Health Report

Latest Episodes:

What can you really learn from a biological ageing test? Jul 18, 2026

Show notes

There's a race going on in Silicon Valley to find ways to slow down ageing and monetise longevity. Some of the tools used to measure this are biological age tests that give various health readings. Can you biohack your way to reverse ageing?

Parents and caregivers of adolescents can worry about the side effects of taking oral medications for acne. A new study into the use of isotretinoin found no association with reduced adult height.

A newly updated human-infective RNA virus dataset may be used to find patterns that help predict what a future virus, or ‘disease x’ might look like.

References

Who should be allowed to prescribe medications? Jul 11, 2026

Show notes

A review of the evidence for community pharmacist prescribing has reopened the debate about who should be able to prescribe, and a legislative change means some registered nurses with special training will soon be authorised to prescribe a number of medicines on the PBS too.

Australia's Health 2026 report shows that dementia has overtaken coronary heart disease as the leading cause of death in Australia, and rising obesity rates are a contributor.

A new study assessed three parameters in the diets of Swedish participants who were at risk of dementia. Can the quality of your diet really make a difference?

A follow up of patients admitted to intensive care units around Australia with sepsis and septic shock, looked at the longer term effects of this life threatening condition.

References

Could a sleep supplement help reduce chronic pain? Jul 04, 2026

Show notes

While looking for ways to treat pain in those with musculoskeletal disorders, researchers examined studies in which sleep supplement melatonin had been used.

A study into the behaviour of immune cells in coeliac disease patients showed surprising results. Instead of being overactive, T cells in coeliac disease were subdued, and didn't survive as long as T cells from healthy people.

Spinal stimulators have been in use for many years, but the evidence for their benefit, or otherwise has been unclear until now.

References

Should we ban the use of controversial herbicide, paraquat? Jun 27, 2026

Show notes

A movement disorder specialist says the APVMA decision on the use of herbicide paraquat ignores evidence of the link with cases of Parkinson's disease.

Analysis of patient data shows less than twenty percent of people attend a cardiac rehabilitation program after their hospital stay, despite the fact that it can make a huge difference to health outcomes.

There's been a substantial increase in vaccine concerns from parents, with changes to messaging on vaccines in the USA filtering through to Australia. A childhood immunisation expert outlines an approach to help turn this around.

And a study shows most IVF add-on treatments do not result in more pregnancies.

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Bird flu has reached Australia. Now what? Jun 22, 2026

Show notes

The first cases of H5N1 bird flu have been confirmed following the discovery and rescue of a sick bird on a remote beach in Western Australia.

Since then more sick birds have been reported, with authorities stressing the safest approach is to take a photo and notify them.

While the risk of bird to human transmission is low, there have been almost one thousand cases of H5N1 bird flu in humans since 2003.

So what happens now?

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Good and bad news on alcohol and disease risk Jun 20, 2026

Show notes

A new review brings together data from studies worldwide and shows that the impact of alcohol has been underestimated, but that changing drinking habits can reverse and slow down damage.

Should gyms turn the volume down on the loud music they play while patrons are working out?

The donated brains of Parkinson's patients are analysed, showing that the original clinical diagnoses are incorrect in up to twenty percent of cases.

And a study shows survivors of Ebola can experience longer term neurological symptoms, including memory loss.

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A crackdown on unregulated peptides Jun 13, 2026

Show notes

Genomic testing is cheaper than ever and can pick up a risk of disease in people with no family history. Should we expand it nation-wide?

IUDs are a highly effective form of contraception, but some women are concerned about pain. A new study looks at how commonly women experience pain on insertion and why.

Researchers have criticised the current state of peer review for scientific grants in Australia, arguing the process lacks transparency and opportunities for appeal.

And the TGA is cracking down on unregulated peptides, saying they're a safety risk for consumers.

Statement from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing in response to the Health Report.

For more on peptides, listen to our recent story Who's using peptides, and do we know what's in them?

References

Does exercise lower your biological age? Jun 06, 2026

Show notes

Australia's specialist medical college for obstetrics and gynaecology is raising the alarm over proposed changes to abortion access in three Australian states.

How physical activity influences your 'biological clock' - and whether it can help you feel younger than you actually are.

Changes to how bulk billing is administered and what that could mean for community-run Aboriginal health services in remote parts of Australia.

And the withdrawal of a drug for breast cancer and endometriosis from Australia - why has it happened and what does it mean for patients?

References:

The habits that protect your mental health May 30, 2026

Show notes

This week, an update on the diphtheria outbreak across multiple Australian states. What's changed to allow the spread to occur?

How to build healthier housing for remote communities - and it starts with maintenance.

A new trial shows some everyday steps people can take to protect themselves against depression.

And reviewing the evidence on calcium and vitamin D when it comes to fractures and falls.

References:

Peptides: who's using them and what's in them? May 23, 2026

Show notes

The popularity of peptides appears to be growing in Australia - what do we know about who is using them, what's in them and the risks?

A large study of Australians with Parkinson's disease finds links to certain pesticides and high-risk occupations.

For people with heart failure, there's a procedure that you can avoid with no ill-effect.

And an outbreak of diptheria across multiple states in Australia - how did this happen?

References

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