Resources for Journalists

Online group course can help people with long COVID improve their health

Publicly released: Thu 8 Feb 2024 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

The BMJ

The team recruited 585 adults with lingering symptoms they attributed to COVID-19, gave half of them a single online session of advice and support, and the other half a series ... The trial involved 585 Read more about Online group course can help people with long COVID improve their health

Women with HPV face higher risk of death from heart disease

Publicly released: Wed 7 Feb 2024 at 1105 AEDT | 1305 NZDT

European Heart Journal

These risks are compelling enough to add to the already strong case for vaccinations against HPV, as well as the flu, and COVID-19, he adds. ... increase the risk of adverse outcomes from atherosclerotic Read more about Women with HPV face higher risk of death from heart disease

Covid-19 vaccines saved thousands of lives in Aotearoa

Publicly released: Wed 7 Feb 2024 at 0912 AEDT | 1112 NZDT

Vaccine

Aotearoa had one of the lowest Covid-19 pandemic mortality rates in the world, thanks to its elimination strategy that meant most people were vaccinated before being exposed to the ... CoV-2 virus. Read more about Covid-19 vaccines saved thousands of lives in Aotearoa

Bivalent COVID-19 vaccines protect kids and teens from infections

Publicly released: Wed 7 Feb 2024 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA

Bivalent COVID-19 vaccines, which contain both the original strain of the virus and the Omicron variant, protected kids and teens from infections and COVID-19 symptoms better than the first, Read more about Bivalent COVID-19 vaccines protect kids and teens from infections

How does COVID-19 impact the placenta and lead to a 'pre-eclampsia-like sydrome' ?

Publicly released: Wed 7 Feb 2024 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Clinical & Translational Immunology

For some women, having COVID-19 during pregnancy can impact their placenta and lead to a ‘preeclampsia-like syndrome’, and now Australian experts have identified some of the changes taking place Read more about How does COVID-19 impact the placenta and lead to a 'pre-eclampsia-like sydrome' ?

Mild COVID-19 linked to insomnia, especially for people with anxiety or depression

Publicly released: Mon 5 Feb 2024 at 1600 AEDT | 1800 NZDT

Frontiers in Public Health

No participants had a history of insomnia before catching COVID-19. The survey asked about the length and severity of COVID-19 infection, symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression, and how Read more about Mild COVID-19 linked to insomnia, especially for people with anxiety or depression

COVID-19 researchers discover hidden natural immune defence pathway

Publicly released: Mon 5 Feb 2024 at 1200 AEDT | 1400 NZDT

Journal of Proteome Research

unknown biomarkers of infectionPotential for rapid virus diagnosis and new drug developmentAn international cohort of scientists researching COVID-19 has uncovered a hidden part of the human immune Read more about COVID-19 researchers discover hidden natural immune defence pathway

Machine learning to battle COVID-19 bacterial co-infection

Publicly released: Fri 2 Feb 2024 at 1149 AEDT | 1349 NZDT

Microbe

Associate Professor Kirsty Short from the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences said secondary bacterial infections can be extremely dangerous for those hospitalised with COVID-19. Read more about Machine learning to battle COVID-19 bacterial co-infection

EXPERT REACTION: Our mood on Twitter takes up to three weeks to recover from a global shock

Publicly released: Thu 1 Feb 2024 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS ONE

Two events (the initiation of pandemic lockdowns and the invasion of Ukraine) were studied by surveying discourse on Twitter in the weeks before and after the event. ... The authors note that the results Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Our mood on Twitter takes up to three weeks to recover from a global shock

Obesity spiked in children during COVID-19 lockdowns—only the youngest bounced back

Publicly released: Thu 25 Jan 2024 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS ONE

to society of post-pandemic obesity rates Obesity among primary school children in the UK spiked during the COVID-19 lockdown, with a 45% increase between 2019/20 and 2020/21 ... National Childhood Read more about Obesity spiked in children during COVID-19 lockdowns—only the youngest bounced back

EXPERT REACTION: Could blood proteins hold the key to the cause of long COVID?

Publicly released: Fri 19 Jan 2024 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

Science

Not everyone fully recovers from COVID-19. Roughly 20% of patients diagnosed with it and about 5% of all SARS-CoV-2–infected persons develop lingering symptoms, called Long Covid, that ... Although Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Could blood proteins hold the key to the cause of long COVID?

