer.And that can be due to where you live, with richer areas getting different types of follow up and testing. GuestDr Shaoke Lei, Research Fellow in Cancer Services and Data Science, University of Melbourne and the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre AllianceReferencesVariations in the investigation of colorectal cancer-related symptoms in Australian primary care: a retrospective cohort study

The government's 1800MEDICARE app allows people to access their pathology and diagnostic results once uploaded to their digital health record.For Christine Kwong from Brisbane, that access meant she spotted a breast cancer finding that might otherwise have fallen through the cracks.But at the same time, some doctors report difficulties accessing results and navigating the app.GuestsChristine Kwong, BrisbaneDr Amandeep Hansra, Chief Clinical Adviser, Australian Digital Health Agency

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]

In the news this week: Free access to the RSV vaccine expanded.Home cooks in Japan found to have less dementia than those who ate out often.Another indicator that GLP-1s could help treat addiction.A bat coronavirus capable of entering human cells has been discovered.ReferencesRSV 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 cells

There's an increasing recognition of the cognitive symptoms that come with perimenopause and menopause - sometimes termed 'brain fog'.A group of researchers is arguing for a consensus definition of the term to aid in the management of symptoms and improved outcomes for women.GuestDr Caroline Gurvich, Associate Professor at the HER Centre, Monash University; Clinical NeuropsychologistReferencesAdvances in understanding of cognitive symptoms during menopause

More than 2.8 million Australians have asthma, and it isn't always managed well.A new coalition of researchers has mapped out a blueprint for changing that.GuestProfessor Christine Jenkins, Program Head, Respiratory, The George Institute for Global Health; Professor of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney; Clinical Professor, Concord Clinical School, University of SydneyReferencesA Bold Blueprint for Asthma Reform in Australia

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week.You can email us at [email protected]

A new Australian study suggests understanding the genes we're born with - our genome - could help to explain why some children get cancer in childhood. And there are implications for adults too.GuestDr Noemi Fuentes-Bolanos, Paediatric Oncologist and Clinical Researcher, Children's Cancer Institute and Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's HospitalReferencesIntegrated germline and somatic molecular profiling to detect cancer predisposition has a high clinical impact in poor-prognosis paediatric cancer