A groundbreaking new study has upended the widely held belief that obesity is the primary factor driving endometrial cancer risk, revealing that genetics play a powerful and independent role in the disease. The findings, published by researchers from the Cancer Genetic Susceptibility lab at QIMR Berghofer, could pave the way for improved screening methods targeting women most at risk.   Endometrial cancer, often under-recognized despite being one of the most common gynecological cancers, affects more than 4,000 Australian women. Alarmingly, cases have doubled over the past 25 years, with the greatest increase seen among women aged 25-44. The new study analyzed data from over 129,000 women and found that women in the top third of genetic risk are twice as likely to develop endometrial cancer—even if they maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI). For women who have both a high genetic risk and obesity, the risk skyrockets nearly five-fold. This research provides the first evidence that genetics and body weight are independent risk factors for endometrial cancer. It also suggests that combining genetic and BMI information can greatly improve the accuracy of risk prediction.   Associate Professor Tracy O’Mara, who leads the lab, emphasized the need to rethink which women are considered at risk: “These results are fascinating to us, because I think a lot of the time people dismiss endometrial cancer risk if you’re in a normal BMI category, when in reality there is still a group of people at higher risk of developing cancer.” She added, “These results really drive home the message that genetic risk matters even for women who are not overweight.” Until now, doctors have relied primarily on obesity as a risk indicator, with genetic testing mostly reserved for rare hereditary conditions like Lynch syndrome. The new findings, however, point toward a future of more personalized cancer screening.   Associate Professor Dylan Glubb, a co-author of the study, hopes the research will help identify thousands of high-risk women globally who are currently overlooked by existing approaches. “There are women out there who might benefit from early monitoring or prevention strategies,” he said. The researchers are also keen to build on these genetic findings to identify new drug targets, offering fresh hope in the fight against endometrial cancer.  

Two early intervention programs have been launched in the Queensland cities of Logan and Ipswich, aiming to support at-risk youth and reduce crime rates in the region. The initiatives are funded through the Queensland Government’s Kickstarter grants, which focus on preventing youth from entering the criminal justice system by providing mentoring, education, and skill-building opportunities. The BUSY Group will deliver a 10-week program targeting at-risk girls aged 14 to 17 in Logan. The program offers mentoring and trade skills training, with the goal of helping participants reconnect with education, training, or employment opportunities. In addition, the Sudanese-Australian Lost Boys and Girls of South Sudan will operate a program for at-risk youth aged 8 to 17. This initiative provides intensive mentoring, family engagement, skill-building, and cultural support to help young people re-engage with education and their communities. The Queensland Government states that these programs are part of wider efforts to address youth crime, including investment in rehabilitation and early intervention. Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber emphasized the importance of early intervention in preventing youth from becoming involved in crime. “Addressing the early signs of disengagement, anti-social or criminal behaviour is critical to breaking the cycle of crime and putting youth back on the right track,” Gerber said. Representatives from the participating organizations highlighted the potential of early intervention to change young people’s lives. Glen O’Keefe, General Manager of Youth and Community at the BUSY Group, said that tailored support can help restore self-belief and build aspirations, while Gabriel Pioth, Treasurer of the Lost Boys and Girls of South Sudan, noted the value of creating safe spaces and trusted relationships for youth. The programs are expected to provide structured, trauma-informed support, mentoring, and practical pathways towards education, training, and employment for young people in Logan and Ipswich.

