Ian M. Mackay, PhD (he/him)

abc.net.au

Misogyny identified as biggest red flag for violent extremism

A new study finds that violent attitudes towards women are not just a social issue but a matter of national security.

abc.net.au

'Behind that treat is human suffering': The chocolate industry's 'dirty secret'

For decades, major chocolate companies have pledged to eradicate child labour. Four Corners discovered that in Ghana, the promises don't always match the reality.

Virology Down Under

Virus on a boat - a belated graphic

Remember when we all died from the pandemic that started on a cruise ship, caused by a passenger acquiring and spreading Orthohantavirus andesense? Me neither.

abc.net.au

The ongoing cost of medical misogyny for women

Australia has come a long way when it comes to women's healthcare, but experts say medical misogyny is still very much alive — and it's not just attitudes that are the problem.

abc.net.au

Seven new suspected H5 bird flu cases detected in SA

Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins says urgent testing is being conducted by the CSIRO.

insp.cd

SitRep N°054/MVB_07/07/2026 – Institut National de Sante Publique

RNZ

The House: We need to learn to live with bird flu, experts tell MPs

The spread of bird flu is ongoing in New Zealand, and we will have to learn to live with it, officials told MPs this week.

abc.net.au

Local transmission of H5 bird flu confirmed in Australia

Federal agriculture minister Julie Collins says "local transmission has occurred" between greater crested terns infected with H5 bird flu in South Australia.

australianmade.com.au

Frequently Asked Questions - The Australian Made Campaign

The 'Australian made' claim is about the production process rather than content of a product. A product with an 'Australian made' label will not necessarily ...

abc.net.au

H5 bird flu confirmed in wild seabird found at Moreton Island

The CSIRO has officially confirmed a dead petrel found at Moreton Island was positive for H5 bird flu.

Hantavirus cluster linked to cruise ship travel, Multi-country

On 2 May 2026, a cluster of passengers with severe respiratory illness aboard a cruise ship was reported to the World Health Organization. The ship is carrying 147 passengers and crew. As of 4 May 2026, seven cases (two laboratory confirmed cases of hantavirus and five suspected cases) have been identified, including three deaths, one critically ill patient and three individuals reporting mild symptoms. Illness onset occurred between 6 and 28 April 2026 and was characterized by fever, gastrointe

Virology Down Under

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Australia - worth not(ify)ing

RSV has been among humans for hundreds of years, has been tested for, for decades, its mot notofiable and it's able to infect via aerosols.

Virology Down Under

A little virus that still can: poliovirus and poliomyelitis

A few things about poliomyelitis ('polio') and poliovirus, the enterovirus that causes this disease. Source: Immunization Action Coalition.[1] What is Polio? Polio is the name used to describe a paralytic disease. It is caused by

Virology Down Under

Just 0.7% of of universally screened asymptomatic patients produced unrepeatable PCR tests

A recent paper highlights the need for innovative & contextual action in response to lab results. Especially during exceptional times. But I had a few issues with it.

STAT

What happened to Covid?

The thinking about what risk Covid poses — or doesn't pose — has shifted in recent years. What does it mean for you?

Virology Down Under

What does a positive PCR result mean...or not mean?

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has remained a hugely important laboratory tool for decades. Subtle changes to the enzymes and drastic changes to the detection of a result have occurred in that span, but the

abc.net.au

What we know about how H5N1 bird flu is spreading in Australia

Birds infected with a deadly type of bird flu have been found along the coastline of several states of Australia. What do we know about how it is spreading?

abc.net.au

'Noose is tightening': One Nation's new Victorian leader promoted conspiracy

The new state One Nation leader warned of a debunked "globalist" plot to control Australians.

abc.net.au

The former cocaine-dealing Sydney socialite linked to a far-right news site

A "right of centre" website claiming to be news, with more than 42,000 Facebook followers, may not be as independent as it says. An ABC NEWS Verify investigation has found the site uses AI and a fake news editor.

abc.net.au

Trump beats his own record for strategic backflips on Iran

Donald Trump's actions this week have only confirmed he has run out of options and is now engaged in a simple war of wills, and calculations on who will run out of munitions first, with an enemy that he has underestimated from the start.