Industry News
Fentanyl linked to amnesia
Fentanyl — alone, or in combination with stimulants — may put substance users at further risk, whether they take it knowingly or not, by causing amnesia. [ + ]
Doctor convicted, fined $100,000
A Melbourne doctor was convicted and fined after being found guilty of continuing to practise medicine while unregistered and under suspension. [ + ]
Pregnancy antibiotics use linked to childhood infection
Children born to mothers who took antibiotics while pregnant have up to a 20% increased risk of being hospitalised with infection. [ + ]
1 in 4 joint replacement surgeries unnecessary
A new report investigating hip and knee joint replacement surgeries in Victoria finds that many patients could be successfully treated without surgery, with massive savings to healthcare and welfare systems. [ + ]
Australia in top 8 countries for cancer survival
Australia has some of the best cancer-survival rates in the world, a tribute to our world-class research and treatment facilities. But childhood cancers in Australia are costly — in more ways than one. [ + ]
Mothers of prem babies at risk of heart disease death
A major study has revealed that women who give birth prematurely have double the risk of dying from heart disease later in life, and recommends that obstetric history be considered during cardiovascular assessments. [ + ]
New blood test diagnoses Alzheimer's
Scientists have developed a blood test that can predict Alzheimer's with 90% accuracy, years before symptoms appear. [ + ]
Reminder: From 1 Feb, codeine is prescription only
Australia is following other countries in curbing access to codeine medications to prevent, reduce and manage codeine addiction. Resources are available to healthcare practitioners to assist with the change. [ + ]
Don't... pass the salt
Aussie men are ingesting nearly twice the recommended maximum daily intake of salt, with women not far behind. [ + ]
Timely reward for cancer patient advocate
Gail O'Brien, of the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, has been recognised for her tireless work with an Office of the Order of Australia award. [ + ]
How not to sneeze
Don't hold your nose and close your mouth when you sneeze, doctors warn, or you might rupture the back of your throat, like one young man... [ + ]
Hope for colicky babies
Distressed parents of babies with colic may soon have a solution — although so far, it leans towards babies who are exclusively breastfed. [ + ]
Baby brain is a thing
It's official, 'baby brain' — forgetfulness and other cognitive deficiencies during pregnancy — exists. [ + ]
Women more likely to survive crises than men
Genetics, rather than risk-taking behaviours, may be behind women and female children surviving adversity better than men, according to new research. [ + ]
Scientists 'walk' through cancer cells using virtual reality
Groundbreaking technology is allowing scientists to work collaboratively on cancer research. [ + ]