Our Stories
Are conspiracy theories a cultural art form?
Why do people buy into conspiracy theories when they don’t necessarily believe them? In a recent paper, Macquarie University Professor of Philosophy, Neil Levy, looks at society’s complex relationship with evidence, the desire to suspend disbelief and the role of gamification in conspiracy theory.
Why Shakespeare's plays remain relevant in the 21st Century
A new book by English literature scholar Dr Roberta Kwan argues that Shakespeare's tales remain a powerful influence more than four centuries after his death partly because they tackle our need to know what to do in tricky situations.
Screen test: Paper still wins in the reading stakes
Research suggests that reading on screens is a less effective way to absorb and retain information than reading the old-fashioned way, but why? And when so many of us are noticing shortening attention spans, how do we learn to concentrate on books again?
Inflation eases, but the RBA still has plenty to ponder
Opinion: Australia’s central bank is poised to meet for the first time in 2024 and will have plenty of challenges to focus on. Professor David Orsmond from the Macquarie Business School explains.
Teacher shortage: how to attract our best and brightest to the profession
Opinion: School of Education researcher Dr Janet Dutton says while everybody wants their children to be taught by the best teachers, they don't want their children to be teachers. Dr Dutton tackles some of the reasons behind the shortage and proposes steps that could return teaching to a profession our brightest students want to enter.
A stargazer's guide to heavenly events in 2024
Macquarie University astrophysicist Professor Richard de Grijs explains some of the most impressive events ahead in the night sky this year, and the dates and times to see them.
Water recycling could be key to cooling Sydney’s west
A new research project is poised to deliver the formula to safely recycle water into gardens and parklands at scale, addressing both urban heat and sustainability challenges in western Sydney.
Bans, boycotts and vandalism: Do we really want a serve of politics with our groceries?
When companies engage in sociopolitical issues, they run the risk of alienating a segment of their customer base. Woolworths is the latest company to take a stand and has faced considerable backlash. Dr Abas Mirzaei from the Macquarie Business School Department of Marketing examines the motivation behind these decisions.
Please explain: How shift work affects your sleep
Shift work can play havoc with sleep, potentially impacting our health and wellbeing. Sleep researcher, Associate Professor Christopher Gordon, explains why this happens and what we can do to try to adapt.
Please explain: Why do we have leap years?
The Romans, a 16th-century pope and the rotation of the earth all contribute to why we have leap years, explains Dr Stuart Ryder from Macquarie University’s Department of Physics and Astronomy.
New therapy will revolutionise treatment of urothelial and bladder cancers
An international clinical trial of a treatment for advanced urothelial cancer has found a new dual therapy can nearly double patients’ life expectancy.
Please explain: How to choose a new year diet
There is no time like a new year for starting a fresh diet or way of eating, but with so many options – and passionate supporters in every camp – it can be hard to know which one to choose. MQ Health Accredited Practising Dietitian Valentina Duong weighs up the pros and cons of some popular diets.