freelance science journalist and author
From ABC Health and Wellbeing, 28 March 2013: It sounds counter-intuitive, but not being exposed to viruses, bacteria and parasites in your early years could have a negative effect on your health, or at least that’s what the hygiene hypothesis suggests. The idea, which is subject to much debate, suggests our obsession with cleanliness and … Continue reading What is the hygiene hypothesis?
From ABC Health and Wellbeing, 24 January 2013: Think ‘dangerous Australian animals’ and images of snakes, spiders, box jellyfish or even crocodiles come to mind. But for a small number of people, the bite or sting of relatively benign insects, such as ants, ticks, wasps or bees can be as deadly as any encounter with … Continue reading Insect allergies: more than a nasty sting
From ABC Health and Wellbeing, 14 August 2012: New research shows the current whooping cough vaccine is not as effective as its predecessor, so what’s the best way to protect children against this potentially deadly infection? A highly contagious disease, caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, whooping cough is known for its severe coughing attacks … Continue reading Whooping cough vaccine: how well is it working?
From the ABC Health and Wellbeing , 18 March 2009: David’s troubles began after a trip to the Middle East. It might have been the hefty dose of food poisoning he copped, or the fact he spent much of the trip lugging someone else’s heavy luggage. Either way, it did not come as a huge … Continue reading Web diagnosis: healthy searching
