Health Report

Genomic testing is cheaper than ever and can pick up a risk of disease in people with no family history. Should we expand it nation-wide?
IUDs are a highly effective form of contraception, but some women are concerned about pain. A new study looks at how commonly women experience pain on insertion and why.
Researchers have criticised the current state of peer review for scientific grants in Australia, arguing the process lacks transparency and opportunities for appeal.
And the TGA is cracking down on unregulated peptides, saying they're a safety risk for consumers.
Statement from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing in response to the Health Report.
For more on peptides, listen to our recent story Who's using peptides, and do we know what's in them?
References
Diabetes society apologizes after removal of Trump protesters from conference sparks outrage
Diabetes Association in uproar after members expelled from annual meeting over protest of NIH cuts
Egg Allergy Prevalence Before and After Guidelines for Earlier Egg Introduction
TGA strengthens compliance focus on unapproved peptide products as part of evolving risk response
TGA cracks down on unregulated peptides, says increased imports are posing a risk to consumer safety
Feasibility and outcomes of the DNA Screen nationwide adult genomic screening pilot
Factors Associated With Pain Related to Insertion of a Contraceptive Intrauterine Device: Findings of a National Survey
Australia’s erosion of peer review - Science

Australia's specialist medical college for obstetrics and gynaecology is raising the alarm over proposed changes to abortion access in three Australian states.
How physical activity influences your 'biological clock' - and whether it can help you feel younger than you actually are.
Changes to how bulk billing is administered and what that could mean for community-run Aboriginal health services in remote parts of Australia.
And the withdrawal of a drug for breast cancer and endometriosis from Australia - why has it happened and what does it mean for patients?
References:
Ebola Outbreak: Current Situation (US CDC).
AI Chatbot Use and Disclosure for Mental Health Among US Adolescents and Young Adults
AstraZeneca pulls critical breast cancer and endometriosis drug Zoladex from shelves
Abortion Access Under Attack Again in Two Australian States - RANZCOG
Physical activity and biological age measured by DNA methylation clocks: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This week, an update on the diphtheria outbreak across multiple Australian states. What's changed to allow the spread to occur?
How to build healthier housing for remote communities - and it starts with maintenance.
A new trial shows some everyday steps people can take to protect themselves against depression.
And reviewing the evidence on calcium and vitamin D when it comes to fractures and falls.
References:
Ebola outbreak outpacing health response, WHO chief says
Ebola-hit DR Congo faces 'catastrophic collision' of disease and conflict, WHO warns
Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus, Democratic Republic of the Congo & Uganda
Ebola Outbreak: Current Situation (CDC)
Calcium, vitamin D, or combined supplementation to prevent fractures and falls: systematic review and meta-analysis
Diphtheria in Australia – Epidemiological update – 18 May 2026
Impact of Restriction-Resumption Protocols on Mood and Anxiety in Healthy Adults: Randomized Controlled Trial

The popularity of peptides appears to be growing in Australia - what do we know about who is using them, what's in them and the risks?
A large study of Australians with Parkinson's disease finds links to certain pesticides and high-risk occupations.
For people with heart failure, there's a procedure that you can avoid with no ill-effect.
And an outbreak of diptheria across multiple states in Australia - how did this happen?
References
Obesity and cardiovascular disease: A clinical consensus statement from the National Heart Foundation of Australia
Impact and Effectiveness of Australia's 2025 Hybrid RSV Immunisation Program: Results from the PAEDS-FluCAN Network
Diphtheria outbreak could be 'contained within months' but response criticised as too slow
Responding to injectable synthetic peptide use among young people: priorities for clinicians and public health
Insights from a cross-sectional population-based study of 10,929 Australians living with Parkinson's disease: risk factors, comorbidities, and sex differences
Cardiac resynchronization therapy with or without atrioventricular node ablation in atrial fibrillation: the CAAN-AF trial

The World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency of international concern over an outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
How does the disease spread, how can it be treated and how concerned should we be?
Further Information:
Why is there no vaccine for this Ebola outbreak?
Ebola vaccine could take nine months as death toll rises further, WHO warns.
Ebola disease in DRC and Uganda.
Epidemic of Ebola Disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda determined a public health emergency of international concern.
Absence of USAID likely slowed Ebola detection and response, former officials say