Resources for Journalists

Your COVID immunity could wane faster if your BMI is high

Publicly released: Fri 12 May 2023 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Nature Medicine

The team also looked at the relationship between BMI, hospitalisation and mortality due to COVID-19 among 3. ... 6 million people in Scotland using their COVID-19 surveillance platform, and found Read more about Your COVID immunity could wane faster if your BMI is high

AI helps map the postal workers in cells

Publicly released: Fri 12 May 2023 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Cell

University of Queensland researchers have used artificial intelligence to build a 3D map of key cell components to better understand dementia and infectious diseases including COVID-19. ... Viruses such Read more about AI helps map the postal workers in cells

Most children with COVID-19 don’t require hospital treatment

Publicly released: Fri 12 May 2023 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

The Medical Journal of Australia

The research, led by Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and published in The Medical Journal of Australia, found more than half of children with COVID-19 who visited an emergency department Read more about Most children with COVID-19 don’t require hospital treatment

Over the last decade nobody has been improving the rate of preterm births

Publicly released: Wed 10 May 2023 at 1530 AEST | 1730 NZST

The researchers say regional conflict, climate change and COVID-19 are increasing the risks around preterm births as the world struggles to reduce the rates. ... The report also highlights that the Read more about Over the last decade nobody has been improving the rate of preterm births

When looking at the harms of drinking, are we neglecting what's happening in our homes?

Publicly released: Wed 10 May 2023 at 0300 AEST | 0500 NZST

Drug and Alcohol Review

Current methods to try and address the overconsumption of alcohol aren't focusing enough on drinking at home, according to Australian researchers. ... In an opinion piece, the researchers outline recent Read more about When looking at the harms of drinking, are we neglecting what's happening in our homes?

EXPERT REACTION: Federal Budget 2023-2024

Publicly released: Tue 9 May 2023 at 1945 AEST | 2145 NZST

The Federal Government has released their budget for 2023-2024. Below, a variety of Australian experts respond and discuss what this year's Budget means. Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Federal Budget 2023-2024

A woman or baby dies every 7 seconds as global progress stalls on preventing maternal or newborn deaths

Publicly released: Tue 9 May 2023 at 1400 AEST | 1600 NZST

Pregnant women and newborns continue to die at unacceptably high rates worldwide, and the COVID-19 pandemic has created further setbacks to providing them with the healthcare they need,” said Dr Read more about A woman or baby dies every 7 seconds as global progress stalls on preventing maternal or newborn deaths

The power of peer-to-peer communication in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout

Publicly released: Mon 8 May 2023 at 0930 AEST | 1130 NZST

Health Expectations

During the COVID-19 pandemic, discussions with peers played a large role in people’s decisions around vaccination, new research from UNSW Sydney shows. ... Also, once the participants received the Read more about The power of peer-to-peer communication in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout

Problems thinking straight in 1st 4 weeks of COVID-19 may mean long COVID is more likely

Publicly released: Sat 6 May 2023 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA Network Open

Perceived Cognitive Deficits in Patients With SARS-CoV-2 and Their Association With Long COVID About The Study: The findings of this study of 766 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection ... suggest that patient Read more about Problems thinking straight in 1st 4 weeks of COVID-19 may mean long COVID is more likely

Housing affordability is deteriorating, and there’s no end in sight

Publicly released: Fri 5 May 2023 at 1201 AEST | 1401 NZST

Housing Affordability in Western Australia 2023: Building for the future

stimulated by the HomeBuilder and Building Bonus COVID-19 stimulus payments had been delayed due to labour and material shortages. ... However, REIWA estimate around 19,000 homes left the rental sector in Read more about Housing affordability is deteriorating, and there’s no end in sight

No increased risk of menstrual changes after COVID-19 vaccination

Publicly released: Thu 4 May 2023 at 1230 AEST | 1430 NZST

The BMJ

To address this, researchers in Sweden drew on high quality health registry data to evaluate the risks of menstrual disturbance and bleeding after covid-19 vaccination in 2,946,448 women ... In the main Read more about No increased risk of menstrual changes after COVID-19 vaccination

Immunity from COVID-19 vaccines wanes quickly against Omicron

Publicly released: Thu 4 May 2023 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA Network Open

Evaluation ofWaning of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine–Induced Immunity: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysisThe findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis of secondary data from 40 studies suggest Read more about Immunity from COVID-19 vaccines wanes quickly against Omicron

More children and adolescents in mental health crisis since beginning of COVID-19 pandemic

Publicly released: Wed 3 May 2023 at 0900 AEST | 1100 NZST

Paediatrics

The COVID-19 pandemic has had serious and lasting negative impacts on children’s and adolescents’ mental health. ... The study highlights the increasing numbers of children and adolescents presenting Read more about More children and adolescents in mental health crisis since beginning of COVID-19 pandemic

