The Conversation
These articles have been published on The Conversation by experts from The University of Newcastle.
The Conversation • 13 Oct 2025
What is gingivitis? How do I know if I have it?
Here are some tell-tale signs of gingivitis, and what to do about this common type of gum disease.
The Conversation • 9 Oct 2025
Buying with a sibling or rentvesting: some unorthodox approaches to buying a first home
While these strategies work for some people, they are not necessarily possible for most aspiring first home owners.
The Conversation • 6 Oct 2025
More and more Australian families are homeschooling. How can we make sure they do it well?
Homeschooling ranges from highly structured ‘school at home’ to ‘unschooling’ where kids learn through living.
The Conversation • 2 Oct 2025
New documentary about the Malka Leifer case centres trauma, persistence and survival
The new Stan documentary Surviving Malka Leifer is challenging to watch but shows us three women claiming their power.
The Conversation • 25 Sep 2025
Tasmania will compensate people for historical LGBTQIA+ convictions. Could others follow suit?
In a nation-leading reform, those convicted of homosexuality and cross-dressing crimes in the island state can receive up to $75,000 in redress.
The Conversation • 12 Sep 2025
‘Liberal’ has become a term of derision in US politics – the historical reasons are complicated
Why are so many Americans unwilling to identify as liberals, white or otherwise, even while supporting traditionally ‘liberal’ government programs?
The Conversation • 3 Sep 2025
Not all processed foods are bad for you. Here’s what you can tell from reading the label
Processed foods vary greatly in their nutritional quality – and the number and type of food additives used to manufacture them.
The Conversation • 2 Sep 2025
¿Por qué ha sido tan mortífero el terremoto de Afganistán?
El tipo de edificios que son comunes en las zonas rurales de Afganistán ayuda a explicar por qué este terremoto fue tan letal.
The Conversation • 2 Sep 2025
Why was the Afghanistan earthquake so deadly? A disaster resilience expert explains
The type of buildings that are common in rural Afghanistan help explain why this earthquake was so deadly.
The Conversation • 1 Sep 2025
From daycare through to uni, we’ve all had this type of teacher
A new book shows how casual educators and teachers play a crucial role in education. But many face underpayment and uncertainty juggling too many contract jobs.
The Conversation • 25 Aug 2025
Buckling rails and lines underwater: how Australia’s ageing train networks are crumbling as the climate changes
Climate-proofing Australia’s 29 rail networks won’t be easy – but here’s how it can be done.
The Conversation • 31 Jul 2025
Kids need to floss too, even their baby teeth. But how do you actually get them to do it?
You may be thinking it’s not worth the time or trouble to floss young kids’ teeth. But here are some tips to get you and your kids started.
The Conversation • 24 Jun 2025
It’s time to face an uncomfortable truth: maybe our pampered pets would be better off without us
The story of Valerie, the dachshund recaptured after almost 18 months living on Kangaroo Island raises serious questions about what life is best for our pets.
The Conversation • 18 Jun 2025
Victoria is looking into religious cults - here’s what it should examine
New laws are needed to tackle exploitation and coercive control in religious cults What can other states learn from Victoria’s parliamentary inquiry?
The Conversation • 12 Jun 2025
Why are sunsets so pretty in winter? There’s a simple explanation
At certain times of year, sunsets seem to hit differently. It’s not just your imagination – it’s science.
The Conversation • 2 Jun 2025
Australia’s latest emissions data reveal we still have a giant fossil fuel problem
Without accounting for land use, Australia’s emissions have only decreased 3% since 2005 – not the 27% cut you might have heard.
The Conversation • 22 May 2025
‘Perfect bodies and perfect lives’: how selfie-editing tools are distorting how young people see themselves
Selfie-editing technologies are leading some young people to want to start altering their physical bodies.
The Conversation • 21 May 2025
‘Outdated and irrelevant’: what do young Australians think of their schooling?
A survey of more than 4,000 Year 12 students suggests young people want schools to focus less on uniform rules and more on preparing for life after school.
The Conversation • 9 May 2025
Stepmums, alien mums, robot mums, vengeful mums: 7 films to watch this Mother’s Day
This year, why not celebrate with films that capture the beauty and chaos of motherhood.
The Conversation • 8 May 2025
What is a blood cholesterol ratio? And what should yours be?
Cholesterol tests check the components of fat in your blood and compare them to normal ranges. Your clinician might also use ratios to compare different types.
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.