Resources for Journalists

COVID made training inequities worse for female surgeons

Publicly released: Fri 19 Sep 2025 at 0001 AEST, 0201 NZST

New Zealand Medical Journal

Researchers found that male trainee surgeons were already doing more surgeries than females before COVID, but that this difference got even worse during the pandemic. ... Gender disparity and the impact Read more about COVID made training inequities worse for female surgeons

EXPERT REACTION: US vaccine panel meeting to consider safety of COVID-19 and other vaccines

Publicly released: Thu 18 Sep 2025 at 1030 AEST, 1230 NZST

The draft agenda shows that they will be discussing the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine and hepatitis B vaccine on Thursday, and the COVID-19 vaccines on Friday. ... Below, Read more about EXPERT REACTION: US vaccine panel meeting to consider safety of COVID-19 and other vaccines

Puppies not always a mental health boost

Publicly released: Thu 18 Sep 2025 at 0400 AEST, 0600 NZST

PLOS One

Many families got a puppy during the Covid pandemic to boost their mental health, but a new study suggests this shouldn't be the main reason for getting one. ... Such hopes were behind many puppy Read more about Puppies not always a mental health boost

Long COVID associated with longer and heavier periods

Publicly released: Wed 17 Sep 2025 at 0100 AEST, 0300 NZST

Nature Communications

The authors also found that symptoms of long COVID increased in the peri-menstrual phase (which includes the 2 days before menstruation and all subsequent days of menstruation), suggesting a Read more about Long COVID associated with longer and heavier periods

NEWS BRIEFING: Australia's 2024 sexual health checkup

Publicly released: Mon 15 Sep 2025 at 0100 AEST, 0300 NZST

Institute and the report’s lead author, who presented the data at the conference. ... While the small increase is likely related to unusually low diagnoses during the COVID pandemic, during which there Read more about NEWS BRIEFING: Australia's 2024 sexual health checkup

Dog owners say it was harder to train dogs during the pandemic

Publicly released: Thu 11 Sep 2025 at 0400 AEST, 0600 NZST

PLOS One

This might be due to stress in the dogs’ home environment during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as fewer opportunities for social interaction during lockdowns. ... Interestingly, we found that Read more about Dog owners say it was harder to train dogs during the pandemic

Mum's breastmilk changes throughout the day, and it could impact a baby's body clock

Publicly released: Fri 5 Sep 2025 at 1400 AEST, 1600 NZST

Frontiers in Nutrition

The hormones and proteins involved in circadian signaling, however, may vary in breast milk concentration over 24 hours. ... as the maturing and stabilization of the infant’s circadian rhythm,” Read more about Mum's breastmilk changes throughout the day, and it could impact a baby's body clock

Nasal vaccine offers new approach to fighting COVID-19: mouse study

Publicly released: Thu 4 Sep 2025 at 1340 AEST, 1540 NZST

Frontiers in Immunology

System. Published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology, the study tested a nasal vaccine made from the SARS-COV-2 spike protein combined with Pam2Cys, an immune-boosting compound developed at Read more about Nasal vaccine offers new approach to fighting COVID-19: mouse study

Protein discovery gives new hope for longer COVID protection

Publicly released: Thu 4 Sep 2025 at 0627 AEST, 0827 NZST

Nature Communications

A protein particle hidden within the SARS-CoV-2 virus could lead to longer-lasting, more protective vaccines for COVID-19. ... new vaccines and treatments that offered protection across multiple strains Read more about Protein discovery gives new hope for longer COVID protection

An antihistamine nasal spray could help ward off COVID-19

Publicly released: Wed 3 Sep 2025 at 0100 AEST, 0300 NZST

JAMA Internal Medicine

Regular use of the antihistamine nasal spray Azelastine could reduce your chances of getting COVID-19, according to international research. ... Regularly testing the participants for COVID-19, the Read more about An antihistamine nasal spray could help ward off COVID-19

