The murky world of industry sponsored ‘health consumer’ groups

University of Sydney experts call for greater transparency and independence from Australian health consumer groups, as new research reveals clouded disclosures about financial support and corporate sponsorship arrangements.

Omega-3 supplements don’t help your heart

Omega-3 supplements may not be all they’re cracked up to be, according to a comprehensive Cochrane review which found that increasing the amount of long-chain omega 3 fats (those found in fish) in our diets doesn’t make our hearts any healthier.

Nature and science join forces to fight surgical infections

South Australian researchers are embarking on a $20 million medical and manufacturing research project which could reduce the chance of infection after orthopaedic surgery, thanks to a little help from the humble dragonfly.

Starving fungal infections could save millions of lives

Australian researchers have identified a potentially new approach to treating lethal fungal infections that claim more than 1.6 million lives around the world every year.

Weight loss can reverse atrial fibrillation

Obese people suffering from atrial fibrillation can reduce or reverse the effects of the heart condition by losing weight according to new Australian research.

Why do medical specialist consultation fees vary so much?

A new report highlights the wide variation in fees and earnings among medical specialists, pointing to the need for more transparency in healthcare charges

Rebalancing the patient and the system

Focusing more attention on the patient and less on the clinical process should increase satisfaction for both doctors and patients and reduce unwanted side effects.

Hitting the ‘big six’ for six

An innovative eHealth program launched at UNSW aims to target the six main lifestyle risk factors among teenagers – including smoking, binge drinking and unhealthy eating – to help prevent chronic disease later in life.

Fast food shown to slow conception

A pregnancy study of more than 5000 women in four countries has proven the virtues of eating fruit and the pitfalls of fast food when trying to conceive.

We can change our brain and its ability to cope with disease with simple lifestyle choices

Lifestyle factors such as meditation can change our brain for the better while physical activity can induce a cascade of biological processes that improve function of brain regions responsible for memory and decision making.

Is “low carb” beer really better for you?

“Low carb” beer is widely advertised but its implied health claims are smoke and mirrors. Health groups are calling for nutrition info panels on alcohol to help make the public make more informed consumption choices.

Australia’s flesh eating bug requires urgent research

A localised epidemic in temperate Australia of a rare tropical ulcer has exposed a major gap in scientific knowledge that needs urgent attention.