Mapping the environmental exposures that impact human health
The human exposome is the environmental equivalent of the human genome, and there's a project in the works to map it. It's a huge project that needs to take into account our lifestyles, cultures, economics and politics. Essentially, everything but our genome. Also, a concerning disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians when it comes to kidney transplants. And a small risk comes to light in relation to GLP-1s used for diabetes and weight loss. ReferencesGuidance on medicinal cannabis prescribing targets unsafe practice - AHPRAGLP-1 Drugs Linked to Higher Risk of Age-Related Macular DegenerationAm I on the list? Clinician‐reported factors for kidney transplantation non‐waitlisting among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with kidney failure: a cross‐sectional studyThe Human Exposome ProjectGeneration Cancer - 4CornersMapping the chemical complexity of plastics - Nature
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Harnessing the immune system to fight cancer
Immunotherapy uses the body's immune system to fight cancer. In blood cancer, a revolutionary t-cell therapy has cured patients and could show promise in solid tumours. In bladder cancer, the tuberculosis vaccine is infused to treat non-invasive cancer. However a shortage of BCG means researchers are having to test out other methods. Also, is Australia on the front foot when it comes to type 2 diabetes treatment? And what does copper in the brain have to do with Parkinson's disease?
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The man using AI to try treat his dog's cancer
In the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence, it can sometimes feel like the answer to everything is right around the corner. A dog owner is testing this with the help of super-computing, to try and find another treatment for his dog's cancer. Also, the national lung cancer screening program is about to begin. Who is eligible, and is the healthcare system prepared?And with syphilis cases rising in the community, there are implications for expectant mothers.
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What do hyenas have to do with human health?
Hyenas and vultures play a role in driving down the risk of disease outbreaks, but their decline due to human behaviour is putting our health in danger.Also, we discuss Lifeblood's changes which bring down some of the barriers facing gay and bisexual men, and transgender women, who'd like to donate blood or plasma. Pain education could help people with osteoarthritis get the most out of exercise programs — and even walk the Camino. Plus there's a push to extend genetic carrier screening to cover dozens more conditions.
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Is it too easy to get a prescription for medicinal cannabis?
There are concerns people are getting their hands on medicinal cannabis to treat conditions where there's very little evidence of benefit — and the possibility of harm. Also, why weight loss drugs could improve treatment for people with schizophrenia. The full breadth of corporate ownership of radiology clinics is revealed. And what questions need to be asked with IVF in the spotlight, as Monash IVF deals with the fallout from a second bungled embryo transfer.References:Medicinal cannabis prescribing practices under scrutiny after scripts issued 'every 4 minutes' - ABC News‘Infuriating and dangerous’: Psychiatrist tries and fails to speak with his patients’ medicinal cannabis prescribers - AusDoc.Efficacy and safety of semaglutide versus placebo for people with schizophrenia on clozapine with obesity (COaST): a phase 2, multi-centre, participant and investigator- blinded, randomised controlled trial in AustraliaCorporatisation and ownership concentration in diagnostic imaging: an audit of Australian practices
South Africa