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Robyn Riley is the medical editor for the Herald Sun. She is an award-winning journalist and an author who has been covering the medical and health round for more than three decades, with a particular interest in research. Join the Herald Sun’s Health & Medical Facebook group to be the first to hear about the medical breakthroughs you need to know about at www.facebook.com/groups/heraldsunhealth

@rileyrobyn08

Robyn Riley

Latest

Dementia

The game changers coming in 2025 to treat Alzheimer’s

This is the year to be optimistic about dementia, with eight game changers that are starting to translate into the real world.

Victoria

For the first time in cancer research in Australia GP and hospital clinical data has been linked, bringing unique opportunities and insights into key aspects of cancer care.

This cancer was being missed at the doctors – now that will change

Some people were having multiple visits to GPs before this rare tumour was picked up. But that will now change due to this one thing, which will have a huge impact on healthcare.

ExclusiveDementia

Eye Exam. Ophthalmologist examining boy's eyes with slit lamp Picture: Istock

How a change in your eye can detect dementia and diabetes

They may be the windows to the soul but it’s now been found eyes can provide crucial insight into the brain, which can potentially help detect diseases like dementia, multiple sclerosis and diabetes.

Fertility

The tiny device has an “exquisite” ability to select and direct the best sperm to achieve a pregnancy. Image: NeoGenix

Why this tiny device could change IVF

A tiny device, that can fit in the palm of the hand, may hold the key to IVF treatment for male infertility.

Conditions

Elderly and sick miss out on this vaccine due to extreme cost

Elderly people are being urged to get this one-off vaccine to protect against a deadly virus. But many can’t even afford it.

Conditions

wheezing and coughing thumbnail for Robyn story

How new asthma treatment may get rid of wheezing and coughing

A new technology that helps treat asthmatics is hoped to be a step towards the “holy grail” of respiratory medicine and available next year.

ExclusiveConditions

Husband and wife Karen and Chris Jones-Pidgely were part of a kidney donor program. Pictured with kids Thomas 4 and Alexander 2. Picture by Wayne Taylor 22nd January 2025

‘I donated my kidney to a stranger to save my husband’s life’

When her husband needed a new kidney, Karen Jones-Pidgley donated hers to a stranger so she could save his life.

exclusivePregnancy

gestational diabetes thumbnail for story

Why this pregnancy condition has increased 70 per cent

More pregnant women are being diagnosed with this serious condition which can lead to complications and bigger babies.

ExclusiveVictoria

Newborns having heel prick test for story about new heel pick blood test being offered to Victorian newborn. Mum Quyen Khajavee kisses new born daughter Sahar Khajavee after a heel prick test at the Joan Kirner Womens and Childrens Hospital. Picture: David Caird

Heel prick test to start screening babies for new condition

The test which screens babies for genetic conditions by pricking their heel to get a tiny sample of blood will now be able to check for a new condition.

ExclusiveVictoria

Oncologist Professor Sherene Loi from the Peter Mac. Image: Supplied

‘Exciting result’: New drug helping women beat breast cancer

A new treatment for the most common form of breast cancer has boosted cure rates in a major international trial led by the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/robyn-riley