Key to fighting chronic inflammation in severe COVID

Publicly released: Wed 3 May 2023 at 0600 AEST | 0800 NZST

Science Signaling

immune cells which contribute to chronic inflammation are not infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes COVID-19. ... We have vaccines and anti-virals in the fight against COVID-19 but the virus Read more about Key to fighting chronic inflammation in severe COVID

Pandemic related increase in depression in kids and teens stronger among girls and wealthier families

Publicly released: Tue 2 May 2023 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA Pediatrics

Depression symptoms in children and teenagers increased during the pandemic, with the effect more pronounced in girls and young people from relatively higher-income backgrounds, according to an Read more about Pandemic related increase in depression in kids and teens stronger among girls and wealthier families

2022 Prime Minister's Science Prizes awarded

Publicly released: Mon 1 May 2023 at 1530 AEST | 1730 NZST

Pacific immunologist Associate Professor Dianne Sika-Paotonu wins the Prime Minister’s Science Communication Prize for her work as a leading voice during Covid-19 pandemic. ... He smoked and the most Read more about 2022 Prime Minister's Science Prizes awarded

NEWS BRIEFING: BCG vaccine’s lack of protection against COVID-19 highlights importance of trials even during a pandemic

Publicly released: Thu 27 Apr 2023 at 0700 AEST | 0900 NZST

New England Journal of Medicine

Previous research showed BCG boosted ‘front-line’ immunity in infants and protected against some respiratory infections in adolescents and adults, which was the rationale for testing it against Read more about NEWS BRIEFING: BCG vaccine’s lack of protection against COVID-19 highlights importance of trials even during a pandemic

Death risk nearly 1 in 3 for those with both tuberculosis and COVID-19

Publicly released: Thu 27 Apr 2023 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

PLOS Global Public Health

Nearly a third of a group of US hospital patients who had tuberculosis and COVID-19 at the same time died, according to international researchers. ... The team looked at patients with TB in New York City Read more about Death risk nearly 1 in 3 for those with both tuberculosis and COVID-19

Tiny hearts advance a giant leap in fight against heart disease

Publicly released: Thu 27 Apr 2023 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

Cell Reports

muscle, which is important for several diseases that can cause heart injury including COVID-19. ... One of those is inflammation, which is the body’s reaction to insults such as metabolic disease or Read more about Tiny hearts advance a giant leap in fight against heart disease

Dogs are pretty good at sniffing out kids with COVID-19

Publicly released: Tue 25 Apr 2023 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA Pediatrics

The team trained medical alert dogs to search for COVID-19 by sniffing the ankles and feet of students. ... In the lab, the dogs were able to identify samples that did and didn't have COVID-19 above 95% Read more about Dogs are pretty good at sniffing out kids with COVID-19

EXPERT REACTION: Long COVID Inquiry report

Publicly released: Mon 24 Apr 2023 at 1109 AEST | 1309 NZST

and a nationally coordinated research program for long COVID and COVID-19. ... Sick and tired: Long COVID inquiry report releasedA national long COVID and COVID-19 database is among the key Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Long COVID Inquiry report

COVID-19 could increase your risk of diabetes

Publicly released: Wed 19 Apr 2023 at 0100 AEST | 0300 NZST

JAMA Network Open

They say the rate of new diabetes diagnoses was 672. 2 per 100,000 people exposed to COVID-19, and 508. ... About The Study: In this study of more than 600,000 individuals, SARS-CoV-2 infection was Read more about COVID-19 could increase your risk of diabetes

Children with COVID-19 treated safely at home, helping to take burden off hospitals

Publicly released: Wed 19 Apr 2023 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

Archives of Disease in Childhood

Murdoch Children’s Dr Laila Ibrahim said the program took pressure off paediatric emergency departments and helped reduce COVID-19 transmission in hospital during the first two years of the pandemic Read more about Children with COVID-19 treated safely at home, helping to take burden off hospitals

Is it time to stop mandating masks in healthcare settings?

Publicly released: Tue 18 Apr 2023 at 0700 AEST | 0900 NZST

Annals of Internal Medicine (AIM)

The experts say the time has come to manage SARS-CoV-2 the same way as other endemic respiratory viruses using correct and consistent application of Standard and Transmission-based Precautions. Read more about Is it time to stop mandating masks in healthcare settings?

