Poor lifestyles threaten global teens

The largest global investigation of the major lifestyle risk factors for adolescents has revealed that a third of them are already damaging their own health through poor choices.

The changing face of the park barbecue

Gathering around the barbecue in public spaces is a time-honoured tradition, but the utilitarian barbecues in our local parks need to change to reflect the diverse needs of our communities.

The best weird science of 2019

2019 saw its fair share of weird scientific stories and inventions.  Here are just a few from the annals of the Australian Science Media Centre.

Limiting the loss of nature

With only about half the Earth’s land remaining covered by natural vegetation, a University of Queensland-led team has proposed an international goal to halt its continued destruction.

Protecting the last refuges of nature

Logging, land clearing and development continue to ravage Australia’s natural environments, and even supposedly protected areas are increasingly open to assault by commercial interests.

Keeping your food safe this Christmas

The Chair of Australia’s Food Safety Information Council, Cathy Moir, is encouraging Australians to make sure the food they prepare, serve and eat is safe over the Christmas holidays.

Sydney’s desalination plant proves a good plaice for fish

Australia’s fast-growing cities may come to increasingly rely on desalinated water as long term drought grips the country. New research, led by Southern Cross University, has found an unexpected benefit at the Sydney Desalination Plant as its discharge of excess salty water attracts lots of fish.

Unlocking big data to find your vocation

Social media traits and values help provide an understanding of the hidden personality dimensions of different roles that could be the key to matching a person and their ideal occupation.

Is social media addictive?

Is social media addictive? Really, truly addictive? Is it so compelling and rewarding for some excessive users that it affects behaviour and choices in “real” life, like substance abuse and gambling?

Help your kids stay fit over summer

Aussie kids are starting their well-earned school holidays, but more screen time and snack time could have a bad effect on their health.

Better building planning can help combat bushfires

As fires ravage the east coast of Australia, a QUT expert has called for an urgent review of planning regulations which make the situation worse.

Teens should ‘get smart’ about social media

New research indicates that social media is leading young adolescent girls and boys down a worrying path towards developing body image issues and eating disorder behaviours – even though they are smartphone savvy.