The Conversation
These articles have been published on The Conversation by experts from The University of Newcastle.
The Conversation • 29 Jul 2021
History made the world we live in: here's what you'll learn if you choose it in years 11 and 12
History isn’t just learning facts. Students learn about the past by researching information and synthesising it to form an evidence-based argument. This skill is useful for a range of careers.
The Conversation • 28 Jul 2021
From colonial cavalry to mounted police: a short history of the Australian police horse
Along with firearms and disease, the horse was a key element in occupying Aboriginal land during the colonial period and controlling the largely convict workforce on the frontier.
The Conversation • 21 Jul 2021
7 tips for making masks work in the classroom
Effective education depends on good communication and relationships, but face masks hinder visual and verbal cues and can be unsettling. So how can teachers and students overcome these issues?
The Conversation • 19 Jul 2021
What should you eat after you've been on antibiotics? And can probiotics and prebiotics get your gut back to normal?
Antibiotics can destroy the good bacteria in your gut. But some foods can help get it back to normal.
The Conversation • 16 Jul 2021
Can 'viral shedding' after the COVID vaccine infect others? That's a big 'no'
COVID vaccines don't contain any live virus to shed. Here's the science to put the myth of viral shedding after the COVID vaccine to bed.
The Conversation • 11 Jul 2021
Swap shapes for rice crackers, chips for popcorn… parents can improve their kids’ diet with these healthier lunchbox options
We developed a healthy lunchbox program. Here, we provide parents with ideas for swapping unhealthy foods kids might like to healthier ones comparable on cost, taste, texture and preparation time.
The Conversation • 9 Jul 2021
Should I have my AstraZeneca booster shot at 8 weeks rather than 12? Here's the evidence so you can decide
Weeks do matter when it comes to the Delta strain. With Australia still heavily reliant on the AstraZeneca vaccine, for now it makes sense to reduce the time between the first and second jab.
The Conversation • 8 Jul 2021
'Judge, jury and executioner': why holding militaries to account for alleged war crimes is so hard – podcast
Plus, why sarcasm is so difficult for children to understand – and how to help them. Listen to episode 23 of The Conversation Weekly podcast.
The Conversation • 7 Jul 2021
Why do kids hate going to sleep, while adults usually love it?
Kids may not be able to communicate when they're sleepy, or perhaps can't even identify this. Then there's always the fear of missing out on things going on in the waking world.
The Conversation • 1 Jul 2021
Australians are embracing 'mindful drinking' — and the alcohol industry is also getting sober curious
Today's non-alcoholic drinks are perfectly at home in the wine bar or on the cocktail shelf.
The Conversation • 25 Jun 2021
Friday essay: rethinking the myth of Daphne, a woman who chooses eternal silence over sexual assault
This ancient myth, in which a nymph transforms herself into a tree to escape the lustful attention of the god Apollo, has inspired countless retellings in art. Its themes resonate today.
The Conversation • 23 Jun 2021
Amid a labour shortage, here's how businesses could hire more refugees — and gain a strategic advantage
Our research outlines some concrete steps businesses can take to boost employment of refugees. And there are strategic benefits business can reap along the way.
The Conversation • 21 Jun 2021
Aussie kids are some of the least active in the world. We developed a cheap school program that gets results
Governments spend millions to try to get kids moving but these interventions may be short-lived, or only benefit a group of kids. Our program is cost-effective and can work long term.
The Conversation • 18 Jun 2021
What if I can't get in for my second Pfizer dose and the gap is longer than 3 weeks?
It's OK to wait longer than three weeks between Pfizer doses, and this may even provide stronger protection. But this must be weighed against the risk of contracting COVID in the meantime.
The Conversation • 11 Jun 2021
Do vegan diets make kids shorter and weaker?
The researchers found a link between shorter heights and lower bone mineral content among vegan kids, compared to meat-eaters. But they didn’t show diets caused the difference – or that it lasted.
The Conversation • 10 Jun 2021
Melbourne lockdown: why can't gyms open yet but hospitality venues can?
Picture yourself at the gym. It might be confined, people are huffing and puffing, everyone is moving around. And that's before you hit the showers and change room.
The Conversation • 10 Jun 2021
4 reasons schools should let students wear sports uniforms every day
Nine in ten parents agree school uniforms should support their kids to be active. That's only one reason schools should let kids wear sports uniforms. They're also cheaper and kids prefer them.
The Conversation • 4 Jun 2021
This is how we should build and staff Victoria's new quarantine facility, say two infection control experts
We have the chance to build a world class, dedicated quarantine facility. Here's how we could do it.
The Conversation • 2 Jun 2021
'Green steel' is hailed as the next big thing in Australian industry. Here's what the hype is all about
Australia's abundant wind and solar resources mean we're well placed to produce the hydrogen a green steel industry needs. But there are technical and economic challenges ahead.
The Conversation • 1 Jun 2021
Could a simple pill beat COVID-19? Pfizer is giving it a go
This treatment would work by targeting the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself and stopping it in its tracks. The evidence we have so far is promising, but it's still very early days.
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.