The Latest Breaking News from the National Health and Medical Research Council

MSG is back. Is the idea it’s bad for us just a myth or food science?

MSG is making a comeback. The internet’s favourite cucumber salad recipe includes fish sauce, cucumber, garlic and – as the video’s creator Logan tells us with a generous sprinkle from the bag – “MSG, obviously”.

The Conversation · Sep 9, 2024

Elle Macpherson’s breast cancer: when the media reports on celebrity cancer, are we really getting the whole story?

Celebrity supermodel Elle Macpherson disclosed in an interview with The Australian Women’s Weekly earlier this week that seven years ago she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

The Conversation · Sep 5, 2024

How to get the housing we need: healthy, affordable and resilient to climate change

Imagine coming home after a long day at work. It is winter. You step inside your home. It is warm, quiet and dry.

The Conversation · Sep 5, 2024

First Nations women are at greater risk of stillbirth. Here’s why – and what we can do about it

Australian national data show First Nations women face almost twice the risk of stillbirth or “sorry business babies” compared to non-First Nations women.

The Conversation · Jul 31, 2024

Health star labels move closer to being mandatory. But food companies could still (legally) game the system

On Thursday, Australian and New Zealand food ministers at state, federal and national levels met to thrash out what’s next for health star ratings on packaged foods.

The Conversation · Jul 26, 2024

Vaping and mental health are closely linked. That can make quitting even harder

Vaping is in your news feed for its regulation, impact on public health and effects on young people.

The Conversation · Jul 22, 2024

Ambulance ramping is getting worse in Australia. Here’s why – and what we can do about it

We’ve seen countless media reports in recent days, weeks and months about the ramping of ambulances at hospital emergency departments (EDs) around Australia.

The Conversation · Jul 4, 2024

Hearing voices is common and can be distressing. Virtual reality might help us meet and ‘treat’ them

Have you ever heard something that others cannot – such as your name being called? Hearing voices or other noises that aren’t there is very common. About 10% of people report experiencing auditory hallucinations at some point in their life.

The Conversation · Jun 25, 2024

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome: should I be worried if I’m travelling to Japan?

You may have heard reports in recent days of a “flesh-eating bacteria” spreading in Japan, referring to an illness that can occur with streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS).

The Conversation · Jun 24, 2024

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