The risks of a new Cold War between the US and China are real: here's why
The US and China find it extremely difficult to see the world from the other’s perspective.AAP/EPA/Roman PilipeyDonald Trump is making good on his trade war rhetoric with China, announcing tarif...
Study of 1.6 million grades shows little gender difference in maths and science at school
Boys and girls perform about the same in STEM at school so why the gender gap later in life?Shutterstock/LightField Studios There is a stubborn stereotype that maths and science are masculine.But our ...
New colour change wristbands help you balance too much sun vs not enough – no matter your skin tone
Different skin tones need different amounts of UV light to activate vitamin D in the skin. from www.shutterstock.com The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiations have both harmful and beneficial effect...
What causes schizophrenia? What we know, don't know and suspect
The causes of schizophrenia are largely unknown.Nicola Fioravanti/UnsplashSchizophrenia is one of the world’s top ten causes of disability. It develops between the ages of 16 and 30 and often pe...
Why trackless trams are ready to replace light rail
CRRC Zhuzhou Institute developed the rubber-tyred autonomous rail transit (ART) system, or trackless tram, which has already been trialled in Zhuzhou, ChinaWikimedia, CC BY-SAI began my life as an act...
Mandela My Life is a welcome tribute to a hero, but avoids difficult questions
Detail from Father of the Innocents, from the series, Mandela A Life's Journey, by John MeyerMelbourne MuseumReview: Mandela My Life, Melbourne Museum.What is the role of commemorative exhibitions tha...
How did the fish cross the road? Our invention helps them get to the other side of a culvert
When a stream enters a culvert, the flow can be concentrated so much that water flows incredibly fast. So fast, in fact, that small and juvenile fish are unable to swim against the flow and are preve...
Battle won. Our budget woes are behind us
The government’s final budget outcome for 2017-18 is a deficit of A$10.1 billion. That’s an extraordinary A$8.1 lower than the May estimate just months ago, and more than A$19 billion lowe...
Antarctica's 'moss forests' are drying and dying
Lush moss beds in East Antarctica's Windmill Islands.Sharon Robinson, Author providedThe lush moss beds that grow near East Antarctica’s coast are among the only plants that can withstand life o...
Poll wrap: Labor drops in Newspoll but still has large lead; NSW ReachTEL poll tied 50-50
Prime Minister Scott Morrison appears to be enjoying a honeymoon period, with the Coalition up two points on two-party preferred in the latest Newspoll.AAP/Mick TsikasThis week’s Newspoll, condu...
Budget deficit comes in at $10.1 billion, in boost for early return to surplus
Estimates out, but happy. Mathias Cormann and Josh Frydenberg announce the smallest deficit in a decade.Mick Tsikas/AAPThe budget outcome for 2017-18 shows a deficit of A$10.1 billion – dramatic…
Economic growth and 'Trump-proofing' – why the latest inter-Korea summit matters
The detente between North and South Korea continues, with South Korean President Moon Jae-in (right) pushing on regardless of the United States.AAP/EPA/Pyongyang Press Corps / PoolLast week’s fi…
Everything he does, he does it for us. Why Bryan Adams is on to something important about copyright
Last Tuesday Bryan Adams entered the copyright debate. That’s Bryan Adams the singer and songwriter, the composer of “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You”, and “Summer of ’…
Aged care failures show how little we value older people – and those who care for them
Our society should ensure older people remain employed and engaged in their communities, rather than pushed to the margins.Lukas Coch/AAPAs the royal commission begins investigating the failures of th…
An open letter on rental housing reform
The right of landlords to terminate a lease with no grounds is the most serious deficiency in residential tenancy laws in New South Wales.ShutterstockFollowing a review of the New South Wales Resident…
Despite her good intentions, Michelle Guthrie was never the right fit for the ABC
Rolling cuts, plummeting morale and a hostile government - Michelle Guthrie had much to contend with as managing director.Wes Mountain/The Conversation, CC BY-NDMichelle Guthrie has been badly treated…
The NT is putting a minimum floor price on alcohol, because evidence shows this works to reduce harm
The NT government introduced trial restrictions on the availability of alcohol in Alice Springs in 2002.CameliaTWU/Flickr, CC BYFrom October 1, 2018, one standard drink in the Northern Territory will …
When falling home ownership and ageing baby boomers collide
As the dream of home ownership eludes more and more older Australians, this has big implications for retirement, pensions and government spending on rental assistance.Billion Photos/ShutterstockUntil …
Automated vehicles may encourage a new breed of distracted drivers
Driving conditions that don’t require frequent use of vehicle controls, but do require constant vigilance for hazards, can reduce driver alertnessShutterstockFew people pay close attention to th…
Art and science come together to examine the power and perversions of perfection
Patricia Piccinini, Graham, 2016 Installation view, Nicole ClearyReview: Perfection, Science Gallery Melbourne.It would be easy to assume that art and science occupy separate worlds. Art invites us to…
Privatising WestConnex is the biggest waste of public funds for corporate gain in Australian history
Gladys Berejiklian's government will pay for much of WestConnex construction, give away other toll roads, guarantee annual toll increases and force motorists to use the toll road.AAP Image/Joel Carret…
Media Files: ABC boss Michelle Guthrie sacked, but the board won’t say why
The major question following the sacking of ABC managing director Michelle Guthrie is why? Why did the ABC board move so decisively and why now? Was it just about tension between her and the corporati…
Why the increased penalties for strawberry sabotage will do little to prevent the crime
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Attorney-General Christian Porter announced that sabotaging food will now attract a penalty of up to 15 years' imprisonment.AAP/Lukas CochThe fruit contamination cris…
It's better light, not worse behaviour, that explains crimes on a full moon
When people know it's a full moon, they tend to use it to explain all sorts of human behaviour. Todd Diemer/Unsplash, CC BYIt’s a full Moon on September 25. If past months have been anything to …
How to (gently) get your child to brush their teeth
The key is starting early. From the first tooth. from www.shutterstock.comFor most parents, the phrase “I don’t want to brush my teeth” is rather familiar. While it may seem easiest …
Michelle Guthrie's stint at ABC helm had a key weakness: she failed to back the journalists
A journalist prepares for a live cross after it was announced that ABC Managing Director Michelle Guthrie had been sacked by the board.AAP/Peter RaeMichelle Guthrie’s departure as managing direc…
Australia has the wealth to ensure a sustainable future, but too many people are being left behind
Many Australians are feeling less secure about the future, despite rising income levels since 2000. Dan Peled/AAPThe purpose of our social, economic and political systems is to enable all Australians …
1980s Berlin comes to life in Welcome the Bright World's quest for 'truth'
In Steven Sewell's play, two physicists search for 'truth'. Kate PardeyReview: Welcome the Bright World, Adelaide.Performance group House of Sand, in collaboration with the State Theatre Company of So…