Resources for Journalists

COVID-19 is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus strain, that has not been previously identified in humans. See below for a collection of resources to help you cover this issue (Please note: additional resources are available to journalists who are logged in).

The AusSMC also issues a daily COVID-19 update for registered journalists (click here to view an example). If you would like to receive this email, please go to your profile on MyScimex and select yes beside "Receive COVID-19 Updates?". The email update and this resources page are supported by the Google News Initiative.

Latest COVID-19 news, research, expert reactions and briefings

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  1. 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

    InternationalGrossman School of Medicine, USA

  2. 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

    InternationalThe University of Tennessee, USA

  3. 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

    Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales

  4. 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

    Australia; International; NSWMacquarie University | Paris Cardiovascular Research Centre

  5. 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

    InternationalIndiana University, USA

  6. 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

    InternationalRush University Medical Center, USA

  7. 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

    Australia; International; VICWEHI | Monash University | The University of Melbourne

  8. 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

    Australia; SASouth Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI)

  9. 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

    Australia; VICMonash University

  10. 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

    InternationalFred Hutchinson Cancer Center, USA

  11. 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

    InternationalUniversity of Colorado, USA

  12. 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

    InternationalTexas A&M University, USA

  13. 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

    Australia; SAFlinders University | South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI)

  14. 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

    InternationalStanford University School of Medicine, USA

  15. 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

    Australia; International; QLDJames Cook University | University of British Columbia, Canada

  16. 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

    Australia; VICMurdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) | The University of Melbourne

  17. 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

    InternationalNational Institute for Health Research, UK

  18. 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

    InternationalSapien Labs, USA

  19. 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

    Australia; NSW; QLDThe University of Sydney | Griffith University | The Westmead Institute for Medical Research

  20. 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

    Australia; International; SAUniversity of South Australia | King’s College London, UK

  21. 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

    Australia; NSWCentenary Institute | The University of Sydney

  22. 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

    InternationalKaiser Permanente Northern California, USA

  23. 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

    Australia; International; VICMonash University | Newcastle Fertility Centre, UK, Newcastle University, UK

  24. 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

    Australia; SAFlinders University | The University of Adelaide

  25. 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

    New ZealandAUT University | Whakarongorau Aotearoa | New Zealand Telehealth Services,

  26. 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

    Australia; VICBurnet Institute | Monash University | The University of Melbourne

  27. 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

    InternationalStanford University, USA

  28. 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

    Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales

  29. 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

    InternationalUniversity of Tübingen, Germany

  30. 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

    InternationalZhejiang University School of Medicine, China

  31. 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

    InternationalMayo Clinic, USA, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, USA

  32. 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

    Australia; VIC; ACTThe Australian National University | The University of Melbourne

  33. 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

    Australia; NSW; VIC; WA; TAS; ACTNational Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) ...

  34. 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

    InternationalUniversity Medical Center, The Netherlands

  35. New insights into seasonal shifts in sleep

    Publicly released: Thu 26 Jun 2025 at 1053 AEST, 1253 NZST

    Sleep

    Our findings underscore the seasonal nature of human sleep, and that it is influenced by demographics and geography. ... 5 minutes less per night from 2020 to 2023 – a decline researchers speculate Read more about New insights into seasonal shifts in sleep

    Australia; SAFlinders University

  36. COVID-19 vaccines available in 2023-2024 were still offering extra protection

    Publicly released: Thu 26 Jun 2025 at 0100 AEST, 0300 NZST

    JAMA Network Open

    They estimate that on top of the protection against COVID-19 most people have now from prior vaccination and getting the virus, the vaccines were 29% effective against emergency department Read more about COVID-19 vaccines available in 2023-2024 were still offering extra protection

    InternationalCenters for Disease Control and Prevention, USA

  37. Efforts to get the world's children vaccinated have stalled over the past 15 years

    Publicly released: Wed 25 Jun 2025 at 0830 AEST, 1030 NZST

    The Lancet

    These challenges have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving millions of children vulnerable to preventable diseases and death, according to a major new analysis from the Global Read more about Efforts to get the world's children vaccinated have stalled over the past 15 years

    InternationalUniversity of Washington, USA

  38. 'It takes a village’ to address childhood anxiety and depression

    Publicly released: Tue 24 Jun 2025 at 1630 AEST, 1830 NZST

    Children

    Research shows ‘it takes a village’ to address childhood anxiety and depressionSince the COVID-19 pandemic, levels of clinically elevated depression and anxiety symptoms in children have Read more about 'It takes a village’ to address childhood anxiety and depression

    Australia; VIC; WAMurdoch University | Federation University Australia

  39. A new database of everything we know about COVID-19 shows promise for future pandemics

    Publicly released: Tue 24 Jun 2025 at 1540 AEST, 1740 NZST

    Nature

    A new database of everything we know about COVID-19 shows promise for future pandemicsCOVID-19 may seem well and truly in the past, but another deadly pandemic is a question ... who need to understand Read more about A new database of everything we know about COVID-19 shows promise for future pandemics

    Australia; VIC; TAS; ACTSwinburne University of Technology | The Australian National University ...

