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I spy with my little eye: 3 unusual Australian plant ecosystems to spot on your next roadtrip

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/gregory-moore-1779">Gregory Moore</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a> When the growing gets tough, the tough trees and shrubs get growing. Australia’s environment is brutal. Its ancient, low-nutrient soils and generally low rainfall make it a hard place for plants to grow. Despite this, the continent is filled with wonderfully diverse plant ecosystems. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, it can be easy to miss these seemingly unremarkable species. So, here are three little-known Australian plant species and ecosystems to look out for during your next roadtrip. <h2>1. Cycads and eucalypts</h2> If you are driving a coastal route along southern New South Wales, keep an eye out for the stunning combination of burrawang cycads (Macrozamia communis) and spotted gum (Corymbia maculata). These species live in harmony along the <a href="https://www.botanicgardens.org.au/our-science/our-collections/plant-families/cycads#:%7E:text=Meet%20one%20of%20the%20world's%20most%20southern%20Cycads&text=On%20the%20New%20South%20Wales,Spotted%20Gums%20(Corymbia%20maculata).">NSW coastline</a>, from Kempsey to Bega, and inland as far as Mudgee. If you’re on a road trip, now is the perfect time to talk to children about ancient moving continents, volcanoes and dinosaurs. Cycads are <a href="https://anpsa.org.au/APOL2009/feb09-s3.html">ancient gymnosperms</a> (cone-bearing plants) which evolved long before the Gondwanan supercontinent separated. These tough, hardy plants saw the dinosaurs come and go, and their relatives are found all around the world. These <a href="https://www.botanicgardens.org.au/our-science/our-collections/plant-families/cycads#:%7E:text=Not%20only%20is%20Macrozamia%20communis,inland%20as%20far%20as%20Mudgee.">cycads</a> form a striking understorey to the spotted gum. As their scientific name (Macrozamia communis) suggests, they form a dense community. Further north in Queensland, pineapple cycads (Lepidozamia peroffskyana), and Western Australia’s zamia palm (Macrozamia riedlei) are also worth spotting. Cycad seeds are poisonous, but First Nations Australians worked out a complex process to prepare them for <a href="https://www.apscience.org.au/apsf20036/">safe eating</a>. This involved dissolving the <a href="https://www.scienceflip.com.au/subjects/chemistry/equilibriumandacidreactions/learn10/">plant’s toxins</a> in running water, cooking, working and grinding the seeds into a powder. Spotted gums evolved long after dinosaurs went extinct. Early eucalypt fossils date from about 34 million years ago, while current species are often only a few million years old. Spotted gums are a great example of how plants that survive tough environments often also do well in difficult <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-humble-spotted-gum-is-a-world-class-urban-tree-heres-why-212540">urban situations</a>. Cycads are similarly found growing in poor soils and arid conditions. They have long, glossy leaves up to about 1.5 metres in length with lots of leaflets. There are both male and female plants. The female cone is an impressive, wide-domed structure that can be almost half a metre across. Its bright orange-red seeds are eaten by <a href="https://backyardbuddies.org.au/backyard-buddies/cycads/#:%7E:text=If%20you%20have%20a%20female,bats%20will%20feed%20on%20them.">foraging marsupials</a>, large birds and flying foxes. Spotted gums are tall, straight eucalyptus trees with dark green, glossy leaves. Old bark creates dark grey spots against their cream coloured trunk, giving them a mottled look. It is interesting to see ancient and modern species in such a close community relationship in cycad-spotted gum forests. Both are also well-adapted to the fires that frequent their habitat. <h2>2. Ancient acacias</h2> Travelling inland, the environment gets even tougher. Most large trees disappear and are replaced by woodlands dominated by <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/sites/default/files/abares/forestsaustralia/publishingimages/forest%20profiles%202005/acacia_forests_2005.pdf">inland acacia</a> (wattle) species. These inland acacias are short but mighty, with deep, extensive root systems. Two of these species, <a href="http://theconversation.com/the-mighty-mulga-grows-deep-and-lives-long-118838">mulga</a> (Acacia aneura) and brigalow (A. harpophylla) are part of Australian folklore. A Banjo Paterson character <a href="https://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks/e00072.txt">says</a>: “You know how the brigalow grows […] saplings about as thick as a man’s arm”. Nutrients and water resources are limited, so mulga and brigalow trees are often evenly spaced across the landscape. This eerie symmetry makes it look like they were planted by humans. Many people are unaware that the twisted, stunted specimens they see are more than 250 years old and occupy vast tracts of the Australian landscape. <a href="https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/biodiversity/threatened/action-plan/priority-plants/waddy-wood">Waddy-wood</a> (Acacia peuce) is a rare species of acacia, found in just three locations on the edge of the Simpson Desert. This tree has very strong wood, and was used by Indigenous Australians for making clubs (waddys) and tools for carrying fire. Inland acacias were widely used by Indigenous Australians for their wood, resins and medicinal properties. They have also been used as <a href="https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/671421/using-mulga-as-a-forage-supplement-for-livestock-in-droughts.pdf">fodder for livestock</a>, especially during drought. These <a href="https://era.dpi.qld.gov.au/id/eprint/13430/1/QJAS_6%5B2%5D_1949_pp87-139_everist.pdf">crucial species</a> provide important habitat for other plants and animals. But they are under threat. As old trees collapse and die, there are no young trees replacing them. This is because of drought and grazing, compounded by <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/environmental-risk-mitigation-plan-acacia.pdf">climate change</a>. <a href="https://www.britannica.com/science/desertification">Desertification</a> – where fertile land is degraded until it essentially becomes desert – is becoming a huge problem due to the massive area dominated by acacias. <h2>3. Boabs</h2> If you’re driving across the Northern Territory and Western Australia, you might come across the <a href="https://theconversation.com/built-like-buildings-boab-trees-are-life-savers-with-a-chequered-past-118821">mighty boab</a> (Adansonia gregoryii). These close relatives of the African and Madagascan baobabs <a href="https://theconversation.com/baobab-trees-all-come-from-madagascar-new-study-reveals-that-their-seeds-and-seedlings-floated-to-mainland-africa-and-all-the-way-to-australia-231031">floated to Australia</a> as seeds or seedlings around 12 million years ago. These <a href="https://www.australiangeographic.com.au/topics/science-environment/2019/07/how-did-the-iconic-boab-tree-get-to-australia/">deciduous trees</a> live in mostly dry environments that also experience strong monsoonal-type rains. Boabs trap and store water in their trunks, allowing them not only to survive but thrive. Their African and Madagascan baobab relatives are sometimes called <a href="https://www.oneearth.org/species-of-the-week-african-baobab-tree/">trees of life</a>, as they support many species. Australian boabs are similar. They offer habitat, roosting and nesting sites. Their flowers and fruits are food sources to many species of insects and birds. They were – and are – important trees in First Nations cultures. Carvings and symbols on their trunks can last for more than a century, much longer than on other trees. These are called <a href="https://www.snexplores.org/article/carvings-australia-boab-trees-lost-history-first-nation">dendroglyphs</a>. For example, <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-boab-trees-of-the-remote-tanami-desert-are-carved-with-centuries-of-indigenous-history-and-theyre-under-threat-191676">snake carvings</a> dated to more than 200 years old have been found on boab trees in Northern Australia’s Tanami Desert. While these special trees are usually found far from the beaten track, they can be spotted growing around Darwin and other remote towns. If you get the chance to see them, count yourself lucky. <h2>Tough terrain, tough trees</h2> Plant communities are remarkably resilient. They also display great creativity when evolving ways to survive tough environments. Make sure to keep an eye out as you’re exploring Australia and enjoy the fascinating plants our country has to offer.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/246129/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/gregory-moore-1779">Gregory Moore</a>, Senior Research Associate, School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/i-spy-with-my-little-eye-3-unusual-australian-plant-ecosystems-to-spot-on-your-next-roadtrip-246129">original article</a>. </div>

