Resources for Journalists

The AusSMC's Top 10 Science Stories 2021

Publicly released: Mon 29 Nov 2021 at 0900 AEDT, 1100 NZDT

The SARS-CoV-2 virus continued its relentless spread as new variants evolved, outpacing government plans around the world and forcing millions into extended lockdowns, COP26 aimed high on climate Read more about The AusSMC's Top 10 Science Stories 2021

EXPERT REACTION: Omicron, new variant of concern

Publicly released: Sat 27 Nov 2021 at 1948 AEDT, 2148 NZDT

The SARS-CoV-2 virus B. 1. 1. 529 variant of concern was named Omicron by the WHO overnight. Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Omicron, new variant of concern

Twenty-seven top innovators honoured by Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering

Publicly released: Fri 26 Nov 2021 at 1201 AEDT, 1401 NZDT

One of Australia’s most esteemed Aboriginal educators, Australia’s leading net zero emissions innovators, a bush-fire predictor and an inventor of rapid COVID-19 saliva testing are among the Read more about Twenty-seven top innovators honoured by Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering

High vaccination rates may mean more lockdown rule-breakers

Publicly released: Fri 26 Nov 2021 at 0300 AEDT, 0500 NZDT

Scientific Reports

The authors observed that the increase in household mixing by mid-February 2021 during the third lockdown coincided with the wider COVID-19 vaccine rollout across England. ... The authors conclude their Read more about High vaccination rates may mean more lockdown rule-breakers

“Covid did distract us from other diagnosis” - GPs and nurses discuss impacts of pandemic

Publicly released: Fri 26 Nov 2021 at 0001 AEDT, 0201 NZDT

New Zealand Medical Journal

Up to 164 GPs, nurse practitioners, and nurses were surveyed about how the COVID-19 pandemic changed how they delivered primary healthcare over the course of May to August last year. ... Certain medical Read more about “Covid did distract us from other diagnosis” - GPs and nurses discuss impacts of pandemic

Rapid PCR test just as good as standard nasal swabs

Publicly released: Fri 26 Nov 2021 at 0001 AEDT, 0201 NZDT

New Zealand Medical Journal

Kiwi researchers have tested out different kinds of rapid Covid-19 tests to assess how well they’d fare compared to our current testing methods. ... PCR is the current gold standard for detecting the Read more about Rapid PCR test just as good as standard nasal swabs

The longer it's been since your COVID-19 vaccine, the more likely you are to be infected

Publicly released: Thu 25 Nov 2021 at 1030 AEDT, 1230 NZDT

The BMJ

Researchers used electronic health records to analyse how often vaccinated people were receiving positive COVID-19 tests, and how long it had been since their vaccination. ... Across the world, large Read more about The longer it's been since your COVID-19 vaccine, the more likely you are to be infected

Severe COVID-19 appears less likely when you're infected for a second time

Publicly released: Thu 25 Nov 2021 at 0900 AEDT, 1100 NZDT

New England Journal of Medicine

Those people who become infected with COVID-19 a second time are far less likely to have a severe form of the virus, according to research out of Qatar. ... The researchers looked at population data to Read more about Severe COVID-19 appears less likely when you're infected for a second time

Did COVID-19 become more lethal in 2020?

Publicly released: Thu 25 Nov 2021 at 0600 AEDT, 0800 NZDT

PLOS ONE

K. in late 2020, while also suggesting that multiple factors—not just the alpha variant of the virus that causes COVID-19—were to blame. ... 1. 1. 7) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which was more infectious Read more about Did COVID-19 become more lethal in 2020?

From humble beginnings to Australian science leader

Publicly released: Thu 25 Nov 2021 at 0001 AEDT, 0201 NZDT

Creating a sense of hope for the younger generation is crucially important at a time when the number of positions in the university research sector is limited and the research funding ... They have been Read more about From humble beginnings to Australian science leader

New data suggests Indian vaccine is 50 per cent effective against symptomatic COVID-19

Publicly released: Wed 24 Nov 2021 at 1245 AEDT, 1445 NZDT

The Lancet Infectious Diseases

The odds of vaccination with BBV152 were compared between cases and controls and adjusted for occupational exposure to COVID-19, previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, and infection dates. ... The majority of Read more about New data suggests Indian vaccine is 50 per cent effective against symptomatic COVID-19

Green light to speed up freight deliveries in wake of COVID-19 delays

Publicly released: Wed 24 Nov 2021 at 1231 AEDT, 1431 NZDT

Freight vehicles will be tracked using near real-time data in a bid to offer faster deliveries and ease traffic congestion in light of delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, ... Dr Hargroves said there Read more about Green light to speed up freight deliveries in wake of COVID-19 delays

COVID vaccine designed for long lasting immunity passes first test in humans

Publicly released: Wed 24 Nov 2021 at 0300 AEDT, 0500 NZDT

Nature

The vaccine, based on virus proteins, is targeted at triggering T-cells which play an important role in both COVID-19 outcomes and the maintenance of immunity. ... In addition, the CoVac-1-induced Read more about COVID vaccine designed for long lasting immunity passes first test in humans

Cancer patients see almost immediate antibody response to COVID after a booster shot

Publicly released: Wed 24 Nov 2021 at 0300 AEDT, 0500 NZDT

JAMA Oncology

Cancer patients with solid tumours see an almost immediate benefit from a booster shot of Pfizer's COVID vaccine, according to an Israeli study. ... Researchers recruited 37 people undergoing cancer Read more about Cancer patients see almost immediate antibody response to COVID after a booster shot

Coronary heart disease still Australia's biggest health problem

Publicly released: Wed 24 Nov 2021 at 0001 AEDT, 0201 NZDT

Other reports from the Australian Burden of Disease Study released this year include Australian Burden of Disease Study 2018: key findings for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and The Read more about Coronary heart disease still Australia's biggest health problem

What makes uni students steer clear of self-driving cars?

Publicly released: Tue 23 Nov 2021 at 1500 AEDT, 1700 NZDT

Case Studies on Transport Policy

University of South Australia (UniSA) urban planner Dr Ali Soltani surveyed 152 students in 2019, prior to COVID-19, to gauge their views about self-driving cars and the likelihood of ... The two biggest Read more about What makes uni students steer clear of self-driving cars?

Pfizer jabs aren't a heart attack risk for the over 75s

Publicly released: Tue 23 Nov 2021 at 1052 AEDT, 1252 NZDT

JAMA

Vaccination with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine does not increase the short term risk of heart attack, stroke, or other severe cardiovascular events for the over 75s, according to French research. Read more about Pfizer jabs aren't a heart attack risk for the over 75s

Looks like a gout drug won't help us fight COVID-19

Publicly released: Tue 23 Nov 2021 at 1030 AEDT, 1230 NZDT

RMD Open

Early observational studies suggested that colchicine might be a useful addition to the treatments available for COVID-19 infection, and it has already found its way into clinical practice in some Read more about Looks like a gout drug won't help us fight COVID-19

Seeing the positives of pandemic public health policies

Publicly released: Mon 22 Nov 2021 at 1555 AEDT, 1755 NZDT

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

By examining the silver linings expressed by Australians during a period of significant public health restrictions and considerable uncertainty from COVID-19, this study has demonstrated the Read more about Seeing the positives of pandemic public health policies

Open borders could bring summer flu

Publicly released: Mon 22 Nov 2021 at 0001 AEDT, 0201 NZDT

Medical Journal of Australia

Given the similarities in disease presentation, diagnosis, and management, the wealth of resources made available during the COVID-19 pandemic should also be leveraged to mitigate the consequences of Read more about Open borders could bring summer flu