  40. Road crash injuries are on the rise in Australia - how can we stop them?

    Publicly released: Thu 19 Jun 2025 at 1143 AEST, 1343 NZST

    Case Studies on Transport Policy

    records. “We found between 2011 and 2019, crash-related hospitalisations rose steadily, only falling briefly during 2020 due to COVID-19 lockdowns,” says Dr Soltani. ... If we want to reduce the Read more about Road crash injuries are on the rise in Australia - how can we stop them?

    Australia; SAFlinders University

  41. New pathway for mRNA drug delivery shows shape of things to come

    Publicly released: Mon 16 Jun 2025 at 1416 AEST, 1616 NZST

    Small

    Lipid nanoparticles have emerged as critical platforms for drug and gene delivery, with the success of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines highlighting their potential. ... One of the major challenges in nanomedicine Read more about New pathway for mRNA drug delivery shows shape of things to come

    Australia; InternationalRMIT University

  42. Electroshock therapy may reduce suicide risk by a third in severely depressed patients

    Publicly released: Fri 13 Jun 2025 at 0805 AEST, 1005 NZST

    Neuroscience Applied

    The full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global mental health is still being assessed. ... In contrast to ECT — which has been in clinical use since the 1930s — rTMS and VNS are relatively new Read more about Electroshock therapy may reduce suicide risk by a third in severely depressed patients

    InternationalUniversity of Basel, Switzerland

  43. Australian children’s screen time soars to 9 hours daily

    Publicly released: Thu 12 Jun 2025 at 1840 AEST, 2040 NZST

    Current Psychology

    34 hours – a dramatic increase from 2017 pre-COVID data showing 6. ... The researchers called for early intervention strategies including parent education and school-based programs. Read more about Australian children’s screen time soars to 9 hours daily

    Australia; VICMacquarie University

  44. Real-time study to reveal crucial facts about persistent illnesses post-COVID-19

    Publicly released: Thu 12 Jun 2025 at 1134 AEST, 1334 NZST

    As Australia heads into the winter COVID-19 and influenza surge, a major study is recruiting people with current flu-like symptoms. ... For this study, we want to recruit 1500 Australians who are Read more about Real-time study to reveal crucial facts about persistent illnesses post-COVID-19

    Australia; NSW; VICThe University of New South Wales | Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney ...

  45. Severe forms of COVID-19 infection in children may increase cardiovascular disease risks

    Publicly released: Wed 11 Jun 2025 at 1139 AEST, 1339 NZST

    Journal of Proteome Research

    However, COVID-19 causes heart damage in some adults, and an Australian and international study of 147 children in the US shows evidence that children with COVID-19 and MIS-C ... With over 750 million Read more about Severe forms of COVID-19 infection in children may increase cardiovascular disease risks

    Australia; International; WAMurdoch University

  46. 'Missing link' in blood clotting mechanism that wreaks havoc on the small blood vessels of major organs

    Publicly released: Fri 6 Jun 2025 at 1218 AEST, 1418 NZST

    Nature

    Australian scientists have uncovered the 'missing link' in the way the small blood vessels in the body can become blocked in many conditions, including heart attacks, stroke, sepsis and severe Read more about 'Missing link' in blood clotting mechanism that wreaks havoc on the small blood vessels of major organs

    Australia; International; NSW; VIC; QLDThe University of Sydney | The University of Queensland ...

  47. Discovery harnesses mRNA in the search for an HIV cure

    Publicly released: Fri 6 Jun 2025 at 1217 AEST, 1417 NZST

    Nature Communications

    The study, published in Nature Communications, shows that mRNA can be delivered via lipid nanoparticles (the same technology used in COVID-19 vaccines) to reach HIV-infected cells and force the Read more about Discovery harnesses mRNA in the search for an HIV cure

    Australia; VICThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity ...

  48. Offering COVID-19 booster vaccinations alongside influenza vaccinations could reduce hospitalisations and deaths

    Publicly released: Mon 2 Jun 2025 at 0001 AEST, 0201 NZST

    Medical Journal of Australia

    Researchers used mathematical models to compare scenarios where COVID-19 vaccines were delivered at different times of the year and concluded that even though COVID-19 is not seasonal like influenza, Read more about Offering COVID-19 booster vaccinations alongside influenza vaccinations could reduce hospitalisations and deaths

    Australia; VICBurnet Institute

  49. Earlier measles vaccine could help curb global outbreak

    Publicly released: Fri 30 May 2025 at 0001 AEST, 0201 NZST

    The Journal of Infectious Diseases

    School-aged children are the key transmitters of the virus, so preventing infections during childhood is critical to limiting the disease spread and advancing measles elimination efforts,” he said. Read more about Earlier measles vaccine could help curb global outbreak

    Australia; VICMurdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) | The University of Melbourne

  50. COVID infections tied to rare neurological condition, mRNA vaccines reduce risk

    Publicly released: Thu 29 May 2025 at 1432 AEST, 1632 NZST

    Vaccine

    Guillain-Barré syndrome after COVID-19 vaccines or SARS-CoV-2 infection. ... Auckland, 29 May 2025 – A new multinational study analysing data from over 230 million people across 20 global sites Read more about COVID infections tied to rare neurological condition, mRNA vaccines reduce risk

    Australia; New Zealand; International; NSW; VIC; WAUniversity of Auckland | Monash University | Murdoch University ...

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