Domestic Travel

"No end in sight": Australian Idol star's sad health update

Courtney Murphy, beloved Australian Idol finalist from 2004, has shared a difficult update nearly a year after being diagnosed with late-stage bowel cancer. The 45-year-old musician revealed in an interview with Perth Now that his fight against the disease remains ongoing, with no clear end in sight. “It’s nearly a year on now from my diagnosis, and there’s no end in sight as far as treatment goes,” Murphy said. “I’ve told my doctors to throw everything they’ve got at it. I’m willing to do whatever it takes. I’m going to keep looking forward to putting out the next album.” Murphy was diagnosed with advanced-stage bowel cancer in March 2024 and has been undergoing intensive treatment since. Murphy first captured Australia’s hearts during Australian Idol, where his powerhouse vocals and heartfelt performances earned him a devoted fanbase. Following the competition, he continued to thrive as a musician, joining the cast of the Queen-inspired musical We Will Rock You in 2018 and performing both as a solo artist and with his siblings in their band, The Murphy Brothers. Over the years, Murphy has entertained audiences across WA and beyond, cementing his status as a beloved figure in the local music scene. Murphy’s diagnosis has been a devastating blow for his family, especially coming so soon after the loss of his father, Kim, who passed away following a brief battle with an aggressive brain tumour. In April 2024, Murphy’s family launched a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/courtney-murphy-and-his-family" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> campaign to help support him and his young family through the challenges ahead. The father of three, who is unable to work during treatment, has been relying on the generosity of his community to ease the financial burden. “Our beautiful brother Courtney Murphy is in for the fight of his life,” the family wrote on the fundraising page. “Many of you will know Courtney for his amazing musical talent and his big voice. We think it’s fair to say he’s been entertaining West Aussies for the best part of 30 years… Now, we’re asking for your help to support him as he faces this incredible challenge.” For those who wish to contribute, donations can be made through the family’s <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/courtney-murphy-and-his-family" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe page</a>, which serves as a lifeline for Murphy, his wife, and their three young children during this difficult time. At the time of writing, donations had soared above $140,000, well on its way to the $200k target.

Caring

Why the royal family is set to receive an eye-watering pay increase

The members of the British royal family are set to receive a record-breaking pay increase, funded by British taxpayers. From April 2025, the amount the royals will receive from the Sovereign Grant - funded by the UK’s public purse – will jump by a whopping £45 million (A$88 million), to £132 million ($260 million). Not everyone is happy about this enormous pay increase, as CEO of Republic Graham Smith said that while the UK remains in the clutches of the cost of living crisis, it is not the time for such a hefty increase to one of the richest families in the world. “This is public money, all of this money comes from the government, at a time when the government is not able to properly fund schools, hospitals police … It is scandalous,” Smith told <a href="https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a63330811/british-royal-family-money-finances-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Town & Country</a>. “Not only should it not be going up at all, it should be going down.” The increase was first announced last year, with Buckingham Palace officials saying at the time that a huge chunk of that extra cash will be put towards the £369 million ($728 million) bill for long-planned, necessary Palace renovations. The exact amount that is being allocated from this year’s Grant for the work has not been made public. The Grant was established in 2012 in order to help the royal family pay for expenses related to their official duties, with the vast majority usually spent on property maintenance and staffing. When the Grant first came into effect, there were many more working royals which required a larger pool of funding. Now that the royal roster has been stripped back, royal author Richard Palmer believes the public is now “getting less for their money”. He told Town & Country, “I do think that the monarchy in general does a good job for the country and is part of the glue that binds us all together but that doesn’t mean that as an institution, as individuals, they should be able to avoid criticism. They are not above scrutiny.” Image credits: Shutterstock

Money & Banking

Donald Bradman's baggy green sells for eye-watering price

Sir Donald Bradman's baggy green that he wore in his final Australian Test series has fetched nearly half a million at auction. The cap was worn by Bradman during the 1947-48 series, when the Indian team played on Australia soil for the first time in history. The baggy green fetched a whopping $390,000, with the final price totalling $479,700 including auction costs. It attracted significant interest from potential buyers from both Australia and overseas, with the winning buyer coming out on top after a 10 minute flurry at Bonhams Auction House in Sydney on Tuesday evening. The auction house described the cap as "sun faded and worn", with "some insect damage" and "some loss to edge of peak". The cap was also advertised as “the only known Baggy Green” to have been worn by Bradman during the series, where he cored 715 runs in six innings at an average of 178.75, with three centuries and a double-hundred. Bradman had gifted it to India's team manager at the time, who then gave it to the team's wicket keeper. While it is currently not known who placed the winning bid, the cap itself has particular significance to Indian fans, as the series took place just months after the country gained independence. For Aussie fans, the cap was worn during Bradman's final game on Australian soil, with the cricket legend embarking on a farewell tour of England afterwards. This is not the first cap of Bradman's to go under the hammer, with the cap he wore during his 1928 Test debut fetching over $450,000 plus fees in 2020. The late Shane Warne's baggy green currently holds the record for sale at auction, after selling for $1m when auctioned off in 2020. Image: Design Pics Inc/ Shutterstock Editorial

Money & Banking

The eye-watering price of Jackie O's opulent Christmas tree

Jackie O is getting in the festive spirit, sharing photos of her and her daughter Kitty in matching plaid pjs posing in front of their opulent Christmas tree. The KIIS FM host, who reportedly earns millions each year on her top-rated radio show, showed off the extraordinary festive decor, with many pointing out just how much she had spent on the tree. Jackie's tree comes from the brand Dancer & Dasher, where prices for their stunning "bespoke" creations start at a whopping $4,000. Those prices are for a 180cm tree decoration package with installation included, but for those looking to splash out on their festive decor, you'll have to join a waitlist. Jackie's tree was decorated with sparkling red baubles and giant bows, as well as sprigs of holly and berries. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DCyQeFPPGbM/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DCyQeFPPGbM/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jackie O (@jackieo_official)</a> </div> </blockquote> She posed alongside the luxury decoration with her daughter Kitty, the pair in matching seasonal pyjamas. "Christmas ready!!!! Always so in awe of your beautiful trees @danceranddasher," Jackie wrote in her caption on Instagram. "It’s nice to have money haha," joked one fan in the captions while another said, "The best Christmas tree!!" Image credits: Instagram

Money & Banking

From eye exams to blood tests and surgery: how doctors use light to diagnose disease

