The web of life

An international collaboration reveals a new definition of sustainability that expands the concept to non-human species and their needs.

NSW unveils new seniors strategy

With almost one in four people to be aged 60 or over by 2031, the NSW Government has committed to a decade-long ageing strategy, addressing four focus areas identified by seniors including resilience and safety.

Leadership lessons from Santa

As Father Christmas gears up for the busiest 24 hours of his year, two doctors reflect on the skills he uses to get a seemingly impossible job done effectively and safely – and whether they can be applied to medicine.

How COVID changed the way we use health care

Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reveals how people’s use of health care services changed due to COVID-19.

Staying “food safe” this Christmas

The Food Safety Information Council has launched their Christmas and Summer entertaining food safety advice, with additional tips to avoid COVID-19.

The truth about cats and dogs

A new study shows the benefits of dog ownership of easing loneliness during lockdown, although cats weren’t always so happy with having their owners at home.

Cuckoo in the nest

Australia’s measures to limit Chinese influence are long overdue. All democracies have an interest in strengthening their internal and external arrangements against the PRC’s relentless predation.

The power of natural pest control

Biological control of insect pests – where ‘natural enemies’ keep pests at bay – is saving farmers in Asia and the Pacific billions of dollars, according to University of Queensland-led research.

Waste not, want not

The COVID-19 slowdown gives us a golden opportunity to “reset our materials economy along more sustainable lines”, says human geographer Ruth Lane.

Green-time beats screen-time for kids

A University of Adelaide review of 186 studies from around the world has found “green time” is far better for children and adolescents mental health and academic achievement than screen time.

Catastrophe

A national study has found that diseases carried by cats are having a $12 million impact on Australian agriculture each year with the sheep industry the worst effected.

Blowing in the wind

New research suggests the increasing use of energy from wind farms is lowering electricity prices, but increasing price volatility in the national energy market.