Paige Cockburn
Paige Cockburn is ABC Science's health reporter. She was previously a digital reporter and producer for the NSW news team in Sydney, where she covered politics, courts and health. Before joining the NSW team she worked for ABC News in Brisbane on the national desk.
Latest by Paige Cockburn
Promising new treatments for chronic low back pain should be covered by Medicare, say experts
Low back pain is the leading cause of disability but there's some big roadblocks if you want to get the best treatment, which focuses on the mind just as much as the body.
'This is serious': Heatwaves and cyclones are affecting the health of unborn babies in Australia, experts say
There is growing evidence that extreme weather events are linked to premature births and abnormal birth weights. As the climate warms, experts say we must do more to protect women and babies.
Why eye doctors want us to follow Nicole Kidman's lead this summer
Summer is a time for spending time outdoors and celebrating, but it's also a peak time for eye damage. Here's how to protect your – and your kids – peepers.
How work, a cricket game and even just sitting at home can be catastrophic during a heatwave
Over the next few months, we'll endure heatwaves in different parts of the country. Extreme heat can be life-threatening for some people — and not necessarily the ones you expect.
When it comes to tampons, is organic cotton really safer than synthetic? Here's what the science says
Organic tampons are marketed as "safer" than regular brands because they are made from 100 per cent cotton, but experts say that doesn't mean they are free from chemicals.
The new and improved COVID-19 vaccines will be available by Christmas. So who should get one?
We're in the grips of a surging COVID-19 wave but there's some good news — the new monovalent COVID-19 vaccines by Pfizer and Moderna will be up for grabs from December 11.
New guidelines recommend hormone therapy to shore up menopausal bone health
Women experience rapid bone loss during menopause but experts say GPs aren't confident prescribing hormones for skeletal health, despite evidence it works.
How to help yourself — and kids — cope with distressing news about the Israel-Gaza conflict
Many people may find graphic coverage of the Israel-Gaza conflict distressing, but psychologists say children will be especially vulnerable to emotional disturbances. Here's what to look for and how to help.
Have you been asked to sign up to MyMedicare? Here's what you need to know
You may have received a text or email in recent weeks from your GP asking you to register for something called MyMedicare. So how does the scheme work and is it worth signing up?
There's now a 'morning after' pill for STIs
Leading sexual health experts say taking Doxy-PEP after unprotected sex could help reduce STIs in queer men, but there's a big catch.
Combination COVID/flu vaccines are passing clinical trials. When can we expect them in Australia?
Wouldn't it be handy if we could be vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19 with a single shot? Early clinical trials indicate that could be possible in a few years.
'My life is worth more than my boobs': Women are less likely than men to receive CPR in public
People are less likely to give a woman CPR due to fears of hurting her or being accused of inappropriate touching. One Australian CPR provider is trying to change that by putting breasts on training mannequins.
'I feel like I'm not in charge': What to do if the Voice debate is taking a toll on your mental health
The lead-up to the Voice referendum has taken a toll on the mental health of many people, especially in First Nations communities. Psychologists share their tips on how to manage stress and anxiety during a challenging time.
'A real problem for us as allergists': why experts don't recommend the skin prick test to screen for allergies
Australia has some of the highest rates of food allergy in the world but the way we test for these potentially fatal conditions is unreliable and leading to misdiagnoses, say experts.
'The repercussions carried on for years': The stories that left a mark on Juanita Phillips ahead of her final bulletin
For the past 21 years, when the cameras start rolling Juanita Phillips has felt at ease. Tonight, she will present the 7pm news bulletin to New South Wales one last time.
Estranged husband charged over death of Tatiana Dokhotaru who made frantic triple-0 call
Danny Zayat is charged with murder over the death of his former partner Tatiana Dokhotaru, who placed a triple-0 call 20 hours before being found dead in her Liverpool unit.
NSW beachgoers will be caught in the middle of 'fraught' shark politics this summer
Twelve years ago the Dunedin council in New Zealand removed shark nets from three beaches and no one has been attacked. Questions are being asked about why the same can't happen in NSW.
Thredbo says 'freak' gust of wind caused chairlift accident that injured three snowboarders
Thredbo Ski Resort says a chairlift accident that left snowboarders with back and facial injuries was caused by a "freak gust of wind".
Border Force raid on Sydney apartment block finds radioactive material
After an almost 10-hour raid on a Sydney apartment block emergency services have confirmed they found low level radioactive isotopes inside a home.
Man charged with murder after mother of four stabbed to death in Western Sydney
Police launch a critical incident investigation into the circumstances surrounding mother-of-four Drew Douglas's death and why officers did not attend her address after a welfare call was made.
'Confused': Man accused of making explosives threat on Sydney flight doesn't understand charges, court told
Canberra man Muhammad Arif is charged with allegedly claiming to have explosives on board a Malaysia Airlines flight from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur.
'Authoritative but thoughtful': Leading scientists pay tribute to pandemic epidemiologist Mary-Louise McLaws
The scientific community pays tribute to the calm, warm epidemiologist who led Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic who some say was more respected than a head of state.
Collapsed Sydney developer Toplace entity owes $25m to Australian Tax Office, administrator finds
A report has found a subsidiary of property developer Toplace, failed to pay $25 million it owed to the tax office in 2022 and claims there's little chance of those funds being recovered.
Aerial shooting of brumbies to reduce numbers is back on the agenda. How did we get here?
For some the brumby is a national icon that encapsulates what Australia is. For others it's a pest that's out of control.
New fuel discount for NSW seniors slammed as 'laughable' in place of $250 travel card
Seniors in NSW can now get a 4-cent-per-litre discount on their fuel at participating petrol stations in place of the $250 regional travel card, which was suspended last month.