Author Archives: Health

China spat may be threatening Canada’s bid to get early access to leading COVID-19 vaccine: experts

Article content continued Last month, the company’s co-founder said it was in talks with Russia, Brazil, Chile and Saudi Arabia to conduct Phase 3 trials, which determine whether the vaccine actually protects people against COVID-19 infection. Back in Canada, “we are continuing to wait for the vaccine,” said Scott Halperin, the Dalhousie scientist heading Canada’s… Read More »

Lithium-laced drinking water could curb suicide rates, scientists say

For communities with a low rate of depression and suicide, there may be something in the water, according to a new study. A comprehensive analysis of findings from previous studies has revealed that regions where the public drinking water contains a high level of naturally occurring lithium — a mineral used most often for the… Read More »

How a COVID false positive happens

On a quiet Brisbane street stands one of the most important buildings in Queensland’s defence against COVID-19. Microbiologists, scientists, sample collectors, data entry personnel and clinicians are all part of the machine at Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology at Bowen Hills, processing thousands of COVID-19 tests a day. As fears of community transmission ripple through the state,… Read More »

Chronic pain: Antidepressants not painkillers recommended

Doctors are being advised not to prescribe common painkillers, including paracetamol and ibuprofen, for patients with chronic pain not caused by an injury or other medical condition. The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) said there was little evidence they help. And it suggests there is evidence long-term use can be harmful. Its… Read More »