Health Report

In this engaging discussion, Rachel Casella, a reproductive health advocate, shares her daughter’s experience with spinal muscular atrophy, emphasizing the need for genetic carrier screening. Nicola Champion, a palliative care nurse, opens up about the emotional challenges she faced while making surrogate decisions for her father. Meanwhile, Dr. Brian Earp and Dr. Teva Brenda explore the potential of AI in predicting end-of-life choices, raising intriguing questions about ethics and personal preferences in healthcare decisions.

Len Harrison, a research scientist from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, discusses groundbreaking findings on the gut microbiome of remote Indigenous infants. These babies are born with a more diverse microbiome, containing rare bacterial species that have vanished from non-Indigenous populations. This diversity is crucial as it may protect against chronic diseases later in life. Len emphasizes the need for community collaboration and policy changes, advocating for access to healthy foods to preserve these ancestral microbiomes.

Dr. Felicity Dent, a general practitioner and board member of Pelvic Pain Victoria, sheds light on the struggle women face when dealing with pain in healthcare. She discusses the Victorian Women's Pain Inquiry, highlighting the need for better pain management options, including the innovative green whistle initiative for IUD insertions. Felicity emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed care and individual choice, urging women to seek empowered paths in their healthcare journeys. Additionally, new research linking antibiotics to weakened vaccine responses sparks intriguing discussions.

Join Shelby Traynor, a producer with hands-on dental school experience, as she explores the intriguing world of dentistry. Professor John DeCampo sheds light on the risks of CT scans, discussing when they might be unnecessary. Dermatologist Dr. Anika Smith reveals how psoriasis can impact overall health, particularly the cardiovascular system. From dental school simulations to important health insights, this conversation uncovers why people are drawn to dentistry and how it intertwines with broader health dialogues.

Professor Paul Robinson, an expert in Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, discusses groundbreaking findings from a trial on caffeine's effects on atrial fibrillation, revealing surprising links between coffee consumption and reduced recurrence rates. Meanwhile, Professor Sarah-Jean Dawson, a Clinical Oncologist, sheds light on the emerging field of liquid biopsies, exploring their potential for early cancer detection and monitoring treatment responses. Both guests highlight the future implications of their work for patient care, emphasizing both excitement and caution in these evolving fields.

Jess Berzikerski, Head of Human Nutrition at the University of Melbourne, uncovers insights into non-coeliac gluten sensitivity and the surprising roles of FODMAPs and psychological factors in gut symptoms. Ian Keller, Professor at the University of Edinburgh, discusses intriguing research linking doxycycline exposure in adolescents to a reduced risk of schizophrenia. Elisabeth Widerpass from IARC highlights that 30-50% of cancers are preventable, with alcohol being a significant contributor—an urgent reminder for effective public health policies.

Michael Nicholas, a clinical psychologist and pain management expert, shares insights on the complexities of chronic pain. He discusses how psychological factors shape pain experiences and effective treatments like CBT and pacing techniques. Pavitha Parathan, a postdoctoral researcher, delves into the impact of sensory neuropeptides on gastrointestinal cancer growth. She highlights how targeting therapies used for migraines could potentially be repurposed to combat cancer. Their conversation reveals the intricate connections between mental health, pain management, and cancer research.

For 50 years we've known pulse oximeters are less accurate on darker skin, and it could lead to misdiagnoses. Also, allergen starter packs are being advertised to parents. Are they safe?Guidelines have been released for male infertility care so men aren't left out. And joint replacements don't last forever, but there are ways to extend their life.ReferencesGuidelines for the management of male infertility - Healthy MaleData Resource Profile: The Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR)Novel Hypoglossal Stimulation Markedly Improves Airflow and Airway Collapsibility in OSARacial Bias in Pulse Oximetry Measurement - NEJMFind a clinical trial

It's a tricky conversation to navigate, so researchers have tried to find out the best way to bring up weight in the doctor's office while dodging bias and stigma.Also, a look at the evidence surrounding transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for depression. The international effort to improve survival from pancreatic cancer. And how a change in guidelines spared tens of thousands of children from peanut allergy. ReferencesGuidelines for Early Food Introduction and Patterns of Food AllergyNew systematic review and meta-analysis shows an association between shingles vaccination and lower risk of heart attack and stroke Shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine - who should get vaccinated?Supporting weight focused discussions in primary care: A qualitative exploration of barriers and facilitatorsDiscussing Weight with Patients in Primary Care in Australia: A Mixed Methods Experimental StudyTGA approves new brain stimulation device for treatment of depression - ABC NewsThe Australian Pancreatic High-RIsk ScrEening (APRISE) StudyThe Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection (PRECEDE) Consortium

Gene editing holds huge promise to cure disease and alleviate human suffering, but there are many ethical considerations when it comes to changing our DNA. We map the story of Chinese scientist He Jiankui who was jailed for altering the genome of babies without proper consent. Also, we take a look at the common skin condition rosacea and what treatments are available. And some changes to blood test results mean you could see them before your doctor. ReferencesGlobal antibiotic resistance surveillance report – World Health Organization New test categories available for faster access on My Health Record