Author Archives: Health

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 »

Genetic privacy: We must learn from the story of Henrietta Lacks

By Maninder Ahluwalia A street mural memorial to Henrietta Lacks in Oak Park, Illinois MedSci / Alamy Today is the 100th anniversary of the birth of Henrietta Lacks, commonly referred to as “the mother of modern medicine”. Her cells have been used in experiments in laboratories around the world but were cultivated without her consent.… Read More »