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It’s not easy being a street tree, but this heroic eucalypt withstands everything we throw at it

Street trees often grow in appalling soil, have little root space, are rarely watered and get aggressively trimmed. But this tough species rises to...

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The Conversation

Gregory Moore

No one knows why the nine-year -olds are dying. Chris Flynn’s novel invites us to question existence itself

Supernatural thriller or character-driven thought experiment? Chris Flynn’s Orpheus Nine imagines the personal toll of a tipping point for our...

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The Conversation

Joanne Anderton

Ancient Rome used high tariffs to raise money too – and created other economic problems along the way

Unfortunately for the Romans, high tariffs often led to higher prices, black markets and other economic woes.

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The Conversation

Peter Edwell

Labor leads in three recent national polls, four weeks from the election

While the polls remain tight, Labor is ahead after the first week of campaigning.

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The Conversation

Adrian Beaumont

After 91 years, there are still more questions than answers over the death of Aboriginal man Dhäkiyarr

Coronial findings into the disappearance of Dhäkiyarr Wirrpanda were handed recently – 91 years after he was last seen.

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The Conversation

Thalia Anthony

Heroin found in cocaine and ‘ice’, and snorting a line can be lethal

Accidentally taking heroin when you thought it was cocaine or methamphetamine can be deadly, new research confirms. Here’s what to watch out for.

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Darren Roberts

‘Curiosity-driven research’ led to a recent major medical breakthrough. But it’s under threat

Curiosity-driven research is exactly what it sounds like: research driven by the goal of understanding nature without regard for application.

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The Conversation

Sean Coakley

Russia and China both want influence over Central Asia. Could it rupture their friendship?

China is now the top trading partner for four of the five ex-Soviet Central Asian states. Russia, however, is desperate to reassert its dominance...

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The Conversation

Dilnoza Ubaydullaeva

Yes, data can produce better policy – but it’s no substitute for real-world experience

Data-driven policy is often held up as the gold standard. But by reducing people to measurable statistics, it can also what’s needed to drive real-...

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The Conversation

Anna Matheson

If a child has extra needs, support can be hard to find. This new approach can help make it easier and quicker

All children have support needs. But some require more than is typical for their age.

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The Conversation

David Trembath

Hackers have hit major super funds. A cyber expert explains how to stop it happening again

Super funds may be missing a basic safeguard to protect retirement savings.

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The Conversation

Toby Murray

Daylight saving time ends Sunday. Why do we change our clocks? And how does it affect our bodies?

Here’s how your body might respond when you turn your clock back an hour on Saturday night.

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The Conversation

Meltem Weger

No, that’s not what a trade deficit means – and that’s not how you calculate other nations’ tariffs

To calculate its ‘reciprocal tariffs’, the Trump administration has opted for a crude formula with no basis in trade theory. We are all going to...

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The Conversation

Peter Draper

Albanese and Dutton both say they will return the Port of Darwin to Australian hands

The prime minister made the announcement after getting wind of the opposition’s planned announcement.

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Michelle Grattan

5 years on from its first COVID lockdown, NZ faces hard economic choices – but rebuilding trust must come first

5 years on from its first COVID lockdown, NZ faces hard economic choices – but rebuilding trust must come first

Five years after New Zealand’s first COVID-19 lockdown, it is clear there will be no going back to the pre-pandemic “normal”. The pandemic...

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The Conversation

Dennis Wesselbaum

Gender played a significant role in the 2022 election. Will it do the same in 2025?

Gender played a significant role in the 2022 election. Will it do the same in 2025?

Gender was an important factor in the 2022 election: it shaped the ways the major parties packaged their policies and their leaders. Three years...

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The Conversation

Michelle Arrow

Get big or die trying: social media is driving men’s use of steroids. Here’s how to mitigate the risks

Get big or die trying: social media is driving men’s use of steroids. Here’s how to mitigate the risks

Men have cared about their appearance throughout the centuries, and ideals of masculinity and “manliness” are ancient – with strong emphasis put on...

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The Conversation

Timothy Piatkowski

This election, what are Labor and the Coalition offering on the energy transition, climate adaptation and emissions?

This election, what are Labor and the Coalition offering on the energy transition, climate adaptation and emissions?

Australia’s 2022 federal election was seen as the climate election. But this time round, climate policy has so far taken a back seat as the major...

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The Conversation

Johanna Nalau

Flu vaccines are now available for 2025. What’s on offer and which one should I get?

Flu vaccines are now available for 2025. What’s on offer and which one should I get?

It’s that time of year when flu vaccines are becoming available in Australia. You may have received an email from your GP clinic or a text message...

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The Conversation

Allen Cheng

1 trillion species, 3 billion years: how we used AI to trace the evolution of bacteria on Earth

1 trillion species, 3 billion years: how we used AI to trace the evolution of bacteria on Earth

There are roughly a trillion species of microorganisms on Earth – the vast majority of which are bacteria. Bacteria consist of a single cell. They...