Australian-led trial shows nasal spray reduces COVID-19 risk in cancer patients

Publicly released: Thu 28 Aug 2025 at 2300 AEST, Fri 29 Aug 25 at 0100 NZST

Clinical Infectious Diseases

Even with vaccination, cancer patients remain more vulnerable to COVID-19 and its complications,” Dr Yong said. ... This is the first randomised controlled trial to show that an intranasal Read more about Australian-led trial shows nasal spray reduces COVID-19 risk in cancer patients

Citizen scientists and holidaymakers key to restoring confidence in SA’s algal bloom-hit coastline

Publicly released: Thu 28 Aug 2025 at 1534 AEST, 1734 NZST

These people are helping address the difficulty of the situation by contributing their time and energy. ... South Australians can apply to win one of the Coast is Calling vouchers, which are similar in Read more about Citizen scientists and holidaymakers key to restoring confidence in SA’s algal bloom-hit coastline

Have young people cancelled the mid-life crisis?

Publicly released: Thu 28 Aug 2025 at 0400 AEST, 0600 NZST

PLOS One

health challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and increased social media use. ... health care services, mental health challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and increased social media use. Read more about Have young people cancelled the mid-life crisis?

Alarming gaps in maternal health across Australia, USA, and UK revealed

Publicly released: Wed 27 Aug 2025 at 1130 AEST, 1330 NZST

Journal of Clinical Medicine

outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic added further strain to maternity care systems and, in the UK, it became a leading cause of death among pregnant women caused by disruptions to prenatal ... The paper, Read more about Alarming gaps in maternal health across Australia, USA, and UK revealed

A mother and child's depression risk is linked, but in which direction?

Publicly released: Tue 26 Aug 2025 at 0100 AEST, 0300 NZST

JAMA Pediatrics

They say they found a link between child depression and subsequent maternal depression, but not the other way around. ... The researchers say these findings should be tested over a time period that does Read more about A mother and child's depression risk is linked, but in which direction?

Long COVID patients experience major losses of function and quality of life

Publicly released: Mon 25 Aug 2025 at 0001 AEST, 0201 NZST

Australian Journal of Primary Health

researchers. The team recruited 121 adults who had COVID-19 in 2020 up to mid 2022 and fit the World Health Organization's description of a long COVID patient in late ... Comparing the cohort to the Read more about Long COVID patients experience major losses of function and quality of life

Bushfires can spike local death rates but it's not just the heat of the fire to blame

Publicly released: Fri 22 Aug 2025 at 1400 AEST, 1600 NZST

Frontiers in Climate

They trained a model on demographic data from Maui County from August 2018 to July 2023 and weighted the analysis to exclude deaths caused by Covid-19. ... We think this might reflect a temporary drop in Read more about Bushfires can spike local death rates but it's not just the heat of the fire to blame

Less than half of depressed teens in the US are getting treatment

Publicly released: Thu 21 Aug 2025 at 0400 AEST, 0600 NZST

PLOS Mental Health

The prevalence of adolescent depression has increased following the COVID-19 pandemic and is often under-treated. ... S. National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Of the 11,969 respondents, 2,283 (19. Read more about Less than half of depressed teens in the US are getting treatment

Before the outbreak: how the next-gen of animal vaccines will safeguard Australia

Publicly released: Mon 18 Aug 2025 at 1103 AEST, 1303 NZST

Prof. Thordarson says if the virus does arrive on our shores, it would devastate the country’s meat and dairy industries. ... This is the same mRNA technology that helped combat COVID-19. Read more about Before the outbreak: how the next-gen of animal vaccines will safeguard Australia

COVID-19 infection ages blood vessels, especially in women

Publicly released: Mon 18 Aug 2025 at 0905 AEST, 1105 NZST

European Heart Journal

The Covid-19 virus acts on specific receptors in the body, called the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors, that are present on the lining of the blood vessels. ... In an accompanying editorial [2] Read more about COVID-19 infection ages blood vessels, especially in women

Parents were more likely to cheat on their partners during the pandemic than those without kids