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/matthew-griffith-1539353">Matthew Griffith</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a> You’re not feeling well. You’ve had a pounding headache all week, dizzy spells and have vomited up your past few meals. You visit your GP to get some answers and sit while they shine a light in your eyes, order a blood test and request some medical imaging. Everything your GP just did relies on light. These are just some of the optical technologies that have had an enormous impact in how we diagnose disease. <h2>1. On-the-spot tests</h2> Point-of-care diagnostics allow doctors to test patients on the spot and get answers in minutes, rather than sending samples to a lab for analysis. The “flashlight” your GP uses to view the inside of your eye (known as an <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003881.htm">ophthalmoscope</a>) is a great example. This allows doctors to detect abnormal blood flow in the eye, deformations of the cornea (the outermost clear layer of the eye), or swollen optical discs (a round section at the back of the eye where the nerve link to the brain begins). Swollen discs are a sign of elevated pressure inside your head (or in the worst case, a brain tumour) that could be <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/headache/increased-intracranial-pressure-icp-headache">causing your headaches</a>. The invention of <a href="https://openmedscience.com/lighting-the-way-in-healthcare-the-transformative-role-of-lasers-in-medicine/">lasers and LEDs</a> has enabled many other miniaturised technologies to be provided at the bedside or clinic rather than in the lab. <a href="https://theconversation.com/whats-a-pulse-oximeter-should-i-buy-one-to-monitor-covid-at-home-174457">Pulse oximetry</a> is a famous example, where a clip attached to your finger reports how well your blood is oxygenated. It does this by <a href="https://www.howequipmentworks.com/pulse_oximeter/">measuring</a> the different responses of oxygenated and de-oxygenated blood to different colours of light. Pulse oximetry is used at hospitals (and <a href="https://theconversation.com/whats-a-pulse-oximeter-should-i-buy-one-to-monitor-covid-at-home-174457">sometimes at home</a>) to monitor your respiratory and heart health. In hospitals, it is also a valuable tool for detecting <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(12)60107-X/fulltext">heart defects in babies</a>. <h2>2. Looking at molecules</h2> Now, back to that blood test. Analysing a small amount of your blood can diagnose <a href="https://theconversation.com/blood-tests-and-diagnosing-illness-what-can-blood-tell-us-about-whats-happening-in-our-body-80327">many different diseases</a>. A machine called an automated “full blood count analyser” tests for general markers of your health. This machine directs focused beams of light through blood samples held in small glass tubes. It counts the number of blood cells, determines their specific type, and reports the level of haemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells that distributes oxygen around your body). In minutes, this machine can provide a <a href="https://www.nuffieldhealth.com/article/inside-the-pathology-lab-what-happens-to-my-blood">snapshot</a> of your overall health. For more specific disease markers, blood serum is separated from the heavier cells by spinning in a rotating instrument called a centrifuge. The serum is then exposed to special chemical stains and enzyme assays that change colour depending on whether specific molecules, which may be the sign of a disease, are present. These colour changes can’t be detected with the naked eye. However, a light beam from an instrument called a <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5476943/#R88">spectrometer</a> can detect tiny amounts of these substances in the blood and determine if the biomarkers for diseases are present, and at what levels. <h2>3. Medical imaging</h2> Let’s re-visit those medical images your GP ordered. The development of fibre-optic technology, made famous for transforming high-speed digital communications (such as the NBN), allows light to get inside the body. The result? High-resolution optical imaging. A common example is an <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/153737#risks-and-side-effects">endoscope</a>, where fibres with a tiny camera on the end are inserted into the body’s natural openings (such as your mouth or anus) to examine your gut or respiratory tracts. Surgeons can insert the same technology through tiny cuts to view the inside of the body on a video screen during <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9553337/">laparoscopic surgery</a> (also known as keyhole surgery) to diagnose and treat disease. <h2>How about the future?</h2> Progress in nanotechnology and a better understanding of the interactions of light with our tissues are leading to new light-based tools to help diagnose disease. These include: <ul> <li> <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/advs.201903441">nanomaterials</a> (materials on an extremely small scale, many thousands of times smaller than the width of a human hair). These are being used in next-generation sensors and new diagnostic tests </li> <li> <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-019-0045-y">wearable optical biosensors</a> the size of your fingernail can be included in devices such as watches, contact lenses or finger wraps. These devices allow non-invasive measurements of sweat, tears and saliva, in real time </li> <li> AI tools to analyse how blood serum scatters infrared light. This has allowed researchers to build a <a href="https://www.advancedsciencenews.com/powerful-diagnostic-approach-uses-light-to-detect-virtually-all-forms-of-cancer/">comprehensive database</a> of scatter patterns to detect <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/aisy.202300006">any cancer</a> </li> <li> a type of non-invasive imaging called <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554044/">optical coherence tomography</a> for more detailed imaging of the eye, heart and skin </li> <li> fibre optic technology to deliver a tiny microscope into the body on the <a href="https://www.uwa.edu.au/projects/microscope-in-a-needle">tip of a needle</a>. </li> </ul> So the next time you’re at the GP and they perform (or order) some tests, chances are that at least one of those tests depend on light to help diagnose disease.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/231379/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/matthew-griffith-1539353">Matthew Griffith</a>, Associate Professor and ARC Future Fellow and Director, UniSA Microscopy and Microanalysis Facilities, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/from-eye-exams-to-blood-tests-and-surgery-how-doctors-use-light-to-diagnose-disease-231379">original article</a>. </div>

Body

Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus: Are we losing sight of overall health? Here’s what the science says

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/aude-bandini-1488512">Aude Bandini</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/universite-de-montreal-1743">Université de Montréal</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jean-philippe-drouin-chartier-1533338">Jean-Philippe Drouin-Chartier</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/universite-laval-1407">Université Laval</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/pierre-marie-david-1375228">Pierre-Marie David</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/universite-de-montreal-1743">Université de Montréal</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/remi-rabasa-lhoret-1533515">Rémi Rabasa-Lhoret</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/universite-de-montreal-1743">Université de Montréal</a> The craze for new drugs in the GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide 1) and GIP (Gastric inhibitory polypeptide) analogue class, better known under the trade names Ozempic and Wegovy, is remarkable, but it’s not totally unprecedented in the history of pharmaceutical blockbusters. The volume of prescriptions and the budget allocated to them by public health insurance schemes are exploding, as are the <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/roberthart/2024/05/02/ozempic-maker-novo-nordisk-beats-profit-forecasts-amid-weight-loss-drug-frenzy/">profits of the companies that manufacture them</a>. Part of the popularity of these drugs owes to social networks, but these are not always the best source for health information. When it comes to the subject of weight loss, both fantasy and prejudice come into play. This works to the detriment of everyone’s well-being, but particularly those who are already stigmatized. As specialists in the philosophy of medicine (Université de Montréal), nutrition and food science (Université Laval), the sociology of medication (Université de Montréal) and endocrinology (Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal), we feel it’s necessary to step back and take stock of both the promises and the limitations of these new treatments. <h2>The best of both worlds</h2> GLP-1/GIP analogues were originally developed to regulate glycemia (blood sugar levels) in people with Type 2 diabetes, thereby preventing the complications associated with this disease. When studies were carried out to assess their safety and efficacy, it was discovered that these drugs also led to weight loss. This prompted new research which showed that at higher doses, the drugs could lead to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38078870/">very significant weight loss</a>, from 15 to 25 per cent of the starting weight. The mode of action of these drugs on blood sugar regulation is clear: they simulate incretin hormones which, in turn, increase insulin secretion. Weight loss, on the other hand, was only explained after the fact: in addition to the pancreas, these molecules also act on the brain by regulating the sensation of satiety and, indirectly, on the stomach by slowing gastric emptying. These two combined effects reduce appetite and lead to weight reduction. This is how a new use for the drug appeared, at which point the company Novo Nordisk began marketing the same drug under two different names: Ozempic to treat Type 2 diabetes, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/considering-taking-wegovy-to-lose-weight-here-are-the-risks-and-benefits-and-how-it-differs-from-ozempic-237308">Wegovy to manage obesity</a>. <h2>A new era</h2> GLP-1/GIP analogues are a welcome therapeutic breakthrough at a time when the <a href="https://www.diabetes.ca/advocacy---policies/advocacy-reports/national-and-provincial-backgrounders/diabetes-in-canada">prevalence of Type 2 diabetes</a> and <a href="https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/5742-overview-weight-and-height-measurements-world-obesity-day">obesity</a> is exploding and affecting people younger and younger. These diseases particularly affect women, members of racialized groups and socio-economically disadvantaged populations. The physical and mental suffering these cause and the costs associated with treating them are both considerable. So the arrival of new weapons in the therapeutic arsenal is a source of hope. Draconian changes in lifestyle are certainly effective. But they are very difficult to implement and maintain over time for reasons that go beyond the individual sphere; on the one hand, genetic predisposition plays a major role in the development of Type 2 diabetes and obesity; on the other, because these conditions are <a href="https://obesitycanada.ca/managing-obesity/">multifactorial</a>, management of them must be comprehensive to be effective and long lasting: it must combine medical interventions but also nutritional, functional, psycho-social, environmental and even institutional interventions. Support services of this kind do exist, but only in large university hospital centres to which many people do not have access. Nor do many people have easy access to <a href="https://health-infobase.canada.ca/health-inequalities/index">healthy and varied food options</a>, sports facilities or social and psychological support. <h2>Treating the effects but not the causes</h2> To be effective over the long term, GLP-1/GIP analogues must be taken continuously: without drastic lifestyle changes, the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35441470/">weight that was lost is regained within a year of stopping</a>, and glycemic control is compromised once again. In other words, the drugs treat the effects of Type 2 diabetes and obesity but not their causes. And yet some of these causes are modifiable: for example, according to <a href="https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/75-006-x/2023001/article/00013-eng.htm">Statistics Canada</a>, less than half the Canadian population (49.2 per cent for adults; 43.9 per cent for young people and children) achieves the recommended amount of weekly physical activity. According to the same source, <a href="https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/75-006-x/2023001/article/00013-eng.htm">food insecurity</a> affects around 14 per cent of the Québec population (22 per cent in Alberta). Pharmacological treatment, even if it allows an individual to eat less, does not necessarily mean that person will <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10837702/">eat better</a>. Similarly, losing weight does not mean one will become more active or healthier. So these new drugs do not cure Type 2 diabetes or obesity. Nor do they prevent these diseases from developing, although they do help to limit the many complications to which they give rise. <h2>Prescribe and treat</h2> A drug such as Mounjaro is as effective at weight loss as bariatric surgery. Much easier to administer and much less risky, it could be a real game changer in the treatment of obesity. Prescribed directly by family doctors and dispensed in pharmacies, it would also be much more accessible and easier to administer for those who need it. This raises the question of costs and reimbursement, but not only that: prescribing is not the same as treating. Here, the manufacturers are following the recommendations of the health authorities: this treatment must be preceded by a <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10748770/">careful assessment</a>, then management, and above all a close and regular monitoring of diet, physical activity, mental health, and if necessary, socio-economic assistance. This requires not only time that GPs do not have, but also co-ordination with other players in the health-care network. The problem is not whether the treatment will be effective, but what can happen if it is. Losing 25 per cent of your body weight in just a few months has serious consequences, which are not always beneficial: it involves a loss of body fat, but also of muscle mass, which is associated with intense fatigue. Nor should we underestimate the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37990685/">challenge of adapting physically and psychologically</a> to a body transformation of this scale. Losing weight doesn’t solve everything, and expectations must remain realistic. <h2>What lessons can we learn?</h2> The clinical effectiveness of GLP-1/GIP analogues in reducing the complications associated with Type 2 diabetes and obesity is indisputable. However, these drugs are not suitable for everyone, and they are certainly not miracle cures that will make it possible for one to regain health without making any changes to lifestyle or environment. We must bear in mind that their success, both commercial and medical, is also the result of a failure: that of our societies to prevent these diseases, to promote healthy lifestyles and to develop environments conducive to the health of all.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/238484/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/aude-bandini-1488512">Aude Bandini</a>, Professeure agrégée, Philosophie (épistémologie et philosophie de la médecine), <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/universite-de-montreal-1743">Université de Montréal</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jean-philippe-drouin-chartier-1533338">Jean-Philippe Drouin-Chartier</a>, Professeur agrégé, Faculté de pharmacie, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/universite-laval-1407">Université Laval</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/pierre-marie-david-1375228">Pierre-Marie David</a>, Professeur adjoint à la faculté de pharmacie, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/universite-de-montreal-1743">Université de Montréal</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/remi-rabasa-lhoret-1533515">Rémi Rabasa-Lhoret</a>, Professeur de médecine et de nutrition, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/universite-de-montreal-1743">Université de Montréal</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/ozempic-wegovy-rybelsus-are-we-losing-sight-of-overall-health-heres-what-the-science-says-238484">original article</a>. </div>

