Resources for Journalists

Building capacity in digital health and informatics as COVID-19 years press on

Publicly released: Tue 13 Dec 2022 at 1727 AEDT | 1927 NZDT

International Journal of Medical Informatics

These two rapidly growing disciplines are becoming increasingly important to the sustainability of health service provision, as was highlighted through the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Flinders Read more about Building capacity in digital health and informatics as COVID-19 years press on

Ill health on the rise in Australia for the first time in 20 years

Publicly released: Tue 13 Dec 2022 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

Heart disease, dementia and back pain were the most common health burdens, with COVID-19 the eighth most common. ... 7%) and anxiety disorders (2. 9%). COVID-19 ranked 8th among the specific diseases. Read more about Ill health on the rise in Australia for the first time in 20 years

Revealing the recommended anticoagulant therapy for COVID-19 patients

Publicly released: Sun 11 Dec 2022 at 0500 AEDT | 0700 NZDT

New England Journal of Medicine Evidence

Low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) have been under-represented in Covid-19 studies and ASCOT is one of the few studies to have a major involvement of LMIC regions. ... allowed us to take the trial to Read more about Revealing the recommended anticoagulant therapy for COVID-19 patients

Superbugs on the rise - WHO report signals increase in antibiotic resistance

Publicly released: Fri 9 Dec 2022 at 1900 AEDT | 2100 NZDT

The report includes an innovative interactive digital format to facilitate data extraction and graphics. ... More research is needed to identify the reasons behind the observed AMR increase and to what Read more about Superbugs on the rise - WHO report signals increase in antibiotic resistance

It's time to acknowledge how racism is holding healthcare back

Publicly released: Fri 9 Dec 2022 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

The Lancet

In the UK for example, higher mortality rates were seen amongst the Black African, Black Caribbean, Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Indian ethnic groups in the second COVID-19 wave. ... The COVID-19 pandemic Read more about It's time to acknowledge how racism is holding healthcare back

Life-saving light beam to detect malaria

Publicly released: Fri 9 Dec 2022 at 0915 AEDT | 1115 NZDT

PNAS Nexus

In our post-COVID world, it could be used to better tackle diseases as people move around the globe. ... Janeiro and by Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellowship and the National Health and Medical Read more about Life-saving light beam to detect malaria

Around half of COVID-19 preprint papers end up being published in peer-reviewed journals

Publicly released: Fri 9 Dec 2022 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Network Open

European scientists say around half of the COVID-19 studies that were published as preprints (with no peer review) in 2020 on the MedRxiv preprint server were later published in ... Limitations with the Read more about Around half of COVID-19 preprint papers end up being published in peer-reviewed journals

The Great Divide: How severe is vaccination discrimination?

Publicly released: Fri 9 Dec 2022 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature

However, this could have severe consequences for society after crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and authorities must work to prevent this, the team says. ... The deployment of vaccines against Read more about The Great Divide: How severe is vaccination discrimination?

Despite COVID, malaria cases and deaths remained stable in 2021

Publicly released: Thu 8 Dec 2022 at 2200 AEDT | Fri 9 Dec 2022 at 0000 NZDT

Despite continued impact of COVID-19, malaria cases and deaths remained stable in 2021 Geneva, 8 December 2022 – New data released today by the World Health Organization (WHO) show that countries Read more about Despite COVID, malaria cases and deaths remained stable in 2021

Australians care more about cinema sound over size

Publicly released: Thu 8 Dec 2022 at 1043 AEDT | 1243 NZDT

Preliminary findings from the largest national audience survey on Australian cinemagoing since the COVID-19 pandemic began, indicate people value how and what they hear more highly than the size of Read more about Australians care more about cinema sound over size

Australia’s Annual Sexual Health Check Up: STIs are mostly down, but reductions in testing could be the cause

Publicly released: Thu 8 Dec 2022 at 0100 AEDT | 0300 NZDT

New data released today by the Kirby Institute at UNSW Sydney reveals how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted testing and diagnoses of sexually transmissible infections (STI) in Australia. ... pandemic Read more about Australia’s Annual Sexual Health Check Up: STIs are mostly down, but reductions in testing could be the cause

Who is most likely to experience long-term health effects of COVID-19?

Publicly released: Wed 7 Dec 2022 at 1901 AEDT | 2101 NZDT

Journal of Internal Medicine

A Swedish study of over 200,000 people who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 between March 2020 and July 2021 has found that women, people with asthma and those with ... In the study of 204,805 individuals Read more about Who is most likely to experience long-term health effects of COVID-19?

