Reflux risk for babies of anxious mothers

According to an Australian study babies of first-time mothers with mental health disorders are almost five times as likely to be admitted to hospital with reflux.

An Australian mother’s anxiety disorder was discovered to be the strongest predictor of whether or not her baby would be admitted to hospital with gastro-oesophageal reflux in the first year after birth researchers at Western Sydney University reported.

ANC remove support for Under Fire Zuma

The African National Congress has withdrawn its support for unde rfire the South African President and has asked he step down.

Jacob Zuma, is currently isolated from his party and risks embarrassing the party once led by Nelson Mandela, if a motion of no confidence passes through Parliament. 

Business leaders have welcomed the ANC’s move, stating the country needs to focus on economic growth while social issues such as unemployment also need attention.

Tonga cleanup begins after Category 4 tropical cyclone

A South Pacific island nation was battered by a Category 4 tropical cyclone just two days ago and now the clean up begins.

Only one other Category 4 storm has ever passed within 200 miles of Tonga - Cyclone Ian in 2014, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s historical database.

Acting Prime Minister Hon. Semisi Sika declared a state of emergency throughout Tonga urging residents to stay where they were to prevent as much injury and to avoid further damage to property or the environment.

Queenslanders to expect more heat waves and treacherous storms

South-east Queenslanders have been hit with scorching heat waves throughout the day and battered by wild weather at night, the state is about to undergo another day of harsh conditions with high temperatures and humidity.

Bureau of Meteorology Senior forecaster Rick Threlfall stated that there may be slightly warmer temperatures today in the south-east although the west will remain the same as yesterday.

Queensland Governor criticised for stance on abuse complaint time-limit enforcement

Queensland’s Governor and a fellow judge were key players in stopping the Anglican church from abandoning controversial  legal time limits.

Paul de Jersey, who was a legal adviser to the Church at the time believed the removal of the time limits may  have led to the Church losing its insurance.

The time limits mean the victims must sue by the age of 21, reducing  the likelihood of the Church being taken to court.

Big Pharma corporations potentially misleading doctors about effectiveness of medications

A new report reveals big pharmaceutical companies are spending many thousands of dollars wining and dining medical specialists in a bid to educate them about treatment for conditions which are potentially subject to overdiagnosis and overtreatment.

The research, conducted by the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre for Evidence, Policy and Influence, examined events attended by medical professionals, which focused on treatment for conditions including depression, osteoporosis and overactive bladder.

Australia's ditching their health insurance after premiums continue to rise

It is estimated that over 12,000 Australians have ditched their health insurance since December 2017 because they felt that it wasn’t worth the price.

New data from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority shows the percentage of Australians with health insurance dropped by 0.2 percentage points in the December quarter to 45.6 percent.

Health Minister Greg Hunt approved a 3.95 percent increase in premiums last month being the lowest since 2001.

Innovative UK software allows detection of online Jihadist content

A tool has been released by the UK government which they say can accurately detect and block online jihadist content.

The government put 600,000 pounds of public funding towards the software, which was developed by a London-based artificial intelligence company.

ASI Data Science says the technology can accurately detect 94% of jihadist video uploads, which would then be flagged to alert a human, although critics who advocate for an ‘open internet’ say there is potential for the flagging of false positives.

Israeli Prime Minister referred to Attorney-General for alleged bribery

Israel Police have recommended the Prime Minister be charged with two cases of bribery by the Attorney-General.

Benjamin Netanyahu has been questioned over the two cases which include receiving gifts from businessmen, including Australian James Packer as well as conversations with a newspaper publisher where he suggested limiting competition in return for more favourable press.

Mr Netanyahu has denied the allegations, calling them baseless and stating the Police were on a witch hunt.