Body

Rare coin hidden for decades to fetch eye-watering sum

Three sisters from the US who inherited a dime coin kept it in a bank vault for more than 40 years, and while they know it had some value, they didn't know just how much until a few years ago. The rare coin, struck by the US Mint in San Francisco in 1975, could be worth more than $US500,000 ($748,000), according to Ian Russell, president of GreatCollections, the auction house selling the coin. What makes the coin depicting President Franklin D. Roosevelt so valuable is that it is just one of two coins missing the "S" mint mark for San Francisco. The other dime sold for $US682,000 (over $1 million) at a 2019 auction and then again months later to a private collector. While avid coin collectors have known about the existence of these two extraordinarily rare coins, their whereabouts had remained a mystery since the late 1970s. “They were hidden for decades,” Russell said. “Most major collectors and dealers have never seen one.” The three sisters from Ohio, who want to remain anonymous, inherited one of the two dimes after the recent death of their of their brother, Russell said. They told Russell that their brother and mother bought the first error coin discovered in 1978 for $27,225, which would amount to roughly $135,000 today. Their parents, who ran a dairy farm, saw the coin as a financial safety net, and it was only until last year that one of the sisters saw the coin first-hand. Russell also said that their brother had reached out to him about seven years ago and told him about the coin, but he too kept it a secret. When Russell told one of the sisters about the potential value of the coin, she told him: “is that really possible?”. The coin, known as the “1975 ‘no S’ proof dime,” will be displayed at a coin show beginning on Wednesday in Tampa, Florida, and before <a href="https://www.greatcollections.com/Coin/1655587" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the auction</a> closes late next month, Russell said. The current highest bidder has offered $US250,000 ($374,000). Images: Great Collections/ Professional Coin Grading Services

Money & Banking

The eye-watering salaries of The Voice Australia judges revealed

The Voice Australia has revamped the lineup of the judges for the 2024 season, with American music icons Adam Lambert and LeAnn Rimes joining Aussies Guy Sebastian and Kate Miller-Heidke. As the new American talent joins the show, Seven are reportedly paying big buck for the international stars after their salaries were leaked by <a href="https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/exclusive-the-voice-australia-coaches-salaries-leaked-amid-pay-row-230921307.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yahoo News</a>. According to the publication, an alleged source claims that Adam and LeAnn "are believed to be receiving between $750,000 and $1.2 million" for the single season of the show. Meanwhile, Kate Miller-Heidke "is believed to be receiving upwards of $500,000" for her first season on the show. Veteran judge Guy Sebastian allegedly started on $750,000 per season in 2019, "but this is believed to now be worth $1 million". These new judges are getting "considerably less" than outgoing coaches Rita Ora and Jason Derulo, Yahoo alleges. According to a production insider, the reason for the switch-up of judges was the star's pay cheques, and a desire from producers to keep costs down. The insider said the program has been wanting a change in judges lineup for a quite some time, adding that salary increases are necessary to keep returning stars on the show and the price tag for the former crop was "too expensive". "The company line was that Jessica, Rita and Jason were all too busy, but I don't think anyone is too busy to pick up these sorts of pay cheques. It certainly did have a lot to do with keeping the costs down." Image credits: Seven

The eye-watering cost of Karl Stefanovic's "highly secret" 50th birthday bash

Karl Stefanovic had a "highly secretive" birthday party in Saint-Tropez. France, according to Women's Day. The Today host, who was in Paris to cover the Olympic games earlier this month, reportedly booked out an entire hotel for his 50th birthday bash. A source claimed that his party cost a staggering $200,000, with A-listers James Packer and Anthony Bell among the guests. "He'd be thinking you only turn 50 once so let's do this properly and go big!" the insider claimed. "Much like the $50,000 he dropped for (wife) Jasmine's 40th earlier this year, and the rumoured $10,000 birthday parties they have hosted for their four-year-old daughter Harper," they continued. "And then there was their $700,000 lavish Mexican nuptials - Karl has never done anything half-baked!" The party was allegedly 1970s themed, with Stefanovic's wife also showing off her new designer dresses. This comes after it was initially reported that Stefanovic was set to cancel his planned 50th birthday bash in Paris. Earlier this year, the Today host was reported to have spent a whopping $50,000 on his wife's lavish birthday celebrations in Noosa, according to the publication. Jasmine's entire look alone was worth an eye-watering $5,575, with her gown from Zimmermann costing $1,950. The party reportedly lasted for about two days, with a "recovery shindig" allegedly worth $10,000 also taking place. A close friend of the couple said at the time that "Karl is an old romantic" and was more than happy to treat his wife to a lavish birthday. Images: Instagram

Money & Banking

Kyle Sandilands finally reveals new eye-watering salary

Kyle Sandilands has stunned listeners after candidly revealing his eye-watering salary live on air. Much speculation has swirled about the KIIS FM radio hosts' salaries after Kyle and Jackie O signed a new 10-year contract with the network, which was rumoured to cost $100 million. This figure would mean that Kyle and Jackie O would see an annual salary of $10 million, but Kyle revealed they are actually getting paid more than that. “I can’t live with the lie, it’s underreported," Kyle admitted on Friday morning. "It’s actually about another $50 million each,” he said, which means the pair will take home $15 million a year each. As Jackie protested at Kyle revealing their personal negotiations, Kyle continued, “I’m just saying, let’s cut through the bulls**t. And we get that because we’re good [at radio].” The new contract, which is said to be the biggest deal in Australian media history, will take The Kyle and Jackie O Show hosts to December 2034. The duo also have a clause in their contract that allows them to broadcast the show “anywhere on earth” at the drop of a hat. After revealing his astonishing salary on air, Kyle and his team began discussing the salaries of other popular radio stars in Australia. The show’s reporter Cooper Johns claimed that Hamish Blake and Andy Lee both make $4 million a year, while Brendan 'Fev' Fevola makes $1.2 million a year for his show on Fox FM in Melbourne. Meanwhile, 2GB’s Sydney breakfast host Ray Hadley is believed to be on a $3.5 million salary, WSFM’s Amanda Keller is reportedly on $2.5 million, and Carrie Bickmore is said to be making $1.5 million a year. Image credits: KIIS FM

