• Artificial Intelligence

    The risks and rewards of recursive self‑improvement


    James McDermott |  July 19, 2026


    The idea of recursive self-improvement dates back decades but AI models could soon be capable of designing progressively better versions of themselves with untold social and economic consequences.


  • History

    What killed Simonetta Vespucci?


    Paolo Pozzilli |  July 19, 2026


    Botticelli’s muse Simonetta Vespucci died at just 23 in 1476, and while tuberculosis has long been blamed for her death, analysis of her changing appearance in a succession of paintings suggest another cause may be to blame.

    She died in 1476, aged just 23.


  • Society

    Can chatbots translate poetry?


    Krupa Shandilya |  July 19, 2026


    Large Language Models have proved remarkably adept at translating language, but human intermediaries are still required to capture the full nuance of literary works.


Latest Story

  • It’s the end of the world as we know it

    Juliana Tappe Ortiz     |      July 18, 2026

    Over the centuries, political leaders have often invoked fears of decline and collapse, and many of today’s tech moguls and political populists also view the world through a lens of civilisational crisis and impending catastrophe.

  • Who were the ‘sea peoples’?

    Open Forum     |      July 18, 2026

    The infamous “Sea Peoples” who ravaged the eastern Mediterranean at the end of the Bronze Age were named by a French Egyptologist at the end of the 19th century but their true origins remain shrouded in mystery.

  • Smoking falls to historic low but challenges remain

    Open Forum     |      July 18, 2026

    The percentage of Australians who smoke has fallen once again, but while the country’s comprehensive tobacco control measures are delivering results, the widespread availability of illegal imports and vapes continues to pose a health hazard.

  • Taylor’s twin dilemma

    Michelle Grattan     |      July 17, 2026

    After ousting Sussan Ley as Liberal Leader, Angus Taylor has struggled to restore Liberal fortunes in the face of a rampant One Nation and the feeling that the Liberals’ time has passed.

  • Keeping tabs on the Taliban

    Binaifer Nowrojee     |      July 17, 2026

    Since the Taliban swept to power in Afghanistan after the withdrawal of allied troops in August 2021, it has issued more than 100 edicts targeting women and girls, and Australia should raise its latest edict on child marriages with the International Court of Justice.

  • Gen Z’s revolt against AI

    Siobhan Lyons     |      July 17, 2026

    The tech CEOs who will profit from it argue the dominance of AI is inevitable, but the vocal gen Z backlash against AI and its threat to their education, jobs and culture are a reminder that alternatives to an AI-saturated future are still possible.

  • Albanese sets out vision of AI

    Rita Matulionyte     |      July 16, 2026

    In a major speech at the University of Sydney, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has laid out how his government plans to manage artificial intelligence and ensure the rapidly advancing technology works in Australia’s interest.

  • The price of salt

    Amber Williams     |      July 16, 2026

    Irrigating farmland tends to increase salinity can stunt growth, reduce yields and leave plants less able to cope with other challenges such as drought and extreme heat.

  • The ACSC could regulate Australian cybersecurity

    Natalie Treloar     |      July 16, 2026

    The government should move beyond awareness campaigns and advisory guidance toward a mature regulatory model that treats cybersecurity as a matter of public safety and national resilience and empowering the ACSC as a cybersecurity regulator would be a significant step towards achieving this.

  • Albo takes over AI

    Michelle Grattan     |      July 15, 2026

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has responded to growing public concern about the use and impact of AI by establishing an Office of AI in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

  • Tired but wired

    Michelle Spear     |      July 15, 2026

    Feeling “wired but tired” is not evidence that your body has failed to rest properly but that your brain has become too good at staying alert in a digital world that never really stops.

  • We still need a navy in the age of drones

    Sean Andrews     |      July 15, 2026

    The successful use of inexpensive drones against naval targets proves that drones can disrupt but not replace traditional sea power.