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Calls for major shops to ditch "toxic" product

Common poisons sold at Bunnings, Mitre 10, Coles and Woolworths could potentially wipe out five species of carnivorous mammals. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S004896972500467X" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" data-i13n="cpos:2;pos:1" data-ylk="slk:and a new study by Edith Cowan University;cpos:2;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" data-rapid_p="12" data-v9y="1">A new study by Edith Cowan University</a> has discovered the impact of these common rat poisons is more widespread than first thought, with predators also being impacted by the toxins as well as the pests. “This is the first documentation of pretty substantial rodenticide exposure in our entire suite of top marsupial carnivores in Australia,” researcher and adjunct lecturer Dr Michael Lohr told <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/calls-for-bunnings-mitre-10-coles-and-woolworths-to-ditch-toxic-product-going-to-kill-everything-063045604.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yahoo News</a>. “Tasmanian devils and quolls are potentially being exposed at rates that could have a substantial impact on the trajectory of their populations going forward, and not in a good way.” The use of second-generation rat baits is currently under review by a government regulator – the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), with Dr Lohr urging retailers to take them off shelves. "I think it's really important for Australia at this point to try to catch up to the rest of the developed world," he said. "Action is needed on this and the world has already agreed on that." The use and sale of these pesticides are heavily restricted in the United States, European Union and United Kingdom, but are freely available in Australia. More than 7,000 people have signed a <a href="https://www.change.org/p/help-wildlife-and-pets-poisoned-dying-in-agony-bunnings-stop-selling-sgar-rat-baits" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-i13n="cpos:9;pos:1" data-ylk="slk:Change.org petition;cpos:9;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" data-rapid_p="20" data-v9y="1">Change.org petition</a> calling for supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths to ditch these "highly toxic" rat baits which it said can kill pets and native animals. Veteran wildlife advocate Cat Coake told Yahoo retailers have a duty to stop non-targeted poisons, as she said, "Otherwise they're going to kill everything." In a statement, Bunnings noted that it's not the only major retailer in Australia selling second-generation rodenticides. "Like many retailers, we offer a range of rodent control products, including anticoagulant rodenticides and non-poisonous alternatives, to provide choice for customers on the best solution to their specific rodent problem," it said. Bunnings also said it's complying with government regulations on the sale of these poisons. Image credits: Shutterstock

Home & Garden

Parents of Laos poisoning victims speak out

Melbourne teenagers Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, were on a the trip of a lifetime backpacking through Southeast Asia on their gap year when they fell seriously ill. The 19-year-old friends were staying at the popular Nana Backpacker Hostel in Vang Vieng last November, when they were rushed to hospital after a night out with suspected <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-trouble/two-aussie-teens-poisoned-in-laos-identified" target="_blank" rel="noopener">methanol poisoning</a>. The teens were among six tourists who died in the mass poisoning. The backpacker hostel has since shut down, and while the Laos government said it was "profoundly saddened" by the deaths and vowed to prosecute those responsible, months later, the girls' families are still searching for answers. In an exclusive interview with 60 Minutes journalist Tara Brown, their parents – Mark and Michelle Jones alongside Sam and Shaun Bowles – said the Laos government has refused to meet with them since the teenagers’ deaths. “We’ve heard nothing,” Mark said in the interview on Sunday. "For them not to reach out is, that's just not good enough." When it came to the Laos government's response, both families felt there was a lack of empathy and accountability. After the backpacker hostel was shut down and eight staff were <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/eight-people-detained-over-laos-methanol-poisoning" target="_blank" rel="noopener">detained and released</a>, the investigation has seemingly stalled. "It seems like a complete cover-up," Mark said, claiming there was a lack of transparency in the investigation. "We haven't heard anything from the Laos government. Not a thing," Shaun added. "It's appalling." "The Laos government sent their condolences via the federal police, and that to us means nothing, nothing at all," Shaun continued. The parents hope that by speaking out about the dangers of methanol poisoning, others will be able to avoid suffering similar tragedies in their own families. “I cannot have my daughter’s passing not mean anything," Mark said. "If this gets parents to have a conversation with their kids if they're off travelling, then that's something," Shaun added. All four parents said they had no confidence the truth could ever be revealed, but they still want justice and answers. "We want some form of closure," Mark said. "We want to understand that people who have done wrong by our daughter and Holly and the other people are going to be brought to justice." Images: Nine/ 60 Minutes

Caring

Novak Djokovic "poisoned" in Australia

Novak Djokovic claims he was "poisoned" while he was detained in a Melbourne hotel room ahead of the 2022 Australian Open. The Serbian tennis champion was infamously deported from the country three years ago when he did not meet the country’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements at the height of the pandemic. After the federal government cancelled his visa, he stayed at a Melbourne immigration detention facility for five days alongside refugees and asylum seekers. During his time at the Park Hotel in Carlton, he claims he was fed food that was "poisoned" with “lead and mercury”, as he faced "some health issues" when he returned to Serbia. “I had some health issues. And I realised that in that hotel in Melbourne I was fed with some food that poisoned me,” Djokovic told <a href="https://www.gq.com/story/novak-djokovic-conquered-tennis-whats-next" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GQ Sports</a>. “I had some discoveries when I came back to Serbia. I never told this to anybody publicly, but discoveries that I had a really high level of heavy metal. Heavy metal. I had the lead, very high level of lead and mercury.” Pressed on whether he thought the substances entered his body via the food in Melbourne, Djokovic said: “That’s the only way." “Yeah, (I was) very sick. It was like the flu, just a simple flu. But when it was days after that a simple flu took me down so much, I had an emergency medical team treat me at home. I had that several times and then I had to do toxicology (tests).” The 37-year-old, who has claimed the Aus Open victory 10 times, says he holds no grudges against Australia, but he can’t say the same thing for his family. “Well, for my wife and my parents and my family, it’s not (water under the bridge),” he says. “For me, it is. For me, I’m fine. I never held any grudge over Australian people. In contrary, actually, a lot of Australian people that I meet, I met in Australia the last few years or elsewhere in the world, coming up to me and apologising to me for the treatment I received because they were embarrassed by their own government at that point." “I actually love being there, and I think my results are a testament to my sensation of playing tennis and just being in that country.” Image credits: Shutterstock

