Archived News for Health Sector Professionals - May, 2014
One state’s Health Minister says a $7 co-payment for appointments will end up costing the Commonwealth.
Help to cut high pregnant smoking risk
Vitamin C supplements can help pregnant smokers reduce the amount of damage they do to their babies.
Teenage team leader takes edge on high-tech testing
A research assistant may have hit on a faster, cheaper way to test for HIV.
Vaccination does not cause autism
The largest review ever undertaken has shown no link between vaccination and autism.
Billions in bribery brings jail for big pharm. boss
Chinese authorities have charged a British executive from pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline over a range of corrupt activities, in a case designed to send a warning that things in China have changed.
Brain drugs drag down later life functions
With the rise of so-called “smart drugs” in high schools and universities, a new study has shown that the temporary gains could be met be lasting losses.
New DNA builds incredible unnatural life
In a truly incredible breakthrough, scientists have engineered a bacterium with three pairs of DNA bases, rather than two.
Research re-jig sees commercial cuts and bio-med boost
Australia’s research industries have been reformed after last night’s budget announcements, with healthy boosts in some areas but deep cuts in others.
Graphene graft gives new drug checking base
Sensing chemicals is one of the fundamental tasks in almost every biological process, but engineers have now taken this natural ability and re-purposed it for technological use.
Coeliac search turns up key trigger for wheat rejection
Researchers have discovered the “trigger point” for coeliac disease, finding the first molecular interaction the body uses to launch its immune response against gluten.
Dangerous denim brought back to dye
Over 120,000 items have been recalled from Myer, Just Jeans, Target and other major outlets, after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued a warning about a potentially deadly dye.
Dream control could rest new treatments on PTSD patients
Researchers have used electrical stimulation of the brain to induce “lucid dreaming”, a state in which the dreamer is aware and in control of their dream.
Experts come together to cut bad joints
Global experts have converged to discuss just how dodgy implants find their way into patients, trying to end the plague of poorly designed orthopaedic devices.
Heart-on-a-chip to give better look at defects
Harvard researchers have grown a section of the human heart for testing, complete with an inherited cardiovascular disease.
Low density help in cancer's internal invasion
‘Bad’ cholesterol has become worse this week, with Australian researchers discovering it helps the spread of cancer throughout the body.
New cells may bury earliest memories
A new study may show why we cannot recall the very earliest parts of life.
Nuclear site spend to highlight more dangers
New work at a local lab will help Australia play a greater role in the development of nuclear medicine - radiopharmaceuticals for cancers, heart disease, muscular and skeletal conditions.
Nano-fabric for bacterial destruction found
Nano-technicians have developed a new fabric that kills a range of infectious bacteria in minutes.
Sleep apnoea latest victim of futuristic production
Australia’s wizards of titanium printing have unveiled their latest product - a mouthpiece that could save lives.
Exhaust report has long list of particular risks
Health authorities say any exposure to diesel soot can cause life-threatening conditions in children and adults.
Lead effects carry strong whiff of danger
Researchers have warned that the dangers of large lead smelters are going unchecked.