What is RSV? And why should older Australians have this free vaccine?

We all know the risks of influenza and COVID for older people. But a third virus, RSV, can also land you in hospital. A free vaccination aims to reduce this risk.

Can I get a free flu shot? And will it cover ‘super K’? Your influenza vaccine questions answered

Everything you need to know about the flu vaccine, including the nasal spray, egg-free options, who it’s free for and what to do if you’re scared of needles.

When oil refineries burn, here’s what happens to your lungs and heart The blaze at the Geelong oil refinery in Victoria has reportedly been extinguished. But residents in the area may be worried about the health effects of lingering smoke.

If you're worried about the health effects of smoke from Geelong's oil refinery blaze, read this.

Meet kungaka – the hidden one’. This ancient lizard could be the rarest reptile in Australia

The kungaka represents an ancient lineage from when Australia was wetter. Today, it survives in a sheltered desert gorge.

The government wants to curb NDIS spending. Here’s how it might succeed

This year, the National Disability Insurance Scheme is expected to cost taxpayers $50 billion. So what needs to change?

‘I never really know how to answer that’: why do women still have to justify being single?

A growing number of women are choosing to be ‘defiantly single’, yet the stigma against them persists.

Evidence suggests the introduction of the NDIS led to Australia having some of the highest rates of diagnosed autism in the world.

👉 Read the full story: theconversation.com/autism-...

The loss of iconic Antarctic wildlife is no longer a future possibility. It is happening in real-time, while we watch.

👉 Read the full story: theconversation.com/the-bel...

When is the best time to get your flu shot? 2 infectious diseases experts explain

There has already been a lot of flu this year but the flu season is unlikely to peak until late winter.

Do you taste words or hear colours? Here’s the neuroscience behind synaesthesia

About 1-4% of people have synaesthesia, a trait that both fascinates and puzzles scientists.

Is it anxiety or OCD? 2 psychology experts explain the difference

Many of us have rituals or habits to cope with worry that give us more of a sense of control. But here’s when they might be something more serious.

Poetry for an anxious world: 5 experts share poems of grief, hope and restoration

Sarah Holland-Batt, Fiona Wright, John Kinsella, Luke Johnson and Aidan Coleman share the poems they reach for in difficult times – offering hope, insight and beauty.

The concept of ‘civilisation’ emerged in the 18th century – and it has been cursed from the very start. 👉 theconversation.com/what-ac...

A major Australian study found kids who spend 40 hours or more in childcare may struggle more with social skills and emotions than those who attend for less time.

👉 Read the full story: theconversation.com/fixatin...

How does Medicare’s new Mental Health Check In work? Is this low-intensity CBT likely to help?

The idea is to catch mental health problems early, before they get worse. Here’s how it works – and the outcomes of those who’ve tried similar programs.

We didn't deserve this day.

This common antidepressant helps people cut back on methamphetamine – new study

If approved, mirtazapine would be the first prescription medicine for people with methamphetamine dependency.

There is a lot more to healthy eating than what’s on your plate. How, why and when you eat also matters. Here are 3 tips to get started.

👉 Read the full story: theconversation.com/focusin...

The rock art reveals the Thylacine’s deep significance to Aboriginal peoples.

👉 Read the full story: theconversation.com/nt-rock...

The evidence shows nicotine-based vapes are likely to cause oral and lung cancer. We just don’t yet know how many cases it will cause.

👉 Read the full report: theconversation.com/stronge...

Israel just passed a law mandating death by hanging for Palestinians in rigged military trials voting 62-48 in the Knesset. Netanyahu turned up in person to vote yes. Ben-Gvir wore a metal noose pin on his lapel while the chamber erupted in cheers at the prospect of killing more Palestinians.

A deception and a desecration of Ali Shoeib's memory while his family mourn his murder.

Among a range of proposed reforms, Australia’s therapeutic goods regulator outlines 3 options for SPF labelling – including removing the numbers altogether.

👉 Read the full story: theconversation.com/the-tga...

The effectiveness of these diets can come down to how the gut and brain work together.

👉 Read the full story: theconversation.com/ibs-die...

What is the ‘boy kibble’ trend? And is it healthy? A nutrition expert explains

Cheap, quick and simple, this dish overcomes many barriers young people say stop them cooking at home. But what about the nutritional content?

Indigenous Australians always come off worst in disasters. This needs to stop

When fires and floods hit, Aboriginal communities are often left to recover without much, if any, government support.

What is Flumist, the new flu vaccine for kids that’s sprayed in their noses?

A fear of needles can stop many children from getting a flu vaccine. But a new nasal spray will be available this year. Is your kid eligible?

Psychedelic drug MDMA may help people manage PTSD symptoms. But it should only be used in certain contexts, according to two trauma experts.

👉 Read the full story: theconversation.com/psyched...

Does medicinal cannabis work for depression, anxiety or PTSD? Our study says there’s no evidence

Increasing numbers of Australians are using medicinal cannabis for anxiety, depression, insomnia, substance disorders and more. Is it safe? And does it work?

Attacks on hospitals are surging in war zones. What do the laws of war say about protecting them?

Afghanistan says at least 400 people were killed in a Pakistani strike on a hospital on Monday – the latest in a deadly year for medical staff and patients worldwide.