Travel Trouble

12 dead in mass poisoning at ski resort

The bodies of 12 people have been found dead in a luxury ski resort in Georgia after a suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. The bodies of 11 Indian nationals and one Georgian national were discovered on Saturday at a ski resort in Gudauri, in the north of the Caucasus country, according to local police. Authorities confirmed that “preliminary tests do not indicate any trace of violence on the bodies,” which were found on the second floor of a building housing an Indian food restaurant at the ski resort. “An oil-powered generator was turned on after the building lost electricity” on Friday, police said, which is believed to be the source of the poisoning. The identities of the victims were not immediately released but they are presumed to be employees of the restaurant, according to the Georgian Interior Ministry. The deaths are being treated as negligent manslaughter, as autopsies have been ordered to determine the actual cause of death, while authorities have opened an investigation into the incident. The Indian Embassy in Georgia's capital of Tbilisi said it was "committed to providing all possible support" to the bereaved families and that it was working to repatriate the bodies of the 11 Indian nationals. Gudauri, lodged high up in the Caucasus Mountains close to the border with Russia, is becoming increasingly popular with tourists, offering a cheaper alternative to Europe's main resorts in the Alps. Image credits: Shutterstock

Travel Trouble

Four Australians hospitalised after suspected poisoning in Fiji

A resort in Fiji is investigating a suspected poisoning that has left at least four Australians hospitalised. Local health officials reported that seven guests of the Warwick Fiji Resort were taken to hospital after allegedly drinking cocktails that had been poisoned. The seven people were aged from 18 to 56 and had nausea, vomiting, and neurological symptoms after consuming the alcoholic beverages. According to the ABC, four Australian women aged 56, 49, 19 and 18 were among those receiving treatment in hospital. The 56-year-old was under constant surveillance in hospital, the public broadcaster said, while the 49-year-old and 18-year-old were critical but last night not as serious. A Warwick Fiji Resort spokesperson confirmed they were aware of the "recent news regarding suspected alcohol poisoning" and are taking the matter "very seriously". "Please rest assured that we are taking this matter very seriously and are currently conducting a thorough investigation," a spokesperson told <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/fiji-drink-poisoning-fears-two-australians-believed-among-seven-hospitalised/86aa947d-c1b6-475d-a57d-f22d8edf2e1f" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9news.com.au</a>. "We are also awaiting the health authorities test result report to gather all necessary information. "At this moment, we do not have conclusive details, but we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our guests. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available." The Australian government <a title="Smart Traveller" href="https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/pacific/fiji" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Smart Traveller</a> website updated its safety alert for Fiji yesterday, warning travellers to "be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks". "We continue to advise exercise normal safety precautions," Smart Traveller says. Image credits: Facebook

Caring

Melbourne teen poisoned in Laos farewelled

Melbourne teenager Holly Morton-Bowles has been farewelled in an emotional funeral service. Grieving friends and family gathered at Beaumaris Secondary College on Monday to honour the 19-year-old, who died alongside her friend after being poisoned in Laos. Holly and Bianca Jones were among six people who drank methanol-laced cocktails in the town of Vang Vieng in Laos in November while on a gap year holiday. Beaumaris Secondary College Acting Principal Peter Bartlett read a statement on behalf of Morton-Bowles' parents Shaun and Samantha, and brother James. "We would like to thank the people of Australia, Canada and the rest of the world for the outpouring of love, support, and compassion during this extremely difficult time," Bartlett said. "Your kindness has been a source of strength and comfort for our family." "Today is a profoundly significant day for our family as we come together to celebrate Holly's life and spirit. Holly was loved and adored by so many people, and today is a reflection on her life, however she will remain forever in our hearts." "We would like to thank all those that have helped in the preparation of today. We kindly ask that our family be given the space to grieve privately on this deeply emotional day." "This is the most difficult time of our lives, and we thank you for respecting our privacy." The families of both Morton-Bowles and Jones have asked people to donate to the girls' GoFundMe in lieu of flowers. Bianca Jones was farewelled on Friday at Mentone Girl's Grammar, in Mentone, the same school she had graduated from last year, with principal Natalie Charles reading out a statement from the Jones family, thanking the public for their "outpouring of love, support and compassion". Image credits: Nine

Caring

Eight people detained over Laos methanol poisoning

Eight men have been detained over the suspected mass methanol poisoning in Laos that killed six tourists, including two Australians. Police in Laos told the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-26/laos-methanol-poisoning-detained/104650642" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ABC</a> that detained men were staff and management of the Nana Backpackers hostel, where Melbourne teenagers Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles were staying when they fell sick. The two 19 year olds had consumed the alcoholic beverages in the party town of Vang Vieng, and later died in seperate hospitals in Thailand. Four other tourists from Denmark, the UK and the US have also died. Police in Laos last week forcibly shut down the Nana hostel, where five of the six victims who died were staying. They questioned staff, ranging in ages from 23 to 47, including the bartender and owner, while the Laos government vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. The arrests come as the bodies of Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles arrived home in Australia on Tuesday night, with Bianca's father Mark fronting the media at Melbourne Airport to welcome the news of the arrests. "We want to grieve. We miss our daughters desperately. I was happy to hear there's been some movement over in Laos," he said. "I would continue to urge our government to continue to pursue whomever. We will make every effort we can to help raise awareness of methanol poisoning." Image credits: RUNGROJ YONGRIT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Legal

