The Conversation
These articles have been published on The Conversation by experts from The University of Newcastle.
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‘Outdated and irrelevant’: what do young Australians think of their schooling?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.
The Conversation • 7 May 2025
Australia doesn’t have a federal Human Rights Act – but the election clears the way for overdue reform
On election night, the prime minister talked about ‘fairness’ and ‘Australian values’. To legally protect those values, we need a national human rights act.
The Conversation • 6 May 2025
Fatigué de manger toujours la même chose ? Voici cinq pistes pour diversifier vos repas
Apportez de la variété à votre alimentation et améliorez vos apports en nutriments en suivant ces quelques conseils simples à mettre en œuvre.
The Conversation • 2 May 2025
Explainer: what mental health support do refugees and asylum seekers get in Australia?
Addressing key barriers to refugees accessing mental health services is in everyone’s best interest.
The Conversation • 30 Apr 2025
Sick of eating the same things? 5 ways to boost your nutrition and keep meals interesting and healthy
Small dietary changes can make a big difference to how you feel, how your body functions and health indicators such as blood pressure.
The Conversation • 29 Apr 2025
The Christian Right is taking over America, according to Talia Lavin – but what is the best response?
Wild Faith is a one-sided response to the rise of Christianity’s far-right fringe. Too often, it seems more like an apoplectic rant than a serious exposé.
The Conversation • 21 Apr 2025
Pope Francis tried to change the Catholic Church for women, with mixed success
Pope Francis is being remembered as a pastoral leader – and in some ways, his treatment of women in the Catholic Church was unprecedented. But he could have done more.
The Conversation • 11 Apr 2025
Better cleaning of hospital equipment could cut patient infections by one-third – and save money
A new study has found improving cleaning practices in hospital could make a big difference. Here’s what the researchers did.
The Conversation • 27 Mar 2025
Tiny robot tools powered by magnets could one day do brain surgery without cutting open the skull
Robotic tools are too big for ‘keyhole’ brain surgery – but a new miniature technology using magnets could change all that.
The Conversation • 26 Mar 2025
Going to the dentist is expensive. Here are 3 things you can do to protect your oral health – and 3 things to avoid
Most dental diseases are preventable – if you look after your teeth and mouth.
The Conversation • 24 Mar 2025
Adelaide Hills water crisis: a local problem is a global wake-up call
Water is being trucked into the Adelaide Hills and surrounds to fill empty rainwater tanks and dams. Is there a better way to cope with future water shortages?
The Conversation • 21 Mar 2025
Vengeful ghost cat, divorce lizard, phantom horse: the animals that haunted Ancient Rome and Greece
The handful animal ghosts in the ancient world are often depicted not as friendly visitors but as mere tools for humans – and are often used to do evil.
The Conversation • 19 Mar 2025
Laws governing space are 50 years old. New ones are needed to prevent it becoming a ‘wild west’
Private companies are now major players in space. How can they be held accountable if they damage the property of others or trash the Moon?
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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.