Australian science: healthy but starting to splutter
Australian science is “generally in good health”, but faces major challenges in the form of falling science participation…
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Health + Medicine — Research and News
Wilkie gives reluctant support to weaker pokie reforms
Watered-down poker machine reforms designed to protect problem gamblers will go ahead after Tasmanian Independent MP Andrew…
Push to quantify social impact of science goes global
Australia is preparing to join a worldwide push to map the wider social returns on investments in science.
This week Professor…
Backdown on new psychiatric diagnoses a welcome respite
Australian psychiatrists have welcomed a rare move by a US panel editing the universal diagnostic manual to drop two unpopular…
Molecule may be key to halting early dementia
The discovery of a molecule that appears to regulate memory and learning in the brain could pave the way for treatments of…
Efficiency tax will stifle scientific work at CSIRO
A $23-million “efficiency dividend” on administrative costs at CSIRO will inevitably affect the quality of scientific research…
Fertility treatments linked to higher risk of birth defects
Babies conceived using commonly available fertility treatments are on average almost 50% more likely to have a birth defect…
Simple test for heart defects in babies should be routine
Newborn screening for life-threatening congenital heart defects using pulse oximetry – a simple, low-cost test – is the most…
Wiki founder to build open access site for UK research
The British government has enlisted the services of Wikipedia in a push to make all taxpayer-funded academic research from…
Obese women face discrimination in job hunt
People who worry about their appearance are more likely to discriminate against obese people, a new study has found.
Researchers…
Gene discovery could help treat deadliest form of cancer
The discovery of a tumour suppressing gene could offer hope to patients with the deadliest form of cancer, new research has…
Blueberries and strawberries slow cognitive decline
People who eat greater amounts of blueberries and strawberries could delay their cognitive ageing by years, according to…
IVF babies at greater risk of heart problems in later life
Babies born through IVF procedures are at greater risk of developing heart problems, according to research that suggests…
Scientists discover there are 10 types of breast cancer
A landmark study has revealed there are 10 different types of breast cancer, not four as previously thought – a finding that…
Salt levels in Australian fast food ‘well above acceptable’
Fast foods in Australia contain less salt than their equivalent in the US but more than in France and Britain, a comparison…
Drug trial results must be made public
A team of public health experts has called for the release of all clinical drug trial results for independent analysis following…
Dental X-rays linked to brain tumour risk
People who received frequent dental x-rays as children could be at increased risk of developing a commonly diagnosed primary…
Scientists unlock cause of congenital birth defects
Australian scientists have discovered for the first time how nature and nurture combine to increase the risk for women of…
Death rate for children with asthma is rising
Health experts have warned parents of children with asthma to take the condition more seriously as new data reveals that…
Less morphine could offer more relief, minus side effects
Australian and American scientists have found a way to halt a reaction in the brain that causes the side effects of morphine…
GLBT Australians suffer from intense anxiety, depression
Nearly 80% of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) Australians suffered at least one episode of intense anxiety…
Time for Australia to abandon ‘failed war on drugs’
Australia must abandon its failed war on drugs and reopen the debate over legalising and regulating their use, according…
Rise in online gambling puts punters at risk
The convenience and comfort of betting from home is driving a surge in internet gambling, according to a large survey of…
Most Australians are taking a chance with chronic disease
Nearly all Australians are taking a lifestyle risk that will increase the chance of developing a chronic disease, and more…
Stand up for your life: sitting can be a death sentence
Adults who spend 11 or more hours a day sitting are at a 40% increased risk of dying in the next three years compared with…