• Back of the net, Brian

    Open Forum     |      December 13, 2022

    Harry Kane’s missed penalty against France was the costliest kick of his whole career, but scientists at the University of Queensland could have helped him.

  • The mirage of magical thinking

    Dimitris Xygalatas     |      November 11, 2022

    The observance of rituals and superstitions spike during times of uncertainty as powerless people seek the comfort of a sense of control, however illusory it may be.

  • Turn off your phone and get to bed

    Rebecca Cooper     |      November 6, 2022

    Getting teenagers off their phone and into bed is a constant battle, but it’s one worth winning as a lack of sleep affects brain development as well as their mood and school performance.

  • What is consciousness?

    Alan Stevenson     |      November 3, 2022

    Scientists, naturalists and philosophers have wrestled with the nature of consciousness for thousands of years, and understanding its nature would do much to reveal the mysteries of human decision making.

  • Staying connected

    Maddie Massy-Westropp     |      November 2, 2022

    Social interaction doesn’t just make us happy, it helps to slow down the ageing of the brain according to a new study by the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing at UNSW Sydney.

  • To lie is human

    Alan Stevenson     |      October 26, 2022

    Everyone, even George Washington, has told a lie or two in their time, whether to sugar coat a social situation or trick a person – or a country – into supporting us.

  • Junk in, junk out

    Davina Mann     |      October 22, 2022

    Australia’s love of junk food makes us overweight and unfit, and more action to warn consumers is required to encourage healthier eating habits.

  • The quest for the two hour marathon

    Simon Angus     |      October 6, 2022

    Like the four minute mile before it, the quest for a two hour marathon has long been a dream of world class athletes, and the remarkable Eliud Kipchoge is creeping ever closer to it.

  • Weekend warrior workouts

    Michael Graham     |      September 24, 2022

    Most of us could benefit from losing some weight and getting fitter. While cutting calories by shunning sugar, empty carbs and junk food is an every day battle, exercising on the weekend alone will still help your heart, strength and flexibility.

  • Foodies are fantastic for tourism

    Francesc Fusté-Forné     |      September 18, 2022

    Regenerative tourism is the next step in sustainable travel and food can play a major role in its development, helping tourist destinations revive in the wake of the COVID pandemic.

  • Food for thought

    Vivienne Lewis     |      September 7, 2022

    More than just a simple response to hunger, our relationship with food is a complex interplay of our emotions, our familiarity with food, our senses and our culture and upbringing.

  • Mindful or mindless?

    Nicholas Van Dam     |      August 21, 2022

    Mindfulness and meditation techniques are booming in Australia, but how much of it is authentic and which practices work best?