Health Report

What can you really learn from a biological ageing test? 18.07.2026 43min

There's a race going on in Silicon Valley to find ways to slow down ageing and monetise longevity. Some of the tools used to measure this are biological age tests that give various health readings. Can you biohack your way to reverse ageing? Parents and caregivers of adolescents can worry about the side effects of taking oral medications for acne. A new study into the use of isotretinoin found no association with reduced adult height. A newly updated human-infective RNA virus dataset may be used to find patterns that help predict what a future virus, or ‘disease x’ might look like. References Four Corners: The Race to Reverse Aging Isotretinoin Treatment in Adolescence and Adult Height A complete catalogue of human-infective RNA viruses UK begins trials of Ebola vaccine developed in just eight weeks Future pharmacy: A better deal for patients and taxpayers Pete Hegseth announces plan to test US troops for low testosterone

Who should be allowed to prescribe medications? 11.07.2026 43min

A review of the evidence for community pharmacist prescribing has reopened the debate about who should be able to prescribe, and a legislative change means some registered nurses with special training will soon be authorised to prescribe a number of medicines on the PBS too. Australia's Health 2026 report shows that dementia has overtaken coronary heart disease as the leading cause of death in Australia, and rising obesity rates are a contributor. A new study assessed three parameters in the diets of Swedish participants who were at risk of dementia. Can the quality of your diet really make a difference? A follow up of patients admitted to intensive care units around Australia with sepsis and septic shock, looked at the longer term effects of this life threatening condition. References Community pharmacist prescribing outcomes in Australia and beyond Pharmacist prescribing: without evidence, it's the patient who pays RACGP-commissioned review confirms pharmacist prescribing improves access to care New law gives registered nurses PBS prescribing rights for the first time Sexual orientation and gender identity based disparities in colorectal, cervical, and breast cancer screening in the United States US study on cancer screening access and what it means for Australia USyd CEC response Australian cancer trials are getting worse at reporting sex differences - putting patients at risk Australia's health 2026 (AIHW) Diet Quality and Dementia Risk in Older Adults With Alzheimer Pathology Long-term survival in patients discharged alive from hospital following an intensive care unit admission with sepsis or septic shock in Australia and New Zealand: an observational cohort study

Could a sleep supplement help reduce chronic pain? 04.07.2026 44min

While looking for ways to treat pain in those with musculoskeletal disorders, researchers examined studies in which sleep supplement melatonin had been used. A study into the behaviour of immune cells in coeliac disease patients showed surprising results. Instead of being overactive, T cells in coeliac disease were subdued, and didn't survive as long as T cells from healthy people. Spinal stimulators have been in use for many years, but the evidence for their benefit, or otherwise has been unclear until now. References Efficacy and effectiveness of melatonin for the management of musculoskeletal pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of placebo and active controlled trials Functional immune profiling reveals CD4+ T cell dysregulation in coeliac disease (Immunology and Cell Biology, 2026) Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation plus locomotor training versus sham-stimulation plus locomotor training in chronic spinal cord injury (eWALK): a multicentre, triple-blind, randomised, sham-controlled trial The little-known cause of heart attack in young women Worsening Asthma Outcomes in Australian Adults: A Comparison of Stratified Sample Surveys in 2012 and 2021 Most Australians unaware of 'black triangle' medicine side effects reporting scheme: study New pneumococcal vaccine for adults on the NIP Statement from Invidior on removal of Sublocade from Australian market

Should we ban the use of controversial herbicide, paraquat? 27.06.2026 42min

A movement disorder specialist says the APVMA decision on the use of herbicide paraquat ignores evidence of the link with cases of Parkinson's disease. Analysis of patient data shows less than twenty percent of people attend a cardiac rehabilitation program after their hospital stay, despite the fact that it can make a huge difference to health outcomes. There's 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 outlines an approach to help turn this around. And a study shows most IVF add-on treatments do not result in more pregnancies. References: Statement from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority Chemical regulator approves restricted use of herbicide paraquat previously linked to Parkinson's disease Mapping patient outcomes associated with cardiac rehabilitation Childhood vaccine hesitancy, The New England Journal of Medicine Safety and effectiveness of ten common in-vitro fertilisation add-ons No evidence most IVF add-on treatments improve fertility Concerns regarding the public health risks associated with unapproved peptide products WA Health provides public health update following avian influenza detection in wild bird