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The Conversation

Ben Woodcroft

An exotic escape, or empty illusion? How The White Lotus exposes the contradictions of luxury travel

An exotic escape, or empty illusion? How The White Lotus exposes the contradictions of luxury travel

The White Lotus season three returns to familiar territory: an exotic escape, privileged and powerful guests, the supposed heights of luxury. But...

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The Conversation

Anita Manfreda

Friday essay: why it’s time to ditch the myth of the heroic billionaire

Friday essay: why it’s time to ditch the myth of the heroic billionaire

In February, the world’s richest man, Elon Musk, wielded a chainsaw at a conservative gathering as he gleefully spoke of his new role as head of...

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The Conversation

Carl Rhodes

Why do women get ‘reassurance scans’ during pregnancy? And how can you spot a dodgy provider?

Why do women get ‘reassurance scans’ during pregnancy? And how can you spot a dodgy provider?

Recent media coverage in the Nine newspapers highlights a surge in non-medical ultrasound providers offering “reassurance ultrasounds” to expectant...

yesterday 5

The Conversation

Christopher Rudge

Grattan on Friday: Trying too hard for a special tariff deal with Trump could be the wrong way to go

Grattan on Friday: Trying too hard for a special tariff deal with Trump could be the wrong way to go

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton both agree Australia should react to US President Donald Trump’s aggressive...

yesterday 1

The Conversation

Michelle Grattan

Trump’s trade war will hurt everyone – from Cambodian factories to US online shoppers

Trump’s trade war will hurt everyone – from Cambodian factories to US online shoppers

It had the hallmarks of a reality TV cliffhanger. Until recently, many people had never even heard of tariffs. Now, there’s been rolling live...

yesterday 2

The Conversation

Lisa Toohey

Is TikTok right? Do I need to eat more protein?

Is TikTok right? Do I need to eat more protein?

In the ever-changing wellness industry, one diet obsession has captured and held TikTok’s attention: protein. Whether it’s sharing snaps of...

yesterday 2

The Conversation

Nick Fuller

‘Australia doesn’t care about me’: women international students suffering alarming rates of sexual violence

‘Australia doesn’t care about me’: women international students suffering alarming rates of sexual violence

Every year, more than 700,000 international students leave their homes to study in Australia. Around half are women. For most of these students,...

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The Conversation

Laura Tarzia

The UK wants to screen Netflix’s Adolescence in schools. Should you watch it with your child?

The UK wants to screen Netflix’s Adolescence in schools. Should you watch it with your child?

Netflix’s Adolescence has ignited global debate. The series traces the disturbing journey of 13-year-old Jamie Miller, whose exposure to...

yesterday 9

The Conversation

Joanne Orlando

Faced with new tariffs and a truculent Trump, Japan and South Korea toe a cautious line

Faced with new tariffs and a truculent Trump, Japan and South Korea toe a cautious line

Two months into US President Donald Trump’s second term, the liberal international order is on life support. Alliances and multilateral...

yesterday 8

The Conversation

Sebastian Maslow

Good news, beach lovers: our research found 39% less plastic waste around Australian coastal cities than a decade ago

Good news, beach lovers: our research found 39% less plastic waste around Australian coastal cities than a decade ago

Picture this: you’re lounging on a beautiful beach, soaking up the sun and listening to the soothing sound of the waves. You run your hands through...

yesterday 10

The Conversation

Stephanie Brodie

What Donald Trump’s dramatic US trade war means for global climate action

What Donald Trump’s dramatic US trade war means for global climate action

US President Donald Trump’s new trade war will not only send shockwaves through the global economy – it also upsets efforts to tackle the urgent...

yesterday 2

The Conversation

Rakesh Gupta

New modelling reveals full impact of Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs – with the US hit hardest

New modelling reveals full impact of Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs – with the US hit hardest

We now have a clearer picture of Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs and how they will affect other trading nations, including the United...

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The Conversation

Niven Winchester

US tariffs will upend global trade. This is how Australia can respond

US tariffs will upend global trade. This is how Australia can respond

US President Donald Trump has imposed a range of tariffs on all products entering the US market, with Australian exports set to face a 10% tariff,...

yesterday 40

The Conversation

Felicity Deane

Scientists worked with Warlpiri to track down bilby poo – and uncover clues to help conserve these iconic animals

Scientists worked with Warlpiri to track down bilby poo – and uncover clues to help conserve these iconic animals

The greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) is one of Australia’s most iconic yet at-risk animals — and the last surviving bilby species. Once found...

yesterday 20

The Conversation

Hayley Geyle

Australian beef targeted by Donald Trump in ‘Liberation Day’ trade crackdown

Australian beef targeted by Donald Trump in ‘Liberation Day’ trade crackdown

US President Donald Trump singled out Australia’s beef trade for special mention in his announcement that the United States would impose a 10%...

yesterday 1

The Conversation

Michelle Grattan

Trump highlights Australian beef in ‘Liberation Day’ trade crackdown

Trump highlights Australian beef in ‘Liberation Day’ trade crackdown

US President Donald Trump singled out Australia’s beef trade for special mention in his announcement that the United States would impose a 10%...

yesterday 1

The Conversation

Michelle Grattan

In Australia, 1 in 5 road deaths is a motorcyclist. We can make them safer

In Australia, 1 in 5 road deaths is a motorcyclist. We can make them safer

The proportion of motorbikes on Australia’s roads has remained steady over the last decade, about 4.5% of all registered vehicles. But...

