Resources for Journalists

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

Evidence shows that masks reduce transmission in a pandemic

Publicly released: Wed 1 Nov 2023 at 0200 AEDT | 0400 NZDT

JAMA Network Open

Viruses that are spread by the respiratory system can lead to pandemics such as COVID-19, and face masks provide an important layer of protection. ... viruses. Robust available data support the use of Read more about Evidence shows that masks reduce transmission in a pandemic

Males’ immune response to a virus-like challenge alters their offspring’s behaviour

Publicly released: Tue 31 Oct 2023 at 1550 AEDT | 1750 NZDT

Brain, Behavior, and Immunity

The researchers are calling urgently for more studies to explore what this might mean to human development and brain health in the wake of widespread COVID-19 and flu infections. ... With many men of child Read more about Males’ immune response to a virus-like challenge alters their offspring’s behaviour

How do lingering COVID-19 symptoms affect your quality of life?

Publicly released: Wed 25 Oct 2023 at 0200 AEDT | 0400 NZDT

Nature Communications

Over 250,000 people involved in a British COVID-19 study filled out a questionnaire about their experiences with the virus; with about 130,000 of the participants reporting at least ... The researchers Read more about How do lingering COVID-19 symptoms affect your quality of life?

Australian health spending up by 6% in 2021/2022

Publicly released: Wed 25 Oct 2023 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

9%) in real terms to $84. 1 billion, which was associated with increased spending related to the pandemic, such as COVID-19 vaccines and personal protective equipment. ... 2 billion by state and territory Read more about Australian health spending up by 6% in 2021/2022

How to slow the spread of deadly ‘superbugs’

Publicly released: Tue 24 Oct 2023 at 0900 AEDT | 1100 NZDT

Nature Review Genetics

and the University of South Australia. ... The use of genomic tracing during the Covid-19 pandemic has provided insight into the potential of genomic technologies to monitor the development and spread of Read more about How to slow the spread of deadly ‘superbugs’

Common COVID-19 medications associated with small reduced risk of lingering symptoms

Publicly released: Tue 24 Oct 2023 at 0200 AEDT | 0400 NZDT

JAMA Internal Medicine

The researchers looked at post-COVID-19 conditions - COVID-19 symptoms persisting between one and three months after infection - among nearly 2 million people aged 65 and over in the US. ... 6% received Read more about Common COVID-19 medications associated with small reduced risk of lingering symptoms

COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant mothers linked to fewer serious health complications for their babies

Publicly released: Tue 24 Oct 2023 at 0200 AEDT | 0400 NZDT

JAMA Pediatrics

The researchers used Canadian health databases to compare the health of 142,006 babies, 85,670 of which were exposed to at least one COVID-19 vaccination in utero. ... death, and neonatal intensive care Read more about COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant mothers linked to fewer serious health complications for their babies

Gut fungi related to severe COVID-19 could provide an opportunity for treating the virus

Publicly released: Tue 24 Oct 2023 at 0200 AEDT | 0400 NZDT

Nature Immunology

Iliyan Iliev and colleagues examined the gut mycobiota (the fungal microbiota) of 91 individuals with COVID-19 from 3 US cohorts recruited during the first wave of SARS-CoV-2 infections. ... In mice Read more about Gut fungi related to severe COVID-19 could provide an opportunity for treating the virus

Mimics human tissue, fights bacteria: new biomaterial hits the sweet spot

Publicly released: Mon 23 Oct 2023 at 2000 AEDT | 2200 NZDT

Nature Communications

Surprise discovery in lockdownAshley Nguyen, a PhD student in the UNSW School of Chemistry and first author on the paper, made this discovery during the Covid19 lockdown using computer simulations. Read more about Mimics human tissue, fights bacteria: new biomaterial hits the sweet spot

Telehealth audiology services need to be dialled up

Publicly released: Wed 18 Oct 2023 at 1400 AEDT | 1600 NZDT

American Journal of Audiology

Despite a surge during COVID-19, the use of telehealth-supported access to audiologists is not being used to its full potential according to new research from Flinders University. ... The study – Read more about Telehealth audiology services need to be dialled up

Aged care could be beneficial for people with dementia

Publicly released: Wed 18 Oct 2023 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

to allow the interaction between health and aged care systems to be monitored. ... Due to data availability at the time of study, changes in health and care aged care services following recent aged care Read more about Aged care could be beneficial for people with dementia

Cycling in school improves teenagers’ mental health, but wider social factors may impact benefits

Publicly released: Thu 12 Oct 2023 at 1500 AEDT | 1700 NZDT

Frontiers in Sports and Active Living

Participation in a school cycling education program during the Covid-19 pandemic was associated with improved psychosocial well-being amongst middle schoolers in the US,” said Dr Esther Walker, Read more about Cycling in school improves teenagers’ mental health, but wider social factors may impact benefits

Liquid reagent can rapidly inactivate coronavirus for faster, safer and potentially life-saving testing

Publicly released: Tue 10 Oct 2023 at 1214 AEDT | 1414 NZDT

Frontiers in Microbiology

The study showed that the unique composition of the reagent could extract RNA in patient samples in little as five to ten minutes – and importantly, rapidly inactivate SARS-CoV-2 to ... QIMR Berghofer Read more about Liquid reagent can rapidly inactivate coronavirus for faster, safer and potentially life-saving testing

Call to comprehensively mitigate the impact of Covid, flu, and RSV

Publicly released: Fri 6 Oct 2023 at 0001 AEDT | 0201 NZDT

New Zealand Medical Journal

A group of 16 New Zealand researchers say we should start treating illnesses such as influenza and RSV more like COVID-19, rather than the other way around. ... and exploring the advantages and Read more about Call to comprehensively mitigate the impact of Covid, flu, and RSV

Australian Long COVID response lagging

Publicly released: Thu 5 Oct 2023 at 0900 AEDT | 1100 NZDT

Public Health Reviews

Co-lead author Associate Professor Zhen Zheng highlighted that while early investigation at week four after contracting COVID-19 is recommended by the Australian, UK and US guidelines, this is not Read more about Australian Long COVID response lagging