The AusSMC's Top 10 Science Stories 2022

Publicly released: Wed 7 Dec 2022 at 0900 AEDT | 1100 NZDT

It was another big year for science news in 2022, as Australia ' learned to live' with COVID-19, and another viral infectious disease, monkeypox, started to spread around the world. ... Meanwhile, case Read more about The AusSMC's Top 10 Science Stories 2022

COVID-19 led to the lowest number of public elective surgeries performed in over a decade

Publicly released: Wed 7 Dec 2022 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

This led to strong growth in the number of elective surgeries performed in that year in most states and territories, with Victoria being a notable exception due to ongoing COVID-19 ... In the 5 years Read more about COVID-19 led to the lowest number of public elective surgeries performed in over a decade

Myocarditis after a COVID-19 vaccine is less deadly than getting the condition from a virus

Publicly released: Tue 6 Dec 2022 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

Journal of the American College of Cardiology

People who develop rare heart condition myocarditis after receiving a mRNA COVID-19 vaccine are much less likely to die of the condition than those who develop it as a result ... One person with Read more about Myocarditis after a COVID-19 vaccine is less deadly than getting the condition from a virus

Severe COVID-19 linked to signs of brain aging

Publicly released: Tue 6 Dec 2022 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Aging

Severe COVID-19 has been linked with molecular signs of brain aging and the researchers say people who have recovered from COVID-19 should be monitored for signs of cognitive decline. ... They found Read more about Severe COVID-19 linked to signs of brain aging

Checking blood pressure in a heartbeat, using AI and a camera

Publicly released: Mon 5 Dec 2022 at 1005 AEDT | 1205 NZDT

Inventions

the recent COVID outbreak. ... Their non-contact technology was also deployed in the United States during the pandemic to monitor for signs of COVID-19 from a distance. Read more about Checking blood pressure in a heartbeat, using AI and a camera

COVID-19 jabs for kids reduce risk of death, regardless of variant

Publicly released: Fri 2 Dec 2022 at 0700 AEDT | 0900 NZDT

The BMJ

Vaccine effectiveness against death related to covid-19 infection during the omicron period was 67% in children and 98% in adolescents. ... As such, the researchers say that vaccination is effective in Read more about COVID-19 jabs for kids reduce risk of death, regardless of variant

Glasses don't really help protect you from COVID-19 - but maybe they can't hurt

Publicly released: Fri 2 Dec 2022 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

JAMA Network Open

Wearing glasses doesn't appear to help protect people against COVID-19 according to a small clinical trial in Norway, but the authors say sliding on the sunnies might not be ... They found that the Read more about Glasses don't really help protect you from COVID-19 - but maybe they can't hurt

Australia now spends more on mental health and substance use disorders than we do on injuries

Publicly released: Fri 2 Dec 2022 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

3 billion) and cardiovascular diseases ($1. 9 billion). For the first time, the report contains initial figures on spending attributed to treating patients with COVID-19 in the first few months Read more about Australia now spends more on mental health and substance use disorders than we do on injuries

NEWS BRIEFING: Sneaky superbugs - Scientists find a new way bacteria can beat our antibiotics

Publicly released: Wed 30 Nov 2022 at 2100 AEDT | 2300 NZDT

Nature Communications

This makes the antibiotic ineffective and the infection would likely worsen when the patient should be getting better. ... AMR is a silent pandemic of much greater risk to society than COVID-19 – in Read more about NEWS BRIEFING: Sneaky superbugs - Scientists find a new way bacteria can beat our antibiotics

Which teens are more prone to Long COVID?

Publicly released: Wed 30 Nov 2022 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

Nature Communications

The team tested 1,034 children for evidence of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. ... Idris Guessous and colleagues tested 1,034 children for evidence of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. Read more about Which teens are more prone to Long COVID?

Severe COVID-19 risk elevated by high triglyceride level

Publicly released: Tue 29 Nov 2022 at 1200 AEDT | 1400 NZDT

Cell Reports

An analysis based on thousands of human genomes by QUT researchers found shared genetic factors that contribute to the risk of severe COVID-19 and blood analyte (component) levels, suggesting new Read more about Severe COVID-19 risk elevated by high triglyceride level

Health care that works for Māori: What will it take?