Money & Banking

Doctor shares her holy grail tips for overcoming eye sensitivity

As the chill of winter sets in, many people find that their eyes become more sensitive and prone to dryness. This can be particularly challenging for those who already suffer from dry eye syndrome. Dr. Jacqueline Beltz is a leading Australian Ophthalmologist and the founder of <a href="https://www.okkiyo.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">OKKIYO</a>, a beauty brand that makes PRIORITEYES mascara for people with sensitive eyes. Dr Beltz has shared her insights into dry eye syndrome and how winter can exacerbate symptoms, also sharing her top tips for managing eye sensitivity during the colder months. Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome The surface of the eye is covered by a delicate layer of tears, essential for comfort, vision, protection, and nutrition. The tear film comprises two main layers: an outer lipid (oily) layer and an inner aqueous (watery) layer. The lipid layer, produced by oil glands in the eyelids, prevents tears from evaporating too quickly, while the aqueous layer, consisting of water, electrolytes, and proteins, spreads tears evenly across the eye and helps them adhere to the surface. When the balance of tear production, evaporation, absorption, and drainage is disrupted, it can lead to dry eye syndrome. Symptoms may include redness, irritation, a gritty sensation, tired eyes, itching, excessive watering, and fluctuating vision. In severe cases, dry eye can be painful and significantly impact daily life. How common is dry eye syndrome? Dry eye syndrome is a widespread issue, particularly among older adults. According to the Blue Mountains Eye Study, 57% of adults over the age of 50 experience some degree of dry eye. This condition is notably more prevalent in women, with higher rates observed compared to their male counterparts. The increased prevalence in women is often attributed to hormonal changes, particularly during and after menopause. A more recent study, Optometry Australia’s 2022 Vision index found that over 85% of Australians are estimated to have experienced dry eyes at some point in their lives. Of those affected, 55% say they only developed the condition following the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. They reported that almost 1 in 5 (18%) of people experience dry eye symptoms frequently. These statistics highlight the importance of understanding and managing dry eye, especially as we age. DEWS II Study and Treatment Approaches The DEWS II (Dry Eye Workshop II) study provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and treating dry eye syndrome. According to the study, dry eye is a multifactorial disease characterised by a loss of homeostasis (or balance) in the tear film, accompanied by eye symptoms. Factors such as tear film instability, hyperosmolarity (increased saltiness), inflammation, and neurosensory (altered feelings or sensations) abnormalities play significant roles. There are two primary types of dry eye: aqueous deficient and evaporative. Most individuals have a combination of both. Aqueous deficient dry eye occurs when there is insufficient production of the watery layer of tears, often due to aging, hormonal changes, or certain medications. Evaporative dry eye is typically caused by environmental factors or conditions affecting the lipid layer, such as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Winter's Impact on Dry Eyes Winter poses unique challenges for dry eye sufferers. Cold, dry air, indoor heating, and wind can all exacerbate symptoms. Here's how to combat these winter-specific issues: 1. Humidify Your Environment Indoor heating reduces humidity levels, leading to increased tear evaporation. Consider using a humidifier to maintain moisture in the air, especially in bedrooms and living spaces. This helps keep your eyes hydrated. 2. Protect Your Eyes Outdoors Cold winds can strip away the tear film. When outside, wear wraparound sunglasses to shield your eyes from the elements. This not only protects your eyes from the wind but also from UV rays, which can be strong even in winter. 3. Stay Hydrated Dehydration can worsen dry eye symptoms. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain overall hydration, which supports healthy tear production. 4. Optimise Your Diet Certain foods can promote eye health. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish like salmon and flaxseeds, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help manage dry eye symptoms. Incorporate these into your diet for added benefits. 5. Use a Warm Compress A warm compress can help improve the function of the meibomian glands, which produce the oily layer of the tear film. This is particularly helpful for those with meibomian gland dysfunction, or MGD. Gently apply a warm, damp cloth to your closed eyelids for 10-15 minutes, followed by a gentle massage of the eyelids to encourage oil secretion. It is important to avoid rubbing or compressing the eyeballs. 6. Use Over-the-Counter Lubricant Eye Drops Artificial tears can provide temporary relief by supplementing the natural tear film. Choose preservative-free options to avoid further irritation, and use them frequently. 7. Remember to have regular eye checks In Australia, Optometrists provide our primary eye health check ups. Dr Beltz recommends adults over the age of 40 see their optometrist once a year, but if you’re struggling with symptoms of dry eye in winter, an extra check up might help and your optometrist will be able to help you to come up with an individualised treatment plan. 8. Invest in Quality Eye Products For those who wear makeup, using products designed for sensitive eyes is crucial. <a href="https://www.okkiyo.com/products/protect-and-preserve-mascara" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PRIORITEYES</a> mascara by OKKIYO has been specifically formulated to be gentle on sensitive eyes, avoiding common irritants while providing excellent performance. Managing Dry Eye in Winter: A Recap Winter can be tough on our eyes, but with the right strategies, you can manage dry eye symptoms effectively. Maintain a humid environment, protect your eyes from cold winds, stay hydrated, and incorporate eye-healthy foods into your diet. Regularly use warm compresses and opt for gentle, high-quality eye products like PRIORITEYES mascara. Dry eye syndrome may be a common condition, but it doesn't have to dominate your life, especially during the harsh winter months. With these tips, you can keep your eyes comfortable and healthy all season long. For personalised advice and treatment, always consult with your eye care professional. Stay warm, stay hydrated and take care of your eyes this winter! Image credits: Shutterstock

Body

Distressing twist in sudden death of former MAFS groom

Just days after the shocking death of former Married At First Sight NZ contestant Andrew Jury, shocking new details have emerged about his final weeks before his <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/married-at-first-sight-groom-dies-at-just-33" target="_blank" rel="noopener">passing</a>. The 33-year-old Auckland-based builder passed away in recent weeks, as his untimely death was announced by two of his former MAFS contestants on Sunday. Now, Jury's father Roy confirmed to the <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/married-at-first-sight-nz-groom-andrew-jury-dies/47OQFBCORZHARPILFOEA65N7SE/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New Zealand Herald</a> that his son was on remand in Mt Eden Corrections Facility prison at the time of his death. Andrew had been just hours from a scheduled court appearance, where he was facing charges that included “assault with intent to injure, wilful damage and possession of an offensive weapon.” His father also told the publication that he’d been worried about his son’s mental state ahead of his court hearing, adding that his family were “bewildered” and “deeply saddened” by the tragic turn of events. Roy said that his son had been arrested on April 2nd and had told his relatives he was “struggling” in prison. “It should have been a red flag when Andy stopped communicating with family and friends,” he told the outlet. Andrew's death was announced by former MAFS NZ stars Brett and Angel Renall, and Benjamin Blackwell who wrote a joint statement to the New Zealand Herald to break the news of his passing. “It’s with the heaviest hearts we’ve come together to acknowledge the passing of Andrew Jury,” they said. “We had the absolute pleasure of filming and participating in a show which leaves us intricately linked for a lifetime." “Despite his struggles, Andrew was always friendly and the life of the party during our shared experience, and he really valued his time on the show." “At this time, our entire cast wishes to send our deepest condolences and love to his family.” Image credits: Instagram

