Resources for Journalists

Can GPs help lift flagging COVID-19 vaccination rates in kids?

Publicly released: Mon 21 Nov 2022 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Medical Journal of Australia

General practice is the ideal setting to promote childhood COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and uptake in Australia,” they wrote. ... when relevant) to support tailored but consistent messaging about the Read more about Can GPs help lift flagging COVID-19 vaccination rates in kids?

Was mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for aged care workers a successful policy?

Publicly released: Mon 21 Nov 2022 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Medical Journal of Australia

agreed with mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for “frontline workers in aged care and other vulnerable settings”, with agreement slightly higher among older respondents. ... clinics were offered so Read more about Was mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for aged care workers a successful policy?

4-in-5 Aussie COVID-19 deaths have happened in the Omicron era

Publicly released: Fri 18 Nov 2022 at 1145 AEDT | 1345 NZDT

New analysis of COVID-19 mortality rates releasedNew insights into the four waves of the COVID-19 pandemic are now available in the Provisional Mortality Statistics report, released today by the Read more about 4-in-5 Aussie COVID-19 deaths have happened in the Omicron era

BRIEFING ALERT: Australia's 4th COVID-19 wave is swelling just in time for summer - Ask the experts

Publicly released: Fri 18 Nov 2022 at 1000 AEDT | 1200 NZDT

wave? The briefing will bring together experts to answer your questions about the current situation and what we can expect in the coming weeks With COVID-19 case numbers rising across ... the country, a Read more about BRIEFING ALERT: Australia's 4th COVID-19 wave is swelling just in time for summer - Ask the experts

COVID-19 drugs show mixed results in real world settings

Publicly released: Fri 18 Nov 2022 at 0930 AEDT | 1130 NZDT

The BMJ

for common heart drugsTwo studies published by The BMJ today provide up to date evidence on the effectiveness of both currently licensed and possible covid-19 treatments under everyday (‘real Read more about COVID-19 drugs show mixed results in real world settings

EXPERT REACTION: Post-vax minor menstrual changes quickly resolve

Publicly released: Fri 18 Nov 2022 at 0706 AEDT | 0906 NZDT

Science

Altered menstrual periods have been reported following a COVID-19 vaccine shot. ... A UK reproductive immunologist canvassed this topic, writing that available evidence suggests COVID vaccination is Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Post-vax minor menstrual changes quickly resolve

Vaccine safety messages during the pandemic may have helped with vax hesitancy in PNG

Publicly released: Fri 18 Nov 2022 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS ONE

Vaccine safety messages during the COVID-19 pandemic may have helped with vaccine hesitancy in Papua New Guinea, where vaccination rates are relatively low, according to Aussie research. ... The team Read more about Vaccine safety messages during the pandemic may have helped with vax hesitancy in PNG

What was the pandemic like for Aussie kids in foster care and their carers?

Publicly released: Fri 18 Nov 2022 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Australian Journal of Social Issues

The COVID-19 pandemic was tough on children, including children living in foster care according to Australian researchers. ... They say many carers also saw a negative impact on their wellbeing as well as Read more about What was the pandemic like for Aussie kids in foster care and their carers?

14 million people were hit with climate disasters in the South-West Pacific last year

Publicly released: Thu 17 Nov 2022 at 1800 AEDT | 2000 NZDT

COP27 has a heavy emphasis on adaption financing and implementation of the Paris Agreement targets of limiting global temperature increase to a maximum of 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels Read more about 14 million people were hit with climate disasters in the South-West Pacific last year

Sweet spot suggested for COVID-safer indoor humidity

Publicly released: Wed 16 Nov 2022 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Journal of the Royal Society Interface

The spread and severity of COVID-19 has been distinctly non-uniform. Seasonality was suggested as a contributor to regional variability, but the relationship between weather and COVID-19 remains Read more about Sweet spot suggested for COVID-safer indoor humidity

New nasal vaccine strategy could improve COVID-19 protection

Publicly released: Wed 16 Nov 2022 at 1000 AEDT | 1200 NZDT

Nature Communications

Researchers from the Centenary Institute and the University of Sydney have developed a new nasal vaccination strategy that induces potent lung immunity and protection against the SARS-CoV-2 Read more about New nasal vaccine strategy could improve COVID-19 protection

Not even Antarctic explorers were spared the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic

Publicly released: Tue 15 Nov 2022 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS ONE

Although they were generally portrayed as some of the people most protected from catching COVID-19, and most prepared for the difficulties of long isolation and lockdowns, not even Antarctic Read more about Not even Antarctic explorers were spared the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic

COVID-19 mRNA vaccine that can be stored at fridge temperature appears safe and effective

Publicly released: Tue 15 Nov 2022 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Microbiology

