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Covering the health stories that make a difference. Dr Norman Swan and Dr Preeya Alexander dissect the latest and breaking news in the medical world.

Health Report - Full program podcast

Gene editing holds huge promise to cure disease and alleviate human suffering, but there are many ethical considerations when it comes to changing our DNA. 

We map the story of Chinese scientist He Jiankui who was jailed for altering the genome of babies without proper consent. 

Also, we take a look at the common skin condition rosacea and what treatments are available. And some changes to blood test results mean you could see them before your doctor. 

References

Global antibiotic resistance surveillance report – World Health Organization New test categories available for faster access on My Health Record

Does human genome editing cross a line?

Endometriosis is a complex condition, and the pain associated with it can persist despite medications and surgery. New guidelines have suggested lifestyle changes like diet or supplements could work for some. 

Also, what you can do in your 40s to prevent heart failure later on. And anal cancer is rare but might be going under people's radar. Who should be screened?

References

Assessment of malnutrition in preschool-aged children by mid-upper arm circumference in the Gaza Strip (January, 2024–August, 2025): a longitudinal, cross-sectional, surveillance studyTestimony, advocacy, and the public health effect of genocideHealth of the Nation report - RACGPNobel Prize in Physiology or MedicineAustralian Living Evidence Guideline: Endometriosis - The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists • 
Cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic health: an actionable vision for heart failure prevention - the LancetAnal Cancer Screening Guidelines

Low FODMAP diet for chronic endometriosis pain

Daylight saving time kicks in this weekend for New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory.

Time shifts can be controversial, and in recent years there's been research into the effects on our health. One study has looked into the incidence of strokes and obesity. 

Also, why experts want to change the name of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and we take a tour of the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness. 

References:

Draft National Health and Medical Research Strategy - NHMRCSafety concerns over imported melatonin products - TGARetraction: Apple cider vinegar for weight management in lebanese adolescents and young adults with overweight and obesity: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled studyCircadian-informed modeling predicts regional variation in obesity and stroke outcomes under different permanent US time policiesPolycystic ovary syndrome perspectives from patients and health professionals on clinical features, current name, and renaming: a longitudinal international online survey - the LancetInside the Australian lab where scientists study bird flu and other emerging disease threats - ABC NewsDynamic Balnce for LifeA Judo-Based Exercise Program to Reduce Falls and Frailty Risk in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Feasibility Study

Daylight saving: Can changing clocks harm your health?

US President Donald Trump has told women they shouldn't take paracetamol (also known as Tylenol or acetaminophen) during pregnancy because it has been linked to autism. 

We unpack the evidence with experts — where has this claim come from? Have we really found a treatment for autism spectrum disorder? And what are the dangers of taking health advice from Trump?

Also, an unexpected result from a study looking into whether a yoga exercise program could prevent falls in older adults.

Why does Trump think paracetamol causes autism?

Trump has suggested there's a link between pregnant women taking paracetamol and autism in children. 

In a press conference Trump said pregnant women with fevers should "tough it out".

Trump links paracetamol with autism. What’s the evidence?

A major change has been made to Australia's asthma guidelines, but how long will it take everyone to catch on?

Also, we know daily aspirin for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease isn't beneficial, but a new study shows there might be risks. 

And should the one-time blood test for lipoprotein(a) be free for everyone?

References:

National Climate Risk Assessment | Australian Climate ServiceUnderestimating heat-related mortality—a comparison of excess mortality and death record studies for Australia - The Lancet Regional Health – Western PacificMore evidence climate change is bad for our hearts - ABC listen Medical Imaging and Pediatric and Adolescent Hematologic Cancer Risk | New England Journal of MedicineIg Nobel Prizes celebrate pizza-eating lizards, drunk bats and garlic-flavoured breast milk - ABC NewsAspirin, cardiovascular events, and major bleeding in older adults: extended follow-up of the ASPREE trialLp(a) testing for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in high-income countries: a cost-effectiveness analysisAustralian Asthma Handbook

Time to ditch the blue puffer for asthma

The way we get information has changed, and when it comes to health and wellness more and more people are turning to social media. 

There are pros and cons, but when it comes to something as important as birth control, there's a price to pay for taking guidance from influencers. 

