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Environment 6 min read

The secret lives of Sugarloaf koalas

by Penny Harnett

“Tree stars” in the night sky revealed a hidden koala colony, nestled deep within Sugarloaf’s bushland.

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Tackling the chemicals we can’t see: PFAS

Environment 11 min read

Tackling the chemicals we can’t see: PFAS

by Penny Harnett

PFAS contamination is persistent, but so is the determination of scientists working on solutions to remediate it.
Not all processed foods are bad for you. Here’s what you can tell from reading the label

Health and Wellbeing 5 min read

Not all processed foods are bad for you. Here’s what you can tell from reading the label

by Clare Collins, Laureate Professor in Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Newcastle

If you follow wellness content on social media or in the news, you’ve probably heard that processed food is not just unhealthy, but can cause serious harm.
Kids need to floss too, even their baby teeth. But how do you actually get them to do it?

Health and Wellbeing 5 min read

Kids need to floss too, even their baby teeth. But how do you actually get them to do it?

by Dileep Sharma Professor and Head of Discipline - Oral Health, University of Newcastle

A survey from the Australian Dental Association out this week shows about three in four children never floss their teeth, or have adults do it for them.
It’s time to face an uncomfortable truth: maybe our pampered pets would be better off without us

Arts, Culture and Society 5 min read

It’s time to face an uncomfortable truth: maybe our pampered pets would be better off without us

by Nancy Cushing - Associate Professor in the School of Humanities and Social Science, University of Newcastle

Pet-keeping is often promoted for the benefits it brings humans. A close association with another animal can provide us with a sense of purpose and a daily dose of joy.
Why are sunsets so pretty in winter? There’s a simple explanation

Environment 4 min read

Why are sunsets so pretty in winter? There’s a simple explanation

by Chloe Wilkins - Associate Lecturer and PhD Candidate, Solar Physics, University of Newcastle

If you live in the southern hemisphere and have been stopped in your tracks by a recent sunset, you may have noticed they seem more vibrant lately.
‘Perfect bodies and perfect lives’: how selfie-editing tools are distorting how young people see themselves

Arts, Culture and Society 5 min read

‘Perfect bodies and perfect lives’: how selfie-editing tools are distorting how young people see themselves

by Julia Coffey, Associate Professor in Sociology

Like many of her peers, Abigail (21) takes a lot of selfies, tweaks them with purpose-made apps, and posts them on social media. But, she says, the selfie-editing apps do more than they were designed for.
Pathway to purpose

Education 9 min read

Pathway to purpose

by Carmen Swadling

From limited beginnings to limitless dreams - equity in education is giving Arthur Demetriou the chance to change the face of medicine.
“I thought I was a bad mother”: How telehealth changed a young boy’s life and gave a family hope

Health and Wellbeing 8 min read

“I thought I was a bad mother”: How telehealth changed a young boy’s life and gave a family hope

by Rosemarie Milsom

“I thought I was a bad mother,” says Marlie Matthews, tearfully. “I tried everything, but Marcus was getting more and more behind. He wasn’t speaking much and when he did, I couldn’t understand him. It was very hard on all of us.”
‘Outdated and irrelevant’: what do young Australians think of their schooling?

Education 4 min read

‘Outdated and irrelevant’: what do young Australians think of their schooling?

by Jun Eric Fu, Senior Research Fellow, Youth Research Collective from The University of Melbourne and Julia Cook Senior Lecturer in Sociology from the University of Newcastle

Australia’s school system – and whether it is doing its job – is often under the microscope from politicians, experts and parents.
Australia doesn’t have a federal Human Rights Act – but the election clears the way for overdue reform

Business, Law and Politics 4 min read

Australia doesn’t have a federal Human Rights Act – but the election clears the way for overdue reform

by Amy Maguire Professor in Human Rights and International Law, University of Newcastle

The Albanese government has achieved an historic re-election, substantially building its majority in the House of Representatives. Much has already been written about the potential for a more ambitious legislative program on the back of this result.That agenda should include substantive human rights reform. The government has the opportunity in its second term to enhance the protections we all deserve by legislating a national Human Rights Act.
Pope Francis tried to change the Catholic Church for women, with mixed success

Arts, Culture and Society 5 min read

Pope Francis tried to change the Catholic Church for women, with mixed success

by Tracy McEwan School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences and Kathleen McPhillips Senior Lecturer, School of Humanities and Social Science

Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. On Easter Sunday, he used his message and blessing to appeal for peace in Middle East and Ukraine.
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