A COVID-19 mRNA vaccine developed by international and Australian researchers that could be more easily distributed in areas with logistical challenges appears safe and effective in its phase 1 trial. Read more about COVID-19 mRNA vaccine that can be stored at fridge temperature appears safe and effective

COVID-19 border closures and community disconnect

Publicly released: Fri 11 Nov 2022 at 1215 AEDT | 1415 NZDT

Health & Place

Throughout the majority of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the public health measures imposed, such as stay-at-home orders and international borders closures, affected our experiences of our lived Read more about COVID-19 border closures and community disconnect

NEWS BRIEFING: Fossil fuel emissions now above pre-pandemic levels - Annual Global Carbon Budget

Publicly released: Fri 11 Nov 2022 at 1100 AEDT | 1300 NZDT

Earth System Science Data

Below, more Australian experts comment. Some of the key findings from the GCP report include:After a slowdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, global carbon emissions for 2022 are projected to Read more about NEWS BRIEFING: Fossil fuel emissions now above pre-pandemic levels - Annual Global Carbon Budget

After COVID-19, those of all ages are all being diagnosed with more new health conditions

Publicly released: Fri 11 Nov 2022 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS Medicine

Using healthcare data, the team matched over 150,000 people who had COVID-19 with someone of a similar health profile who hadn't had COVID-19, and compared how they ... The results of the present study Read more about After COVID-19, those of all ages are all being diagnosed with more new health conditions

Two thirds of the world likely had COVID-19 antibodies in their system by late 2021

Publicly released: Fri 11 Nov 2022 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS Medicine

In order to ascertain the true rates of infection and indicators of immunity in the population against SARS-CoV-2 over time, researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of ... 2% in Read more about Two thirds of the world likely had COVID-19 antibodies in their system by late 2021

Racism affects 40% of Asian New Zealanders

Publicly released: Fri 11 Nov 2022 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

New Zealand Medical Journal

In Aotearoa and globally, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted racism in our society, including targeted anti-Asian hatred. ... Our study describes experiences of racism for Asian people in Aotearoa and Read more about Racism affects 40% of Asian New Zealanders

EXPERT REACTION: 4th COVID-19 wave

Publicly released: Thu 10 Nov 2022 at 1434 AEDT | 1634 NZDT

With COVID-19 infection rates back on the rise, Australia appears to be at the start of its fourth wave. ... Below, Australian experts discuss what's happening in the country, and whether we are in for a Read more about EXPERT REACTION: 4th COVID-19 wave

Masks in schools reduced COVID-19 transmission in the US

Publicly released: Thu 10 Nov 2022 at 0900 AEDT | 1100 NZDT

New England Journal of Medicine

Schools in the US that removed the requirement to wear masks saw higher COVID-19 transmission than schools that didn't, according to international researchers. ... The state of Massachusetts dropped a Read more about Masks in schools reduced COVID-19 transmission in the US

Climate change emissions from buildings and construction hit a new high

Publicly released: Wed 9 Nov 2022 at 2301 AEDT | 0101 NZDT

The building and construction sector’s energy consumption and CO2 emissions have rebounded from the COVID-19 pandemic to an all-time high, a new UN Environment Programme report finds. ... peak in Read more about Climate change emissions from buildings and construction hit a new high

When lockdown forced us away from coral reefs, more fish took our place

Publicly released: Wed 9 Nov 2022 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Royal Society Open Science

Popular coral reefs at Moorea, French Polynesia saw an increase in fish visitors during COVID-19 lockdown, according to Australian, French Polynesian and international researchers. ... COVID-19 lockdown Read more about When lockdown forced us away from coral reefs, more fish took our place

Scientists say that COVID-19 increased public attention on research but not public understanding

Publicly released: Tue 8 Nov 2022 at 1053 AEDT | 1253 NZDT

on it, and the pandemic exploded the numbers of people who use research evidence by millions. ... Researchers and healthcare professionals rely on our 2,700+ journals, including The Lancet and Cell; our 43 Read more about Scientists say that COVID-19 increased public attention on research but not public understanding

Kids' screen time during the pandemic increased by more than 50%

Publicly released: Tue 8 Nov 2022 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Pediatrics

Changes in Child, Adolescent Screen Time During Pandemic JAMA Pediatrics Original Investigation Assessment of Changes in Child and Adolescent Screen Time During the COVID-19 Pandemic About The Study: Read more about Kids' screen time during the pandemic increased by more than 50%

COVID-19 stress may be worsening endometriosis symptoms

Publicly released: Fri 4 Nov 2022 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Reproduction and Fertility

Patients with endometriosis reported worse symptoms and impaired mental well-being during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic than before COVID-19 began, according to UK researchers. Read more about COVID-19 stress may be worsening endometriosis symptoms

Adaption gap: Efforts to adapt to climate change are not keeping pace with the growing risks