Also on the show, why parent-focused programs haven't been working to tackle obesity in toddlers. And a story about the benefits of withdrawing medication, rather than starting it. 

References

Alcohol and Cancer Risk - JAMA InsightsReview of Evidence on Alcohol and Health - National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and MedicineGLP-1 RAs and Cardiovascular and Kidney Outcomes by Body Mass Index in Type 2 Diabetes • 
Incidence of GLP‐1 receptor agonist use by women of reproductive age attending general practices in Australia, 2011–2022: a retrospective open cohort studyJoint statement on professional responsibilities for prescribing and dispensing medicines - AHPRAParent-focused behavioural interventions for the prevention of early childhood obesity (TOPCHILD): a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis“Do You Know What Birth Control Actually Does to Your Body?”: Assessing Contraceptive Information on TikTokWithdrawal of heart failure therapy after atrial fibrillation rhythm control with ejection fraction normalization: the WITHDRAW-AF trial

Do you take health advice from influencers?

Researchers have tricked participants with placebo pain relief in an effort to map the brainstem. 

Also, how immunotherapy might be used to treat mental health conditions in some young people. 

And delays in diagnosing frontotemporal dementia means some people are missing out on important care. 

References

Answering common questions about GLP-1s for weight lossGLP-1s and eating disorders — what are the risks?A Case Series of Young People Receiving Adjunctive Immunotherapy for Neuroimmune-Mediated Major Mood or Psychotic SyndromesFourteen years later: Reviewing the diagnostic criteria for behavioral-variant frontotemporal dementiaSomatotopic organization of brainstem analgesic circuitryA radical new way to treat low back pain - ABC listen
You can listen to more episodes of the Health Report podcast with presenters Dr Norman Swan and Dr Preeya Alexander on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. Covering topics like Trump’s policy changes to the growing trend of young people being diagnosed with cancer, we bring you the latest in health and medical news.

Mapping the brain using the placebo effect

Lots of people develop a daily skincare routine for anti-ageing purposes, but what if there are benefits from starting even earlier — at just nine weeks old?

Also, a discussion in the United States about SSRI antidepressants in pregnancy has caused lots of anxiety. We talk through the risks versus the benefits. 

And a common drug used to treat everything from nerves to heart conditions could show promise in stopping the spread of triple negative breast cancer. 

References

Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) Meeting Outcomes - July 2025Allostatic Load and Racial and Rural Disparities in Breast Cancer Survival | Oncology | JAMA Network Open | JAMA NetworkStructured vs Self-Guided Multidomain Lifestyle Interventions for Global Cognitive FunctionEmollients to Prevent Pediatric Eczema: A Randomized Clinical TrialPaternal Depression as a Risk Factor for Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Offspring: Implications for Maternal Depression and Its Treatment During PregnancyAssociation Between Serotonergic Antidepressant Use During Pregnancy and Autism Spectrum Disorder in ChildrenHox-C12 coordinates β2-adrenoceptor coupling to a cAMP/calcium feedforward loop to drive invasion in triple-negative breast cancerAustralian Physiotherapy Association
You can listen to more episodes of the Health Report podcast with presenters Dr Norman Swan and Dr Preeya Alexander on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.

Covering topics like Trump’s policy changes to the growing trend of young people being diagnosed with cancer, we bring you the latest in health and medical news.

Could your baby’s skincare routine have lifelong benefits?

Cognitive Functional Therapy can help relieve low back pain, and shows some positive long-term results.

Ovarian cancer doesn't start in the ovaries, but in the fallopian tubes, and opportunistic surgery could prevent it.

And is your gut microbiome responsible for your insomnia or is your insomnia changing your microbiome?

Long term relief for low back pain

There are ways to rejuvenate old memories, but a new study has compared the process to the myth of Sisyphus, who was cursed to repeatedly roll a stone up a hill. 

Also on the show, many doctors are already using artificial intelligence to help take notes. But are patients always aware these AI scribes are in the room?

The emergence of vaping has slowed our progress when it comes to smoking cessation. 

And looking at a sick person might activate your immune system, getting it ready to fight off infection.

The pros and cons of mental time travel

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