Pope’s health ‘slightly improving’, Vatican says
The Pope's health is improving and he is alert, able to move around and even doing some work, the Vatican says.
health
Fresh cyclone threat brewing off sodden coastline
A cyclone is almost certainly looming off the coast of Australia's rain-soaked north but forecasters say its path is still uncertain.
Pope ‘rested well’ but won’t lead Sunday prayers
The Pope "rested well" overnight, the Vatican says, but will not lead Sunday prayers for a second consecutive week as he's treated for double pneumonia.
State euthanasia changes to hinge on conscience vote
Victoria is moving to change its voluntary euthanasia laws after falling behind other states and erecting too many barriers for terminally ill patients.
Pope had ‘peaceful’ night despite pneumonia diagnosis
The Vatican says Pope Francis has developed bilateral pneumonia, after new tests showed a further complication in the condition of the 88-year-old pope.
‘Brave’ drug takers cop police presence at test trial
The first music festival to take part in a state's pill-testing trial has been named but doubts remain about how effective the scheme will be.
Pope Francis alert and eating, Vatican says in update
Pope Francis has spent a sixth night in hospital without any further complications, the Vatican says.
Resignations puts private mental health care in play
Dozens of public health specialist resignations remain in play as data outlines how few have rescinded their threat to quit the system.
Stoush over anti-Israel ‘kill’ rant video stalls probe
Two nurses who bragged about killing Israeli patients are yet to be charged by police as investigators seek access to video footage.
Rarer dementia a rollercoaster of debilitating ailments
Little is known about a form of dementia that affects more than 100,000 Australians but researchers are looking to build knowledge on the debilitating illness.
Pope Francis spends third ‘peaceful’ night in hospital
Pope Francis remains in a Rome hospital receiving treatment for a respiratory tract infection.
Pope’s engagements cancelled amid ‘complex’ infection
Pope Francis' respiratory tract infection is presenting a "complex clinical picture", the Vatican says, and will require further time in hospital.
Indigenous scholars awarded with ‘overwhelming honour’
Five Indigenous scholars have been awarded the inaugural First Nations Cancer Scholarship, supporting each person to undertake full-time studies or research.
Nurses cop national ban over anti-Israel ‘kill’ rant
Two nurses who suggested Israeli patients would be killed or refused care have had their registrations suspended as police weigh up laying charges.
Are you having trouble controlling the way you eat?
Many people have resorted to desperate measures to control their weight and the way they relate to food. They’ve tried expensive diets, surgery, medications, excessive exercise, purging, extreme food restriction—all to no avail.
Harvest celebrates native grains in community hands
At an annual harvest, community and university researchers are working together to harness the health benefits and possible paths to a native grain industry.
Clean-up signals new threats for flood-ravaged region
A flood-hit region looks set to battle more heavy rainfall but experts warn residents will confront another threat when their massive clean-up finally starts.
Bird flu case detected in Victoria’s north
There has been a bird flu outbreak at a poultry farm in Victoria, days after the federal government announced it had eradicated the disease from Australia.
Cost relief hailed as right prescription for menopause
Women's health specialists say hormone therapy subsidies are a significant step forward in treating the often prolonged and severe symptoms of menopause.
Gaza ceasefire averted famine but threat remains: UN
The United Nations humanitarian chief says famine has been mostly averted in Gaza as a surge of aid enters the territory during a fragile ceasefire.
Benefits of publishing pill testing data outweigh risks
The benefits of publishing Australian pill testing trial data outweigh the risks, according to a new report examining what happens overseas.
Time for ‘rubber to hit the road’ in Closing the Gap
A plan to reduce disadvantage among Indigenous people is at risk of not meeting targets, as Indigenous leaders call for funding to back programs.
Tech weapon joins tougher penalties in war on vaping
A crackdown on vaping has delivered a record fine for one retailer as health authorities release a free app to help young nicotine addicts conquer the cravings.
Stretched hospitals get $1 billion in ‘landmark’ deal
In a bid to bolster an under-pressure health system, the federal government has committed $1.7 billion in extra funding for public hospitals and services.
Weather on firefighters’ side in race to control blazes
Concerns have been raised about how health services deal with fire threats, as a cool change offered fire crews a chance to contain raging blazes.
Call for funding boost after shocking blood cancer rise
A shocking rise in blood cancer cases has prompted calls for more prevention and early detection research, with the disease killing 16 Australians every day.
Puberty blockers and trans kids’ care to be reviewed
The health treatment of transgender children will be reviewed by Australia's peak health body as one state pauses gender-affirming care for new child patients.
Probe sparks fears for trans patient’s mental health
A Queensland mum says she would have lost her daughter if she couldn't have accessed gender-affirming care as the state government hits pause on the service.
A country practice luring health workers to the bush
Healthcare workers getting a taste of life in the country are staying in the bush, as medical groups push for rural health to be a federal election priority.
Young trans patients denied hormone therapy amid probe
Critics slam a state government's suspension of hormone therapies for young trans patients amid a probe, saying it will cause "immeasurable trauma".
Trialling ways to reduce dementia in the Torres Strait
Hoping to reduce high rates of dementia among Torres Strait Islanders, a team of researchers is developing a pilot program for people at risk of the disease.