Legal

Married at First Sight groom dies at just 33

Former Married At First Sight NZ contestant Andrew Jury has died at the age of 33. The Auckland-based builder passed away in recent weeks, as his untimely death was announced by two of his former MAFS contestants. “It’s with the heaviest hearts we’ve come together to acknowledge the passing of Andrew Jury,” former MAFS NZ stars Brett and Angel Renall, and Benjamin Blackwell wrote in a joint statement, according to the <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/married-at-first-sight-nz-groom-andrew-jury-dies/47OQFBCORZHARPILFOEA65N7SE/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New Zealand Herald</a>. “We had the absolute pleasure of filming and participating in a show which leaves us intricately linked for a lifetime." “Despite his struggles, Andrew was always friendly and the life of the party during our shared experience, and he really valued his time on the show." “At this time, our entire cast wishes to send our deepest condolences and love to his family.” On Sunday, Warner Bros Discovery, broadcaster of MAFS NZ, released a statement about the death. “WBD takes duty of care extremely seriously and has protocols in place regarding the wellbeing of cast and crew,” a spokesperson of the company said. "All MAFS NZ contributors have access to mental health professionals throughout the process, including pre-screening, during production and after broadcast." Jury appeared on the first season of Married At First Sight NZ, which aired in 2017. During his time on the show, he was matched with Vicky Gleeson-Stokes, but the pair were not a perfect fit and did not make it to final vows. Following his appearance on the show, Jury was heavily critical of the TV programme and urged others not to audition. The final straw for the builder, who was 26 at the time, was when local sex worker Lisa Lewis announced she had been short-listed to appear in the season after Jury’s. “It’s unethical how they’re going about these things,” he told the <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/married-at-first-sight-star-andrew-jury-bags-show-and-warns-other-kiwis-from-applying-after-lisa-lewis-announcement/QULDBF6S4SHDOEOBUSZIPY3FXU/#:~:text=%22It's%20unethical%20how%20they're,%22experts%22%20to%20match%20couples." target="_blank" rel="noopener">New Zealand Herald </a>at the time. “You can’t get an escort on this show. You can’t do that to a guy.” The former contestant said he and his fellow participants were hopeful in finding love when going on the show, but he believed it was all a stitch-up from day one. “They [the contestants] are the most amazing people on the show, they put their hearts on the line and they all got burned,” he continued. “I make great TV, but my wife and me were not matched in the slightest. She’s a princess, I’m a bogan. How can they say it’s a legit process when you get the complete opposite of what you want?” Image credits: Instagram

Caring

Eye infections might seem like a minor complaint – but in some cases they can cause blindness and even death

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/adam-taylor-283950">Adam Taylor</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/lancaster-university-1176">Lancaster University</a> When you think of eye infections, what comes to mind? Puffy, swollen bruised feeling eyelids that get glued together with gunk overnight? That feeling of having grit in your eye that can’t be cleaned away? Eye infections may seem like a relatively minor – if unsightly and inconvenient – complaint, but they can also be far more serious. Take the deadly outbreak of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5022785/">antibiotic resistant</a> bacteria <a href="https://www.cff.org/managing-cf/burkholderia-cepacia-complex-b-cepacia">Burkholderia cepacia</a> in 2023-24, for example. Between January 2023 and February 2024, contaminated brands of lubricating eye gel were linked to the infection of at least 52 patients. <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/contaminated-eye-gel-outbreak-death-b2523446.html">One person died</a> and at least 25 others suffered serious infections. The outbreak has now subsided and products are <a href="https://www.gov.uk/drug-device-alerts/specific-brands-of-carbomer-eye-gel-recall-of-aacarb-eye-gel-aacomer-eye-gel-and-puroptics-eye-gel-potential-risk-of-infection-dsi-slash-2023-slash-11#update-2-april-2024">back on the shelves</a> but it isn’t the first time that <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8335909/">medicinal products</a> have led to outbreaks of B cepacia. The bacterium is an opportunistic pathogen known to pose a significant risk to people with cystic fibrosis, chronic lung conditions and weakened immune systems. The infection likely progresses from the mucous membranes of the eyelids to the lungs where it leads to pneumonia and septicaemia causing <a href="https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/17/2/295">death in days</a>. But it’s not just B cepacia that can threaten our health. Something as simple as rubbing our eyes can introduce pathogens leading to infection, blindness and, in the worst case, death. Bacteria account for up to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16148850/">70% of eye infections</a> and globally <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9032492/">over 6 million people</a> have blindness or moderate visual impairment from ocular infection. Contact lens wearers are at <a href="https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/contact-lens-related-eye-infections">increased risk</a>. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pWsx8i1kaxs?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> The eye is a unique structure. It converts light energy to chemical and then electrical energy, which is transmitted to the brain and converted to a picture. The eye uses about <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK11556/">6 million cones and 120 million rods</a> which detect colour and light. Eye cells have <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8775779/">no ability to regenerate</a> so, once damaged or injured, cannot be repaired or replaced. The body tries its best to preserve the eyes by encasing them in a <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531490/">bony protective frame</a> and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482428/">limiting exposure</a> having eyelids to defend against the environmental damage and ensure the eyes are kept lubricated. Despite our bodies’ best efforts to shield the eyes from harm, there are a number of common eye infections that can result from introducing potential pathogens into the eyes. <h2>Conjunctivitis</h2> The outer-most layer of the eye, the sclera, bears the brunt of exposure and to help protect it, it is lined by a thin moist membrane called the <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24329-conjunctiva">conjunctiva</a>. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RZ4danuJwd0?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> The conjunctiva is <a href="https://innovations.bmj.com/content/9/4/253">highly vascularised</a>, which means it has lots of blood vessels. When microbes enter the eye, it is this layer that mounts an immune response causing <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8328962/">blood vessels to dilate</a> in the conjunctiva. This results in <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/about/symptoms.html">“pink eye”</a>, a common form of conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis can be caused by bacteria, allergens or viruses and typically heals by itself. <h2>Blepharitis</h2> Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid and usually affects both sides. It can cause itchy eyes and dandruff-like flakes. It’s most commonly caused by <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.3109/09273948.2013.870214">Staphylococcus bacteria</a>, or the <a href="https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/blepharitis/background-information/causes/">dysfunction of the glands</a> of the eyelids. It can be treated by <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/blepharitis/">cleaning the eyes</a> regularly. <h2>Stye</h2> A stye (also called <a href="https://www.college-optometrists.org/clinical-guidance/clinical-management-guidelines/hordeolum">hordeolum</a>) is a painful infection of the upper or lower eyelid. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5370090/">Internal styes</a> are caused by infection of an oil-producing gland inside the eyelid, whereas <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28723014/">external styes</a> develop at the base of the eyelash because of an infection of the hair follicle. Both are caused by bacteria, typically <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/fullarticle/1874715">the S aureus form of the Staphylococcus species</a>. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/INKrGOdy824?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> Styes can be treated by holding a clean flannel soaked in warm water against the affected eye for five to ten minutes, three or four times a day. Do not try to burst styes – this could spread the infection. <h2>Keratitis</h2> Keratitis is the inflammation of the cornea, the transparent part of the eye that light passes through. The cornea is part of the eye’s main barrier against dirt, germs, and disease. Severe keratitis can cause ulcers, damage to the eye and even blindness. The most common type is bacterial keratitis; however, it can also be caused by <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7998329/">amoeba</a>, which can migrate to other parts of the body – including the brain – and cause infection and <a href="https://theconversation.com/nasal-rinsing-why-flushing-the-nasal-passages-with-tap-water-to-tackle-hay-fever-could-be-fatal-225811">even death</a>. Noninfectious keratitis is most commonly caused by wearing contact lenses for too long, especially while sleeping. This can cause scratches, dryness and soreness of the cornea, which leads to inflammation. <h2>Uveitis</h2> <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/uveitis/">Uveitis</a> is inflammation of the middle layer of the eye. Although relatively rare, it is a serious condition and usually results from viral infections such as <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8501150/">herpes simplex</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29023181/">herpes zoster</a> or <a href="https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-09126-6_40">trauma</a>. Depending on where the inflammation is in the eye, the symptoms can be anything from redness, pain and floaters to blurred vision and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1772296/">partial blindness</a>. <h2>Exogenous endophthalmitis</h2> This is a rare but serious infection caused by eye surgery complications, penetrating ocular trauma (being stabbed in the eye with a sharp object) or foreign bodies in the eye. Foreign bodies can be anything from dirt and dust to small projectiles such as shards of metal from drilling, explosives or soil from farm machinery and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7286045/">many other sources</a>. <h2>Dacryocystitis</h2> Dacryocystitis is the inflammation of the nasolacrimal sac, which drains tears away from the eye into the nose. This condition can be <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8443113/">acute</a>, <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/6700662">chronic</a> or <a href="https://www.jebmh.com/articles/a-study-of-congenital-dacryocystitis.pdf.pdf">acquired at birth</a>. Most cases are caused by <a href="https://bmcophthalmol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12886-020-01792-4">Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus</a> bacteria. The condition mainly affects newborns and those over 40. Seventy-five per cent of cases are women and it’s most commonly found in <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6039673/">white adults</a>. It can lead to the stagnation of tears, creating a breeding ground for microbes. <h2>Careful with contacts</h2> Proper eye hygiene reduces the risk of all these conditions – and this is even more important for contact lens wearers. <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uENHAntJOIA?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> Appropriate hygienic cleaning of lenses is paramount. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30789440/">Non-sterile water</a>, <a href="https://www.aao.org/eye-health/glasses-contacts/contact-lens-care">spit</a> and other fluids can transfer <a href="https://www.science.org/content/article/bacteria-living-your-contact-lens-solution">potentially dangerous</a> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3482476/">microbes</a> into the eye – a warm, moist environment that makes an ideal breeding ground for bacteria – leading to <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9542356/">localised infection</a>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3972779/">blindness</a> or progress to a more serious <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9835757/">systemic infection or death</a>. Any persistent and painful redness or swelling of eyes should be checked by a registered health professional.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/227252/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/adam-taylor-283950">Adam Taylor</a>, Professor and Director of the Clinical Anatomy Learning Centre, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/lancaster-university-1176">Lancaster University</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/eye-infections-might-seem-like-a-minor-complaint-but-in-some-cases-they-can-cause-blindness-and-even-death-227252">original article</a>. </div>

