What needs to happen now to get medicinal cannabis to those who need it?

Feb 12, 2016 07:42 am UTC| Health Law

This week minister for health Sussan Ley tabled amendments to our drugs act to allow growing cannabis for medicinal or scientific purposes. The amendments will create two licence classes (medicine and research), limit...

COVID Virus Crisis

What are the real risks of Zika?

Feb 11, 2016 08:46 am UTC| Health

Zika has raised alarm bells worldwide, prompting the World Health Organisations (WHO) declaration of a public health emergency, El Salvadors dramatic recommendation that women delay pregnancy for two years, and the US...

If meat could talk, would you still eat it?

Feb 11, 2016 08:36 am UTC| Health

Futurologist Ian Pearson recently predicted that by 2050 it will be possible to implant devices into our pets and other animals to give them the ability to speak to us. This raises the interesting question of whether...

Exposed to a deluge of digital photos, we're feeling the psychological effects of image overload

Feb 11, 2016 08:27 am UTC| Health Technology

Twenty-four percent of U.S. teens say theyre online almost constantly. Now much of that time, it seems, is spent incessantly compiling and navigating vast collections and streams of images. In a 2014 survey, the photo...

A shift in social attitudes can make menopause a positive experience

Feb 11, 2016 08:12 am UTC| Health Technology

Its a sensation familiar to three out of every four women going through menopause. First, theres a sudden and intense feeling of heat, accompanied by extreme sweating and redness in the face and chest. This is followed by...

Modernising Medicare is a great idea but needs a radical approach

Feb 11, 2016 08:08 am UTC| Insights & Views Technology Health

The Australian government is investigating the possibility of privatising the payment services associated with Medicare, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, aged care services and veteran affairs. Health Minister Susan...

UV radiation: the risks and benefits of a healthy glow

Feb 11, 2016 07:16 am UTC| Health

Eighty years ago, when sun exposure was first associated with skin cancer, popular culture was exalting tanning by emphasizing that a fine brown color suggests health and good times, and is a pleasant thing to see. We...