Health Report - Separate stories podcast

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week, including asthma prevention and the etymology of migraine. You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au

We blink more than we need to, and scientists have been trying to find out why. New research suggests blinking helps us see the world in finer detail – essentially, it makes our eyes more sensitive.

Pain can be a helpful tool to make sure we don't exceed our limits, but when it persists it can be detrimental. Research has shown that people experiencing chronic pain see the world as a harsher place – distances are longer and hills are steeper.

If you're one of many ransacking the cold and flu aisle this winter, you might have spotted a common ingredient: zinc. It has been touted as a remedy for sickness — even a preventative. A comprehensive review has delved into the current research into the supplement and its effectiveness. Guest Assistant Professor Daryl NaultReferences Zinc for prevention and treatment of the common cold

Dr Penny Palmer, Executive Producer of ABC TV's Catalyst, looks back at her time working with Michael Mosley at the BBC in the early 2000s.

Making health new this week, could a common type-2 diabetes treatment also help in the fight against some cancers? And, two research papers examine the most effective way to treat sepsis.

The latest health news, including promising developments in the treatment of skin cancer and prostate cancer. Also, an update on the various bird flu strains circulation as Mexico records a death from H5N2. And a new discovery sheds light on the cause of inflammatory bowel disease. References Avian Influenza A (H5N2) - MexicoLong-Term Outcomes in Patients Using Protocol-Directed Active Surveillance for Prostate CancerNeoadjuvant Nivolumab and Ipilimumab in Resectable Stage III MelanomaA disease-associated gene desert directs macrophage inflammation through ETS2

About 1 in 5 Australians suffer with migraine, a complex and often debilitating condition. While there is no cure, migraines can be managed. However it can take a long time for people to find an approach that works for them, which is why experts want to make that journey easier. Guest Associate Professor Susan Tomlinson

We know that exercise is good for us, but what is going on at the cellular level to explain it? New research hints at what exercise is doing to the brain cells of mice to keep them mentally fit. Guest References Exercise rejuvenates microglia and reverses T cell accumulation in the aged female mouse brain

In a climate changed world, we're bound to experience hotter days with more frequency. There are physical health implications, but there are mental health consequences as well. Guest Dr Taylor BraundReferences Ambient maximum daily temperature and mental health‐related presentations to a western Sydney emergency department, 2015–2019: analysis of hospital and meteorological data

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week, including a little-known predictor of heart disease. This under-tested type of blood fat could be driving heart disease You can email us at healthreport@abc.net.au

The latest health news, including new research on how effective our COVID-19 vaccinations are, especially at keeping people out of hospital and preventing death.

For the first time in 15 years, breast cancer screening is undergoing a review in Australia. A report has recommended updating the assessment protocol and incorporating newer imaging technologies.

The earlier blood sugar levels are normalised in type 2 diabetes, the fewer complications a person will go on to have.

Stem cells have long held the the promise of revolutionising medicine. They're taking a while to deliver on the promise, but two new studies have brought us a little closer. One combats the life-threatening rejection disease that many bone marrow donation recipients develop ... using a different type of stem cell. The other looks at using someone's own blood to generate a 'patch' that could replace the need for a heart transplant. What's more, a key ingredient of keeping the patch going comes from silkworms.

A look at some of the Health Report correspondence this week, including research into allergies in adulthood. Plus the "sick quitter" effect and a curious prescription given to the grandmother of one of our listeners...

The latest health news, including the various bird flu outbreaks in Australia and the variants at play. Also the new, flirtatious subvariant of Omicron is on the rise.

As oral retinoids become more popular for the treatment of acne, there are concerns the message isn't getting through about the risk of getting pregnant while taking these medications.

Researchers are hoping to combat the assumption that psychedelics might be 'safer' than other drugs. A new study has detailed the deaths of 43 people from either magic mushrooms or LSD between 2000 and 2023.

There are things known to improve your mental wellbeing – keeping a routine, engaging in meaningful activity, making plans and connecting socially. So what happens when you cut back on those things?