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Could my glasses be making my eyesight worse?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/james-armitage-399647">James Armitage</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nick-hockley-1517162">Nick Hockley</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a> So, you got your eyesight tested and found out you need your first pair of glasses. Or you found out you need a stronger pair than the ones you have. You put them on and everything looks crystal clear. But after a few weeks things look blurrier without them than they did before your eye test. What’s going on? Some people start to wear spectacles for the first time and perceive their vision is “bad” when they take their glasses off. They incorrectly interpret this as the glasses making their vision worse. Fear of this might make them <a href="https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20140513-do-glasses-weaken-your-eyesight#:%7E:text=A%20study%20from,they%20are%20right%3F">less likely to wear their glasses</a>. But what they are noticing is how much better the world appears through the glasses. They become <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/2576117X.2022.2033588">less tolerant</a> of a blurry world when they remove them. Here are some other things you might notice about eyesight and wearing glasses. <h2>Lazy eyes?</h2> Some people sense an increasing reliance on glasses and wonder if their eyes have become “lazy”. Our eyes work in much the same way as an auto-focus camera. A flexible lens inside each eye is controlled by muscles that let us <a href="https://www.aao.org/museum-eye-openers/how-does-eye-focus">focus on objects</a> in the distance (such as a footy scoreboard) by relaxing the muscle to flatten the lens. When the muscle contracts it makes the lens steeper and more powerful to see things that are much closer to us (such as a text message). From the age of about 40, the lens in our eye <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-we-lose-our-hearing-and-vision-as-we-age-67930">progressively hardens</a> and loses its ability to change shape. Gradually, we lose our capacity to focus on near objects. This is called “<a href="https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/presbyopia">presbyopia</a>” and at the moment there are no treatments for this lens hardening. Optometrists correct this with prescription glasses that take the load of your natural lens. The lenses allow you to see those up-close images clearly by providing extra refractive power. Once we are used to seeing clearly, our tolerance for blurry vision will be lower and we will reach for the glasses to see well again. <h2>The wrong glasses?</h2> Wearing old glasses, the wrong prescription (or even someone else’s glasses) won’t allow you to see as well as possible for day-to-day tasks. It could also cause <a href="https://headaches.org/readers-mail-glasses-causing-headache/">eyestrain and headaches</a>. Incorrectly prescribed or dispensed prescription glasses can lead to vision impairment in children <a href="https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2126392">as their visual system is still in development</a>. But it is more common for kids to develop long-term vision problems as a result of <a href="https://www.cera.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Healthy-Young-Eyes-Guide-ACC.pdf">not wearing glasses when they need them</a>. By the time children are about 10–12 years of age, wearing incorrect spectacles is less likely to cause their eyes to become lazy or damage vision in the long term, but it is likely to result in <a href="https://www.cera.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Healthy-Young-Eyes-Guide-ACC.pdf">blurry or uncomfortable vision</a> during daily wear. <a href="https://goodvisionforlife.com.au/">Registered optometrists in Australia</a> are trained to assess refractive error (whether the eye focuses light into the retina) as well as the different aspects of ocular function (including how the eyes work together, change focus, move around to see objects). All of these help us see clearly and comfortably. <h2>What about dirty glasses?</h2> Dirty or scratched glasses can give you the impression your vision is worse than it actually is. Just like a window, the dirtier your glasses are, the more difficult it is to see clearly through them. <a href="https://www.optometry.org.au/wp-content/uploads/GVFL/Brochure_PDFs/Care-for-Glasses-2018-A4-single-page-final.pdf">Cleaning glasses regularly</a> with a microfibre lens cloth will help. While dirty glasses are not commonly associated with eye infections, some research suggests dirty glasses can <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0207238">harbour bacteria</a> with the remote but theoretical <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6628431/#:%7E:text=59%2C60%5D.-,S.,39%2C40%2C41%5D.">potential to cause eye infection</a>. To ensure best possible vision, people who wear prescription glasses every day should clean their lenses at least every morning and twice a day where required. Cleaning frames with alcohol wipes can <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0207238">reduce bacterial contamination by 96%</a> – but care should be taken as alcohol can damage some frames, depending on what they are made of. <h2>When should I get my eyes checked?</h2> <a href="https://goodvisionforlife.com.au/faqs/">Regular eye exams</a>, starting just before school age, are important for ocular health. Most prescriptions for corrective glasses <a href="https://www.ahpra.gov.au/documents/default.aspx?record=WD16%2F20156&dbid=AP&chksum=676U2aH1QM4XJ6ICVAVaKg%3D%3D">expire within two years</a> and contact lens prescriptions often expire after a year. So you’ll need an eye check for a new pair every year or so. Kids with ocular conditions such as progressive myopia (short-sightedness), strabismus (poor eye alignment), or amblyopia (reduced vision in one eye) will need checks at least every year, but likely more often. Likewise, people over 65 or who have known eye conditions, such as <a href="https://goodvisionforlife.com.au/vision-problems/glaucoma/">glaucoma</a>, will be recommended more frequent checks. An <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6706420/">online prescription estimator</a> is no substitute for a full eye examination. If you have a valid prescription then you can order glasses online, but you miss out on the ability to check the fit of the frame or to have them adjusted properly. This is particularly important for multifocal lenses where even a millimetre or two of misalignment can cause uncomfortable or blurry vision. Conditions such as <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/diabetes-vision-loss.html#:%7E:text=Diabetic%20retinopathy%20is%20caused%20when,vision%20or%20stopping%20blood%20flow.">diabetes</a> or <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525980/">high blood pressure</a>, can affect the eyes so regular eye checks can also help flag broader health issues. The vast majority of eye conditions can be treated if caught early, highlighting the importance of regular preventative care.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/225169/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/james-armitage-399647">James Armitage</a>, Associate Professor in Vision Science, Optometry Course Director, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nick-hockley-1517162">Nick Hockley</a>, Lecturer in Optometric Clinical Skills, Director Deakin Collaborative Eye Care Clinic, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/could-my-glasses-be-making-my-eyesight-worse-225169">original article</a>.