Foreign victims killed in mass methanol poisoning identified

The victims of the mass methanol poisoning in Laos have been identified, with the death toll now rising to six. Danish women Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman, 20, Freja Vennervald Sorensen, 21, and American man James Louis Hutson, 57, were among those who died after a group of backpackers consumed alcoholic drinks spiked with methanol in the party town of Vang Vieng. Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both 19, had already been named as two Melbourne teenagers who lost their lives last week while on their gap year, along with British woman Simone White, 28. Ms Jones and Ms Bowles were staying at Nana Backpackers Hostel, which has been closed since November 14th, just days after the incident occurred. It is understood that the two Danish and American victims were also staying at Nana Backpackers Hostel. Ms Coyman and Ms Sorensen were reportedly found unconscious on the bathroom floor on November 13th after they had been out drinking the night before. Mr Hutson was reportedly found unconscious in his bed on November 13th after staff noticed he had not come out of his room. All three tourists died in the following days in hospital. Dr Yaher, who first treated Ms Bowles in Vang Vieng, claimed she went from a state of confusion to a coma in just half an hour after consuming the methanol-laced beverage. The doctor told The Times she was confused and fatigued, and didn’t know what had happened when she arrived at his small one-storey hospital at 2am. “We treated her symptomatically,” he told the publication. “We put her on an IV drip and gave her vitamins. But after 30 minutes she had a seizure and went into a coma. I was so surprised. We gave her CPR, because she had difficulty breathing, and we intubated her and referred her to Vientiane.” The Laos government released a statement on Saturday expressing sympathy and condolences to the families of the tourists who died, saying an investigation was underway and promised to “bring the perpetrators to justice according to the law”. Image credits: Facebook

Travel Trouble

Father's emotional plea after death of his daughter from methanol poisoning

The grieving father of 19-year-old Bianca Jones, who tragically died after consuming methanol-laced cocktails in Laos, has issued a plea to ensure his daughter’s death was not in vain. Bianca and her friend Holly Bowles had been travelling around south-east Asia on a gap year trip when they consumed the deadly drinks in the party town of Vang Vieng, a popular tourist area about 130km north of Laos capital, Vientiane. Both Bianca and Holly were rushed to seperate hospitals in Thailand, and passed away last week. Speaking publicly for the first time about the tragedy, Bianca’s father Mark Jones, said his daughter’s “lust for life and adventure” had “cruelly been cut short”. “Our daughter was on the trip of a lifetime with one of her best mates,” he said. “This was meant to be a trip full of lifelong memories, and was to be the first of many. Bianca wanted to explore the world, meet new friends, lead and create change for good.” Following the deaths of the two young women, an outpouring of sympathy flooded in from around Australia including from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, while hundreds attended a vigil held in the women’s honour in Melbourne on Saturday. Mr Jones thanked Australian government for its support but made a plea to authorities in Laos. “I would like to take this opportunity to urge the Laos government to investigate this to the fullest extent, to make sure this incident doesn’t happen again,” he said. “We can’t have the passing of our daughter … not lead to change to protect others. Young men and women should be able to travel, create their own life experiences and be safe." “We’ll forever miss our beautiful girl and hope her loss of life has not been in vain.” The Laotian government has promised to bring perpetrators to justice after the mass poisoning that has killed six tourists, including the two Australian women. Image credits: Nine News / Facebook

Travel Trouble

Fifth death confirmed in Laos poisoning

A young British lawyer has died in hospital after a suspected mass poisoning that has claimed the lives of four others. On Thursday, Melbourne teen Bianca Jones became the fourth person to die from suspected methanol poisoning following the deaths of two Danish women and an American who had all been holidaying in the in the party town of Vang Vieng. Lawyer Simone White, 28, was among a dozen other tourists taken to hospital after visiting the backpacker town, with Thai police confirming her death on Friday morning. In a statement to <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/british-lawyer-simone-white-in-hospital-after-apparent-mass-methanol-poisoning-in-laos-c-16833986" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a>, a spokesperson for Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed a death in Laos, saying, “We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in Laos, and we are in contact with the local authorities.” Her friend Bethany Clarke, who was with White on holiday, urged tourists in the region to “avoid all local spirits” after their group of six fell ill. “Our group stayed in Vang Vieng and we drank free shots offered by one of the bars. Just avoid them as so not worth it,” she wrote in a Laos backpacking Facebook group. “Six of us who drank from the same place are in hospital currently with methanol poisoning.” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Jones, 19, in federal parliament on Thursday after news of her death was shared, as her friend Holly Bowles continues to fight for her life in a Bangkok hospital. “This is every parent’s very worst fear and a nightmare that no one should have to endure,” Albanese said. Image credits: Facebook

Caring

"Every parent's nightmare": Families of poisoned teens share update

The families of Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones have shared a heartbreaking update as the teenagers continue to fight for their lives after being <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-trouble/two-aussie-teens-poisoned-in-laos-identified" target="_blank" rel="noopener">poisoned</a> in Laos. While travelling around south-east Asia on a gap year, the Melbourne 19 year olds consumed what is believed to be methanol-laced drinks in Laos. The young women were found barely alive in their hotel room and were rushed to a hospital in the neighbouring country of Thailand, where they remain on life support. Holly’s dad Shaun Bowles fronted the media on Wednesday in Bangkok where he confirmed his daughter remained in the ICU in a critical condition, where the family are spending as much time as possible by her bedside. “Right now our daughter remains in the intensive care unit in a critical condition. She’s on life support,” Shaun said. “We’d just like to thank everyone from back home for all the support and love that we’re receiving but we’d also like for people to appreciate right now we just need privacy so we can spend as much time as we can with Holly.” Bianca's family also released a statement saying there was no update on her condition, but confirmed that she remains on life support. "Our family has been overwhelmed by the messages of love and support that have come from across Australia," the statement from the family reads. "This is every parent's nightmare and we want to ensure no other family is forced to endure the anguish we are going through. We hope the authorities can get to the bottom of what happened as soon as possible." Authorities suspect the girls drank poisoned cocktails which reportedly had shots of "vodka" while holidaying in the party town of Vang Vieng, a popular tourist area about 130km north of Laos capital, Vientiane. They were among a large group of international travellers who fell victim to what is feared to be a mass poisoning which has already killed two other people. Editor's note: Police in Thailand confirmed the death of Bianca Jones on Thursday afternoon. Holly Bowles is understood to still be in hospital. Image credits: Facebook

