Resources for Journalists

A COVID-19 drug might help in treating severe hantavirus

Publicly released: Thu 4 Jun 2026 at 0830 AEST, 1030 NZST

The Lancet Infectious Diseases

Tocilizumab - A drug used for treating COVID-19 - has shown some promise in treating hantavirus, according to an early report from a larger ongoing study. ... The researchers emphasise that this is an Read more about A COVID-19 drug might help in treating severe hantavirus

Approximately 1 in 6 cases of COVID-19 might have ended in long COVID

Publicly released: Thu 28 May 2026 at 1633 AEST, 1833 NZST

JAMA Network Open

International researchers have scanned through COVID-19 cases in the US and found that close to 1 in 6 cases ended up becoming long COVID. ... The researchers investigated close to 458,000 patients with Read more about Approximately 1 in 6 cases of COVID-19 might have ended in long COVID

COVID racism driven by more than fear of infection

Publicly released: Tue 19 May 2026 at 1405 AEST, 1605 NZST

The Journal of Social Psychology

fully account for the rise in aggressive anti-Asian responses during the COVID-19 pandemic. ... The COVID-19 pandemic was accompanied by a marked rise in anti-Asian sentiment, with individuals of Asian Read more about COVID racism driven by more than fear of infection

EXPERT REACTION: NT diphtheria outbreak spreads to WA, QLD and SA

Publicly released: Tue 19 May 2026 at 1301 AEST, 1501 NZST

The outbreak has been reported to have spread beyond the NT border, into Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia. ... The NT has reported 133 cases, including one likely death, along with 79 Read more about EXPERT REACTION: NT diphtheria outbreak spreads to WA, QLD and SA

The world is on the edge of even greater pandemic damage

Publicly released: Mon 18 May 2026 at 2000 AEST, 2200 NZST

gaps in outbreak preparedness – and six years after COVID-19 turned those gaps into a global catastrophe – the evidence is clear: the world is not safer from pandemics. ... And the escalating toll of Read more about The world is on the edge of even greater pandemic damage

EXPERT REACTION: Ebola outbreak declared a public health emergency of international concern

Publicly released: Mon 18 May 2026 at 1133 AEST, 1333 NZST

The World Health Organization has declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda to be a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). ... The WHO says there Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Ebola outbreak declared a public health emergency of international concern

First signs of recovery emerge in Australia’s youth mental health crisis

Publicly released: Mon 18 May 2026 at 0930 AEST, 1130 NZST

Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry

Trend set pre-pandemicThe results suggest Australia’s youth mental health crisis did not begin with COVID-19, but rather that the pandemic intensified already existing trends that emerged in the Read more about First signs of recovery emerge in Australia’s youth mental health crisis

Could antivirals help prevent long COVID?

Publicly released: Sat 16 May 2026 at 0100 AEST, 0300 NZST

JAMA Network Open

People who take antiviral medicines soon after getting COVID-19 may be less likely to develop long COVID symptoms, a large Japanese study suggests. ... The researchers say early antiviral treatment may Read more about Could antivirals help prevent long COVID?

COVID vaccination linked to lower household spread

Publicly released: Sat 16 May 2026 at 0100 AEST, 0300 NZST

JAMA Network Open

People who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 are less likely to transmit the virus on to others, a new US study has found. ... The authors say the findings suggest recent COVID vaccination may still Read more about COVID vaccination linked to lower household spread

EXPERT REACTION: Aussies on hantavirus affected ship due to return today

Publicly released: Fri 15 May 2026 at 1106 AEST, 1306 NZST

Five Australians and one New Zealander from the hantavirus-affected cruise ship are expected to land in Perth today. ... The passengers will remain at the Bullsbrook Quarantine Facility. Below, Australian Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Aussies on hantavirus affected ship due to return today

WHO says we are unlikely to hit health and health-related sustainable development goals by 2030 target

