The new variant Omicron; platelet-rich plasma in knees and ankles; and Parkinson's possible connection to influenza

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In light of the Bondi Junction attack, there's been a lot of commentary about mental illness - including schizophrenia.

So what is schizophrenia? While the exact cause isn't known, it's a serious mental illness that can affect how a person behaves. 

It might also surprise you to learn that someone with a diagnosis is more likely to be harmed, than to harm others.

On this special episode of Health Report, Dr Norman Swan talks about the medical facts about the disorder, how common it is and some of the successful treatments.

Norman Swan on what is schizophrenia?

Is a simpler solution to recurrent UTIs on the way? Plus when should you exercise to get the most benefit?

A deep dive into the UK's reviews of gender affirming treatment, and how Australia's system differs. 

Researchers say there's more PFAS in our water than previously thought, but how much do we know about the health harms?

And a new way to deliver immunotherapy straight to the source in bladder cancer.

Treating UTIs (without cranberry juice) and re-examining gender care

In health news this week it's cows with bird flu, vaccines for human flu, and GLP-1s for Parkinson's and possibly bowel cancer prevention.

When your private health insurer won't pay, have you read the fine print on your policy lately?

A look at health literacy barriers, when it's not the apple a day keeping some people away from the doctors' office.

How mRNA technology developed during COVID is now being used to target the proteins that cause Alzheimer's and dementia.

And new technology allowing researchers to look beyond standard autopsy results to investigate possible causes of some cases of SIDS.

When your private health won't pay, and flu vaccine options

How changes to codeine access impacted the use of PBS-listed opiods. 

Pinpointing particular strains of bacteria that could lead to bowel cancer. 

The Australian research that helped change our definition of anaemia. 

And why aren't there already strict guidelines on indoor air quality?

The bacteria causing bowel cancer, and how to make indoor air safer

Three recent scientific papers looking at ADHD treatment and other health outcomes.

Why no one knows what your cancer treatment will do to your ovaries.

In a small US study, brain cancer tumours shrank rapidly in the first few days when treated with chimeric antigen receptor, or CAR, T cells injected into the fluid around the brain.

And suicidal thoughts are more common than researchers expected in people who do not fit with conventional diagnoses of depression or other psychiatric disorders.

The new variant Omicron; platelet-rich plasma in knees and ankles; and Parkinson's possible connection to influenza

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