Vegetarians and vegans may be less likely to get COVID-19

Publicly released: Wed 10 Jan 2024 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health

The team asked the participants about their diet, and compared the rates of COVID-19 infection and severity within the group over the period of March-July 2022. ... And the prevalence of overweight and Read more about Vegetarians and vegans may be less likely to get COVID-19

Data shows soaring demand for people skills in Aussie post-pandemic jobs market

Publicly released: Tue 9 Jan 2024 at 0925 AEDT | 1125 NZDT

Nature Human Behaviour

Key points: Australian employers’ demand for interpersonal skills, such as communication and networking, has continued to climb since the COVID-19 pandemic. ... Aussie employers’ demand for workers Read more about Data shows soaring demand for people skills in Aussie post-pandemic jobs market

New AI tool accurately detects COVID-19 from chest X-rays

Publicly released: Mon 8 Jan 2024 at 1313 AEDT | 1513 NZDT

Nature Scientific Reports

pressing need for effective automated tools to detect COVID-19, given the significant impact on public health and the global economy. ... The Custom-CNN model streamlines the detection process, providing Read more about New AI tool accurately detects COVID-19 from chest X-rays

WHO declares a new COVID19 variant of interest

Publicly released: Thu 21 Dec 2023 at 1207 AEDT | 1407 NZDT

LINK: Read the risk evaluation: https://www. who. int/activities/tracking-SARS-CoV-2-variants WHO is continuously monitoring the evidence and will update the JN. ... 1 and other circulating variants of Read more about WHO declares a new COVID19 variant of interest

Sexually transmissible infections are on the rise in Australia, with syphilis rates tripling over the decade

Publicly released: Tue 19 Dec 2023 at 0100 AEDT | 0300 NZDT

Chlamydia is increasing too (up 12 per cent since 2013), and low rates of testing brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic have researchers concerned that the upward trends are likely ... ongoing impacts of Read more about Sexually transmissible infections are on the rise in Australia, with syphilis rates tripling over the decade

Applying NZ’s Covid contact tracing system to STIs

Publicly released: Fri 15 Dec 2023 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

New Zealand Medical Journal

A centralised system to contact trace sexually transmitted infections, similar to what NZ created for COVID-19, would bring a more consistent approach to what’s currently done at the clinic Read more about Applying NZ’s Covid contact tracing system to STIs

Vaccination coverage in children continues to decline following easing of pandemic-related restrictions

Publicly released: Thu 14 Dec 2023 at 1045 AEDT | 1245 NZDT

A new report from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) shows vaccination coverage in children has continued to decrease since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more about Vaccination coverage in children continues to decline following easing of pandemic-related restrictions

Animal tests suggest inhaled COVID-19 vaccine may prevent disease

Publicly released: Thu 14 Dec 2023 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature

Development of an inhaled vaccine for COVID-19  The development of an inhaled vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 is reported in Nature. ... The vaccine encapsulates a non-toxic bacterial protein called CTB, which Read more about Animal tests suggest inhaled COVID-19 vaccine may prevent disease

Mental health and addiction now second largest cause of disease in Australia

Publicly released: Thu 14 Dec 2023 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

9%) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (3. 6%). COVID‑19 ranked 30th among the specific diseases causing burden in 2023, accounting for 0. ... The burden from COVID‑19 was predominantly fatal Read more about Mental health and addiction now second largest cause of disease in Australia

Melbourne-made COVID-19 vaccines show robust boosting potential

Publicly released: Wed 13 Dec 2023 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

eBioMedicine

Two Melbourne-made COVID-19 vaccines have shown strong potential to be an improved approach for boosting immunity to SARS-CoV-2 variants according to interim results of a Phase 1 ... Melbourne-made Read more about Melbourne-made COVID-19 vaccines show robust boosting potential

Suburban backyard home to more than 1,000 species

Publicly released: Fri 8 Dec 2023 at 0930 AEDT | 1130 NZDT

Ecology

UQ mathematician Dr Matt Holden, ecologist Dr Andrew Rogers and taxonomist Dr Russell Yong took a census of their Annerley share house and its backyard during the COVID-19 lockdowns in ... The Parilyrg Read more about Suburban backyard home to more than 1,000 species

The AusSMC's Top 10 Science Stories 2023

Publicly released: Wed 6 Dec 2023 at 0900 AEDT | 1100 NZDT

And Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data released in September showed COVID-19 was the first infectious disease in the top five causes of death in Australia since 1970, responsible for Read more about The AusSMC's Top 10 Science Stories 2023

Real connections trump virtual gatherings: The magic of in-person events

Publicly released: Wed 6 Dec 2023 at 0900 AEDT | 1100 NZDT

Event Management

From virtual dance parties and raves to virtual happy hours and potlucks – online gatherings reached new heights during COVID-19, helping individuals stay connected during lockdowns. ... More than half Read more about Real connections trump virtual gatherings: The magic of in-person events

Post COVID elective surgery wait times longer than ever

Publicly released: Wed 6 Dec 2023 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

COVID-19 pandemic (758,000 admissions in 2018–19),’ said AIHW spokesperson Clara Jellie. ... In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, presentations to public hospital emergency departments Read more about Post COVID elective surgery wait times longer than ever