Australia’s annual inflation rate remained steady at 3.8 per cent in the year to January 2026, according to new data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures show prices rose 0.4 per cent in January, keeping the annual rate unchanged from December. ABS head of prices statistics Michelle Marquardt said housing costs were the largest contributor to inflation, rising 6.8 per cent over the year. Electricity prices were a major driver, increasing 32.2 per cent annually. The ABS said this sharp rise was largely due to households exhausting Commonwealth and state energy rebates, alongside annual price adjustments by energy retailers. Excluding the impact of government rebates, electricity prices rose 4.5 per cent over the year. Food and non-alcoholic beverages rose 3.1 per cent over the 12 months to January, down slightly from December. Higher prices for meals out and takeaway were a key factor, reflecting increases in wages and ingredient costs.   Recreation and culture prices increased 3.7 per cent annually, with domestic holiday travel and accommodation up 5.6 per cent, although this marked a slowdown compared to the previous month. Underlying inflation, measured by the trimmed mean, rose 3.4 per cent in the year to January, up marginally from 3.3 per cent in December. This measure excludes volatile price changes to provide a clearer indication of broader inflation trends. The CPI is a key indicator of inflation and is closely monitored by policymakers, including the Reserve Bank of Australia, when setting interest rates.

A 22-year-old man from Logan Central has been charged following a series of alleged armed robberies in the Brisbane suburbs of Sunnybank and Wishart on February 22. According to police, the man targeted three separate people between 11pm and 11:30pm, approaching victims at a Beenleigh Road park, on Mains Road, and on Mount Gravatt Capalaba Road. Authorities allege he demanded money while armed with an airsoft pistol, making off with a small sum of cash before fleeing the scenes in a white Holden Astra. No injuries were reported during the incidents. After launching an investigation, Upper Mount Gravatt Criminal Investigation Branch officers, assisted by the Public Safety Response Team and Gold Coast Rapid Action and Patrols, executed a search warrant at an Inchcape Court address in Ashmore on February 24. The man was arrested at the scene. During the search, police reportedly seized an airsoft pistol, drug paraphernalia, and small amounts of methylamphetamine and cannabis. The accused has been charged with two counts each of attempted armed robbery and possessing dangerous drugs, as well as one count each of armed robbery and possessing a category H weapon. He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Southport Magistrates Court on March 25.

Australia’s fertility rate has declined to record low levels, with new data highlighting the growing influence of cost-of-living challenges on family planning decisions. Analysts say financial uncertainty, housing affordability constraints, and career priorities are contributing to delayed parenthood and smaller family sizes across the country. Demographic experts note that rising housing costs and rental pressures are among the most significant factors shaping reproductive choices, particularly for younger Australians seeking financial stability before starting families. Economic conditions, including childcare expenses and broader household costs, have also been identified as key drivers behind shifting fertility patterns. Researchers suggest the trend reflects broader social changes, including increased workforce participation, later marriage, and evolving lifestyle preferences. While some families continue to prioritise parenthood, many Australians are reassessing the timing and feasibility of having children amid ongoing economic pressures. The decline in fertility has prompted renewed discussion among population specialists regarding long-term implications for workforce growth, ageing demographics, and future economic productivity. Experts emphasise that addressing affordability challenges and supporting family-friendly policies may play a role in shaping future population trends.

More Australians will become eligible to donate blood from April, after the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood confirmed new, more inclusive sexual activity rules. Starting Monday, 20 April, all blood donors will answer the same sexual activity questions, regardless of gender. This means men will no longer be asked in the pre-donation questionnaire if they have recently had sex with another man—a longstanding barrier for gay and bisexual men. The revised guidelines will allow more people, including gay, bisexual, and transgender Australians in long-term monogamous relationships, to give blood, provided they meet other eligibility criteria. The move follows similar changes for plasma donations in July 2025, which led to an additional 6,437 donations and 2,709 new donors. Lifeblood CEO Stephen Cornelissen AM said the organization has been working to make blood donation more inclusive while maintaining the highest safety standards for recipients. “It’s been fantastic to see so many new donors rolling up their sleeves following the changes to our sexual activity rules for plasma last year,” he said. “These additional changes to our blood donation eligibility are the next step, and we’re really looking forward to welcoming even more new donors to our centres from April.” Most Australians in long-term monogamous relationships will now be able to donate blood, while many who remain ineligible for blood donation will still be able to donate plasma. Mr Cornelissen emphasized that the safety and well-being of patients would always be Lifeblood’s top priority. “Evidence shows that we can now safely make this change and our submission approved by Australia’s regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), included the latest research, risk modelling, and community feedback,” he said. He added, “Being able to make this change safely and address donation rules that have been very difficult for many people in the LGBTQIA+ community is a significant milestone. We hope this progress continues the journey towards a more inclusive donation experience of which more Australians can commit to. After all, one in three of us will rely on blood products sometime in our life and at present only 1 in 30 donate.” Appointments for blood donation under the new gender-neutral rules open on Monday, 20 April 2026.

