The World Today

Those who experience puberty early are more likely to develop some cancers later in life, according the researchers from Cambridge University. Breast cancer and prostate cancer are among the diseases closely linked to a prolonged exposure to sex hormones. Experts say it could lead to questions in the future about who to screen, and even whether puberty should be delayed in some cases.

FEATURED:

Professor Sanchia Aranda, CEO, Cancer Council Australia

Professor Jennifer Byrne, Head, Children's Cancer Research Unit, Westmead Children's Hospital

Doctors and medical students have lashed out at plans for a new medical school in the Murray Darling region. The plan is being proposed by Charles Sturt University and La Trobe University, which argue it will boost rural doctor numbers. But opponents say the proposal isn't addressing the real issue - the number and location of specialty training places.

An Australian medical researcher who has helped developed what's believed to be the world's first successfully functioning 'artificial womb' says it will help improve the odds for premature babies. Already the team behind the breakthrough have used their prototype to keep two unborn lambs alive for weeks, until they were ready for an otherwise normal birth.

Professor Sue Thomas from The University of New England has been appointed to one of the most senior roles in Australia's research and innovation sector. The Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor will become CEO of the Australian Research Council, which provides advice to the Federal Government on research and manages $800 million in research grants. Professor Thomas spoke to The World Today about her goal of increasing the links between the research sector and industry.

A quarter of Australian drinkers are drinking at an unsafe level, and most of them are doing it at home. A new study from La Trobe University shows most of the country's alcohol is being drunk by a small percentage of the population.

The first round of voting in the French presidential election has led the country into unchartered waters. Voters have turned their backs on the major political parties, which have dominated the French political landscape for decades.

The first round of the French presidential election signals a fundamental change in the country's political history. The World Today spoke to Charles Sowerwine, an Emeritus Professor of French History at the University of Melbourne

The Australian share market has cautiously bounced, as investors absorb the results from the first round of the French presidential election. Investors are betting that despite the uncertain outcome there is a lower chance that France might join Britain in exiting the European Union.

The Federal Government has announced it's injecting an extra $56 million into the community legal sector. The decision follows lobbying from the sector as it braced for a 30 per cent funding cut from July 1st. Labor has welcomed the announcement but says it is a "humiliating backdown," while the legal fraternity has applauded the move.

The Federal Government's decision to abandon its plans for proposed cuts to community legal centres has been met with relief by the Fitzroy Legal Service in Melbourne.