Caring

Two Aussie teens poisoned in Laos identified

Two Australian teenagers who are fighting for their lives in a hospital in Thailand have been identified. While travelling around south-east Asia on a gap year, Melbourne teens Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, both aged 19, consumed what is believed to be methanol-laced drinks in Laos. The young women were found barely alive in their hotel room and were rushed to a hospital in the neighbouring country of Thailand, where they remain on life support. Authorities suspect the girls drank poisoned cocktails which reportedly had shots of "vodka" while holidaying in the party town of Vang Vieng, a popular tourist area about 130km north of Laos capital, Vientiane. They were among a large group of international travellers who fell victim to what is feared to be a mass poisoning which has already killed two other people. Ms Jones’ family has expressed disbelief in what has happened to their daughter, describing her as their "angel" as they rushed to be at her bedside. "Our beautiful Bianca was on a dream getaway with her best friend Holly," they told the <a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/two-melbourne-girls-on-life-support-in-bangkok-after-ethanol-poisoning-in-laos/news-story/6194b29655744b3f1bceeab2980c8e83" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener">Herald Sun</a>. "They were filled with joy and had such incredible adventures ahead of them, travelling through Asia. We are here by Bianca’s bedside praying for her." "She's just an absolute star. She's a bundle of joy. To know her is to love her," the cafe manager told <a title="The Age" href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/fears-for-absolute-star-as-teens-fight-for-life-in-thailand-after-alcohol-poisoning-20241119-p5krpb.html" target="" rel="">The Age</a>. "We're just praying for the family. She's just a loyal, caring sweet person. We value her so much as a friend as well as a colleague." The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provided <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/laos-methanol-poisoning-melbourne-teens-suspected-methanol-poisoning-identified/b5721fe5-e323-4807-8790-e9d070b51194" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9News</a> with a statement on Wednesday, with a spokesperson saying they were "providing consular assistance" to two Australians and their families in Thailand. "Our thoughts are with them at this deeply distressing time," a spokesperson said. "Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment." Image credits: Facebook

Travel Trouble

Erin Patterson enters plea for murder charges

Erin Patterson will face trial in the Supreme Court after pleading not guilty to eight charges of murder and attempted murder. The 49-year-old is accused of killing her former in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson, 66. All three <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/erin-patterson-arrested-over-fatal-mushroom-meal" target="_blank" rel="noopener">died </a>in hospital days after consuming an allegedly poisonous mushroom lunch at Patterson's home in South Gippsland July 29, 2023. She is also accused of the attempted murder of Heather Wilkinson’s husband Ian, and four separate attempts on her ex-husband’s life, with three occasions dating back to 2021. Patterson appeared in the Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, and pleaded not guilty to all eight of her charges, including three counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder. Patterson told Magistrate Tim Walsh, "not guilty, Your Honour", as he read each of the charges. Her barrister, Colin Mandy SC, confirmed that she was going to use the “fast-track” method to have the case sent to the Supreme Court. The fast track method allows homicide cases to skip a committal hearing where a magistrate hears the evidence and decides if it could support a conviction. Walsh told Patterson hat under the fast track method, he did not have to judge the evidence and could commit her “solely on her election”. The decision also means that details of the prosecution case and her defence will not be aired publicly until after the trial. Patterson was arrested last November but has repeatedly denied the allegations. She was remanded in custody and will appear for a directions hearing at the Supreme Court on May 23. Images: Nine News

Legal

Health retreat responds to woman's suspected mushroom poisoning death

The alternative health centre where Rachael Dixon died after consuming a drink allegedly containing <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/woman-dies-after-suspected-mushroom-poisoning-at-health-retreat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">poisonous mushrooms</a> have issued a public statement on the incident. The 53-year-old and her friends took part in a holistic wellness retreat at Soul Barn Creative Wellbeing Centre when Dixon fell ill on Saturday night after <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px;">she allegedly crushed up mushrooms<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px;"> and consumed them in a drink. While her two friends were rushed to hospital and released a few days later, Dixon went into cardiac arrest, and despite best efforts by paramedics, she died at the scene just after 12am. Soul Barn, a self-described “creative wellbeing centre” specialising in holistic and alternative practices issued a statement on Thursday saying they were devastated by the incident. They also claimed that the event on Saturday that Dixon attended was not run by the centre or facilitated by any of its staff. “Soul Barn hires out workshop (spaces) to external businesses and facilitators,” they said. “The event which took place on April 13 was a private event, and those facilitating the event do not work for or represent Soul Barn in any way. “None of our regular therapists staff or facilitators were present at any point during this event. “We share the shock and devastation of everyone involved, and our hearts are with those families affected.” The health centre will remain closed while police investigate Dixon's death and a report is being prepared for the coroner. Image: 7NEWS

Legal

Woman dies after suspected mushroom poisoning at health retreat

A 53-year-old woman has died and two others have been rushed to hospital after allegedly ingesting poisonous mushrooms while at a holistic wellness retreat. Rachael Dixon became violently ill on Saturday night after she allegedly crushed up mushrooms and consumed them in a drink. Dixon and her two friends were at the Soul Barn Creative Wellbeing Centre, an "alternative health retreat" in Clunes, near Ballarat, when the incident occurred. An ambulance was called after reports she was in cardiac arrest and not breathing, and despite best efforts by paramedics, she died at the scene just after 12am. Her two friend were also rushed to hospital, but were released days later. Police are investigating her sudden death, and are expected to look into if the drink contained 'magic' mushrooms, which contain the hallucinogenic chemical psilocybin. Dixon's son Matthew paid tribute to his mother on Facebook, writing, "To the most loving, most caring person I've ever known can't thank you enough for everything you ever did for me and all the support you gave me." "Words can't begin to describe how much I will miss you, wish I could give you one last hug." Soul Barn has remained closed since the incident as local business owners and residents said the incident was "confronting" and "devastating". The death comes after Victorian authorities warned residents earlier this month that poisonous mushrooms were growing across the state. “Unless you are an expert, do not pick and eat wild mushrooms in Victoria,” acting chief health officer Evelyn Wong said. “There is no home test available to distinguish safe and edible mushrooms from poisonous mushrooms.” Image credits: Facebook

