This week's top health stories

Oldest marijuana stash found

Science Online - 04/12/2008
A kilogram of green plant material found in a 2700-year-old grave in the Gobi Desert has just been identified as the world's oldest marijuana stash, say researchers.

Critics see red over a stink about ink

The World Today - 04/12/2008
The Queensland Government has told teachers the colour of a red pen can be perceived as aggressive by students with mental health problems. Critics have accused the Government of pushing what they've described as loony left policy.

Zimbabwe appeals for cholera help

The World Today - 04/12/2008
The Zimbabwean Government has asked for help to deal with the cholera outbreak which has killed close to 600 people. The Health Ministry in Harare says it needs medicine, equipment, water treatment chemicals, and money to get doctors and nurses back to work.

Zimbabwe's health workers protest over cholera outbreak

Lateline - 03/12/2008
Police in Zimbabwe have used batons to break up a protest by doctors and nurses demonstrating about the worsening cholera outbreak.

Zimbabwe battles cholera epidemic

AM - 03/12/2008
Africa correspondent Andrew Geoghegan travels to the Zimbabwean border to see firsthand the effects of the cholera epidemic gripping the country. The disease is now spreading to neighbouring South Africa.

Surf charity works towards eradicating malaria

7.30 Report - 02/12/2008
SurfAid, a small not-for-profit organisation is well on its way making the Mentawai Islands in Indonesia malaria free. The organisation receives much of its support from the surfing industry and is winning awards for their efforts.

Sleep terrors may be inherited

Science Online - 02/12/2008
Night terrors, which send children into sudden inconsolable screaming, are at least partially inherited, according to a Canadian study.

Invisible line 'protects Australia from bird flu'

Science Online - 02/12/2008
Australia's best defence against an outbreak of avian influenza is an invisible line passing through the Indonesian archipelago between Bali and Lombok that birds are reluctant to cross, a team of zoologists says.

GM beer could be good for your health

Science Online - 02/12/2008
Here's a reason to raise a pint; scientists in the US are creating a beer that contains the same compound found in red wine, which has been linked to good health and longevity.

Victorians lead childhood cancer study

The World Today - 02/12/2008
The world's biggest study of childhood cancer involving 15 countries is to be led by Melbourne researchers. One million mothers and their children will be monitored from pregnancy onwards with the aim of identifying any nutritional or environmental causes of cancers, including leukaemia.