NEWS BRIEFING: Fossil fuel emissions reach record high - Global Carbon Budget

Publicly released: Tue 5 Dec 2023 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Earth System Science Data

Australian National UniversityPlease note: Dr Candell is heading to the US on Sat 2 Dec and Professor Jotzo is heading to the COP 28 conference on Sat 2 Dec. ... 5 per cent. The growth in oil emissions Read more about NEWS BRIEFING: Fossil fuel emissions reach record high - Global Carbon Budget

A specialised health service helped catch WA refugee children up with their COVID-19 vaccinations

Publicly released: Mon 4 Dec 2023 at 1340 AEDT | 1540 NZDT

Medical Journal of Australia

A specialist health service for refugees was able to turn vaccination rates around for their cohort of refugee children during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Australian research. ... time. The Read more about A specialised health service helped catch WA refugee children up with their COVID-19 vaccinations

Two new lineages of coronavirus detected in NZ bats

Publicly released: Mon 4 Dec 2023 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

New Zealand Journal of Ecology

New research has identified two new lineages of coronavirus in New Zealand native bats, with over 60% of long-tailed bats infected during the study period. ... However, the findings are an important step Read more about Two new lineages of coronavirus detected in NZ bats

Being overweight hampers body’s immune response to SARS-CoV-2

Publicly released: Mon 4 Dec 2023 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Clinical & Translational Immunology

We’ve previously shown that being overweight – not just being obese – increases the severity of SARS-CoV-2,” Mr Tong said. ... Finally, the data provides an added impetus to improve SARS-CoV-2 Read more about Being overweight hampers body’s immune response to SARS-CoV-2

Depression and anxiety was higher for young people during the COVID-19 pandemic

Publicly released: Fri 1 Dec 2023 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Network Open

More than a third of young adults had anxiety or depression during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a survey of over 3 million US adults which found rates were much ... S. adults, anxiety and Read more about Depression and anxiety was higher for young people during the COVID-19 pandemic

Economic crashes linked to rise in male suicides, and lower mental health overall

Publicly released: Thu 30 Nov 2023 at 1601 AEDT | 1801 NZDT

Journal of Mental Health

Experts from Canada and the UK led this research into the impact of financial meltdowns on psychological well-being. ... Limitations of the research include the majority of the studies assessed were not Read more about Economic crashes linked to rise in male suicides, and lower mental health overall

Having a baby is getting more expensive in Queensland

Publicly released: Wed 29 Nov 2023 at 1630 AEDT | 1830 NZDT

Medical Journal of Australia

It found that the demographic characteristics of women giving birth is markedly changing and the cost of care is becoming unsustainable. ... As health care spending changes in the wake of the coronavirus Read more about Having a baby is getting more expensive in Queensland

Remote work, reduced pay: are we willing to make a trade?

Publicly released: Wed 29 Nov 2023 at 1335 AEDT | 1535 NZDT

Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to reshape the workforce, with almost half of Australian workers willing to sacrifice part of their annual salary to work from home. ... It’s clear that COVID-19 has Read more about Remote work, reduced pay: are we willing to make a trade?

$48 billion spent on Australia's COVID-19 response

Publicly released: Wed 29 Nov 2023 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

The report estimates the amount spent from the financial year 2019-2020 to 2021-2022, and says spending on COVID-19 represented 72% of total funds spent on health. ... The Australian Institute of Health Read more about $48 billion spent on Australia's COVID-19 response

Nurturing connection at Murdoch’s International Café

Publicly released: Mon 27 Nov 2023 at 1838 AEDT | 2038 NZDT

Journal of the Australian and New Zealand Student Services Association

The “post-COVID-19” period witnessed a resurgence of international students arriving in Western Australia. ... As Murdoch University continues to refine and expand these programs, the positive impact Read more about Nurturing connection at Murdoch’s International Café

EXPERT REACTION: Should we be concerned about the rise in respiratory illnesses in China?

Publicly released: Fri 24 Nov 2023 at 1320 AEDT | 1520 NZDT

China is currently seeing an increase in respiratory illnesses and reported clusters of pneumonia in children, according to the World Health Organization. ... The WHO this week made an official request to Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Should we be concerned about the rise in respiratory illnesses in China?