Caring

Past charges against mushroom poisoning suspect uncovered

Erin Patterson, the woman under investigation for allegedly cooking the deadly mushroom meal that claimed the lives of three people, has previously faced a series of charges after being involved in a drunk-driving incident. According to reports from The Australian, the 49-year-old was convicted in 2004 of driving drunk in an unregistered vehicle. Court records have revealed that Patterson, who was then known as Erin Trudi Scutter and was aged 29, faced legal consequences for her reckless actions, losing her license for 30 months after crashing her vehicle in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne while heavily intoxicated. The reports revealed that after the crash, she fled from authorities by speeding away from the crash scene, reaching 95 km/h in a 60 km/h zone. The convictions that were handed down were for charges of failing to stop a vehicle after an accident, failing to provide identifying information after causing property damage, using an unregistered vehicle on a highway, failing to provide information after property damage, and driving at 95 km/h in a restricted 60 km/h zone. At the time of the crash, Erin's blood alcohol level was 0.14 per cent, indicating significant impairment, however the charges of drink driving were dropped, potentially due to overlapping elements in other charges. Patterson has yet to comment on the previous charges, after being advised by her lawyer not to make any public comments as she remains under investigation for the deadly mushroom meal. She has <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/details-of-erin-patterson-s-police-statement-around-fatal-mushroom-meal-revealed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">denied any wrongdoing</a> in the mushroom incident, although according to police, they are investigating Patterson because she was the only adult among five who did not either die or suffer severe illness after ingesting the deadly mushrooms. Image credits: A Current Affair

Legal

New details emerge in fatal mushroom poisoning incident

The former spouse of the Victorian woman responsible for preparing a meal for three individuals who tragically passed away, was placed in a medically induced coma last year following an unexpected severe digestive ailment. The revelation surfaces as <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/forensic-tests-on-food-dehydrator-found-at-tip-after-mushroom-deaths-20230808-p5dusv.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Age Newspaper reports</a> that law enforcement have carried out forensic testing on a dehydrator found at a waste disposal site near Erin Patterson's home in Leongatha, southeast of Melbourne. Investigators are now exploring whether this apparatus was utilised to preserve the mushrooms before being discarded. The Age has additionally gained access to Erin's ex-husband Simon's social media posts, in which he recounts a mysterious severe gastrointestinal illness that nearly claimed his life. "I collapsed at home and subsequently spent 16 days in an induced coma, undergoing three emergency surgeries mainly targeting my small intestine, along with another planned surgical procedure," he wrote. "My family was summoned twice to bid me farewell as my chances of survival were minimal." Within the same social media post, he extended gratitude to Ms. Patterson for her support. Despite their separation, the two maintain an amicable relationship. Patterson, aged 48, cooked the fateful lunch which law enforcement suspect might have contained death cap mushrooms. The mother of two is now under police scrutiny after the demise of her ex-husband Simon Patterson's parents, Gail and Don Patterson, as well as Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson. Heather's husband, Ian, is currently in critical condition at Melbourne's Austin Hospital and is awaiting a liver transplant. All four individuals exhibited symptoms consistent with death cap mushroom poisoning following the lunch, which occurred on July 29. Ms Patterson has consistently <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/i-didn-t-do-anything-i-love-them-woman-who-cooked-meal-with-deadly-mushrooms-speaks-out" target="_blank" rel="noopener">maintained her innocence</a>, expressing that she held strong affection for her in-laws, particularly considering Gail's role as a motherly figure. Police have also characterised the case as intricate and potentially devoid of malicious intent. Death cap mushrooms possess the potential to cause grave damage to the liver and kidneys, leading to fatality. Symptoms include abdominal discomfort vomiting, and nausea, yet much of the harm can transpire before symptoms surface. Ms Patterson herself remained unaffected by the luncheon she organised, and her two children have been taken into protective custody as a preventive measure, according to police statements. Detective Inspector Dean Thomas of the Homicide Squad indicated that authorities are yet to determine whether they are dealing with a potential crime or an unfortunate accident. Images: Facebook / A Current Affair