Publicly released: Fri 4 Nov 2022 at 1047 AEDT | 1247 NZDT

International adaptation finance flows to developing countries are also 5-10 times below estimated needs and the gap continues to widen. ... Crises such as the war in Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic Read more about Adaption gap: Efforts to adapt to climate change are not keeping pace with the growing risks

A man who had COVID-19 for 411 days is finally cured

Publicly released: Fri 4 Nov 2022 at 1016 AEDT | 1216 NZDT

Clinical Infectious Diseases

2022. The researchers conducted a detailed genetic analysis of the virus and found that it was an early COVID-19 variant – a variation of the original Wuhan variant - but with multiple ... Rapid Read more about A man who had COVID-19 for 411 days is finally cured

One gene variant could increase your risk of severe COVID-19 by more than 5 times

Publicly released: Fri 4 Nov 2022 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

PLOS Genetics

The team looked at genetic data for nearly 580,000 people across 12 countries, 5,085 of whom had severe COVID-19. ... They suggest larger studies on rare gene variants influencing COVID-19 outcomes could Read more about One gene variant could increase your risk of severe COVID-19 by more than 5 times

A gene associated with lupus might protect against severe COVID-19

Publicly released: Fri 4 Nov 2022 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

PLOS Genetics

Scientists have observed a correlation between the genes associated with severe COVID-19 and those with SLE. ... Future studies will be needed to fully understand the genetic relationships between Read more about A gene associated with lupus might protect against severe COVID-19

A blueprint to bring the pandemic to a close

Publicly released: Fri 4 Nov 2022 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature

Recommendations on how to end the COVID-19 public health threat are published in Nature this week. ... As of September 2022, more than 620 million cases of COVID-19 and more than 6. Read more about A blueprint to bring the pandemic to a close

Diagnosing and managing Long COVID is a complicated business

Publicly released: Fri 4 Nov 2022 at 0200 AEDT | 0400 NZDT

JAMA Network Open

They say there are no known tests or detectable markers for Long COVID, which can lead to ongoing monitoring, COVID-19 testing and medical referrals for patients thought to have the ... condition. They Read more about Diagnosing and managing Long COVID is a complicated business

Marsden Fund supports leading researchers in Aotearoa to explore new ideas

Publicly released: Thu 3 Nov 2022 at 0800 AEDT | 1000 NZDT

These grants support excellent research in the humanities, engineering, mātauranga, mathematics, science, and the social sciences for three years. ... Of course, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic Read more about Marsden Fund supports leading researchers in Aotearoa to explore new ideas

Chronic pain associated with poor health - and higher COVID-19 risk - decades later

Publicly released: Thu 3 Nov 2022 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

PLOS One

The team also found chronic pain was associated with lower life satisfaction, pessimism about the future, and poor sleep at age 55, as well as a higher risk of COVID-19 ... Chronic pain associated with Read more about Chronic pain associated with poor health - and higher COVID-19 risk - decades later

3 years in, COVID-19 may still be able to spread from humans back into bats

Publicly released: Wed 2 Nov 2022 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Royal Society Open Science

US scientists say the SARS-CoV-2 virus may still be able to spread from humans to other mammals, including back into the bats we think it came from, despite three ... Persistent cross-species SARS-CoV-2 Read more about 3 years in, COVID-19 may still be able to spread from humans back into bats

Gun violence across America: unexpected trends revealed

Publicly released: Wed 2 Nov 2022 at 0200 AEDT | 0400 NZDT

Chaos

Only a handful of U. S. states showed a surge in gun violence incidents in mid-2020 during civil unrest at the start of COVID-19 lockdowns and the murder of ... S. media reported widespread violence and Read more about Gun violence across America: unexpected trends revealed

‘A silent killer’ - COVID-19 shown to trigger inflammation in the brain

Publicly released: Tue 1 Nov 2022 at 1200 AEDT | 1400 NZDT

Molecular Psychiatry

Our team grew human microglia in the laboratory and infected the cells with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. ... Professor Woodruff said while the similarity between how COVID-19 and dementia Read more about ‘A silent killer’ - COVID-19 shown to trigger inflammation in the brain

EXPERT REACTION: Power prices - why are they so high and what can we do about it?

Publicly released: Mon 31 Oct 2022 at 1545 AEDT | 1745 NZDT

With electricity prices projected to increase by as much as 50% in coming months, Australian experts comment on the state of Australia's electricity market and how people can reduce their Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Power prices - why are they so high and what can we do about it?

