Living near active oil and gas wells in California tied to low birth weight and smaller babies

Jun 21, 2020 03:45 am UTC| Health

The Research Brief is a short take about interesting academic work. The big idea In a California study, we found that pregnant women living near active high-production oil and gas wells have an elevated chance of...

Coronavirus can cause lasting lung damage – but the effects may ease over time

Jun 21, 2020 03:40 am UTC| Health

We know a lot about the symptoms of severe COVID-19, but relatively little about what happens after someone recovers. Could there be long-term effects? Lets look at what we know so far about the effect of COVID-19 on the...

So you think investing in fever screening can curb the spread of COVID-19? Think again

Jun 15, 2020 12:42 pm UTC| Health

As lockdowns are lifted, procedures are being put in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Along with physical distancing, hand sanitisation and wearing of masks, fever screening is increasingly being set up as a...

Will flu or cold viruses push the new coronavirus out of circulation this winter?

Jun 14, 2020 12:17 pm UTC| Health

SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is here to stay for the summer. What happens next, though, is unclear. One possibility is a major second wave in the autumn or winter. This scenario would reflect the behaviour...

Weight loss: here's why those last few pounds can be hardest to lose – according to science

Jun 14, 2020 12:11 pm UTC| Health

So youve done everything youre supposed to. Youre eating in a calorie deficit, are exercising a few times a week, and are getting close to your weight loss goal. And then you hit a plateau with only a few pounds to lose ...

Cancer rates have risen, but mortality has dropped – here's what the numbers are saying

Jun 14, 2020 12:03 pm UTC| Health

A quarter of a century of cancer data has revealed a silent revolution in cancer medicine. Our recent study found an impressive reduction in deaths from cancer across age groups over the last 25 years. But at the same...

Should I wear a mask on public transport?

Jun 13, 2020 11:05 am UTC| Life Health

As restrictions ease, many Australians will be wondering if its worth wearing a mask on the bus, train or tram to reduce their risk of being infected with coronavirus. When Deputy Chief Medical Officer Nick Coatsworth...