Legal

6 things a food poisoning expert would never eat

If you want to know how to avoid food poisoning, you better listen to food poisoning expert and lawyer Bill Marler. He’s a products liability and personal injury attorney specialising in food-borne illnesses as well as the managing partner of Marler Clark, dubbed “The Food Safety Law Firm”. With twenty years in the industry, he’s won more than $600 million in compensation claims for his clients since 1998. In an article posted in the <a href="http://www.foodpoisonjournal.com/food-poisoning-information/six-foods-bill-marler-never-eats/#.VrJ3Kvl96uV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Food Poisoning Journal</a>, Bill has revealed the six foods he refused to eat. Unpasteurised (“raw”) milk and packaged juices Unpasteurised milk, sometimes called “raw” milk, can be contaminated with bacteria, viruses and parasites. Between 1998 and 2011, there were 148 food poisoning outbreaks linked to raw milk and raw milk products in the US—and keep in mind that comparatively few people in the country ever consume these products, so 148 outbreaks is nothing to ignore. As for unpasteurised packaged juices, one of Marler’s earliest cases was the 1996 E. coli outbreak from unpasteurised Odwalla apple juice. As a result, he won’t go near raw milk or juice. “There’s no benefit big enough to take away the risk of drinking products that can be made safe by pasteurisation,” he says. Raw sprouts Uncooked and lightly cooked sprouts have been linked to more than 30 bacterial outbreaks (mostly of salmonella and E. coli) in the US since mid-1990s. As recently as 2014, salmonella from bean sprouts sent 19 people to the hospital. All types of sprouts - including alfalfa, mung bean, clover and radish sprouts - can spread infection, which is caused by bacterial contamination of their seeds. “There have been too many outbreaks to not pay attention to the risk of sprout contamination,” Marler says. “Those are products that I just don’t eat at all.” He did add that he does eat them if they’re cooked. Meat that isn’t well-done Marler orders his burgers well-done. “The reason ground products are more problematic and need to be cooked more thoroughly is that any bacteria that’s on the surface of the meat can be ground inside of it,” Marler says. “If it’s not cooked thoroughly to 160°F throughout, it can cause poisoning by E. coli and salmonella and other bacterial illnesses.” As for steaks, needle tenderising - a common restaurant practice in which the steak is pierced with needles or sliced with knives to break down the muscle fibres and make it more tender - can also transfer bugs from the surface to the interior of the meat. If a restaurant does this (Marler asks), he orders his steak well-done. If the restaurant doesn’t, he’ll opt for medium-well. Prewashed or precut fruits and vegetables “I avoid these like the plague,” Marler says. Why? The more a food is handled and processed, the more likely it is to become tainted. “We’ve gotten so used to the convenience of mass-produced food - bagged salad and boxed salads and precut this and precut that,” Marler says. “Convenience is great but sometimes I think it isn’t worth the risk.” He buys unwashed, uncut produce in small amounts and eats it within three to four days to reduce the risk for listeria, a deadly bug that grows at refrigerator temps. Raw or undercooked eggs You may remember the salmonella epidemic of the 1980s and early ’90s that was linked mainly to eggs. If you swore off raw eggs back then, you might as well stick with it. The most recent salmonella outbreak from eggs, in 2010, caused roughly 2,000 reported cases of illness. “I think the risk of egg contamination is much lower today than it was 20 years ago for salmonella, but I still eat my eggs well-cooked,” Marler says. Raw oysters and other raw shellfish Marler says that raw shellfish - especially oysters - have been causing more foodborne illness lately. He links this to warming waters, which produce more microbial growth. “Oysters are filter feeders, so they pick up everything that’s in the water,” he explains. “If there’s bacteria in the water it’ll get into their system, and if you eat it you could have trouble. I’ve seen a lot more of that over the last five years than I saw in the last 20 years. It’s simply not worth the risk.” Images: Shutterstock