Publicly released: Mon 28 Nov 2022 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

Kaupapa Māori and Whānau Ora providers are agile and innovative, and have successfully demonstrated, most recently during COVID-19, their expertise and capacity to deliver relational, ... The research Read more about Health care that works for Māori: What will it take?

Rats are eating bait meant for feral cats on Rakiura Stewart Island

Publicly released: Mon 28 Nov 2022 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

New Zealand Journal of Ecology

The 19-paper issue on the restoration of New Zealand subantarctic islands also documents previously unpublished research and history of the successful eradication of six introduced mammal species Read more about Rats are eating bait meant for feral cats on Rakiura Stewart Island

Pest eradication success stories from subantarctic New Zealand

Publicly released: Mon 28 Nov 2022 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

New Zealand Journal of Ecology

The 19-paper issue on the restoration of New Zealand subantarctic islands also documents previously unpublished research and history of the successful eradication of six introduced mammal species Read more about Pest eradication success stories from subantarctic New Zealand

Can NZ clear its last sub-Antarctic island of pests?

Publicly released: Mon 28 Nov 2022 at 0300 AEDT | 0500 NZDT

New Zealand Journal of Ecology

The 19-paper issue on the restoration of New Zealand subantarctic islands also documents previously unpublished research and history of the successful eradication of six introduced mammal species Read more about Can NZ clear its last sub-Antarctic island of pests?

Positive social-emotional environments in schools boosts student’s mental health

Publicly released: Mon 28 Nov 2022 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

BMC Public Health

The review was undertaken in partnership with a group of youth advisors from Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. ... Depression and anxiety affects about one in four young people, with evidence of Read more about Positive social-emotional environments in schools boosts student’s mental health

Outdoor injuries on the rise as Aussies head into summer

Publicly released: Fri 25 Nov 2022 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

It found that overall there were around 1,600 injury-related hospitalisations every day, a 7% increase from 1,500 a day in 2018–19 prior to COVID. ... This is likely due to increases in outdoor activity Read more about Outdoor injuries on the rise as Aussies head into summer

Moderna's Omicron specific booster may help protect us against emerging COVID variants

Publicly released: Thu 24 Nov 2022 at 1308 AEDT | 1508 NZDT

New England Journal of Medicine

The Moderna bivalent vaccine, which contains both omicron specific and original vaccine mRNA, was able to generate a potent antibody response against the BA. ... The authors say this suggests these Read more about Moderna's Omicron specific booster may help protect us against emerging COVID variants

Grandchildren and volunteer work could combat loneliness in over 50s

Publicly released: Thu 24 Nov 2022 at 1101 AEDT | 1301 NZDT

Aging and Mental Health

The paper highlights that all of the studies included in this review were conducted in higher income countries and before the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to an increase in the ... pandemics, lockdowns, Read more about Grandchildren and volunteer work could combat loneliness in over 50s

COVID hospitalisation may be cut by a quarter with community testing

Publicly released: Thu 24 Nov 2022 at 1030 AEDT | 1230 NZDT

The BMJ

Transmission of the covid-19 virus by people without symptoms has been a major challenge in controlling the pandemic. ... These latest findings show that large scale voluntary community testing for Read more about COVID hospitalisation may be cut by a quarter with community testing

The stigma is real for people living with long COVID

Publicly released: Thu 24 Nov 2022 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS ONE

The study also looked at the types of stigma people experience and found that around 63% had overt experiences of being treated unfairly due to long COVID, while 86% reported feelings ... The authors say Read more about The stigma is real for people living with long COVID

If you've had COVID-19 a vaccine can still help stop you getting it again

Publicly released: Wed 23 Nov 2022 at 0600 AEDT | 0800 NZDT

PLOS Medicine

COVID-19 vaccine gives substantial protection against reinfection Protection was greatest during the Delta wave, but decreased against the Omicron variant Individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV Read more about If you've had COVID-19 a vaccine can still help stop you getting it again

Rapid growth in government health spending during the pandemic

Publicly released: Wed 23 Nov 2022 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

9 billion during 2020–21 – the second year (first full year) of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia, according to a new report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare ... 7 billion by state Read more about Rapid growth in government health spending during the pandemic

News about vaccine-related deaths caused more people to report side-effects

Publicly released: Mon 21 Nov 2022 at 1437 AEDT | 1637 NZDT

Journal of Psychosomatic Research

Local media reporting on vaccine-related deaths may have convinced many New Zealanders that they were experiencing side-effects from the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. ... rate increased by up to 190% following Read more about News about vaccine-related deaths caused more people to report side-effects

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