Publicly released: Wed 13 May 2026 at 2300 AEST, Thu 14 May 26 at 0100 NZST

World Health Statistics 2026

The prevalence of anaemia in women rose slightly in recent years, the researchers find, and the number of children under five years who are overweight has increased. ... COVID-19 spiked the number of Read more about WHO says we are unlikely to hit health and health-related sustainable development goals by 2030 target

An army of giant raccoons takes on the trolls: Why belief in conspiracy theories is probably less common than surveys say

Publicly released: Fri 8 May 2026 at 1458 AEST, 1658 NZST

Collabra: Psychology

Survey participants were also asked to consider two clearly contradictory theories about coronavirus – “Governments are covering up the fact that 5G mobile networks spread coronavirus” and Read more about An army of giant raccoons takes on the trolls: Why belief in conspiracy theories is probably less common than surveys say

Construction sector adapts to global shocks faster than expected

Publicly released: Thu 7 May 2026 at 1106 AEST, 1306 NZST

International Journal of Production Economics

The study, conducted by researchers from Adelaide University and Flinders University, found that while the sector faced significant delays, cost increases and material shortages during events Read more about Construction sector adapts to global shocks faster than expected

mRNA vaccine outperforms standard flu jabs

Publicly released: Thu 7 May 2026 at 0700 AEST, 0900 NZST

New England Journal of Medicine

Vaccine manufacturer Moderna developed a messenger-RNA vaccine - the same mechanism used for the company's COVID-19 vaccine - that acted on the same three influenza strains as the regular flu Read more about mRNA vaccine outperforms standard flu jabs

BACKGROUND BRIEFING: What to expect from the 2026 flu season

Publicly released: Fri 1 May 2026 at 1100 AEST, 1300 NZST

Case numbers for flu, COVID-19, and RSVHow do flu, COVID-19, and RSV numbers impact our crowded hospitals?What flu strains do our vaccines cover - are we protected against Super ... K?What's happening Read more about BACKGROUND BRIEFING: What to expect from the 2026 flu season

Losing a loved one may increase your risk of heart attack or stroke

Publicly released: Sat 25 Apr 2026 at 0100 AEST, 0300 NZST

JAMA Network Open

The large study of over five million people found that bereavement was linked with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and that the risk was greater during the COVID-19 period ... Bereavement and Read more about Losing a loved one may increase your risk of heart attack or stroke

New tool tracks how microbes spread — even when they look almost identical

Publicly released: Fri 24 Apr 2026 at 1900 AEST, 2100 NZST

Nature Microbiology

The team tested the TRACS tool using a wide range of data, including viruses responsible for COVID-19, bacteria that cause pneumonia, and parasites responsible for malaria. ... Researchers believe the Read more about New tool tracks how microbes spread — even when they look almost identical

Memorials of people who died with extreme fatigue condition share themes of neglect

Publicly released: Thu 23 Apr 2026 at 0400 AEST, 0600 NZST

PLOS One

The condition called ME/CFS can involve pain, 'brain fog', and poor sleep - with symptoms worsening after activity. ... The authors highlight possible links between such experiences and risk of death, Read more about Memorials of people who died with extreme fatigue condition share themes of neglect

EXPERT REACTION: These coronaviruses enter human cells in a whole new way and could be a threat to health

Publicly released: Thu 23 Apr 2026 at 0100 AEST, 0300 NZST

Nature

Of all the types of coronaviruses, scientists know most about how betacoronaviruses enter cells - a group that includes the virus behind the COVID-19 pandemic. ... Although six such receptors have been Read more about EXPERT REACTION: These coronaviruses enter human cells in a whole new way and could be a threat to health

Teen cannabis use rose after US legalisation, but then returned to normal

Publicly released: Sat 18 Apr 2026 at 0100 AEST, 0300 NZST

JAMA Network Open

They found use increased after legalisation, but decreased after the COVID-19 pandemic, and had returned to pre-legalisation levels by 2024. ... The findings suggest adolescent cannabis use is sensitive Read more about Teen cannabis use rose after US legalisation, but then returned to normal

