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1 week ago | 
abc.net.au | Norman Swan |Preeya Alexander |Shelby Traynor
Hyenas and vultures play a role in driving down the risk of disease outbreaks, but their decline due to human behaviour is putting our health in danger. Also, we discuss Lifeblood's changes which bring down some of the barriers facing gay and bisexual men, and transgender women, who'd like to donate blood or plasma. Pain education could help people with osteoarthritis get the most out of exercise programs — and even walk the Camino.
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1 week ago | 
abc.net.au | Norman Swan |Preeya Alexander
Gay or bisexual men and transgender women who have sex with men will be able to give blood or plasma under changes introduced by Lifeblood. Also, a report digs into the high fees and long wait times most people face when going to see a specialist doctor. • Lifeblood announces changes to sexual activity rules for blood and plasma donation
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1 week ago | 
abc.net.au | Norman Swan |Preeya Alexander
The way a doctor talks to you about your osteoarthritis can go on to impact how much pain you feel as a result. It was hoped this education would help people push through initial pain flares and achieve their exercise goals.
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1 week ago | 
abc.net.au | Norman Swan |Preeya Alexander
Couples can unknowingly be carriers for genetic conditions, even though there are tests available to reveal recessive traits before conceiving. Medicare covers genetic carrier screening for cystic fibrosis (CF), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and fragile X syndrome (FXS). However advocates are calling for subsidies to cover more conditions, so parents can be well informed.
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1 week ago | 
abc.net.au | Norman Swan |Preeya Alexander
Scavenger species play a role in cleaning up towns, scavenging on the animal waste that people have thrown away. New research has shown apex scavengers, large and specialised scavengers, are declining because of human behaviour. And it's putting our health at risk. One reason is that more humans and livestock become exposed to carcases. The other is that smaller scavengers, like rodents and feral dogs, come in to fill the gap, carrying their own diseases.
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2 weeks ago | 
abc.net.au | Norman Swan |Preeya Alexander |Shelby Traynor
There are concerns people are getting their hands on medicinal cannabis to treat conditions where there's very little evidence of benefit — and the possibility of harm. Also, why weight loss drugs could improve treatment for people with schizophrenia. The full breadth of corporate ownership of radiology clinics is revealed. And what questions need to be asked with IVF in the spotlight, as Monash IVF deals with the fallout from a second bungled embryo transfer.
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2 weeks ago | 
abc.net.au | Norman Swan |Preeya Alexander
For the second time, Monash IVF has transferred the wrong embryo to a patient. It has led to the resignation of its CEO and prompted calls to tighten industry regulations. It also raises questions about the priorities of for-profit IVF clinics. Also, RFK Jr in the United States has made the unprecedented decision to overhaul the nation's vaccine advisory board, installing members known for peddling misinformation.
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2 weeks ago | 
abc.net.au | Norman Swan |Preeya Alexander
Health regulators are concerned it’s too easy for people to get their hands on medicinal cannabis. Regulators are concerned practitioners are putting profits over patient safety, with some writing more than 100 scripts a day. What does the evidence say about what medicinal cannabis is effective for, and some of the risks associated with using it?
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2 weeks ago | 
abc.net.au | Norman Swan |Preeya Alexander
Antipsychotic medications can be transformative for people with schizophrenia, but they come with side effects. Weight gain and metabolic dysfunction are common, and contribute to people with schizophrenia having a higher mortality than the rest of the population. A trial out of Queensland has looked at whether semaglutide might help address this weight gain, making antipsychotic medications more tolerable.
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2 weeks ago | 
abc.net.au | Norman Swan |Preeya Alexander
A national audit of radiology practices has revealed that 3 in 5 private practices are owned by large for-profit corporations. It also found that four corporations own over half of all clinics that provide MRI. There are concerns growing corporate dominance raises questions about the future of affordable, high-quality care. • Corporatisation and ownership concentration in diagnostic imaging: an audit of Australian practices
