Workforce & access: The University of Newcastle says the federal expansion of Commonwealth Prac Payment to 10 more frontline allied health professions will ease cost pressures for 2,380+ students doing mandatory placements, supporting regional health workforce supply. Stroke prevention tech: Australian researchers have developed an “artery-on-a-chip” physical twin to better predict individual ischemic stroke risk by recreating patient-specific carotid blood flow and vessel structure. Vitamin D rethink: A deep dive argues many people no longer need routine vitamin D testing or supplements, reflecting updated guidance that targets testing more narrowly. Mental health at work: New research highlights how early support for mental health can save the Australian economy $219m a year, while another study finds many burnout sufferers never fully recover. Post-pandemic fatigue: A UK-Australia longitudinal study links pandemic-era sleep disruption and mental health strain to ongoing fatigue in people with post-COVID syndrome. Cardiac imaging: AI-based coronary inflammation scans may flag heart risk that standard CT assessments can miss. Digital safety: Meta says it will alert parents if a supervised teen’s chatbot chats suggest suicide or self-harm, rolling out in Australia. Affordability pressure: New data reports Australians are skipping medical appointments because of cost, with some forced into emergency care. Brain health & sport: Former Socceroos captain Paul Wade reveals a probable CTE diagnosis, renewing calls to reduce head impacts in youth football.