NewsMatch Alert: Press Release Summary | 14 March 2025
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Welcome to Medianet’s daily media alert featuring a curated list of today's most newsworthy press releases handpicked by our editorial team.
Today's highlights
AI diagnoses major cancer with near perfect accuracy
One of Australia's most common gynaecological cancers could be detected sooner and more accurately thanks to a specialised Artificial Intelligence (AI) model, new research shows. Researchers from Daffodil International University-DIU in Bangladesh, Charles Darwin University, the 加拿大卡尔加里大学 and Australian Catholic University developed an AI model which can detect endometrial cancer with 99.26 per cent accuracy.?Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological cancer in Australia and one of the most diagnosed cancers in Australian women, according to the Cancer Council Australia . ?
Scientists solve decades-long Parkinson’s mystery
WEHI researchers have made a huge leap forward in the fight against Parkinson’s disease, solving a decades-long mystery that paves the way for development of new drugs to treat the condition. First discovered over 20 years ago, PINK1 is a protein directly linked to Parkinson’s disease. Until now, no one had seen what human PINK1 looks like, how PINK1 attaches to the surface of damaged mitochondria, or how it is switched on.?In a major breakthrough, researchers at the WEHI Parkinson’s Disease Research Centre have determined the first ever structure of human PINK1 bound to mitochondria. The work could help find new treatments for the condition that currently has no cure or drug to stop its progression.
Media alert: UNSW expert comment on Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee 2025 report to government
Dr Yuvisthi Naidoo from UNSW Social Policy Research Centre is available to speak about the research informing understanding poverty, material deprivation and cost of living; along with the new budget standards which informed the recommendations set out by the Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee’s assessment of the adequacy of income support payments in the lead up to the Federal budget on March 25.
Trump interference in Australian research must be rejected: union
The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) has urged the federal government to reject the Trump administration’s attempt to interfere in Australian research. Researchers working on projects jointly funded by US federal agencies have been sent a 36-point questionnaire asking about compliance with Donald Trump’s radical right-wing agenda. NTEU National President Dr Alison Barnes urged the federal government to guarantee Australian researchers would be protected from foreign influence.
Monash expert: Influencers and wildlife
An American influencer is facing criticism after posting footage of herself capturing a baby wombat. The case highlights the bigger issue of how social media influences wildlife conservation, and community attitudes and behaviours towards wildlife. The following can be attributed to Dr Meg Shaw: “This incident highlights the broader issue of posts on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok normalising harmful interactions with wildlife."
Gamechanger: payday super laws to strengthen retirement for millions of Aussies
Landmark payday super laws – released today for consultation - will be a gamechanger to stem a $5 billion challenge in unpaid super and help millions of Australians retire with super they are owed. “Crucial payday super laws will make the system fairer for both workers and businesses, so more workers are paid the super owed to them and businesses compete with each other on a level playing field,” said Super Members Council CEO Misha Schubert .
Microclimate report finds a divide in how Sydney feels the heat
The most detailed analysis of urban heat ever carried out in our area has found suburbs near the harbour are up to 15 degrees cooler than those in the south during extreme heat. The City of Sydney partnered with urban heat experts from Western Sydney University to map our area’s microclimates. Between December 2023 and March 2024, one and a half million measurements were taken using bespoke temperature gauges placed in parks, streets, the foreshore and industrial areas. The hottest day was 9 December where St Peters saw a high of 45.3 degrees, while at the same time temperatures in the Royal Botanic Garden were 30 degrees.
Media alert: Australia’s first ‘Snorkel-Out for Climate’ calls for ocean action ahead of Federal Election (Sydney, Sunday 16 March 2025)
In a dramatic show of community-led ocean action, more than 100 divers and snorkelers will take to the water on Sydney's Northern Beaches for Australia’s first-ever Snorkel-Out for Climate, calling for urgent climate action to protect our marine ecosystems.?As the federal election approaches, ocean lovers are taking action, sending a powerful message to leaders: Australians want strong climate policies that protect our oceans and future.
Ocean Lovers Festival splashes down with model Sam Harris on Sydney Harbour this weekend
Ocean Lovers Festival Ambassador and Australian model Sam Harris will join an Ocean Lovers cultural and science cruise with Tribal Warrior and the Sydney Institute of Marine Science to kick off on water activities as the Festival splashes down in Darling Harbour this weekend, March 15 and 16. Australia’s largest cultural and science event dedicated to the ocean, the Ocean Lovers Festival, is back for its fifth year to span multiple Sydney locations, featuring a diverse lineup of ocean-inspired events aimed at celebrating, educating, and inspiring action for a healthier ocean.