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Mission: Impossible Sydney mansion sells for eye-watering price

One of Sydney's most iconic properties, known as the Boomerang in Elizabeth Bay, has sold for $80 million. The mansion is featured in the second instalment in the Mission: Impossible franchise, with the 2000 movie starring Tom Cruise being set and filmed in Sydney. It was the first house to officially sell for above $1 million in 1978, before setting another record in 2002 when it fetched $20.7 million. Now, multiple sources have confirmed it has been snapped up by a purchaser, originally from Asia, for four times what it last sold for. The property has long been rated as one of Sydney’s Top 50 homes, and has been in the name of Katrina Fox, the daughter of Melbourne-based billionaire trucking magnate Lindsay Fox, since 2005. The impressive home was put up for sale by Ray White in 2017 with hopes of selling for $60 million and then again with Brad Pillinger of Pillinger for $80 million in 2021 — the last agent to have it listed. Pillinger couldn’t be contacted ahead of publication, but other sources have confirmed the property has sold for the $80m asking price, while speculation from other sources that the result was $105 million have been dismissed. Boomerang sits on 4233 square metres of waterfront land, and features 25 rooms including a private cinema modelled on the State Theatre. Image credits: realestate.com.au / Paramount Pictures

Real Estate

Top tips for happy and healthy eyes this Autumn

As the season changes, so do our healthcare needs as many people struggle with irritating allergies. With cooler temperatures, dry air and an increase in pollen often being synonymous with autumn and spring, for many people, leaving the house means having irritated eyes. Luckily, leading Ophthalmologist, Dr. Jacqueline Beltz has shared her essential tips for eye care during autumn with OverSixty, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the change of seasons without jeopardising your vision. 1. Keep your sunglasses handy While the sun is usually not as intense in autumn as it is during summer, Dr Beltz says that using sunglasses can benefit your eyes in many ways. “ Not only do they shield your eyes from harmful UV rays, but they also guard against wind and debris,” she said. 2. Increase your lubricant eye drops Dr Beltz said, “The drop in temperature and the dryer air can contribute to discomfort and dryness in your eyes, so consider increasing the use of lubricant eye drops to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.” By keeping up your eye drops in autumn, you can prevent further damage to your eyes in the long run. 3. Clean your eyelashes daily According to Dr Beltz, keeping up with good health and hygiene along the eyelid margins is essential, especially during the autumn months. “Cleanse your lashes daily and use a warm compress to optimise the quality of your tear film. This helps in preventing irritation and supports overall eye health.” 4. Consider a humidifier To ensure a more comfortable environment for your eyes, Dr Beltz recommends adding moisture to the air can help alleviate dry eyes. She said, “Combat the dry indoor air by using a humidifier in your room, especially while you sleep.” 5. Be proactive with allergies If you are prone to allergies, Dr Beltz said it's best to always be prepared ahead of time. “Autumn allergies are a reality, with triggers like pollen, mould, and dust prevalent during this season,” she said. “If you experience red, itchy, or swollen eyes, consider antihistamine eye drops. Keep your hands clean and avoid rubbing your eyes.” 6. Revitalise your eye makeup While replacing your eye makeup is important all year around, the addition of allergens makes it even more important to Change mascara and non-cleanable products like liquid eyeliner at least every three months. “Especially if you have sensitive eyes, makeup products can harbour bacteria, leading to increased eye irritation.” “Refreshing your eye makeup products to options that are designed to be better suited for dry eyes or eye sensitivity.” If you are <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/beauty-style/embracing-the-art-of-beauty-without-compromise">prone to sensitive eyes</a>, consider trying the OKKIYO <a href="https://www.okkiyo.com/products/protect-and-preserve-mascara#xd_co_f=NzdiNzdlNTctNTA1MS00NTBkLWE1MGEtNjRkMGE2OTI1N2Vj~">Prioriteyes Mascara</a>, which was developed by Dr Beltz to prioritise both style and eye health. While these tips for eye health can seem simple and seemingly unimportant, Dr Beltz assures that by following these tips, you will make a world of difference for your eye health overall. She said, “Implementing these simple tips can make a significant difference in keeping your eyes comfortable and vibrant throughout the season.” Image credits: Getty Images

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Eye-watering price tag for "remarkable" first class Titanic menu

A first class dinner menu from the Titanic has been found and sold at an auction in England for £84,000 (around $162,000 AUD) on November 11. The water-stained menu was dated April 11, 1912 just three days before the ship hit an iceberg, ultimately meeting it's ill-fated end causing over 1500 deaths. Wealthy passengers at the time were spoiled with choice, with oysters, salmon, beef, squab (baby pigeon), spring lamb among other dishes on the menu, and that's not including dessert. Auctioneers Henry Aldridge & Son said it was unclear how the menu made it off the ship intact, but the slight water damage suggests that it was recovered from the body of a victim. The rare artefact, which is over 111 years old belonged to amateur historian Len Stephenson, from Nova Scotia, Canada, who passed away in 2017. No one knew he had it, including his family, who only discovered it after going through his belongings following his death. “About six months ago his daughter and his son-in-law, Allen, felt the time was right to go through his belongings,” auctioneer Andrew Aldridge said. “As they did they found this menu in an old photo album. “Len was a very well thought-of historian in Nova Scotia which has strong connections with the Titanic. The body recovery ships were from Nova Scotia and so all the victims were taken back there. “Sadly, Len has taken the secret of how he acquired this menu to the grave with him.” Stephenson worked at a post office and would talk to people, collect old pictures and write letters for them, which might be how he got the rare artefact. According to the auctioneer, no other first class dinner menus dated April 11, 1912 have been recovered from the titanic making this “a remarkable survivor from the most famous Ocean liner of all time”. “There are a handful of April 14 menus in existence but you just don’t see menus from April 11. Most of them would have gone down with the ship,” Aldridge said. “Whereas with April 14 menus, passengers would have still had them in their coat and jacket pockets from earlier on that fateful night and still had them when they were taken off the ship," he added. A few other items recovered from the Titanic were also sold, including a Swiss-made pocket watch recovered from passenger Sinai Kantor which fetched £97,000 (around $187,000 AUD). A tartan-patterned deck blanket, which was likely used during the rescue operation also sold for £96,000 (around $185,000). Images: Henry Aldridge & Son of Devizes, Wiltshire

Cruising

What your family history says about your eyesight

Eye disorders can be caused by many things such as infection and injury but did you know it can also be genetic? We know looking up our family history is important for our health but it’s also vitally important to do so for our eyes. Genetics do play a role in determining your family’s susceptibility to certain eye diseases so it’s a good idea to check your family history as well as record any eye issues you have for future generations. Here are some of the most common hereditary eye conditions. Glaucoma Not all glaucoma is inherited but the most common type, primary open-angle glaucoma, is hereditary. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, a family history of glaucoma increases your risk around four to nine times. Coupled with the fact glaucoma is much more common as you age, it’s a good idea to get your eyes checked regularly. Glaucoma can lead to the reduction in peripheral vision and even blindness. Signs include bulging eyes, excessive tearing and abnormal sensitivity to light. Age-related macular degeneration Scientist have found that genetics may contribute to the risk of having macular degeneration but it’s not always the case. Some people never develop it even though both parents may have it while others get it even though there is no family history. The current research shows that genetics contribute to macular degeneration anywhere from 40 to 70 percent. However, whether you have a family history or not it’s important to get your eyes checked as age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in people aged 50 and over. Colour blindness A misnomer as people are not ‘blind’ but colour vision deficient. People who are colour blind usually cannot distinguish between certain colours such as red and green. Inherited colour blindness is common in men with women rarely affected. There is no treatment and most people adjust to the condition. Retinitis pigmentosa A mutated gene causes the retina to degenerate which can lead to night blindness and vision loss. Most cases are inherited and it usually appears in childhood but vision loss doesn’t occur until later in life. There is unfortunately no cure and no treatments but researchers are making significant progress in identifying the genes that cause retinitis pigmentosa. Achromatopsia An inherited condition (only if both parents have the recessive gene) that affects 1 in 33,000 people. The condition is associated with decreased vision, sensitivity to light and colour blindness. Optic atrophy Optic atrophy may be inherited or caused by brain trauma, inflammation, degenerative disorders, haemorrhage or tumour. The breakdown of the optic nerve causes vision loss. Image credits: Getty Images

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