The pandemic may not have hurt babies' brain development, but it has hurt their communication

Publicly released: Sat 29 Oct 2022 at 0200 AEDT | 0400 NZDT

JAMA Network Open

regardless of whether the mother had COVID-19. ... They did however find a higher risk of communication delay, which the researchers suggest could be related to external factors like parental stress and a Read more about The pandemic may not have hurt babies' brain development, but it has hurt their communication

Vaccination, Omicron and being a man could reduce your risk of long COVID

Publicly released: Fri 28 Oct 2022 at 1130 AEDT | 1330 NZDT

JAMA Network Open

About 14% of people surveyed in the US say they had lingering COVID-19 symptoms past two months, according to international researchers. ... About The Study: In this study of more than 16,000 individuals, Read more about Vaccination, Omicron and being a man could reduce your risk of long COVID

COVID-19 rebound: 1/3 of people report symptoms coming back

Publicly released: Fri 28 Oct 2022 at 1033 AEDT | 1233 NZDT

JAMA Network Open

The study tracked symptoms over 29 days in around 150 people who had COVID-19 and were only receiving a placebo as part of a clinical trial of COVID-19 treatments. ... Over one-third of participants who Read more about COVID-19 rebound: 1/3 of people report symptoms coming back

Vaccination reduces the chance of COVID-19-related pneumonia

Publicly released: Fri 28 Oct 2022 at 0200 AEDT | 0400 NZDT

JAMA Network Open

COVID-19 vaccination significantly reduces the chance of being hospitalised with pneumonia as a result of the virus, according to a study during a Delta wave in Lombardy, Italy. ... 1% of the 553 patients Read more about Vaccination reduces the chance of COVID-19-related pneumonia

Suicide among doctors in Aotearoa

Publicly released: Fri 28 Oct 2022 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

New Zealand Medical Journal

Burnout has been documented to affect 45% in a consultant survey in one New Zealand hospital prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and this is likely to have increased with the ... Overseas counties have found Read more about Suicide among doctors in Aotearoa

Bad news for the climate: 3 big greenhouse gases hit record highs

Publicly released: Thu 27 Oct 2022 at 1021 AEDT | 1221 NZDT

Global emissions have rebounded since the COVID-19-related lockdowns in 2020. The Bulletin also reported the biggest year-on-year jump in methane concentrations in 2021 since systematic measurements Read more about Bad news for the climate: 3 big greenhouse gases hit record highs

World-class innovators win Australia’s top prizes for engineering, technology and applied science

Publicly released: Wed 26 Oct 2022 at 2130 AEDT | 2330 NZDT

ACTIVATE 2022

Solving sustainability problems, protecting healthcare providers from COVID-19, and using technology to train next-gen pilots are among the achievements of award-winning STEM innovators recognised at Read more about World-class innovators win Australia’s top prizes for engineering, technology and applied science

‘Grey skies are gonna clear up, put on a happy face’ - you can put on a smile and feel happier

Publicly released: Wed 26 Oct 2022 at 1730 AEDT | 1930 NZDT

Nature Human Behaviour

Collecting data from 3878 participants across 19 countries, the study found a noticeable increase in happiness from people who mimicked smiling photographs or pulled their mouth toward their ears. Read more about ‘Grey skies are gonna clear up, put on a happy face’ - you can put on a smile and feel happier

Our dependence on fossil fuels continues to threaten our health

Publicly released: Wed 26 Oct 2022 at 0930 AEDT | 1130 NZDT

The Lancet

Combined with the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of infectious disease due to climate change has led to misdiagnosis, pressure on health systems, and difficulties in managing simultaneous disease Read more about Our dependence on fossil fuels continues to threaten our health

EXPERT REACTION: Federal Government releases Budget for 2022-2023

Publicly released: Tue 25 Oct 2022 at 2140 AEDT | 2340 NZDT

The Federal Government has released the Budget for 2022-2023. Below, Australian experts give their thoughts on how the Budget will impact health, the economy, research and development, the university Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Federal Government releases Budget for 2022-2023

First WHO ‘watch list’ of health-threatening fungi released

Publicly released: Tue 25 Oct 2022 at 1800 AEDT | 2000 NZDT

The WHO Fungal Priority Pathogens List ranks 19 species of highest concern, which require the greatest research and funding investment. ... During the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence of at least three Read more about First WHO ‘watch list’ of health-threatening fungi released

If your COVID-19 infection was severe, your heart risk is also more severe

Publicly released: Tue 25 Oct 2022 at 0930 AEDT | 1130 NZDT

Heart

Compared with their matched peers who hadn’t caught the virus, those who didn’t require hospital admission for COVID-19 infection were nearly 3 times as likely to have a ... The risks of all the Read more about If your COVID-19 infection was severe, your heart risk is also more severe

Researchers make strides in the fight against COVID-19

Publicly released: Mon 24 Oct 2022 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Clinical & Translational Immunology

Following COVID-19 infection, virus-specific antibodies are generated, which can both neutralise the virus and clear the infection. ... In simple terms, we’ve deconstructed blood in our lab to measure Read more about Researchers make strides in the fight against COVID-19