Industry News
Biotoxin-related illnesses report presented
The Australian Parliament's Health, Aged Care and Sport Committee has presented its 'Report on the Inquiry into Biotoxin-related Illnesses in Australia'. [ + ]
Does herpes cause Alzheimer's?
There's new evidence that the herpes virus can cause Alzheimer's, and that antiviral drugs can drastically reduce the risk of senile dementia. [ + ]
Preventing transplant rejection with new treatment
The approach removes the need for donor matching and the use of immunosuppressant drugs to prevent rejection, and could make stem cell treatment accessible to more patients. [ + ]
New national guideline for autism diagnosis
To date, the processes for the clinical assessment and diagnosis of autism have varied considerably across Australia. The new guideline will change that. [ + ]
New blood clot standard designed to prevent deaths
Thousands of Australians die annually from largely preventable blood clots; a new standard seeks to reduce this risk for patients. [ + ]
Paramedicine to be regulated from 1 Dec
The title 'paramedic' will be protected under law, and only appropriately registered professionals will be able to use the title. [ + ]
AI predicts Alzheimer's
Canadian scientists have created an artificial intelligence algorithm that can accurately predict Alzheimer's within the next five years. [ + ]
Why do women get more migraines?
Estrogen and other sex hormones may be responsible for the higher prevalence of migraine in women. [ + ]
One-third unplanned pregnancies aborted
New Australian research finds that almost one-third of unplanned pregnancies end in abortion. [ + ]
1 in 2 women will develop dementia/parkinsonism/stroke
A Dutch study estimates that without prevention strategies, 1 in 2 women and 1 in 3 men will be diagnosed with dementia/parkinsonism/stroke. [ + ]
Hospital privacy curtains breed bacteria
A new study finds privacy curtains in patient rooms riddled with resistant bacteria, suggesting they should be changed or laundered regularly. [ + ]
Low-dose antidepressants ease back pain
A low dose of antidepressants has been shown to help treat back pain in those for whom narcotics are the remaining option. [ + ]
Food contamination — managing the incident
Strawberries and other fresh fruit have been deliberately contaminated; does your facility's foodservice have an incident management plan? [ + ]
Improve lifestyle or risk 45,000 cases of bowel cancer
If Australians don't reduce their smoking, weight gain and excessive alcohol consumption, 45,000 cases of bowel cancer are likely over the next decade. [ + ]
Antipsychotics overprescribed in aged care
Research shows that more than 80% of aged-care residents with dementia receive psychotropics, even though only 20% might benefit from them. [ + ]