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ABC Australia

Covering the health stories that make a difference. Dr Norman Swan and Dr Preeya Alexander dissect the latest and breaking news in the medical world.

Health Report - Full program podcast

While looking for ways to treat pain in those with musculoskeletal disorders, researchers examined studies in which sleep supplement melatonin had been used. 

A study into the behaviour of immune cells in coeliac disease patients showed surprising results. Instead of being overactive, T cells in coeliac disease were subdued, and didn't survive as long as T cells from healthy people. 

Spinal stimulators have been in use for many years, but the evidence for their benefit, or otherwise has been unclear until now.

References

Efficacy and effectiveness of melatonin for the management of musculoskeletal pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of placebo and active controlled trialsFunctional immune profiling reveals CD4+ T cell dysregulation in coeliac disease (Immunology and Cell Biology, 2026)Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation plus locomotor training versus sham-stimulation plus locomotor training in chronic spinal cord injury (eWALK): a multicentre, triple-blind, randomised, sham-controlled trialThe little-known cause of heart attack in young womenWorsening Asthma Outcomes in Australian Adults: A Comparison of Stratified Sample Surveys in 2012 and 2021Most Australians unaware of 'black triangle' medicine side effects reporting scheme: studyNew pneumococcal vaccine for adults on the NIPStatement from Invidior on removal of Sublocade from Australian market

Could a sleep supplement help reduce chronic pain?

A movement disorder specialist says the APVMA decision on the use of herbicide paraquat ignores evidence of the link with cases of Parkinson's disease.

Analysis of patient data shows less than twenty percent of people attend a cardiac rehabilitation program after their hospital stay, despite the fact that it can make a huge difference to health outcomes. 

There's been a substantial increase in vaccine concerns from parents, with changes to messaging on vaccines in the USA filtering through to Australia. A childhood immunisation expert outlines an approach to help turn this around.

And a study shows most IVF add-on treatments do not result in more pregnancies.

References:

Statement from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines AuthorityChemical regulator approves restricted use of herbicide paraquat previously linked to Parkinson's diseaseMapping patient outcomes associated with cardiac rehabilitationChildhood vaccine hesitancy, The New England Journal of MedicineSafety and effectiveness of ten common in-vitro fertilisation add-onsNo evidence most IVF add-on treatments improve fertilityConcerns regarding the public health risks associated with unapproved peptide productsWA Health provides public health update following avian influenza detection in wild bird

Should we ban the use of controversial herbicide, paraquat?

The first cases of H5N1 bird flu have been confirmed following the discovery and rescue of a sick bird on a remote beach in Western Australia.

Since then more sick birds have been reported, with authorities stressing the safest approach is to take a photo and notify them.

While the risk of bird to human transmission is low, there have been almost one thousand cases of H5N1 bird flu in humans since 2003.

So what happens now?

Further information:

Bird flu (avian influenza) CDCHuman infections with highly pathogenic avian influenzaAn overview of influenza H5 vaccinesScience Show: Preparing for the next pandemicVet chanced upon sick bird that turned out to be first H5 bird flu case

Bird flu has reached Australia. Now what?

A new review brings together data from studies worldwide and shows that the impact of alcohol has been underestimated, but that changing drinking habits can reverse and slow down damage.

Should gyms turn the volume down on the loud music they play while patrons are working out?

The donated brains of Parkinson's patients are analysed, showing that the original clinical diagnoses are incorrect in up to twenty percent of cases.

And a study shows survivors of Ebola can experience longer term neurological symptoms, including memory loss.

References:

Neurological Manifestations in Adult Survivors of Ebola Virus DiseaseInternet Searches for Leucovorin, Folate, and Acetaminophen After a White House Autism AnnouncementAssignment of benefit changes delayedOngoing access to Zoladex monthly implant in Australia - AstraZenecaA review of the relationship between dimensions of alcohol consumption and the burden of diseasePathology and Genetics in a Global Cohort of Parkinsonian DisordersLower Music Volume Levels in Fitness Class and Perceived Exercise Intensity

Good and bad news on alcohol and disease risk

Genomic testing is cheaper than ever and can pick up a risk of disease in people with no family history. Should we expand it nation-wide?

IUDs are a highly effective form of contraception, but some women are concerned about pain. A new study looks at how commonly women experience pain on insertion and why.

Researchers have criticised the current state of peer review for scientific grants in Australia, arguing the process lacks transparency and opportunities for appeal.

And the TGA is cracking down on unregulated peptides, saying they're a safety risk for consumers.

Statement from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing in response to the Health Report.

For more on peptides, listen to our recent story Who's using peptides, and do we know what's in them?

References

Diabetes society apologizes after removal of Trump protesters from conference sparks outrageDiabetes Association in uproar after members expelled from annual meeting over protest of NIH cutsEgg Allergy Prevalence Before and After Guidelines for Earlier Egg IntroductionTGA strengthens compliance focus on unapproved peptide products as part of evolving risk responseTGA cracks down on unregulated peptides, says increased imports are posing a risk to consumer safetyFeasibility and outcomes of the DNA Screen nationwide adult genomic screening pilotFactors Associated With Pain Related to Insertion of a Contraceptive Intrauterine Device: Findings of a National SurveyAustralia’s erosion of peer review - Science

A crackdown on unregulated peptides

Australia's specialist medical college for obstetrics and gynaecology is raising the alarm over proposed changes to abortion access in three Australian states.

