Entries are now open for the National Medicinewise Awards, which will be presented at the 2014 National Medicines Symposium to be held in Brisbane in May. [ + ]

Omega-3 supplements and the antidepressant sertraline are being considered in a study to reduce depressive symptoms and cognitive decline in older people, in a bid to prevent the onset of dementia and depression in later life. [ + ]

Australia could be the first country to develop a bionic brain, according to the Inspiring smarter brain research in Australia report, to be launched today by Health Minister Peter Dutton. [ + ]

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has taken up Minister for Health Peter Dutton's call for frank debate about the future of Australia's health system. [ + ]

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) has welcomed the endorsement of Australia’s 1000th Nurse Practitioner. [ + ]

Around 70 people from the health and community sectors will gather in Melbourne tomorrow for a public forum on Racism and Culture as Social Determinants. The forum is being hosted by the national Social Determinants of Health Alliance (SDOHA). [ + ]

The Consumers Health Forum has today told the Senate inquiry in the Commission of Audit that medical co-payments should not be introduced. [ + ]

Up to 1900 people experiencing mental health issues will have access to rehabilitation with the development of a new pu-pose designed facility in Camperdown, Sydney. [ + ]

The world's biggest study offering healthy eating and exercise advice to overweight and obese pregnant women has shown a significant reduction in the number of babies born over 4kg in weight. [ + ]

Australian researchers have developed a potentially safer and more effective way to treat heart attack and stroke via a new clot-busting drug, with the National Heart Foundation of Australia saying it could save many lives. [ + ]

A 10 per cent increase in the number of deceased organ donors in 2013 enabled 1222 Australians to receive an organ transplant. [ + ]

[caption id="attachment_6263" align="alignright" width="110"] Minister for Health Peter Dutton[/caption] [ + ]

The University of Queensland will introduce a new Doctor of Medicine (MD) program in 2015, enhancing global opportunities for its postgraduate medical students. [ + ]

The World Cancer Report, released today for World Cancer Day, shows that cancer is the biggest cause of mortality globally, responsible for 8.2 million deaths per year and rising. [ + ]

In its bid to prevent another fake Tahitian Prince scandal, the Queensland Department of Health is adoping a zero tolerance approach to fraud, misconduct and corruption in Fraud Awareness Month. [ + ]