The Latest Breaking News from National Health and Medical Research Council

What is phonics and why is it used to teach reading?

Victoria has just announced all government schools will be required to use phonics to teach reading from next year. This brings it in line with approaches in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia.

The Conversation · Jun 20, 2024

Walking can prevent low back pain, a new study shows

Do you suffer from low back pain that recurs regularly? If you do, you’re not alone. Roughly 70% of people who recover from an episode of low back pain will experience a new episode in the following year.

The Conversation · Jun 20, 2024

Are plant-based burgers really bad for your heart? Here’s what’s behind the scary headlines

We’re hearing a lot about ultra-processed foods and the health effects of eating too many. And we know plant-based foods are popular for health or other reasons.

The Conversation · Jun 13, 2024

People with dementia aren’t currently eligible for voluntary assisted dying. Should they be?

Dementia is the second leading cause of death for Australians aged over 65. More than 421,000 Australians currently live with dementia and this figure is expected to almost double in the next 30 years.

The Conversation · May 20, 2024

What if I discover mould after I move into a rental property? What are my rights?

A startling number of Australian rental homes come with an unwanted housemate: mould.

The Conversation · Dec 24, 2023

It's extremely hot and I'm feeling weak and dizzy. Could I have heat stroke?

Australia is braced for a hot, dry summer. El Nino is back, and this year it will occur alongside an Indian Ocean dipole, a climate pattern which will further amplify this hot and dry effect.

The Conversation · Dec 6, 2023

Artificial intelligence is already in our hospitals. 5 questions people want answered

Artificial intelligence (AI) is already being used in health care. AI can look for patterns in medical images to help diagnose disease. It can help predict who in a hospital ward might deteriorate. It can rapidly summarise medical research papers to help doctors stay up-to-date with the latest evidence.

The Conversation · Nov 30, 2023

Voluntary assisted dying is now available in all Australian states. How do the NSW laws compare?

From today, eligible people in New South Wales can ask for voluntary assisted dying.

The Conversation · Nov 27, 2023

Less than 75% of Queenslanders have access to fluoridated water – and it's putting oral health at risk

Health-care professionals have recently called on the Queensland government to mandate fluoride in drinking water across the state, where water fluoridation coverage lags behind other Australian states and territories.

The Conversation · Nov 24, 2023

Promotional techniques on junk food packaging are a problem for children's health – Australia could do better

Too many Australian children are eating diets high in added sugars, saturated fats, salt, energy and ultra-processed foods. And often they’re not getting enough fruits, vegetables and wholegrains.

The Conversation · Nov 14, 2023