The International Space Centre at The University of Western Australia has launched a nationwide campaign calling for government support for a landmark Australian human spaceflight mission. The campaign, which unites universities, industry associations, chief scientists, STEM organisations, and prominent political figures, marks a rare display of cross-sector agreement on the strategic necessity of advancing Australia’s role in space. In a show of national support, the coalition submitted nearly 80 letters to the Prime Minister and senior Cabinet members last month. The correspondence signals Australia’s readiness to deepen collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), with ambitions that include sending an Australian astronaut into space. Professor Danail Obreschkow, Director of the International Space Centre, described the initiative as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to forge a mutually beneficial partnership with the ESA. He emphasized that the mission would extend far beyond the symbolic act of sending an astronaut, asserting it would deliver economic benefits and inspire future generations to pursue careers in STEM fields. “The window for Australia to secure a human spaceflight mission that delivers all of these continuing benefits to our economy is extraordinarily narrow,” Professor Obreschkow said, noting that ESA member states are finalizing mission allocations and contracts in the coming months. Advocates argue that participation in human spaceflight is a proven catalyst for industry growth, research partnerships, and STEM engagement. Despite being one of the world’s most space-dependent nations, Australia is still in the early stages of developing its own sovereign space capabilities. Satellite services are already critical to key sectors such as banking, agriculture, logistics, telecommunications, disaster management, and national security. Professor Obreschkow stressed that the proposal is about more than individual achievement. “It is about anchoring Australia to the global space economy. Nations that participate in human spaceflight sit at the table where future space rules, supply chains, and collaborations are shaped.” The proposed mission is envisioned as a strategic investment, designed to deliver economic returns through international contracts, advanced manufacturing, research access, and expanded market integration—especially with Europe. “For a relatively modest contribution in federal terms, Australia gains credibility, capability, and commercial leverage in a global industry now valued at nearly a trillion dollars,” Obreschkow added. Dr Megan Clark AC, former Head of the Australian Space Agency and CSIRO Chief Executive, is among those backing the campaign. “Imagine Australians across the country counting down and holding their breath for lift off, wishing a fellow Australian a productive journey and safe return to Earth,” Dr Clark said. “Imagine a generation of school children watching an Aussie performing their experiments in space. Human space flight demands Australians master the hardest things in front of the world.” Advocates for the mission argue that, in addition to positioning Australia as a global space player, the investment would spur the local economy, create high-value jobs, and ensure that Australia’s everyday life—from GPS navigation to secure financial transactions—remains supported by robust space infrastructure.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has warned inflation rose more sharply than expected in late 2025, prompting revised forecasts and raising the likelihood that interest rates may remain higher for longer. In a speech delivered in Sydney on Tuesday, the central bank’s Head of Economic Analysis Michael Plumb said inflation accelerated unexpectedly in the second half of last year, driven by stronger demand, housing and retail pricing changes, and persistent capacity constraints across the economy. Headline inflation reached 3.6 per cent over the year to the December quarter, while underlying inflation climbed to 3.4 per cent—both above the central bank’s 2–3 per cent target range. Strong demand fuels price pressures The central bank attributed the inflation rebound partly to sector-specific price increases, including travel, fuel, housing and retail, though many of these pressures are expected to ease in coming months. However, broader economic conditions also contributed. Stronger-than-expected consumer spending, business investment and exports helped push demand beyond the economy’s supply capacity, intensifying inflationary pressures. Mr Plumb said improved household incomes, resilient global economic conditions and increased investment in sectors such as data centres and energy supported growth. “Demand picked up by more than we thought,” he said, noting domestic financial conditions may have been less restrictive than previously assessed. Interest rate outlook shifts higher In response, the central bank has revised its forecasts, assuming a higher path for interest rates to contain inflation and bring demand back into balance. The bank expects inflation to peak in mid-2026 before gradually declining, reaching around the midpoint of its target range by mid-2028 as economic growth slows and capacity pressures ease. The outlook reflects the bank’s expectation that tighter financial conditions and slowing growth will help reduce price pressures over time. Capacity constraints remain a concern The central bank also warned that supply capacity in the economy may be lower than previously estimated, particularly due to labour shortages and elevated business costs. Indicators such as business surveys and labour costs suggest capacity constraints intensified alongside rising inflation, raising uncertainty about how quickly price growth will moderate. Despite the expectation inflation will ease, the bank acknowledged ongoing risks, including global economic uncertainty and the possibility inflationary pressures may persist longer than forecast. Central bank monitoring closely The Reserve Bank said it will continue closely monitoring economic data, including Australia’s new monthly inflation measure, to refine its forecasts and policy response. While inflation is projected to decline over time, Tuesday’s speech signals policymakers remain cautious, reinforcing expectations that interest rates will play a critical role in restoring price stability.