EXPERT REACTION: Solar eclipse set to stun in WA

Publicly released: Mon 17 Apr 2023 at 1600 AEST | 1800 NZST

On Thursday, April 20, a solar eclipse is set to be visible across Australia for the first time since 2014. ... Exmouth and some of the surrounding peninsula in Western Australia will have the best view, Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Solar eclipse set to stun in WA

Disturbed sleep may partially explain long COVID breathlessness

Publicly released: Sun 16 Apr 2023 at 0830 AEST | 1030 NZST

European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (ECCMID), The Lancet

The researchers say the findings suggest sleep disturbance is a common problem after hospitalisation for COVID-19 and is linked with breathlessness. ... The study researchers also found that participants Read more about Disturbed sleep may partially explain long COVID breathlessness

Humanising international education requires 360-degree support

Publicly released: Fri 14 Apr 2023 at 1143 AEST | 1343 NZST

At a national level prior to COVID-19 it contributed $37. 6B to the economy. ... Notes to editors · Prior to COVID about 580,000 international students were living in Australia; by the end of 2021, Read more about Humanising international education requires 360-degree support

Nurse sounds a warning on hearing loss for COVID-19 patients

Publicly released: Fri 14 Apr 2023 at 1036 AEST | 1236 NZST

British Medical Journal Case Reports

A University of South Australia nursing lecturer has used her own COVID-19 experience to inform research into a little-known side effect of the virus – sudden deafness. ... The evidence around the short Read more about Nurse sounds a warning on hearing loss for COVID-19 patients

COVID-19 bivalent booster reduces deaths and hospitalisations in over-65s

Publicly released: Fri 14 Apr 2023 at 0830 AEST | 1030 NZST

The Lancet Infectious Diseases

Our findings highlight the importance of new types of vaccines containing different variants of SARS-CoV-2, which are likely to induce broader immune responses and provide enhanced protection against Read more about COVID-19 bivalent booster reduces deaths and hospitalisations in over-65s

A measles immunity gap is opening among preschoolers

Publicly released: Fri 14 Apr 2023 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

NZMJ

Disruption from the Covid-19 pandemic may have worsened this, with the worldwide coverage of the first dose of the measles vaccine falling about 7% from 2020 compared to 2019. ... Gaps in measles Read more about A measles immunity gap is opening among preschoolers

Australia's youth employment crisis - a result of COVID-19 or nothing new?

Publicly released: Wed 12 Apr 2023 at 0300 AEST | 0500 NZST

Australian Journal of Social Issues

The precarious employment situation of young Australians was thrown into sharp relief by the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, but Aussie experts say this is nothing new and not a ... result of COVID-19 Read more about Australia's youth employment crisis - a result of COVID-19 or nothing new?

Pregnant women show robust and variable immunity during COVID-19

Publicly released: Wed 12 Apr 2023 at 0300 AEST | 0500 NZST

JCI Insight

New research from the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (Doherty Institute) has found that pregnant women display a strong immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, comparable to that Read more about Pregnant women show robust and variable immunity during COVID-19

Around 1 in 10 pregnant Aussie women were hesitant about getting a COVID vaccine

Publicly released: Wed 12 Apr 2023 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

BMJ Open

about receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. ... The survey, which was conducted between 31 August 2021 and 1 March 2022 also found hesitancy increased over the survey period. Read more about Around 1 in 10 pregnant Aussie women were hesitant about getting a COVID vaccine

What would happen if Covid isolation was no longer mandatory in NZ?

Publicly released: Tue 11 Apr 2023 at 1300 AEST | 1500 NZST

NZ researchers used a mathematical model to figure out how the country’s rates of Covid-19 infections, hospital admissions, and deaths would change if our isolation requirements were scrapped. Read more about What would happen if Covid isolation was no longer mandatory in NZ?

Current strain of COVID-19 still seems to be more deadly than flu

Publicly released: Fri 7 Apr 2023 at 0801 AEST | 1001 NZST

European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (ECCMID)

Please credit the congress if you use this story Adults hospitalised with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant have a higher death rate than those hospitalised with seasonal influenza, even though Read more about Current strain of COVID-19 still seems to be more deadly than flu

Masks in hospitals may not have major impact on Omicron transmission

Publicly released: Fri 7 Apr 2023 at 0801 AEST | 1001 NZST

European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (EECMID)

week when the Omicron variant became dominant) and 10th September 2022 (when universal COVID-19 screening on admission by PCR stopped) to examine hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infections in relation Read more about Masks in hospitals may not have major impact on Omicron transmission

Early samples from Wuhan market contained COVID-19 virus alongside animal DNA

Publicly released: Thu 6 Apr 2023 at 1015 AEST | 1215 NZST

Nature

The results of the highly anticipated study support the claim that SARS-CoV-2 was prevalent in the Huanan Seafood Market during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, although ... Although these Read more about Early samples from Wuhan market contained COVID-19 virus alongside animal DNA

How can you counteract a conspiracy theorist's beliefs?

Publicly released: Thu 6 Apr 2023 at 0400 AEST | 0600 NZST

PLOS ONE

Cian O’Mahony of University College Cork, Ireland, and colleagues present these findings in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on April 5. ... Evidence from prior studies suggests that belief in Read more about How can you counteract a conspiracy theorist's beliefs?