Food & Wine

15 plants that are poisonous to dogs

<h3>Plants and your pup</h3> Plants are having a real moment right now, and for good reason. They add beauty to your home, help you feel more in tune with nature, and they even boast health benefits. Unfortunately, some of the most popular and best indoor plants are toxic to dogs, who don’t know which ones are safe to munch on or play with and which absolutely aren’t. With veterinary help, we’re calling out the most common indoor and outdoor poisonous plants for dogs so you can avoid or get rid of them and replace them with some pup-friendly options. If you suspect that your pup has munched on a poisonous plant for dogs, consult your vet immediately. <h3>Aloe Vera</h3> Toxic components: saponins, anthraquinones Because it’s so easy to maintain and boasts medicinal qualities, aloe vera is a common household plant that people keep both indoors and outdoors. Unfortunately, the gooey gel beloved for its soothing benefits also contains two components that make this plant toxic to dogs when consumed. Typically, signs of ingestion include lethargy and upset stomach, including vomiting and diarrhoea. If you bring this plant into your home, we recommend keeping it high up – like on a sink ledge – so it’s inaccessible. <h3>Golden Pothos (epipremnum aureum)</h3> Toxic component: insoluble calcium oxalates The winding, ivy-like golden pothos (“Devil’s Ivy”) is another poisonous plant for dogs that contains insoluble calcium oxalates – glass-like crystals that can cause severe irritation when eaten. One of the key symptoms is oral itching and irritation, which can sometimes lead to intense burning and pain in and around your pet’s mouth. It can also lead to excessive drooling, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing. <h3>Milk Weed</h3> Toxic components: cardiotoxins, neurotoxins Though it’s a wonderful beacon for some of our favourite insects – including monarch butterflies and tussock moths – milkweed is one of those plants toxic to dogs. Some species contain cardiotoxins that affect a pet’s heart, while others contain neurotoxins that can affect organ function and mental state. As such, this plant should always be kept outdoors and/or out of reach from your dog. When consumed, it can cause severe reactions, including depression, weakness and diarrhoea, followed by more intense reactions such as seizures, breathing difficulty, organ failure and death. <h3>Sago Palm (cycas revoluta)</h3> Toxic component: cycasin The sago palm is leafy, beautiful and very easy to grow, which makes it a popular choice as an indoor plant. However, this plant’s toxic to dogs, so you should definitely keep it out of your house. “If consumed by your dog, the sago palm causes severe vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, as well as stumbling, tremors, seizures and temperature-regulation issues,” warns veterinarian Christie Long. “Ultimately, it causes liver failure, and death can occur with ingestion of an amount as small as a single seed.” <div class="slide-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #444444; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"> </div> <h3>Azaleas (rhododendron)</h3> Toxic component: grayantoxin Azaleas are colourful and interesting to look at, so it’s easy to see why your dog might be attracted to them. Unfortunately, all parts of the azalea plant are poisonous to dogs, including the flower, leaves, seeds and even honey that’s made from the nectar. “When azaleas are consumed by your dog, it can result in hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle weakness, vision problems, slow heart rate (bradycardia), heart arrhythmia and/or low blood pressure (hypotension), cardiovascular collapse, and possible death,” warns vet Shelly Zacharias. <div class="slide-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #444444; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"> </div> <h3>Tulips (tulipa)</h3> Toxic components: tulipalin A and B Tulips are one of the most popular plants come springtime, but they can cause big problems for curious canines. The flower and stem parts of the plant are toxic, but the bulbs are especially dangerous when consumed. Clinical signs of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea, hypersalivation, and even depression. <div class="slide-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #444444; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"> </div> <h3>Garlic and onion (allium species)</h3> Toxic component: n-propyl disulfide Though it’s easy to assume that all vegetables and herbs found in the garden are perfectly OK for your pup, that’s not always true. The allium species – which includes garlic and onions – are poisonous plants for dogs. “Any plant in the allium family, if ingested in large enough quantities, can cause a severe reaction in the bloodstream called hemolysis, in which red blood cells are destroyed in large numbers,” says Dr. Long. “The results are severe weakness, rapid breathing, and red-coloured urine.” She adds that forced vomiting by a veterinarian is key here, and many dogs will require blood transfusions to replace the blood cells that are damaged in order to survive. <div class="slide-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #444444; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"> </div> <h3>Dumb cane (diffenbachia)</h3> Toxic components: insoluble calcium oxalates, proteolytic enzyme This stout, leafy tropical indoor low light houseplant may be pretty, but it should be kept out of reach of canines. “This plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are similar to microscopic pieces of glass resembling needles,” explains Dr Zacharias. “Chewing or ingesting it causes toxicity. Common symptoms are vomiting, swelling of the mouth and/or throat, severe oral pain, pawing at mouth or eyes, severe skin irritation, agitation, coughing, gagging and hypersalivation.” Simply coming into contact with the plant can cause symptoms, as well. If your dog’s eyes and skin are exposed, flush immediately or give them a bath. <div class="slide-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #444444; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"> </div> <h3>Elephant’s ear (alocasia)</h3> Toxic component: insoluble calcium oxalates Alocasia – also known as elephant’s ear – is a striking dark green plant commonly found indoors. Like dumb cane, it contains glass-like insoluble oxalate crystals that can cause severe irritation both internally and externally, notes the Pet Poison Hotline. If consumed, an immediate visit to your vet is recommended to monitor and treat symptoms. If your dog’s skin or eyes has become irritated by the plant, a bath and/or flushing the skin and eyes with water is recommended. <div class="slide-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #444444; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"> </div> <h3>Citrus plants and peels (rutaceae family)</h3> Toxic components: essential oils and psoralens “Many [citrus] plants that produce edible fruit – including grapefruit, oranges and lemons – are toxic if the actual plant portion is ingested. For example, the skin of the fruit, the leaves, or stems can often be dangerous,” says Dr Zacharias. Whether you grow these plants in your yard or bring them into your home from the grocery store, keep your dog away from them. Reactions may not be as severe as with other plants toxic to dogs, but if you suspect consumption, call your vet for guidance. They may request that you bring your dog in, especially if severe symptoms occur. <div class="slide-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #444444; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"> </div> <h3>Oleander (nerium oleander)</h3> Toxic component: cardiac glycosides Oleander, known for its white or pink flowers and height that provides privacy between yards, is another poisonous plant for dogs. “Oleander ingestion causes extreme salivation, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy. In severe cases, it causes liver failure and death, and it can ultimately interfere with the heart’s ability to beat properly,” explains Dr Long. “Once it is known that the dog ingested these poisonous leaves, rapid transfer to a veterinary hospital where vomiting can be induced is key. Supportive therapy with drugs designed to control gastrointestinal signs, as well as reverse liver and heart issues, is key to survival.” <div class="slide-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #444444; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"> </div> <h3>Snake plants (sansevieria trifasciata)</h3> Toxic component: saponins Because of its striking appearance and the fact that it’s a houseplant that’s very hard to kill, snake plants are found in houses all across the world. Unfortunately, they are also poisonous plants for dogs and can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea if consumed. It’s important to contact your veterinarian right away if you think your dog has ingested any portion of a snake plant. Depending on the severity, you may need to simply monitor and treat your dog’s symptoms, or you may need to take your dog in for more aggressive treatment. <div class="slide-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #444444; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"> </div> <h3>Morning glory (ipomoea)</h3> Toxic component: indole alkaloids This beautiful vine plant that flowers in the morning may be irresistible to humans – and also to dogs – who might be tempted to chomp on them when they open. “The seeds are most toxic, and canine consumption can cause vomiting, nausea, pupil dilation (mydriasis), hallucinations, incoordination, diarrhoea, anaemia, confusion and liver failure,” notes Dr Zacharias. Go to your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary centre right away if you suspect consumption. Treatment consists of activated charcoal, IV-fluid administration, and ongoing symptomatic support. <div class="slide-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #444444; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"> </div> <h3>Lily of the valley (convallaria majalis)</h3> Toxic component: cardenolides Lily of the valley is a beloved indoor and outdoor flower, but pet parents should not introduce it to their home or garden since this plant’s toxic to dogs. Known for its delicate white flowers, it is a highly poisonous plant for dogs and can result in vomiting, irregular heartbeat, reduced blood pressure, confusion and disorientation. In severe cases, it can even cause seizures or lead to a coma. Consult your veterinarian immediately for further instruction if you suspect your dog has consumed this plant. <div class="slide-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; font-family: Raleway, sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #444444; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"> </div> <h3>Yew (taxus)</h3> Toxic component: taxine Yew is an evergreen shrub typically found outdoors. “If ingested, it can cause sudden death, trembling, muscle weakness, trouble breathing, collapse and heart arrhythmia,” says D. Zacharias. “If you suspect your canine has eaten any part of this plant, immediately go to your veterinarian or emergency veterinary centre. Treatment will consist of gastrointestinal decontamination – activated charcoal or possibly gastric lavage or an enema – as well as IV-fluid therapy and supportive therapy for any respiratory or cardiovascular function.” Image: Getty

Home Hints & Tips

Drugs – 4 essential reads on how they’re made, how they work and how context can make poison a medicine