A photo has surfaced showing a provisional licence rider allegedly travelling more than 60km/h above the speed limit on Old Cleveland Road, Brisbane. This incident unfolded while Capalaba Highway officers were conducting proactive patrols. During their operation, they detected a Yamaha motorcycle allegedly unlawfully edge filtering and speeding on Old Cleveland Road. Police allege the rider reached speeds of up to 144km/h in the 80km/h zone. Upon intercepting the rider, officers also found the motorcycle’s rear tyre was allegedly unroadworthy. The rider was hit with $2,585 in fines and 12 demerit points for allegedly driving a defective vehicle, exceeding the speed limit by more than 40km/h, and unlawful lane filtering. His licence will be disqualified for six months. Capalaba Highway Patrol Officer in Charge, Senior Sergeant Stephen Lees, said speeding puts all road users at risk. “We want to see a decrease in crashes and fatalities on our local roads, but this requires a community commitment to making safe decisions behind the wheel,” Senior Sergeant Lees said. Queensland roads have seen 36 lives lost as of 19 February, according to QLD Police.

Ipswich has marked a major milestone in sustainability, with residents helping to divert almost 10,000 tonnes of green waste from landfill in just six months through the city’s green-lidded garden organics (GO) bin program. Since mid-2025, more than 56,000 GO bins have been distributed to households across Ipswich. Today, about 90,000 households are participating in the initiative, converting garden waste such as grass clippings, leaves, and hedge trimmings into valuable compost instead of sending it to landfill. Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the three-bin system was introduced to help reduce the impact of the Queensland Government’s waste levy. The rollout was made possible by a $5.9 million grant from the State Government. “Whether it’s grass clippings, fallen leaves or hedge trimmings, Ipswich residents have been using their GO bins – and using them correctly,” Mayor Harding said. Contamination rates have been kept to under 1% during the program’s first six months. Ipswich Waste Services trucks have collected 9,872 tonnes of GO material from more than 530,000 bin loads, which has been processed into compost products used for food production, gardens, and landscaping. “This initiative has helped avoid carbon emissions equivalent to those generated by 2,000 cars in one year,” Mayor Harding said. “It’s been an overwhelmingly positive start to the three-bin system for our city as we respond to the Queensland Government’s levy on councils, which is set to rise in coming years.” Environment and Sustainability Committee Chairperson, Councillor Jim Madden, credited the program’s success to strong community engagement and education efforts by council. “The low contamination rates indicate the community is on board with council in our waste reduction journey,” Cr Madden said. The adoption of the three-bin system is estimated to save each household around $10, compared to the costs under the previous two-bin system as the State Government’s waste levy continues to climb. Participation in the GO bin program continues to increase, with 60% of bins presented for collection in December, up from 48% in November.