Publicly released: Thu 14 Aug 2025 at 0400 AEST, 0600 NZST

PLOS One

Parents may have been more likely to cheat than non-parents during the COVID-19 pandemicNew study explores infidelity among heterosexual U. ... S. adults who were in committed, heterosexual relationships Read more about Parents were more likely to cheat on their partners during the pandemic than those without kids

Long COVID might harm your work and your wallet

Publicly released: Wed 13 Aug 2025 at 0100 AEST, 0300 NZST

JAMA Network Open

The team say these people who self-reported having Long COVID also reported worse work impairment, having missed more work, and were in more financial distress than people who never had ... Vaccinations Read more about Long COVID might harm your work and your wallet

Revealed: new vaccine target to block malaria transmission

Publicly released: Wed 6 Aug 2025 at 0630 AEST, 0830 NZST

Science

The success of the malaria vaccine program illustrates the versatility of mRNA technology, which has many applications beyond the COVID vaccines. ... Prof Tham said the collaboration between WEHI and MIPS Read more about Revealed: new vaccine target to block malaria transmission

New treatment on trial for panic disorder

Publicly released: Tue 5 Aug 2025 at 1144 AEST, 1344 NZST

24-year-old Adelaide student teacher, Toby Whittle, endured the distress of repeated panic attacks during Covid. ... For more information and to check if you’re eligible to participate in the trial, Read more about New treatment on trial for panic disorder

Developing a method to optimise delivery of mRNA to cells

Publicly released: Mon 4 Aug 2025 at 1900 AEST, 2100 NZST

Nature Nanotechnology

Co-lead author and MIPS PhD candidate Moore Zhe Chen said that with mRNA medicines, the delivery method is critical. ... In 2021 the world was introduced to the first mRNA-lipid nanoparticle vaccines to Read more about Developing a method to optimise delivery of mRNA to cells

EXPERT REACTION: An mRNA vaccine for HIV could be effective and affordable

Publicly released: Thu 31 Jul 2025 at 0400 AEST, 0600 NZST

Science Translational Medicine

Scientists have used mRNA technology to engineer new vaccines for HIV, which can produce potent immune responses to the virus in animals and human volunteers in Phase 1 clinical trials, according Read more about EXPERT REACTION: An mRNA vaccine for HIV could be effective and affordable

COVID-19 and the flu could increase the risk of dormant cancer spreading

Publicly released: Thu 31 Jul 2025 at 0100 AEST, 0300 NZST

Nature

An increase in cancer death rates in the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted James DeGregori and colleagues to study the effects of influenza virus and ... There was an association between Read more about COVID-19 and the flu could increase the risk of dormant cancer spreading

Hate speech and psychiatric disorder communities share similar speech patterns on Reddit

Publicly released: Wed 30 Jul 2025 at 0400 AEST, 0600 NZST

PLOS Digital Health

The team used AI to analyse posts relevant to hate speech, misinformation, and psychiatric disorders, including those from r/ADHD, r/NoNewNormal (dedicated to COVID-19 misinformation), and r/incels Read more about Hate speech and psychiatric disorder communities share similar speech patterns on Reddit

Spotlight on technology to protect older Australians from respiratory infections

Publicly released: Tue 29 Jul 2025 at 0100 AEST, 0300 NZST

JAMA Internal Medicine

Outbreaks of viruses such as COVID-19 are absolutely devasting for older people, significantly increasing the risks of hospitalisation and death,” says Professor Rogers. ... Our study aimed to explore Read more about Spotlight on technology to protect older Australians from respiratory infections

COVID-19 vaccinations likely averted 2.5 million deaths between 2020 and 2024

Publicly released: Sat 26 Jul 2025 at 0100 AEST, 0300 NZST

JAMA Health Forum

Between 2020 and 2024, international researchers estimate that COVID-19 vaccinations averted 2. ... Global Estimates of Lives and Life-Years Saved by COVID-19 Vaccination During 2020-2024About The Study: Read more about COVID-19 vaccinations likely averted 2.5 million deaths between 2020 and 2024

