The Conversation
These articles have been published on The Conversation by experts from The University of Newcastle.
The Conversation • 15 Apr 2024
Digital ‘death knocks’: is it fair game for journalists to mine social media profiles of victims and their families?
Families of some victims of the Bondi tragedy have asked for privacy, but do journalists have an obligation to pause, or halt, their newsgathering?
The Conversation • 15 Apr 2024
Our research has found a way to help the teacher shortage and boost student learning
We believe no other intervention has been so thoroughly tested in Australian schools or amassed such a comprehensive body of evidence.
The Conversation • 12 Apr 2024
It’s common to ‘stream’ maths classes. But grouping students by ability can lead to ‘massive disadvantage’
Research on streaming maths classes shows we need to think much more carefully about this very common practice.
The Conversation • 11 Apr 2024
No, taking drugs like Ozempic isn’t ‘cheating’ at weight loss or the ‘easy way out’
We don’t tell people taking statins to treat high cholesterol or drugs to manage high blood pressure they’re cheating or taking the easy way out. Nor should we when people take drugs like Ozempic.
The Conversation • 3 Apr 2024
Who invented the flat white? Italian sugar farmers from regional Queensland likely played a big role
Today, the flat white is enjoyed by people the world over. But there’s good reason to think there’s a very local history behind this special brew.
The Conversation • 14 Mar 2024
The ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ is exposing older Australians to the risk of financial abuse
Helping adult children buy homes is risky, especially because what begins as a loan can turn into an unintended gift.
The Conversation • 1 Mar 2024
The policing of LGBTQ+ people casts a long, dark shadow. Marching at Mardi Gras must be backed up with real change
It’s easy to assume the latest opposition to NSW police taking part in the annual festival is a response to recent events. Really, it’s the result of a long, painful history.
The Conversation • 25 Feb 2024
Universities Accord: the final report mentions ‘equity’ 200 times, but can it boost access for underrepresented groups?
Equity has been front and centre of the Universities Accord. But it means more than just increasing ‘bums on seats’ in higher education.
The Conversation • 7 Feb 2024
How international recognition of cultural practices could be a new way to protect refugees
Camps are dynamic, culturally significant spaces. We propose the significance of these cultural practices may provide an alternative pathway to protection.
The Conversation • 30 Jan 2024
There is overwhelming gender bias in the NDIS – and the review doesn’t address it
Women are under-represented as NDIS participants and over-represented as carers. But the NDIS review ignored them.
The Conversation • 26 Jan 2024
The botanical imperialism of weeds and crops: how alien plant species on the First Fleet changed Australia
It wasn’t just colonists and convicts who invaded Australia in 1788 – invasive plant species arrived too.
The Conversation • 10 Jan 2024
As Australian supermarkets are blamed over food costs, French grocer Carrefour targets Pepsi for ‘unacceptable’ price rises
Pressure for greater transparency by food producers and retailers about costs is increasing as rising grocery prices hit the hip pocket.
The Conversation • 1 Jan 2024
Detesta salada ou vegetais? Apenas continue comendo. Descubra como nossas papilas gustativas adaptam-se ao que comemos
Você não é o único que acha saladas e legumes amargos. A boa notícia é que nossas papilas gustativas se adaptam com o tempo.
The Conversation • 29 Dec 2023
Hate salad or veggies? Just keep eating them. Here’s how our tastebuds adapt to what we eat
You’re not alone if you find salads and vegetables bitter to taste. The good news is our taste buds adapt after time.
The Conversation • 25 Dec 2023
As Aussie as vanilla slice: how the delicate European dessert became the snot block of Aussie bakeries
Imported from Europe, the vanilla slice has been fully assimilated into Australian food culture, an identifiable icon. You know you really belong when you finally get a nickname.
The Conversation • 22 Dec 2023
It’s not just housing: the ‘bank of mum and dad’ is increasingly helping fund the lives of young Australians
It’s now common knowledge loans and gifts from family are a large part of breaking into the housing market. But how is parental financial support being used in other areas?
The Conversation • 18 Dec 2023
University isn’t right for everyone. Pushing young people to go can have devastating effects
We uncovered some significant and often devastating insights into how young Australians – particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds – have experienced the ‘push’ towards university.
The Conversation • 6 Dec 2023
Curious Kids: why do some farts smell and some don’t? And why do some farts feel hot?
Kian, age 6, has some interesting questions about farts that we’re probably all wondering about.
The Conversation • 29 Nov 2023
Do you really need antibiotics? Curbing our use helps fight drug-resistant bacteria
Australia is one of the highest users of antibiotics in the developed world. So when do we actually need antibiotics to treat an infection? And when should we avoid them?
The Conversation • 24 Nov 2023
A survey found 1 in 6 men admit sexual feelings for children. So is paedophilia increasing?
A new study contradicts the notion that people who are sexually attracted to children and are willing to act on it are social outcasts and statistical outliers.
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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.