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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

A new study looks at the health benefits of holding off on a child's smartphone by one year. Is there a "best" age to let them have their own device?

Despite the lack of subsidies for CGM devices that monitor glucose levels for those with type 2 diabetes, research shows continuous glucose monitoring can be beneficial for those living with the condition.

There is now clear evidence that having high blood pressure as a child can influence health outcomes later in life. New clinical guidelines recommend measuring blood pressure twice during childhood and adolescence, beginning at age 7.

References

Smartphone Acquisition and Use at Age 13 Years and Health Outcomes at Age 14 YearsContinuous glucose monitoring versus self-monitoring of blood glucose in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a randomised, multicentre, open-label, superiority trialDiabetes Australia statementAustralian Guideline for the Identification and Management of Hypertension in Children and AdolescentsUpdate on access to goserelin 3.6 mg implantCost of accessing mental health services for young peopleNew England Journal of Medicine: Meningococcal B Vaccine to Prevent Neisseria gonorrhoeae InfectionMore than 11,500 cyclosporiasis cases reported in 41 states: CDC

When is a child ready for their own smartphone?

There's a race going on in Silicon Valley to find ways to slow down ageing and monetise longevity. Some of the tools used to measure this are biological age tests that give various health readings. Can you biohack your way to reverse ageing? 

Parents and caregivers of adolescents can worry about the side effects of taking oral medications for acne. A new study into the use of isotretinoin found no association with reduced adult height. 

A newly updated human-infective RNA virus dataset may be used to find patterns that help predict what a future virus, or ‘disease x’ might look like. 

References

Four Corners: The Race to Reverse AgingIsotretinoin Treatment in Adolescence and Adult HeightA complete catalogue of human-infective RNA virusesUK begins trials of Ebola vaccine developed in just eight weeksFuture pharmacy: A better deal for patients and taxpayersPete Hegseth announces plan to test US troops for low testosterone

What can you really learn from a biological ageing test?

A review of the evidence for community pharmacist prescribing has reopened the debate about who should be able to prescribe, and a legislative change means some registered nurses with special training will soon be authorised to prescribe a number of medicines on the PBS too.

Australia's Health 2026 report shows that dementia has overtaken coronary heart disease as the leading cause of death in Australia, and rising obesity rates are a contributor.

A new study assessed three parameters in the diets of Swedish participants who were at risk of dementia. Can the quality of your diet really make a difference?

A follow up of patients admitted to intensive care units around Australia with sepsis and septic shock, looked at the longer term effects of this life threatening condition.

References

Community pharmacist prescribing outcomes in Australia and beyondPharmacist prescribing: without evidence, it's the patient who paysRACGP-commissioned review confirms pharmacist prescribing improves access to careNew law gives registered nurses PBS prescribing rights for the first timeSexual orientation and gender identity based disparities in colorectal, cervical, and breast cancer screening in the United StatesUS study on cancer screening access and what it means for AustraliaUSyd CEC responseAustralian cancer trials are getting worse at reporting sex differences - putting patients at riskAustralia's health 2026 (AIHW)Diet Quality and Dementia Risk in Older Adults With Alzheimer PathologyLong-term survival in patients discharged alive from hospital following an intensive care unit admission with sepsis or septic shock in Australia and New Zealand: an observational cohort study

Who should be allowed to prescribe medications?

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

What can you really learn from a biological ageing test?

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