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The Conversation

Milad Haghani

Australia and New Zealand are plagued by ‘tall poppy syndrome’. But would a cure be worse than the disease?

Australia and New Zealand are plagued by ‘tall poppy syndrome’. But would a cure be worse than the disease?

The original tall poppies bloomed in the garden of Tarquin the Proud, last king of Rome. To communicate that his enemies should be defeated by...

yesterday 2

The Conversation

Nick Haslam

New research reveals chemical secrets of Earth’s crust 4.5 billion years ago

New research reveals chemical secrets of Earth’s crust 4.5 billion years ago

Earth is the only known planet which has plate tectonics today. The constant movement of these giant slabs of rock over the planet’s magma creates...

yesterday 20

The Conversation

Simon Turner

‘How was school today?’ How to help kids open up and say more than ‘fine’

‘How was school today?’ How to help kids open up and say more than ‘fine’

One of the first things parents want to ask their children after school is “how was your day?” We simply want to know how they are going and what...

yesterday 2

The Conversation

Madeleine Fraser

Headless fish and babies take centre stage during election season – but don’t let the theatre of politics distract you

Headless fish and babies take centre stage during election season – but don’t let the theatre of politics distract you

As Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young waved a decapitated salmon dripping with blood in parliament last week, you could feel the election coming....

yesterday 2

The Conversation

Daniel Johnston

Jane Rawson moved to ‘unspoiled’ Tasmania to outrun climate change, but the fearful questions followed

Jane Rawson moved to ‘unspoiled’ Tasmania to outrun climate change, but the fearful questions followed

This is a ridiculous book. That’s not my opinion or choice of words. It is how Jane Rawson, the author, describes Human/Nature within its own...

yesterday 2

The Conversation

David Carlin

People are getting costly stem cell injections for knee osteoarthritis. But we don’t know if they work

People are getting costly stem cell injections for knee osteoarthritis. But we don’t know if they work

More than 500 million people around the world live with osteoarthritis. The knee is affected more often than any other joint, with symptoms (such...

yesterday 2

The Conversation

Samuel Whittle

Astronomers listened to the ‘music’ of flickering stars – and discovered an unexpected feature

Astronomers listened to the ‘music’ of flickering stars – and discovered an unexpected feature

The “music” of starquakes – enormous vibrations caused by bursting bubbles of gas that ripple throughout the bodies of many stars – can reveal far...

yesterday 5

The Conversation

Claudia Reyes

Invisible losses: thousands of plant species are missing from places they could thrive – and humans are the reason

Invisible losses: thousands of plant species are missing from places they could thrive – and humans are the reason

If you go walking in the wild, you might expect that what you’re seeing is natural. All around you are trees, shrubs and grasses growing in their...

yesterday 2

The Conversation

Cornelia Sattler

State of the states: six politics experts explain the key seats across the country

State of the states: six politics experts explain the key seats across the country

The five-week election campaign is now in full swing throughout the nation. Amid the flurry of photo opportunities and press conferences,...

yesterday 5

The Conversation

David Clune

New research lays bare the harsh realities facing artists and arts workers

New research lays bare the harsh realities facing artists and arts workers

Australia’s visual arts and craft workers are facing increasingly deteriorating conditions, according to research published today. Our four-year...

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The Conversation

Grace Mcquilten

An AI companion chatbot is inciting self-harm , sexual violence and terror attacks

An AI companion chatbot is inciting self-harm , sexual violence and terror attacks

In 2023, the World Health Organization declared loneliness and social isolation as a pressing health threat. This crisis is driving millions to...

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The Conversation

Raffaele F Ciriello

New NZ TV series Happiness gives us an engaging musical peak behind the amateur theatre curtain

New NZ TV series Happiness gives us an engaging musical peak behind the amateur theatre curtain

The last few decades have seen many attempts to make musical TV shows. Some of them applied the aesthetics of musicals (where people spontaneously...

previous day 3

The Conversation

Gregory Camp

A new COVID variant is on the rise. Here’s what to know about LP.8.1

A new COVID variant is on the rise. Here’s what to know about LP.8.1

More than five years since COVID was declared a pandemic, we’re still facing the regular emergence of new variants of the virus, SARS-CoV-2. The...

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The Conversation

Thomas Jeffries