US-Israel-Iran War strikes at the heart of global food production, plunging tens of millions of people into abject poverty

Publicly released: Thu 16 Apr 2026 at 2339 AEST, Fri 17 Apr 26 at 0139 NZST

Global Food Security

It provides a real-time analysis of an active conflict, drawing on lessons from three previous crises: the 2007–08 food price surge, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Russia-Ukraine ... The countries that Read more about US-Israel-Iran War strikes at the heart of global food production, plunging tens of millions of people into abject poverty

Extended vaccination opportunities and community involvement could boost uptake

Publicly released: Thu 16 Apr 2026 at 0830 AEST, 1030 NZST

The BMJ

Yet no existing reviews assess the effectiveness of individual intervention components across different populations and contexts. ... The effectiveness of certain components may also have been influenced Read more about Extended vaccination opportunities and community involvement could boost uptake

Two new TB vaccines safe but don't protect against all forms of the disease

Publicly released: Fri 10 Apr 2026 at 0830 AEST, 1030 NZST

The BMJ

8 million people worldwide were reported to have TB and the rate of new cases increased by 4. ... The researchers acknowledge that the covid-19 pandemic affected the study, leading to the exclusion of Read more about Two new TB vaccines safe but don't protect against all forms of the disease

Common antidepressant may ease long COVID fatigue

Publicly released: Tue 31 Mar 2026 at 0800 AEDT, 1000 NZDT

Annals of Internal Medicine

International researchers say the common antidepressant fluvoxamine reduces long COVID–19-related fatigue, one of the condition’s most persistent and debilitating symptoms, while the diabetes Read more about Common antidepressant may ease long COVID fatigue

How to stop panic-buying? Research finds COVID lesson

Publicly released: Wed 18 Mar 2026 at 1127 AEDT, 1327 NZDT

Behavioral Sciences

Panic buying doesn’t just respond to shortages - it creates them. And according to a University of the Sunshine Coast behavioural scientist, the lessons learned during COVID-19 remain critical Read more about How to stop panic-buying? Research finds COVID lesson

Illness severity rather than vaccination rate was the main cause of COVID's impact on Māori and Pacific people

Publicly released: Tue 17 Mar 2026 at 1124 AEDT, 1324 NZDT

Epidemics

Lower vaccination rates may not be the main reason why Māori and Pacific people were more likely to be hospitalised or die from Omicron variants of COVID, a NZ study finds. ... Comparing the models Read more about Illness severity rather than vaccination rate was the main cause of COVID's impact on Māori and Pacific people

Regular support sessions reduce burnout among midwives

Publicly released: Mon 16 Mar 2026 at 1509 AEDT, 1709 NZDT

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

At the same time, many older midwives have accelerated their retirement plans following the COVID‑19 pandemic. ... Programs like GCS offer a clear and achievable way to support the workforce now,” Read more about Regular support sessions reduce burnout among midwives

Coo-ee! Tapping into the inner workings of long-distance animal calls

Publicly released: Wed 11 Mar 2026 at 0000 AEDT, 0200 NZDT

Journal of Mammalian Evolution

a mammal might be calling from – and improve biodiversity monitoring along the way. ... As for solving the baboon mystery, Dr Walker did learn the maximum call length for two other baboon species, Read more about Coo-ee! Tapping into the inner workings of long-distance animal calls

‘Mini hearts’ show COVID-19 virus directly infects heart tissue

Publicly released: Tue 3 Mar 2026 at 1511 AEDT, 1711 NZDT

Biofabrication

Researchers from the Centenary Institute and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) have developed a human heart cell model demonstrating that the virus that causes COVID‑19 (SARS-CoV-2) can Read more about ‘Mini hearts’ show COVID-19 virus directly infects heart tissue

Breast cancer rates remain high worldwide, but cases in Australia have dropped since 1990