Polygenic Risk Scores: A game-changer for disease prevention and personalised healthcare
Genomics is revolutionising healthcare, and Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS) are at the forefront of this transformation. By analysing thousands of genetic variants associated with common diseases, PRS provides powerful insights into an individual’s risk of developing conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. Public health initiatives can leverage PRS to refine population screening programs, ensuring resources are directed where they are needed most. AGRF is now offering PRS powered by the Allelica PREDICT module, a cutting-edge platform that translates genomic data into actionable risk assessments.
PBS should subsidise proven obesity management medicines: RACGP
Effective obesity-management medication should be subsidised on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to reduce health inequity, the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has said. The change in the peak body for GPs’ position on medication for weight loss, which could include semaglutide-based drugs, follows the RACGP’s release of a new position statement on obesity prevention and management.
Seven-point plan for immediate effective health reform
Australia’s peak nursing and midwifery groups are calling on the major parties at this election to commit to immediate and effective reform that will provide all Australians with quicker and more affordable access to the health services they need. The nine peak groups are advocating seven nursing-led reforms to improve care, reduce waiting times, and deliver better health outcomes with minimal impact on the budget.
Calls for help go unanswered: New documentary reveals urgent need for family and domestic support specifically or young people
With more than 40 per cent of our country’s young people under the age of 16 being exposed to family and domestic violence, Safe Steps will today launch Unanswered Calls – a short documentary that highlights the plight of this group of vulnerable Australians. In Unanswered Calls, two young people bravely share their lived experience of family and domestic violence. Their stories are accompanied by insights and commentary from leading industry experts and community safety champions. Unanswered Calls will have its Sydney premiere on Monday 17 March 2025 (5:30pm to 8pm) at State Library of New South Wales , with other capital cities to follow.
RACV encourages driveway caution to keep children safe
RACV is calling on motorists to remain vigilant about driveway safety, and to maintain the success of 2024 and prevent the injury or death of children in driveways. The Coroners Court of Victoria did not record the death of a child in a driveway last year – a welcome change after 13 children aged between one and 10 lost their lives in driveway tragedies between 2020 and 2023. RACV Head of Policy James Williams said that operating a vehicle in a driveway requires the same level of mindfulness and risk mitigation as driving on the road.
Home sellers shouldn’t wait – Why early movers could gain the biggest advantage
Homeowners and prospective sellers should take note: the Australian property market is entering a new phase. With the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) announcing a long-awaited interest rate cut, and the likelihood of further reductions on the horizon, the real estate landscape is shifting once again. So, what does this mean for those looking to sell their homes? According to leading real estate industry coach and ambassador for LocalAgentFinder, TOM PANOS , the time to act could be now.
Massive insurance claim floods market with premium appliances $1 auction
A $6M major insurance claim stock clearance has resulted in over 11,000 brand-new household appliances being auctioned off, with bidding starting at just $1. Large volumes of claim-affected stock are being released for public auction in what is shaping up to be one of the biggest appliance clearances in recent years featuring major brands such as Apple, Samsung, Smeg, LG, Sony, Nespresso, Dyson, Fisher & Paykel and many more.?The auctions, managed by Lloyds Auctions, offer much-needed relief to Australians battling rising costs, providing an opportunity to replace or upgrade essential household items at a fraction of retail prices.
Australia’s largest mosque warmly invites all to join in breaking the fast together
THE Ahmadiyya Muslim Community , AUSTRALIA/ Muslims Down Under
During this sacred month of Ramadan, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community warmly invites you to our annual flagship interfaith seminar on "Fasting in My Religion", followed by an Iftar dinner (breaking of the fast). On this special occasion, esteemed speakers from various faith traditions, including Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, and Buddhism, will share insights into the principles and practices of fasting within their respective religions, fostering mutual understanding and interfaith harmony.
Tourism NT launches ‘Love Letters to Alice’, Encouraging Australians to fall head over heels for the heart of Australia
What if you could send a love letter to the heart of Australia? This month, Tourism NT is inviting Australians to fall in love with Alice Springs through its Love Letters to Alice campaign—a heartfelt celebration of connection, culture, and the beating heart of the Red Centre. Led by TV presenter and journalist Narelda Jacobs OAM, Love Letters to Alice captures the emotional, raw, and unique expressions of love from those who know Alice Springs best. F
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