Japanese Encephalitis warning in the lead up to Easter holidays

Publicly released: Wed 5 Apr 2023 at 0001 AEST | 0201 NZST

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health

A rapid review of what we know about Japanese Encephalitis (JE) outlines the serious risk that the virus poses, with residents and travellers in South-Eastern Australia only recently being exposed Read more about Japanese Encephalitis warning in the lead up to Easter holidays

Long COVID symptoms in young people could be just as common in those who haven't had COVID-19

Publicly released: Fri 31 Mar 2023 at 1015 AEDT | 1215 NZDT

JAMA Network Open

Symptoms often considered to be signs of long COVID in young people could be just as common in young people who have not had the virus, according to international and Australian ... The team clinically Read more about Long COVID symptoms in young people could be just as common in those who haven't had COVID-19

Mystery rise in childhood hepatitis linked to common virus

Publicly released: Fri 31 Mar 2023 at 0200 AEDT | 0400 NZDT

Nature

In an accompanying News & Views, Frank Tacke considers the part played by COVID-19 lockdowns. ... The wave of hepatitis in spring 2022 coincided with the relaxation of COVID-19 measures around the globe, Read more about Mystery rise in childhood hepatitis linked to common virus

The number of Aussie teens in detention or under supervision by the justice system continues to fall

Publicly released: Fri 31 Mar 2023 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

between 2017–18 to 2021–22, while the rate of young people aged 10–17 fell by 29% (from 19 to 13 per 10,000),’ said AIHW spokesperson Amanda Donges. ... Ms Donges noted the full impact of COVID-19 Read more about The number of Aussie teens in detention or under supervision by the justice system continues to fall

Cities used to be a better place for child development, but that could be changing

Publicly released: Thu 30 Mar 2023 at 0200 AEDT | 0400 NZDT

Nature

The NCD Risk Factor Collaboration, an international group of 1,500 researchers and physicians, collated height and weight data from 71 million young people, aged 5–19 years old, who lived Read more about Cities used to be a better place for child development, but that could be changing

COVID-19 vaccine induces robust T cell responses in blood cancer patients

Publicly released: Wed 29 Mar 2023 at 1000 AEDT | 1200 NZDT

Cell Reports Medicine

undertook the most comprehensive analysis of adaptive SARS-CoV-2 immunity to date in haematology patients of varying diseases and treatments across three doses of COVID-19 vaccination in comparison Read more about COVID-19 vaccine induces robust T cell responses in blood cancer patients

Severe respiratory infections during pregnancy associated with some congenital cardiovascular defects

Publicly released: Wed 29 Mar 2023 at 0945 AEDT | 1145 NZDT

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Impacts of COVID-19 Several other questions remain, including the impacts of COVID-19, which emerged after the study period of 2001-2016. ... So far from other studies there is no evidence that COVID-19 Read more about Severe respiratory infections during pregnancy associated with some congenital cardiovascular defects

Women, children and families bear brunt of homelessness

Publicly released: Tue 28 Mar 2023 at 1630 AEDT | 1830 NZDT

The number of Queensland women and children experiencing homelessness would now be much higher than the just-released Census data due to the impact of COVID, population movement into the state, Read more about Women, children and families bear brunt of homelessness

Can't be bothered getting another COVID-19 vaccine? Would cash convince you?

Publicly released: Tue 28 Mar 2023 at 0200 AEDT | 0400 NZDT

Nature Medicine

With only around 45% of the eligible Australian population having had four or more doses of COVID-19 vaccines, it seems people may be getting tired of the repeated requests to ... The researchers found Read more about Can't be bothered getting another COVID-19 vaccine? Would cash convince you?

Having a COVID-19 booster while pregnant lowers your baby's risk

Publicly released: Fri 24 Mar 2023 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Medicine

The team monitored COVID-19-related hospitalisations among nearly 50,000 babies born in Israel, and the vaccination records of their mums during periods of Delta and Omicron spread. ... They say for third Read more about Having a COVID-19 booster while pregnant lowers your baby's risk

People with severe COVID-19 could use Paxlovid to stop long-COVID

Publicly released: Fri 24 Mar 2023 at 0200 AEDT | 0400 NZDT

JAMA Internal Medicine

For people with COVID-19 and at least one risk factor for progression to severe disease, treatment with the antiviral medication nirmatrelvir - otherwise known as Paxlovid - within five days of a Read more about People with severe COVID-19 could use Paxlovid to stop long-COVID

What factors increase your risk of developing long-COVID?

Publicly released: Fri 24 Mar 2023 at 0200 AEDT | 0400 NZDT

JAMA Internal Medicine

The team conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 41 studies including 860,000 patients to determine what risk factors were associated with long-COVID. ... g. , age and sex), comorbidities, and Read more about What factors increase your risk of developing long-COVID?