Bird flu has reached Australia. Now what? 22.06.2026 19min

The first cases of H5N1 bird flu have been confirmed following the discovery and rescue of a sick bird on a remote beach in Western Australia. Since then more sick birds have been reported, with authorities stressing the safest approach is to take a photo and notify them. While the risk of bird to human transmission is low, there have been almost one thousand cases of H5N1 bird flu in humans since 2003. So what happens now? Further information: Bird flu (avian influenza) CDC Human infections with highly pathogenic avian influenza An overview of influenza H5 vaccines Science Show: Preparing for the next pandemic Vet chanced upon sick bird that turned out to be first H5 bird flu case

Good and bad news on alcohol and disease risk 20.06.2026 44min

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. Should gyms turn the volume down on the loud music they play while patrons are working out? The donated brains of Parkinson's patients are analysed, showing that the original clinical diagnoses are incorrect in up to twenty percent of cases. And a study shows survivors of Ebola can experience longer term neurological symptoms, including memory loss. References: Neurological Manifestations in Adult Survivors of Ebola Virus Disease Internet Searches for Leucovorin, Folate, and Acetaminophen After a White House Autism Announcement Assignment of benefit changes delayed Ongoing access to Zoladex monthly implant in Australia - AstraZeneca A review of the relationship between dimensions of alcohol consumption and the burden of disease Pathology and Genetics in a Global Cohort of Parkinsonian Disorders Lower Music Volume Levels in Fitness Class and Perceived Exercise Intensity

A crackdown on unregulated peptides 13.06.2026 45min

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 outrage Diabetes Association in uproar after members expelled from annual meeting over protest of NIH cuts Egg Allergy Prevalence Before and After Guidelines for Earlier Egg Introduction TGA strengthens compliance focus on unapproved peptide products as part of evolving risk response TGA cracks down on unregulated peptides, says increased imports are posing a risk to consumer safety Feasibility and outcomes of the DNA Screen nationwide adult genomic screening pilot Factors Associated With Pain Related to Insertion of a Contraceptive Intrauterine Device: Findings of a National Survey Australia’s erosion of peer review - Science

Does exercise lower your biological age? 06.06.2026 39min

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 Adults AstraZeneca pulls critical breast cancer and endometriosis drug Zoladex from shelves Abortion Access Under Attack Again in Two Australian States - RANZCOG Physical activity and biological age measured by DNA methylation clocks: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The habits that protect your mental health 30.05.2026 42min

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 says Ebola-hit DR Congo faces 'catastrophic collision' of disease and conflict, WHO warns Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus, Democratic Republic of the Congo & Uganda Ebola Outbreak: Current Situation (CDC) Calcium, vitamin D, or combined supplementation to prevent fractures and falls: systematic review and meta-analysis Diphtheria in Australia – Epidemiological update – 18 May 2026 Impact of Restriction-Resumption Protocols on Mood and Anxiety in Healthy Adults: Randomized Controlled Trial

Peptides: who's using them and what's in them? 23.05.2026 44min

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 Australia Impact and Effectiveness of Australia's 2025 Hybrid RSV Immunisation Program: Results from the PAEDS-FluCAN Network Diphtheria outbreak could be 'contained within months' but response criticised as too slow Responding to injectable synthetic peptide use among young people: priorities for clinicians and public health Insights from a cross-sectional population-based study of 10,929 Australians living with Parkinson's disease: risk factors, comorbidities, and sex differences Cardiac resynchronization therapy with or without atrioventricular node ablation in atrial fibrillation: the CAAN-AF trial

Ebola outbreak: how it spreads and prospects for a vaccine 21.05.2026

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

Do you need surgery after an ACL tear? 16.05.2026 51min

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 Trial Treatment of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture Acute, Longer-Term, and Transdiagnostic Outcomes After Digital Interventions for Eating Disorders Aluminium adjuvants in vaccines and potential health effects: systematic review Polycystic ovary syndrome renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome Thriving Kids - Services Australia

