Researchers from Flinders University have detected microplastics in South Australian beach waters and mussels, warning that microplastics are potentially entering the human food chain. “By investigating microplastic load in the mussel, we call attention to the implications of microplastic pollution on South Australia’s unique marine ecosystems and on the local human food chain,” said Janet…

Research led by the University of New South Wales has found “large proportions” of online advertising for orthopaedic surgeons non-compliant, with “only one-quarter” of surgeons compliant with guidelines. “Non-compliance [in our study] was often characterised by unverified claims of reputation and skill, or misleading representations of the benefits of treatment,” the authors wrote. “As patients…

Researchers from the University of Queensland (UQ) are developing a new skin microbiopsy device that takes smaller skin tissue samples than current devices in use, bringing possibilities of change to future diagnostics of skin cancers and other skin conditions. “Conventional skin biopsies are usually two to four millimetres in diameter, which means local anaesthetic is…

Researchers from the University of Queensland have raised concerns over the influence a spouse’s diet has on a woman’s food choices during pregnancy, as the expecting mother’s diet and health will also impact the health of their future children. “Better education and support for partners could help improve the eating habits of expectant mums, which…

Researchers in Queensland are trialling a new alternative to the delivery of the Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine by injecting the inoculation into the top layer of the skin to increase affordability and take-up numbers in Australia. “This potential approach could lower the cost of JE vaccination and protect four times as many people per vaccine…

A Norwegian review and analysis funded by the Norwegian Competence Center for Gambling and Gaming Research found a significant link between problem gaming and suicidality, reflected in problem gaming’s association with suicide ideation and attempts. “Although gaming for most is a fun and recreational activity, a small minority is expected to experience problems related to…

A study on the Global Drug Survey 2021 has raised questions on the phenomenon of binaural beats in audio files being consumed as “digital drugs” capable of “eliciting mental and emotional responses” akin to psychoactive drugs. “We’re starting to see digital experiences defined as drugs, but they could also be seen as complementary practices alongside…

Canadian researchers have found “weak but significant” associations between screen time and behavioural problems such as aggression, as well as emotional and mood disturbances in children after analysing 87 studies published from 1960 to 2021. The team analysed 87 eligible studies from 595 articles, totalling over 159,000 participants aged 12 or younger and found that there…

An expert in pharmaceutical policy has said that the frequent interactions between pharmaceutical companies and health professionals can pose a conflict of interest for clinicians. Prof. Barbara Mintzes told The Epoch Times that research has demonstrated that there was a corollary between health professionals receiving a low price meal while being promoted a drug and…

Researchers from the University of Melbourne have received a 3.5 million grant (US$2.51 million) from the Australian Cancer Research Council (ACRF) for the foundation’s new program investigating cancer cells singularly for better patient treatment and causes of treatment resistance. “This important investment from ACRF will enable us to gain a deeper understanding of how cancers…