Scuba diving industry benefits locals and marine life

Publicly released: Sat 26 Jul 2025 at 0100 AEST, 0300 NZST

Cell Reports Sustainability

The team says this revenue helps local economies, and supports marine conservation efforts via raising funds and increasing public awareness. ... focus on post-COVID-19 pandemic trends. Read more about Scuba diving industry benefits locals and marine life

Australian data confirm link between mRNA COVID-19 vaccination and menstrual cycle changes

Publicly released: Wed 23 Jul 2025 at 1639 AEST, 1839 NZST

Vaccine

increase to menstrual cycles presentations in women and premenopausal people following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, validating what many people who menstruate suspected during the pandemicThe research Read more about Australian data confirm link between mRNA COVID-19 vaccination and menstrual cycle changes

If you feel like the COVID-19 pandemic aged you, you might be right

Publicly released: Wed 23 Jul 2025 at 0100 AEST, 0300 NZST

Nature Communications

Brain ageing sped up during the COVID-19 pandemic even for people who didn't have the virus, according to a UK study. ... Neuroscience: COVID pandemic linked to faster brain ageing in UK adultsRates of Read more about If you feel like the COVID-19 pandemic aged you, you might be right

Children who get their first smartphone before age 13 face higher mental health risks

Publicly released: Mon 21 Jul 2025 at 1401 AEST, 1601 NZST

Journal of Human Development and Capabilities

Our data indicate that early smartphone ownership—and the social media access it often brings—is linked with a profound shift in mind health and wellbeing in early adulthood,” says lead Read more about Children who get their first smartphone before age 13 face higher mental health risks

Co-infections in young bats could underpin coronavirus emergence

Publicly released: Mon 21 Jul 2025 at 0830 AEST, 1030 NZST

Nature Communications

Endemic in bat populations, most coronaviruses never infect humans. When they do, as with the SARS, COVID-19 and MERS outbreaks, they typically spill over from bats via a bridging animal ... Dr Peel and Read more about Co-infections in young bats could underpin coronavirus emergence

Low vitamin D may increase your risk of being hospitalised with COVID-19

Publicly released: Sat 19 Jul 2025 at 0400 AEST, 0600 NZST

PLOS One

The study also explored associations between vitamin D and COVID-19 outcomes among cancer patients, as well as across different ethnic groups. ... Dr Beckmann says that while risk from COVID-19 has Read more about Low vitamin D may increase your risk of being hospitalised with COVID-19

New COVID-19 vaccine candidate shows strong protection against multiple variants in mouse study

Publicly released: Fri 18 Jul 2025 at 0939 AEST, 1139 NZST

npj Vaccines

A promising new COVID-19 vaccine candidate developed by researchers at the Centenary Institute and the University of Sydney has shown strong potential to protect against both current and emerging Read more about New COVID-19 vaccine candidate shows strong protection against multiple variants in mouse study

Cancer patients who received a COVID-19 booster vaccine were less likely to be hospitalised with the virus

Publicly released: Fri 18 Jul 2025 at 0100 AEST, 0300 NZST

JAMA Oncology

Because people with cancer are especially at risk of severe COVID-19, the researchers investigated how receiving a booster vaccine before 2022 or a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine between September 2022 Read more about Cancer patients who received a COVID-19 booster vaccine were less likely to be hospitalised with the virus

EXPERT REACTION and MEDIA BRIEFING: First babies born in the UK through mitochondrial donation

Publicly released: Thu 17 Jul 2025 at 0700 AEST, 0900 NZST

New England Journal of Medicine

There is no cure for mitochondrial disease and the only treatments available aim to manage the symptoms. ... The mitoHOPE Program would not exist were it not for the advocacy of the mito community and the Read more about EXPERT REACTION and MEDIA BRIEFING: First babies born in the UK through mitochondrial donation

Telehealth works but rules need changing

Publicly released: Wed 16 Jul 2025 at 1612 AEST, 1812 NZST

Health & Social Care in the Community

researchers. With its services skyrocketing during the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth – where medical services are delivered by phone or video call – has become a mainstay of healthcare systems in Read more about Telehealth works but rules need changing