Pandemics and disease outbreaks put a spotlight on the hurdles researchers face to get a drug on the shelves. From finding prospective drug candidates to balancing time and financial pressures with ensuring safety and efficacy, there are many aspects of drug development that determine whether a treatment ever makes it out of the lab. Broadening the definition of “medicine” and where it can be found, however, could help expand the therapeutic options available for both researchers and patients. Here are four facets of how drugs are developed and how they work in the body, drawn from stories in The Conversation’s archive. <h2>1. Matching drug to target</h2> The most effective drugs are, in a sense, the product of good matchmaking – they bind to a specific disease-causing receptor in the body, elicit a desired effect and ideally ignore healthy parts of the body. Drugs <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-do-drugs-know-where-to-go-in-the-body-a-pharmaceutical-scientist-explains-why-some-medications-are-swallowed-while-others-are-injected-182488" target="_blank" rel="noopener">travel through the bloodstream</a> to reach their targets. Because of this, most drugs circulate throughout the body and can bind to unintended sites, potentially causing undesired side effects. Researchers can increase the precision and effectiveness of a drug by designing different ways to take it. An inhaler, for example, delivers a drug directly to the lungs without its having to travel through the rest of the body to get there. Whether patients take drugs as prescribed is also essential to ensuring the right dose gets to where it needs to be often enough to have a desired effect. “Even with all the science that goes into understanding a disease well enough to develop an effective drug, it is often up to the patient to make it all work as designed,” writes pharmaceutical scientist <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Thomas-Anchordoquy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tom Anchordoquy</a> of the University of Colorado Anschutz. <h2>2. Searching for drug candidates</h2> Researchers have discovered a number of drugs by chance, including <a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/the-real-story-behind-the-worlds-first-antibiotic" target="_blank" rel="noopener">penicillin</a> for bacterial infections, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200928-how-the-first-vaccine-was-born" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vaccines for smallpox</a> and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/nrcardio.2017.172" target="_blank" rel="noopener">warfarin</a> for blood clots. While serendipity still plays a role in modern drug discovery, most drug developers take a systematic approach. Scientists typically start by identifying a particular molecular target, usually receptors that trigger a specific response in the body. Then, they look for chemical compounds that react with that target. Technology called <a href="https://theconversation.com/discovering-new-drugs-is-a-long-and-expensive-process-chemical-compounds-that-dupe-screening-tools-make-it-even-harder-175972" target="_blank" rel="noopener">high-throughput screening</a> allows researchers to quickly test thousands of potential drug candidates at once. Compounds that match screening criteria advance to further development and refinement. Once optimized for their intended use, compounds go on to safety and efficacy testing in animals and people. One way to ease the search for optimal drug candidates is to work with compounds that are already optimized to work in living beings. <a href="https://theconversation.com/nature-is-the-worlds-original-pharmacy-returning-to-medicines-roots-could-help-fill-drug-discovery-gaps-176963" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Natural products</a>, derived from organisms like microbes, fungi, plants and animals, share similar structures and functions across species. Though not without their own development challenges, they could aid the search for related compounds that work in people. “There are thousands of microorganisms in the ocean left to explore as potential sources of drug candidates, not to mention all the ones on land,” writes medical chemist <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=8_T1ueYAAAAJ&hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ashu Tripathi</a> of the University of Michigan. “In the search for new drugs to combat antibiotic resistance, natural products may still be the way to go.” <h2>3. A drug by any other name may be just as effective</h2> Existing drugs can find a second (or third, fourth and fifth) life through repurposing. Most drugs <a href="https://theconversation.com/many-medications-affect-more-than-one-target-in-the-body-some-drug-designers-are-embracing-the-side-effects-that-had-been-seen-as-a-drawback-184922" target="_blank" rel="noopener">have many functions</a> beyond what researchers originally designed them to do. While this multifunctionality is often the cause of unwanted side effects, sometimes these results are exactly what’s needed to treat a completely unrelated condition. Sildenafil, for example, failed to treat severe chest pain from coronary artery disease, but proved to be potent at inducing erections as Viagra. Similarly, thalidomide, a compound that caused birth defects in thousands of infants around the world as a morning sickness drug, found redemption as a cancer treatment. Because drugs inherently have more than one function in the body, <a href="https://theconversation.com/repurposing-generic-drugs-can-reduce-time-and-cost-to-develop-new-treatments-but-low-profitability-remains-a-barrier-174874" target="_blank" rel="noopener">repurposing existing drugs</a> can help fill a gap where pharmaceutical companies and other developers cannot or will not. <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=iDKZaA4AAAAJ&hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gregory Way</a>, a researcher at the University of Colorado Anschutz, uses artificial intelligence to predict the various effects a drug can have and believes that this lack of specificity is something to explore rather than eliminate. Instead of trying to home in on one specific target, he suggests that scientists “embrace the complexity of biology and try to leverage the multifaceted effects drugs can offer.” <h2>4. Poison as medicine</h2> If so many drugs can have toxic effects in the body, be it through side effects or taking the wrong dose or for the wrong condition, what determines whether a drug is a “medicine” or a “poison”? Biomedical scientists evaluate drugs based on their active ingredient, or a specific compound that has a specific effect in the body. But reducing medicines to just a single molecule ignores another important factor that determines whether a drug is therapeutic – the context in which it is used. Opioids treat intractable pain but can lead to debilitating and lethal addiction when improperly administered. Chemotherapy kills tumors but causes collateral damage to healthy tissues in the process. Another pharmaceutical paradigm, <a href="https://theconversation.com/poison-or-cure-traditional-chinese-medicine-shows-that-context-can-make-all-the-difference-163337" target="_blank" rel="noopener">traditional Chinese medicine</a>, has historically acknowledged the malleability of drugs through the use of poisons as therapeutics. <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=4q0hYSwAAAAJ&hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yan Liu</a>, a medical historian at University of Buffalo who studies this practice, notes that ancient texts did not distinguish between poisons and nonpoisons – rather, Chinese doctors examined drugs based on a continuum of potency, or ability to harm and heal. They used different processing and administration techniques to adjust the potency of poisons. They also took a personalized approach to treatment, aware that each drug works differently based on a number of different individual factors. “The paradox of healing with poisons in traditional Chinese medicine reveals a key message: There is no essential, absolute or unchanging core that characterizes a medicine,” Liu writes. “Instead, the effect of any given drug is always relational – it is contingent on how the drug is used, how it interacts with a particular body and its intended effects.” This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/drugs-4-essential-reads-on-how-theyre-made-how-they-work-and-how-context-can-make-poison-a-medicine-192590" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a> and is a roundup of of articles from The Conversation’s archives. Image: Shutterstock

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Calls for major shops to ditch "toxic" product