Nudges or nonsense?

The imposition of subtle “nudges” to shape public behaviour became fashionable some years ago, but are they moral – and do they even work?

Hegel at Heidelberg

There has been much excitement in academic circles over the discovery of a treasure trove of notes from the lectures given by the great German idealist philosopher G.W.F. Hegel.

Who wants to live forever?

Nobody lives forever, and that’s ok, as it’s not how long you live that matters, but how you live your life.

Keeping calm over Christmas

The holidays can be a stressful time, but a few simple techniques can help us stay calm even in trying circumstances.

The gift of being there

Family traditions during the holidays allow parents and children to share their love and recognize the importance of being together.

Back of the net, Brian

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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