Category: australian health

Australian Bush Telehealth to Push on Despite Looming Restrictions

Country Australians are increasingly turning to technology to bypass long delays in seeing a general practitioner (GP) for medical certificates and prescription renewals, as a crackdown on telehealth looms. Midnight Health, a start-up which offers online medical consultations, electronic prescriptions and pharmacy deliveries, says rural Australians make up 30 percent of its 85,000 customers. The Brisbane-based…


Aussie GPs Blast ‘Out-of-Control’ Pharmacists

A war of words has erupted between the peak bodies for general practitioners and community pharmacy owners, with one side accused of whipping up a media frenzy after they labelled the other out of control. The confrontation was sparked by reporting of a speech given by Pharmacy Guild president Professor Trent Twomey, who allegedly labelled GPs “twits”…


New Tech May Open Up the World of Gaming to Disabled Individuals

Researchers from the University of Sydney are developing a 3D printed sensor bracelet that could allow individuals living with hand impairment to easily use computers and play video games that require handheld controllers. People with cerebral palsy and motor neurone disease struggle with hand movement, preventing them from gaming or using computers. However, this new…


Experts Find Gene Mechanism for Peanut Allergy Remission, Potential Uses for Other Allergies

Researchers from the Murdoch Institute have identified the genetic mechanism behind their peanut allergy remission therapy, with the potential for it to be applicable across other allergies. “What we found was profound differences in network connectivity patterns between children who were allergic and those who were in remission,” said lead researcher Dr. Mimi Tang on…


10 Percent of Patients Under Anesthesia ‘Conscious’: Study

An international study has found that one in 10 patients, or ten percent, of those who undergo general anaesthesia, were conscious of outside stimuli, shedding light on the medical phenomenon of ‘connected consciousness.’ “The data from the study has given us a crucial starting point in improving our understanding of ‘connected consciousness,’” said Prof. Robert…


11 Percent of Patients Under Anesthesia ‘Conscious’: Study

An international study has found that about one in 10 patients, or 11 percent, of those who undergo general anaesthesia, were conscious of outside stimuli, shedding light on the medical phenomenon of ‘connected consciousness.’ “The data from the study has given us a crucial starting point in improving our understanding of ‘connected consciousness,’” said Prof….


New Research Identify Pathways for Potential Treatment for Lethal Bacteria

New research conducted by the Australian National University has identified pathways for lethal Clostridium spp. bacteria, potentially leading to more effective treatment options for the future. “Our research shows there might be new therapies we could develop, such as using certain drugs to neutralise the toxin [released by the bacteria],” said the lead researcher, Prof….


Genetic Study on Oats Reveal Why the Grain is Suitable for Gluten-Free Diets

The Edith Cowan University’s (ECU) genetic study on oats has shown why oats could be the answer for most people with coeliac disease and gluten intolerance. “We discovered that oats have fewer of the proteins that correspond to gluten in wheat, causing an immune reaction from people with coeliac disease,” said ECU Prof. Michelle Colgrave…


New Study to Examine Link Between Blood Pressure Meds and Breast Cancer

A new study conducted by Curtin University will examine the link between long-term use of common blood pressure pills and the risks of getting breast cancer. The lead researcher of the study Prof. Rachael Moorin said there were global concerns that the drugs could be causing an increase in breast cancer for women. “The use of calcium…


CSIRO Collaborating With Australian Pharma to Develop Medicinal Psychedelics

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has received a license to work with local Australian biomedical companies to “extract, synthesise, improve and then develop manufacturing processes” for up to 15 different psychedelic compounds. The organisation will first be collaborating with Melbourne Natural MedTech which is “working to develop psychedelic treatments for several unmet…