New class of hypnotics found to be “safer” than popular sleeping pills
Researchers have uncovered a new class of hypnotics which enable the sleeping brain to respond to danger signals, unlike the most widely used sleeping aid, Benzodiazepine. The newly discovered class of hypnotics, dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs), has been dubbed a potentially safer option, as it would alert the brain to smoke detectors. In the…
Unstable income linked with higher rates of death and cardiovascular disease
Research has found an unstable income can have widespread negative health implications, from impairing one’s mental health to affecting their diet. A new study has suggested personal income could even be associated with an increased risk of heart disease and death. Ongoing research which has been tracking the health of young people living in four…
Cervical Cancer Awareness Month: ladies, it’s time to have your screening test!
With January being Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, women across the nation are being encouraged to make this the year to get on top of their screening tests. Changes to the National Cervical Screening Program came into place on December 1 mean women aren’t recommended to have a test completed until they turn 25. Previously, women were…
Hope for people with motor neurone disease
People living with debilitating cases of motor neuron disease have been given revived hope following a “huge breakthrough” in treatment options by Australian researchers. A drug being hailed “ground breaking” was shown to slow the progression of the disease after being tested on 32 patients in Melbourne and Sydney. Professor Ashley Bush, chief scientific officer…
Employees encouraged to talk about their mental health with their boss
Advice to employees starting a new job commonly includes things like leaving details about their personal life at the door before starting each work day and keeping things professional. As mental health awareness improves across Australia however, employees are being encouraged to be more open about ways their emotions may be affecting their work. A…
Newly discovered molecule could hold the key to skin therapies for people with psoriasis
A protein could hold the answer to helpful therapies for skin problems such as psoriasis, a chronic skin disease affecting more than 100 million people globally. The protein is a fragment of a bigger molecule, JARID2, which researchers previously believed only existed in the developing embryo where its role is to coordinate the formation of…
Genetics could impact on the body’s immune response to viral infections
New research has emerged suggesting genetic factors may affect the body’s immune system. Environmental factors have historically been regarded more important than genes in a healthy immune system, according to Associate Professor John Miles of the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine at James Cook University, Cairns. “[Scientists thought] it didn’t matter so much…
Psoriasis skin conditions could soon be relieved with therapies using newly discovered protein
A protein could hold the answer to helpful therapies for skin problems such as psoriasis, a chronic skin disease affecting more than 100 million people globally. The protein is a fragment of a bigger molecule, JARID2, which researchers previously believed only existed in the developing embryo where its role is to coordinate the formation of…
My first taste of the world of PR – Ben Pike
Growing up, I was always fascinated by how things work, so a Biology degree at the University of Essex seemed like a good fit for me. At the time, I didn’t completely understand the various roles and careers that a science degree could lead to. When I chose to relocate from the UK to Australia,…
Be aware of your skin over summer
Fresh into 2019, many of us have still have one more week of festive fun before the return to work. More time with friends and family also means more potential outdoor events, exposing your skin to UV rays. From our work with the Australasian College of Dermatologists (ACD) we’ve learnt all about the harmful effects…