How physical activity influences your 'biological clock' - and whether it can help you feel younger than you actually are.

Changes to how bulk billing is administered and what that could mean for community-run Aboriginal health services in remote parts of Australia.

And the withdrawal of a drug for breast cancer and endometriosis from Australia - why has it happened and what does it mean for patients?

References:

Ebola Outbreak: Current Situation (US CDC) • .
AI Chatbot Use and Disclosure for Mental Health Among US Adolescents and Young AdultsAstraZeneca pulls critical breast cancer and endometriosis drug Zoladex from shelvesAbortion Access Under Attack Again in Two Australian States - RANZCOGPhysical activity and biological age measured by DNA methylation clocks: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Does exercise lower your biological age?

This week, an update on the diphtheria outbreak across multiple Australian states. What's changed to allow the spread to occur?

How to build healthier housing for remote communities - and it starts with maintenance.

A new trial shows some everyday steps people can take to protect themselves against depression.

And reviewing the evidence on calcium and vitamin D when it comes to fractures and falls.

References:

Ebola outbreak outpacing health response, WHO chief saysEbola-hit DR Congo faces 'catastrophic collision' of disease and conflict, WHO warnsEbola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus, Democratic Republic of the Congo & UgandaEbola Outbreak: Current Situation (CDC)Calcium, vitamin D, or combined supplementation to prevent fractures and falls: systematic review and meta-analysisDiphtheria in Australia – Epidemiological update – 18 May 2026Impact of Restriction-Resumption Protocols on Mood and Anxiety in Healthy Adults: Randomized Controlled Trial

The habits that protect your mental health

The popularity of peptides appears to be growing in Australia - what do we know about who is using them, what's in them and the risks?

A large study of Australians with Parkinson's disease finds links to certain pesticides and high-risk occupations.

For people with heart failure, there's a procedure that you can avoid with no ill-effect.

And an outbreak of diptheria across multiple states in Australia - how did this happen?

References

Obesity and cardiovascular disease: A clinical consensus statement from the National Heart Foundation of AustraliaImpact and Effectiveness of Australia's 2025 Hybrid RSV Immunisation Program: Results from the PAEDS-FluCAN NetworkDiphtheria outbreak could be 'contained within months' but response criticised as too slowResponding to injectable synthetic peptide use among young people: priorities for clinicians and public healthInsights from a cross-sectional population-based study of 10,929 Australians living with Parkinson's disease: risk factors, comorbidities, and sex differencesCardiac resynchronization therapy with or without atrioventricular node ablation in atrial fibrillation: the CAAN-AF trial

Peptides: who's using them and what's in them?

The World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency of international concern over an outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

How does the disease spread, how can it be treated and how concerned should we be?

Further Information:

Why is there no vaccine for this Ebola outbreak?Ebola vaccine could take nine months as death toll rises further, WHO warns • .
Ebola disease in DRC and Uganda • .
Epidemic of Ebola Disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda determined a public health emergency of international concern • .
Absence of USAID likely slowed Ebola detection and response, former officials say

Ebola outbreak: how it spreads and prospects for a vaccine

ACL injuries are very common in Australia - and the common thinking has been that if you tear your ACL, you'll need surgery. Researchers are arguing the best evidence says we should be looking to rehab first, and that for many people they will recover without surgery.

Microplastics in our food supply - from processing and production - mean all of us are ingesting some level of plastic into our bodies. A new study out of Western Australia shows that it is possible to reduce your exposure, but it takes a lot of work.

There's a growing evidence base for the use of digital interventions for people with some categories of eating disorder. And they might have spillover benefits for mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, which can co-occur with an eating disorder. But how do you find one that you can trust?

Plus, the renaming of polycystic ovary syndrome and the implications for people with the condition.

References:

Low-plastic diet and urinary levels of plastic-associated phthalates and bisphenols: the randomized controlled PERTH TrialTreatment of Anterior Cruciate Ligament RuptureAcute, Longer-Term, and Transdiagnostic Outcomes After Digital Interventions for Eating DisordersAluminium adjuvants in vaccines and potential health effects: systematic reviewPolycystic ovary syndrome renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndromeThriving Kids - Services Australia

Do you need surgery after an ACL tear?

Urgent care clinics are getting $1.8 billion in this year's federal budget to make them a permanent part of Australia's health system. We speak to the Health Minister Mark Butler about the decision.

'Fitspo' content that sometimes glamourises a ripped bod or restrictive ways of eating could be flooding your social feed - what do we know about its effect on our mental health?

And 'phage therapy' - a novel form of treatment aimed at providing an alternative to antibiotics. What are bacteriophages, how does this therapy work and how far off is it from showtime?

Plus, success for Australia in eliminating trachoma - an infectious eye disease - as a public health issue. 

References:

Australia becomes the 30th country to eliminate trachoma as a public health problemMpox disease epidemiology, vaccine uptake and vaccination coverage in Australia 2022–2024: a descriptive studyHantavirus-hit cruise ship leaves Cape Verde after three evacuatedMajor budget boost means Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are here to stayLifting the Screen on Fitspiration: A Meta-AnalysisCross-reactive anti-prophage antibodies and bacterial heteroresistance implicated in phage therapeutic failure

'Fitspo' content and mental health

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