Publicly released: Tue 3 Mar 2026 at 1030 AEDT, 1230 NZDT

The Lancet Oncology

the analysis does not analyse the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic or recent conflicts on the disease burden. ... 4)51. 7 (48. 5 to 54. 2)22. 2 (19. 7 to 24. Read more about Breast cancer rates remain high worldwide, but cases in Australia have dropped since 1990

Diabetes and liver medications failed to treat long COVID

Publicly released: Tue 3 Mar 2026 at 0900 AEDT, 1100 NZDT

Annals of Internal Medicine

The findings underscore the continued lack of proven treatments to alleviate symptoms of long COVID. ... common diabetes drug shown to reduce the incidence of long COVID by 41%, or UDCA, a liver Read more about Diabetes and liver medications failed to treat long COVID

EXPERT REACTION: Online gambling changes in Canada linked to a huge increase in people seeking gambling help

Publicly released: Mon 2 Mar 2026 at 1601 AEDT, 1801 NZDT

Canadian Medical Association Journal

Online gambling has recently undergone enormous  expansion in Canada and the United States. ... January 2015 to February 2020), the COVID-19 pandemic period (March  2020 to March 2022), and after Read more about EXPERT REACTION: Online gambling changes in Canada linked to a huge increase in people seeking gambling help

Australians are rethinking inner city living

Publicly released: Thu 26 Feb 2026 at 1048 AEDT, 1248 NZDT

Regional Studies

In a post-COVID world, CBD living is losing appeal with Australian residents opting for lower-density housing, according to new research from Adelaide University. ... The study sought to test whether the Read more about Australians are rethinking inner city living

More financial support needed for mental health patients

Publicly released: Mon 23 Feb 2026 at 1227 AEDT, 1427 NZDT

Health Economics Review

Previous analysis shows that GP bulk billing rates have declined from 89% to 77% since the COVID-19 pandemic, and mental health specialists bulk bill only 26% of the time," he ... The study also found Read more about More financial support needed for mental health patients

New Zealanders may be overestimating food inflation

Publicly released: Tue 17 Feb 2026 at 0902 AEDT, 1102 NZDT

Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand

New research has found that years of rapidly increasing food prices following the COVID-19 pandemic may have distorted how New Zealanders perceive the cost of food. ... The researchers say this Read more about New Zealanders may be overestimating food inflation

Too much school pressure could have lasting impacts on a teen's mental health

Publicly released: Fri 13 Feb 2026 at 1030 AEDT, 1230 NZDT

The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health

There was also a link between academic pressure and an increased likelihood of self-harm, the researchers say. ... or COVID-19, meaning more up to date data are still needed to understand how current Read more about Too much school pressure could have lasting impacts on a teen's mental health

Scientific sleuthing solves vaccine side-effect

Publicly released: Thu 12 Feb 2026 at 1055 AEDT, 1255 NZDT

The New England Journal of Medicine

New research led by Flinders University and international experts has finally uncovered how a rare blood clotting condition can occur after some COVID-19 adenovirus-based vaccines or after a natural Read more about Scientific sleuthing solves vaccine side-effect

Obesity linked to higher risk of severe and fatal infectious diseases

Publicly released: Tue 10 Feb 2026 at 1030 AEDT, 1230 NZDT

The Lancet

Obesity significantly increases the risk of hospitalisation and death from most infectious diseases, including flu, COVID-19, pneumonia, gastroenteritis, urinary tract infections and Read more about Obesity linked to higher risk of severe and fatal infectious diseases

New mums still falling through the cracks – and paying with their hearts

Publicly released: Tue 10 Feb 2026 at 1030 AEDT, 1230 NZDT

The Lancet

Ms McKerrell, who participated in the BP2 study, said she faced the same barriers identified by the research: fatigue, being the sole carer for her daughter and COVID-19 restrictions that ... Between 2019 Read more about New mums still falling through the cracks – and paying with their hearts

Warning on hidden climate change disease threat

Publicly released: Mon 9 Feb 2026 at 0001 AEDT, 0201 NZDT

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health

Leptospirosis is a notifiable disease. Symptoms in humans resemble influenza and COVID-19, so many cases remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. ... We need more comprehensive monitoring, greater public Read more about Warning on hidden climate change disease threat