'Fitspo' content and mental health 09.05.2026 44min

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 problem Mpox disease epidemiology, vaccine uptake and vaccination coverage in Australia 2022–2024: a descriptive study Hantavirus-hit cruise ship leaves Cape Verde after three evacuated Major budget boost means Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are here to stay Lifting the Screen on Fitspiration: A Meta-Analysis Cross-reactive anti-prophage antibodies and bacterial heteroresistance implicated in phage therapeutic failure

Markers of irritable bowel syndrome 02.05.2026 45min

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-analysis Variations in the investigation of colorectal cancer-related symptoms in Australian primary care: a retrospective cohort study Outbreak of diptheria in the Kimberley. Nine-Valent Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and Related Cancers in Males An estimated 450,000 diabetics will miss out on subsidised Mounjaro after negotiations stalled

What do we know about brain fog in menopause? 25.04.2026

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 Health Home cooking, cooking skills and dementia requiring long-term care: a population-based cohort study in Japan Typology of out-of-home eaters: a description of sociodemographic, lifestyle, nutritional and environmental characteristics in the NutriNet-Santé cohort Gender and age differences in weekend eating habits: associations with fat mass percentage in a cross-sectional study Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and risk of substance use disorders among US veterans with type 2 diabetes: cohort study Heart-nosed bat alphacoronaviruses use human CEACAM6 to enter cells Advances in understanding of cognitive symptoms during menopause A Bold Blueprint for Asthma Reform in Australia Integrated germline and somatic molecular profiling to detect cancer predisposition has a high clinical impact in poor-prognosis paediatric cancer

Can ChatGPT Health tell when you should go to hospital? 18.04.2026 49min

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 Disease Municipal water fluoridation, adolescent IQ, and cognition across the life course Andrographis paniculata (Andrographis) and anaphylaxis - updated safety review and supplementary report Amyloid‐beta‐targeting monoclonal antibodies for people with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease ChatGPT Health performance in a structured test of triage recommendations Initiators of Semaglutide in General Practice in New South Wales, 2020–2023: A Retrospective Cohort Study Suicide and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Children and Adolescents Suicide and intentional self-harm hospitalisations among young people Generational 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

Treating a medical emergency ... in space 11.04.2026 43min

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 study Retraction: Cosmetic talc powder Oncologic Risk of Missed Appendiceal Tumors in Acute Appendicitis Future Proofing Study - Research Insights 2026 Incidental Rotator Cuff Abnormalities on Magnetic Resonance Imaging

What to expect this flu season 04.04.2026 42min

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 assessment Cost-Effectiveness of Oral Immunotherapy Treatments vs No Treatment for Peanut Allergy in Children Annual Immunisation Coverage Report 2025 Vaping likely to cause cancer, new Australian review of evidence finds (ABC News) Influenza (flu) vaccine - Department of Health Influenza immunisation resources - National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance Historic 1994 influenza vaccine cohorts define breadth of antibody and B cell responses toward future influenza A and B viruses Lab Notes: Super-K flu is here … but it's not our biggest problem Intranasal Treatments for Children With Sleep-Disordered Breathing: The MIST+ Randomized Clinical Trial Prostate artery Embolisation Assessment of Safety and feasibilitY (P-EASY): a potential alternative to long-term medical therapy for benign prostate hyperplasia The ‘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 BPH Prostate artery EmbolisAtion Safety and efficacY: Preliminary and foLlow-Up urodynamic Studies (P-EASY PLUS)

3D printing in healthcare 28.03.2026 39min

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.

Ultra-processed foods and behaviour in kids 21.03.2026 45min

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 Cessation Sex-based prognosis in industry-sponsored advanced solid tumour trials: an individual participant data meta-analysis of survival and adverse events Thanks to AI, Paul can see the culprit of his dog's cancer Meet the man who designed a cancer vaccine for his dog Ultraprocessed Food Consumption and Behavioral Outcomes in Canadian Children Multilevel 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 Australia CRISPR-Cas-based diagnostics for point-of-care detection of sexually transmitted infections: a laboratory development and evaluation study