Most high-risk mental health calls to 1737 come from women and teens

Publicly released: Fri 11 Jul 2025 at 0001 AEST, 0201 NZST

New Zealand Medical Journal

The 1737 mental health helpline saw contact surges during major national events like COVID-19 lockdowns and the Christchurch mosque attacks. ... The team says this is in line with research showing women Read more about Most high-risk mental health calls to 1737 come from women and teens

Global vaccine stockpiles prevented more than 5.8 million cases

Publicly released: Thu 10 Jul 2025 at 1152 AEST, 1352 NZST

BMJ Global Health

Routine vaccine coverage is declining due to many factors including vaccine hesitancy and funding cuts for organisations like USAID and Gavi, and in many places gaps in coverage due to ... 19 disruptions Read more about Global vaccine stockpiles prevented more than 5.8 million cases

Long COVID and chronic fatigue may share features in common

Publicly released: Wed 9 Jul 2025 at 1646 AEST, 1846 NZST

PNAS

They found higher levels of oxidative stress (which damages cells) in the people with ME/CFS and long COVID than in healthy people’s cells. ... The findings suggest there are similarities between ME/CFS Read more about Long COVID and chronic fatigue may share features in common

COVID, flu & other nasties: what to expect this season and beyond

Publicly released: Wed 9 Jul 2025 at 0600 AEST, 0800 NZST

Lloyd is currently co-leading a study investigating how today’s newer strains of COVID-19 compare to Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). ... What if you get COVID? A/Prof. Rhee says while Read more about COVID, flu & other nasties: what to expect this season and beyond

AI Chatbots might be helping to write more than 1 in 10 biomedical research papers

Publicly released: Fri 4 Jul 2025 at 1059 AEST, 1259 NZST

Science Advances

During the COVID-19 pandemic, studies employed a framework that compared excess deaths during the pandemic with pre-COVID fatalities to deduce SAR-CoV-2’s impact on mortality. ... They also examined the Read more about AI Chatbots might be helping to write more than 1 in 10 biomedical research papers

Mental health disorders, malaria, and heart disease most affected by COVID-19 disruption

Publicly released: Thu 3 Jul 2025 at 0830 AEST, 1030 NZST

The BMJ

Disrupted care during the COVID-19 pandemic led to sharp increases in other causes of illness and death, particularly mental health disorders, malaria in young children, and stroke and heart disease Read more about Mental health disorders, malaria, and heart disease most affected by COVID-19 disruption

Severe COVID-19 may accelerate cognitive decline in older people

Publicly released: Tue 1 Jul 2025 at 1100 AEST, 1300 NZST

JAMA Network Open

COVID-19 and Cognitive Change in a Community-Based CohortAbout The Study: This cohort study of older participants found accelerated decreases in cognition among individuals hospitalized for Read more about Severe COVID-19 may accelerate cognitive decline in older people

Life expectancy in Australia is still far from equal

Publicly released: Tue 1 Jul 2025 at 0830 AEST, 1030 NZST

The Lancet

However, although there was a narrowing of the gap in life expectancy across socioeconomic groups from the late 2010s onwards, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women reversed this ... Study lead Read more about Life expectancy in Australia is still far from equal

More Aussies were hospitalised due to their drinking during the COVID-19 pandemic

Publicly released: Mon 30 Jun 2025 at 0300 AEST, 0500 NZST

Drug and Alcohol Review

The number of Australians who were hospitalised or died as a result of their alcohol consumption increased over the COVID-19 pandemic, especially during mid-late 2020, according to Australian research Read more about More Aussies were hospitalised due to their drinking during the COVID-19 pandemic

NANOSPRESSO device could make personalised medicines on-demand

Publicly released: Thu 26 Jun 2025 at 1900 AEST, 2100 NZST

Frontiers in Science

They also cite the success of using similar nucleic acid platforms to produce, for example, mRNA vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic, and say that modern advancements in closed-system microfluidics Read more about NANOSPRESSO device could make personalised medicines on-demand