Topics
Struggle to pay attention? How to tweak your life to help you focus
In our modern world, it can feel impossible to focus on any one task. But science tells us there are ways you can reclaim your attention.
Will a peace deal between Iran and the US hold? Lessons from ancient Rome and Persia
After dozens of wars between the two ancient empires of Rome and Persia, peace deals often failed to solve problems – and sometimes made the situation worse.
How a priceless collection of ancient coins reveal the changing face of history
From Roman emperors to mythological beasts, thousands of ancient coins at Macquarie University’s ACANS are stepping out of the vault and into the digital world – reshaping how history is seen, studied and shared – and helping us understand how modern leaders like Donald Trump are using modern currency to define and shape his own legacy.
White power symbol or subconscious twitch? How an Aussie ref landed in a World Cup controversy
An Australian referee has been cleared by FIFA of wrongdoing amid calls from an anti-discrimination body for him to be stood down from the World Cup. Shaun Evans has denied a hand gesture he made during a live broadcast signalled 'white power'. Macquarie University far-right scholars explain how the upside-down 'OK' hand signal became associated with extremism.
Four out of five cigarettes smoked in Australia are illegal. What’s in them?
An estimated 80 per cent of the cigarettes smoked in Australia last year were illegal, according to new wastewater data from the Bureau of Statistics. We asked respiratory experts what could be in them.
People are using AI to communicate without disclosing it. Is this morally wrong?
From polished meeting notes to an AI-written eulogy, undisclosed assistance can mislead others about what we really think, feel or can do, raising hard questions about when that deception crosses a moral line.
Dupe or design theft? Sabo takes on Shein and Kmart in epic battle
Queensland clothing brand Sabo says retail behemoths Kmart and Shein copied its designs. Legal experts say proving ownership of intellectual property in fashion is far more difficult than many consumers realise.
Not A Souvenir: Exhibit turns racist Aboriginalia into an act of truth‑telling
Aboriginal people of my vintage grew up surrounded by Aboriginalia in the form of kitsch everyday objects, often depicting racist stereotypes that showed what Australia thought about us.
Psychologist shortfall to hit 96% by 2038 as sector urges government action
Psychologists have sounded the alarm over “once in a generation” training reforms the government says will plug the gaps in Australia’s crippled mental health workforce.
Macquarie research tackles minerals, cane toads, fisheries and more in ARC boost
Macquarie University researchers have secured more than $3.1 million in ARC Linkage Projects funding to work with industry, government and community partners on groundbreaking studies.
Bedtime stories by ChatGPT? The AI children’s book boom explained
AI tools are turning family photos into instant storybooks and opening publishing to anyone, but experts say the technology comes with serious trade-offs.
‘Poverty porn’: the moral dilemma behind MrBeast’s billion‑dollar empire
Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, runs the most subscribed-to YouTube channel in the world. He is also a prominent philanthropist. But despite improving the lives of many, his methods are controversial.