Archived News for Health Sector Professionals - December, 2013
Trials are underway in Melbourne of a possible new blood test for mothers, which can check for changing oxygen levels in utero.
Medical board backs refusal for repeated haters
The Australian Medical Association says it is okay for clinics to turn down people who complain about their services on social media.
New hospital split forming, clinical services kept public
There has been some word on the public-private arrangement planned for the new $1.8 billion Sunshine Coast University Hospital.
Players requiring real help to get over the game
Growing numbers of Australians require medical assistance to peel their eyes off the screen, with experts saying something must be done to combat the rampant new addiction.
Zinc finger laid on sickle cell reversal
Researchers are working on a way to re-enable the creation of a form of foetal haemoglobin, which could lead to a new therapy for sickle cell disease (SCD).
Finding the switch to keep on trucking
Some people are capable of incredible feats of perseverance and motivations, while others give up as soon as the going looks tough – but what if a switch in the brain could be flipped, causing an individual to anticipate a challenge and possess a strong motivation to overcome it.
Study plots pollutant path from micro to macro problem
With plastic pollutants and additives piling up on land and in our oceans, an important study has sought to find whether the synthetic substances transfer to wildlife when they are eaten.
Successful steps taken on path to HIV cure
A new technique is being developed which can destroy HIV infection while leaving other cells untouched.
Watchdog says sunscreen claim's meaning has changed
Australia’s consumer watchdog has barked-down claims about the alleged danger of nano-materials in sunscreen.
Audit finds room for improvement in hospital OHS
Victoria’s Auditor-General has found hospital workers routinely face high risks to their safety, and there is much room for improvement in the way hazards are handled.
Chemo help extended into 2014
Prime Minister Tony Abbott has, with one fell swoop, ensured extended chemotherapy treatment for 150,000 Australians and fixed a failing of the former government.
Flicking the switch to kill asbestos cancer growth
Results have been published and appear promising for the development of a genetic treatment for mesothelioma; the deadly, asbestos-related form of cancer.
New site to boost SA's health care, research and teaching
The new South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute has been officially opened in Adelaide, with Prime Minister Tony Abbott appearing on site alongside SA Premier Jay Weatherill to cut the tape and declare the doors open.
Planning paths to budget cuts and better health
Suggestions have been tabled which could see governments hacking away at their health budgets and waistlines – with some better planning practices.
Report proposes win-win plan to cut drug money
A new report by the Grattan Institute says that reducing manufacturing costs could be the best way to cut up to a billion dollars from the health budget.
Site to save smartphone mistakes, regret and danger
The number of Australian teens using their smartphones to access the internet has shot up over the last few years, but unfortunately so has the rate at which embarrassing photos and videos are ending up online.
Stem cell spending needed for Australia to make par
The exciting field of stem cell research continues to create new methods and treatments for a variety of conditions, but some Australian scientists say the country could be doing much more.
Study seeks functional lungs from stem cells
Researchers in the US have turned human stem cells into functional lung and airway cells for the first time.