Online transactions blur the boundaries between gaming and gambling

In-game purchasing systems, such as ‘loot boxes’, in popular online games resemble gambling and may pose financial risks for vulnerable players, according to gambling psychology researchers at the University of Adelaide.

It’s time for a new approach to travel

Globalism has made it easier than ever to visit faraway places – and easier to never really leave home while you’re there. A trip is the greatest chance you’ll ever have to learn about things you don’t experience at home, to meet people you wouldn’t otherwise encounter, so immerse yourself in the experience if you can.

A universe of opportunity

Some may argue that Australia might be late to the party, but we are entering a time when the space sector is moving from the realm of government to the commercial world and Australia’s new agency will be one of the most industry-focused space bodies in the world.

Spending time alone in nature is good for your mental and emotional health

Spending time alone in nature gives people the space they need to step back and reset their priorities. This in turn helps them re-engage with their relationships and work schedules when they return to their communities.

Walk faster – live longer

Research led by the University of Sydney suggests that speeding up your walking pace could not only make you fitter, but actually extend your life.

Defend your democracy

John Berry, the former American Ambassador to Canberra, urges Australia, the United States and other democracies to stand up to autocratic and increasingly aggressive nations such as Russia and China and protect their institutions against all attempts to undermine them.

Time for a shake up in musculoskeletal pain care

System wide reform is required to improve the management of chronic pain in Australia and ease the suffering it brings to thousands of Australians.

The limits of modelling – Knowing what we don’t know

Modelling the impact of mine developments on groundwater is critical for protecting ecosystems and agriculture, but it can go astray if we don’t recognise that all models lack certainty.

The threatened species in our urban jungle

Far from being a biodiversity wasteland, our sprawling conurbations are home to some of Australia’s most threatened species. While some have already been lost, others can still be nurtured to maintain a toe-hold for nature in an increasingly man-made environment.

The future of work

Our understanding of work is still hanging on to some old concepts. Rhonda Brighton-Hall, FlexCareers chairperson, explains what’s changing and why we should be excited.

I often think about the future of work – mainly because I’m so eager to get to a better place than we are today. Work, as we know it, is just not very friendly for real people with real lives. Fundamentally, ‘work’ is long overdue for an overhaul, and all the current disruptions present such an abundance of inter-related possibilities, that I’m daring to be excited!

Of course, the bar we’re starting off is pretty low. Our current understanding of work is hanging on to some really old ideas. For example:

Have a night in

Friday 31 July 2015 is White Ribbon Night. The event raises funds to help stop violence against women. Communities across Australia are asked to have a night in to get the word out.

Learn, Respect and Celebrate

It’s NAIDOC week from 5 to 12 July 2015. NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. It is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and an opportunity to recognise the contributions of Indigenous Australians in various fields.