Topics
Make ‘em laugh: How One Nation uses comedy to normalise harmful ideas
The political firestorm ignited by an episode of One Nation’s satirical animated series Please Explain was one of those rare moments in Australian politics that has brought together Labor, the Coalition, Greens and the crossbench. But this episode reveals more than just a political scuffle. It provides a window into the role of humour in contemporary far-right politics.
China is launching a Moon mission to find water ice. It’s unlike anything NASA has done
How do you explore a place where the Sun never shines? China’s space programme will soon embark on one of the most innovative lunar exploration missions in recent years.
After the ‘red card’ scandal, has the shine come off Gianni Infantino’s World Cup?
Trump's red card scandal at the FIFA World Cup incensed the world. Macquarie University Senior Lecturer of Modern European History and Sports History, Keith Rathbone, asks if the US President has stolen the tournament's shine.
White power symbol or subconscious twitch? How an Aussie ref landed in a World Cup controversy
Shaun Evans has denied a hand gesture he made during a live broadcast signalled 'white power'. Far-right scholars explain how the upside-down 'OK' hand signal became associated with extremism.
Seahorses and shark fins are illegally trafficked. An AI tool could help stop this crime
Shark fins on a plane, seahorses in your bag and sea cucumbers in the post – these are just a few examples of illegal marine wildlife trafficking.
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.
Can I be hypnotised online?
Does virtual hypnotherapy work? And should I be worried about having my mind controlled by a stranger? Spencer Arbige, who recently submitted his doctoral thesis based on research in Macquarie’s Altered States Laboratory led by Dr Vince Polito, explains hypnosis and whether it really works online.
Please explain: What is low-carbon supply chain finance?
Dr Peter Shi from Macquarie Business School explains how low-carbon supply chain finance helps businesses reduce emissions, unlock green funding and build resilient, profitable networks amid global climate challenges.
Please explain: What does the breast density rating on my mammogram mean?
BreastScreen NSW began routinely reporting breast density in mammogram results this year, in April 2025. Is dense breast tissue automatically a cause for concern? Macquarie University Hospital breast surgeon Dr Negin Sedaghat explains.
Please explain: Why do people fall for implausible scams?
Professor Neil Levy from Macquarie University’s discipline of Philosophy explains why some people bet on an attractive fantasy – and how we can avoid falling prey to scams.
Please explain: Does the sun have seasons?
Ahead of Macquarie University's annual Astronomy Open Night on September 27, astrophysicist Dr Deepak Chahal explains.
Please explain: Why vapes laced with nitazenes are causing alarm
In an Australian first, NSW police have charged a man following the seizure of vials of vape liquid laced with nitazenes. Macquarie Medical School pharmacologist Professor Mark Connor explains what nitazenes are and why authorities are concerned about their health effects.