Gene therapy is still in its infancy but the future looks bright

Once genetic lesions for diseases such as cystic fibrosis and haemophilia were identified, the idea of replacing or correcting defective genes grew into what we now call “gene therapy” but when will the promise of cures become a reality?

We need another revolution in the march to good health

Healthcare in Western nations is at a tipping point as populations age – our biggest hope to manage this challenge is data.

A cuppa day keeps you moving

The UQ School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences study found that women who drank one to two cups of tea or coffee per day were more likely to meet the recommended levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity than women who consumed less.

Australia set to miss global chronic disease targets

Australia, along with more than half of all countries in the world, is predicted to fail to reach the WHO target to reduce premature deaths from cancers, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, and diabetes by 2030, according to a new analysis published ahead of the third UN High-Level Meeting on non-communicable diseases.

Are greens better than pills to prevent falls for elderly people?

Just half a cup of broccoli a day can help older people avoid being hospitalised for a fall, new research from Edith Cowan University has found.

CSIRO releases ‘Future of Health’ report

A new report on the future of health care in Australia looks to shift the health system’s focus from the treatment of illness towards better health and wellbeing management.

The ongoing threat of asbestos in Australia

Even though the mineral was banned in 2003, asbestos lingers in older homes and, as they undergo repairs or redevelopment, harmful fibers are released, endangering home owners and construction workers.

3 new ‘superbugs’ invade Australian hospitals

Three new strains of superbug resistant to most antibiotics have been found in Australian hospitals, and are spreading quickly. Modern hospital practices, including the use of antibiotic impregnated medical devices such as catheters, may have driven the evolution of this once benign bacteria towards potentially incurable infections.

Knee replacement rehab in private hospitals is costing us all

Rates of inpatient rehab after total knee replacement are increasing in Australia at a time when they are declining overseas, despite evidence that for most people it is no better than home- or community-based rehabilitation, according to Australian researchers.

Safer hospitals would save money as well as lives

A new report from the Grattan Institute argues there are simple ways to improve patient care and save public money at the same time in the nation’s hard-pressed hospitals.

Health providers’ security flaws threaten patient data

Amid the controversy surrounding the My Health Record system, very little attention has been given to the glaring security weaknesses of the health provider systems that will be used daily to access patient information.

Patients and the data breach notification maze

A new report confirms that Australia’s healthcare sector is susceptible to data breaches, yet the legal requirements around breach notification are inconsistent and about to get more confusing.