The 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines are still offering high protection against severe complications

Publicly released: Wed 4 Feb 2026 at 0300 AEDT, 0500 NZDT

JAMA Network Open

The 2024-2025 updated versions of the Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax COVID-19 vaccines are still offering high protection against requiring mechanical ventilation or dying from the virus, according to Read more about The 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines are still offering high protection against severe complications

RNA molecule discovery could lead to potential new breast cancer therapy

Publicly released: Wed 4 Feb 2026 at 0001 AEDT, 0201 NZDT

Molecular Cancer

The researchers are grateful for the funding support that has advanced this work, including from the National Breast Cancer Foundation of Australia and the National Health and Medical Research Council Read more about RNA molecule discovery could lead to potential new breast cancer therapy

Altered brain connection found in people with ME/CFS and Long COVID

Publicly released: Wed 28 Jan 2026 at 1145 AEDT, 1345 NZDT

The Journal of Translational Medicine

The research supported what many people with ME/CFS and Long COVID experience which was that cognitive effort was not just tiring but could have real neurological impacts, and adequate rest Read more about Altered brain connection found in people with ME/CFS and Long COVID

Cracking the code of Long COVID

Publicly released: Wed 28 Jan 2026 at 0955 AEDT, 1155 NZDT

The team was among the first in the world to describe long-term immune dysregulation following SARS-CoV-2 infection, revealing that abnormalities can continue well beyond six months for some Read more about Cracking the code of Long COVID

If you're addicted to binge watching TV, you may be more likely to be lonely

Publicly released: Thu 22 Jan 2026 at 0600 AEDT, 0800 NZDT

PLOS One

Of the participants, 334 (61%) met the criteria for binge-watching addiction, and the researchers found that the more these addicts binged TV, the lonelier they felt. ... COVID-19 drove many people Read more about If you're addicted to binge watching TV, you may be more likely to be lonely

How have US abortion bans impacted a woman's risk of pregnancy-related death?

Publicly released: Thu 22 Jan 2026 at 0300 AEDT, 0500 NZDT

JAMA Network Open

Over the time period, the researchers say there were just under 15 million births and about 3. ... 6 million abortions. After removing non-specific and COVID-19 related deaths, the researchers say there Read more about How have US abortion bans impacted a woman's risk of pregnancy-related death?

At-home blood oxygen monitoring devices less accurate on people with darker skin

Publicly released: Thu 15 Jan 2026 at 1030 AEDT, 1230 NZDT

The BMJ

To address this, researchers set out to test the measurement and diagnostic accuracy of five fingertip pulse oximeters provided by the NHS for use at home in the NHS England COVID ... And the authors Read more about At-home blood oxygen monitoring devices less accurate on people with darker skin

How did attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines change over time?

Publicly released: Tue 13 Jan 2026 at 1030 AEDT, 1230 NZDT

The Lancet

1 million people in England between January 2021 and March 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic, published in The Lancet. ... and concluded, “whereas these data reflect the extraordinary setting of SARS-CoV Read more about How did attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines change over time?

Flu and whooping cough vaccines in pregnancy help keep babies out of hospital

Publicly released: Fri 9 Jan 2026 at 0300 AEDT, 0500 NZDT

JAMA Network Open

The team used health records to identify 53,448 mothers who received the Tdap combined vaccine (for whooping cough / diphtheria / tetanus) during pregnancy, and 5,347 who received a flu shot Read more about Flu and whooping cough vaccines in pregnancy help keep babies out of hospital

Hidden heartache of losing an animal companion

Publicly released: Wed 7 Jan 2026 at 1549 AEDT, 1749 NZDT

Death Studies

The emotional toll of losing a beloved pet during the COVID-19 pandemic has been revealed in an international study, revealing that grief for animals is often profound, enduring and still ... Hidden Read more about Hidden heartache of losing an animal companion