Fractional COVID-19 booster vaccines produce similar immune response as full-doses

Publicly released: Fri 24 Nov 2023 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific

The study is the first of its kind to assess and compare COVID-19 vaccines widely used in low- and middle-income countries. ... Fractional dosing may improve COVID-19 booster acceptability and uptake and Read more about Fractional COVID-19 booster vaccines produce similar immune response as full-doses

Getting vaxxed before you catch COVID may help you avoid long COVID

Publicly released: Thu 23 Nov 2023 at 1432 AEDT | 1632 NZDT

The BMJ

The effectiveness of covid-19 vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe complications of acute covid-19 are already known, but their effectiveness against long covid is less clear because Read more about Getting vaxxed before you catch COVID may help you avoid long COVID

Sales data could help improve disease surveillance

Publicly released: Wed 22 Nov 2023 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Communications

weather data, to predict weekly deaths from respiratory diseases, such as the flu and bronchitis. ... The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of producing accurate forecasts of respiratory Read more about Sales data could help improve disease surveillance

Turning back the clock on brains aged by COVID

Publicly released: Wed 22 Nov 2023 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Nature Aging

We found COVID-19 accelerates the presence of ‘zombie’ or senescent cells, which accumulate naturally and gradually in the brain as we get older,” Dr Aguado said. ... rejuvenated the brain and Read more about Turning back the clock on brains aged by COVID

1060 million people with ‘other’ musculoskeletal disorders by 2050

Publicly released: Mon 20 Nov 2023 at 1601 AEDT | 1801 NZDT

The Lancet Rheumatology

across 204 countries and territories to measure the prevalence, years of life lived with disability and population data to identify the 2050 projection. ... A factor which may add to the projection of Read more about 1060 million people with ‘other’ musculoskeletal disorders by 2050

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on preschool kids a mixed bag

Publicly released: Fri 17 Nov 2023 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Network Open

Canadian scientists say preschool kids exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic in the country have better problem-solving skills and fine movement skills compared with kids who grew up before the Read more about Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on preschool kids a mixed bag

An Aussie is hospitalised with head injuries every four minutes

Publicly released: Thu 16 Nov 2023 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

4% each year. Following a lull in 2019–20 due to COVID–19, head injury hospitalisation rates increased by 6. ... 8 hospitalisations per 100,000 population in 2020-21). Following a decline in 2019–20, Read more about An Aussie is hospitalised with head injuries every four minutes

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine during but not before pregnancy can help protect the baby from Omicron

Publicly released: Sat 11 Nov 2023 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Network Open

The researchers looked at Singapore's national health data to identify babies who had at least one parent infected with COVID-19 during their first six months of life, and compared ... which babies got Read more about Getting a COVID-19 vaccine during but not before pregnancy can help protect the baby from Omicron

Have COVID-19 patients who lost their taste or smell recovered after 3 years?

Publicly released: Fri 10 Nov 2023 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery

The team recruited 100 people with mild COVID-19 and 100 who hadn't had the virus and tested their ability to taste and smell, testing the COVID-19 group again ... Among COVID-19 patients, 64. 5% lost Read more about Have COVID-19 patients who lost their taste or smell recovered after 3 years?

Getting vaccinated for flu and COVID-19 at the same time appears to give you similar protection

Publicly released: Thu 9 Nov 2023 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Network Open

You can probably get vaccinated for COVID-19 and flu on the same day without impacting the level of protection you get from either vaccine, according to a study from vaccine ... They say patients who Read more about Getting vaccinated for flu and COVID-19 at the same time appears to give you similar protection

Animal-to-human virus epidemics are rapidly becoming larger and more frequent

Publicly released: Fri 3 Nov 2023 at 0930 AEDT | 1130 NZDT

BMJ Global Health

SARS Coronavirus 1, but did not include the COVID-19 pandemic. ... The researchers focused on Filoviruses (Ebola virus, Marburg virus), SARS Coronavirus 1, Nipah virus, and Machupo virus, which causes Read more about Animal-to-human virus epidemics are rapidly becoming larger and more frequent

Climate change is harming our health but climate services save lives

Publicly released: Thu 2 Nov 2023 at 2200 AEDT | Fri 3 Nov 2023 at 0000 NZDT

Currently, just 0. 2% of total bilateral and multilateral adaptation finance supports projects that identify health as the primary focus, and the investment in the capacity for multisectoral and Read more about Climate change is harming our health but climate services save lives

How does COVID-19 affect immunocompromised people differently?

Publicly released: Thu 2 Nov 2023 at 1200 AEDT | 1400 NZDT

PLOS ONE

The team recruited 27 immunocompromised COVID-19 patients; 12 with blood cancers or conditions, eight with secondary immunosuppression and seven with primary or acquired immunodeficiency from Read more about How does COVID-19 affect immunocompromised people differently?

Pandemic compliance rules are confused by slow science and misinformation

Publicly released: Thu 2 Nov 2023 at 0820 AEDT | 1020 NZDT

Policy and Society

A new study in the international journal Policy and Society found gaps in knowledge about the first and subsequent COVID-19 virus prevention led to sometimes confusing government messaging, which Read more about Pandemic compliance rules are confused by slow science and misinformation