• Artificial Intelligence

    The risks and rewards of recursive self‑improvement


    James McDermott |  July 19, 2026


    The idea of recursive self-improvement dates back decades but AI models could soon be capable of designing progressively better versions of themselves with untold social and economic consequences.


  • History

    What killed Simonetta Vespucci?


    Paolo Pozzilli |  July 19, 2026


    Botticelli’s muse Simonetta Vespucci died at just 23 in 1476, and while tuberculosis has long been blamed for her death, analysis of her changing appearance in a succession of paintings suggest another cause may be to blame.


  • Society

    Can chatbots translate poetry?


    Krupa Shandilya |  July 19, 2026


    Large Language Models have proved remarkably adept at translating language, but human intermediaries are still required to capture the full nuance of literary works.


Latest Story

  • Clear your head, make a difference

    Open Forum     |      July 12, 2013

    Give up alcohol as part of a team or as an individual for the month of July and raise funds for adults living with cancer and their families to improve their quality of life. Dry July is also a chance to raise awareness of drinking habits, the value of a balanced healthy lifestyle, a personal challenge, encourage positive change and an awareness of a healthy attitude to alcohol consumption.

  • Bastille Day – not just for the French

    Sharon Stratford     |      July 12, 2013

    On Bastille Day the French remember their revolutionary past. Sharon Stratford, who is running a website for Francophiles, explains why more and more Australians are joining the celebrations.

  • Learn more about diabetes this week

    Open Forum     |      July 12, 2013

    Diabetes Awareness Week is 14 – 20 July. Each year the focus is on the prevention of diabetes and its complications with a specific spotlight. This year’s it is ‘Diabetes by Ages and Stages’. As diabetes spans a lifetime, this theme concentrates on the diabetes lifecycle and on fitting diabetes around the life of the person suffering from diabetes, not the other way around.

  • Dry July – clear your head and make a difference

    Brett Macdonald     |      July 10, 2013

    The Dry July initiative raises funds for adults living with cancer and their families. Brett Macdonald, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Dry July, explains how an idea on the back of a coaster became a national charity.

  • Political turmoil from a financial perspective

    John Craig     |      July 10, 2013

    There is an ongoing discussion about the political consequences of having Kevin Rudd as Prime Minister. John Craig from Bell Potter explores what it means for the financial markets.

  • NAIDOC Week at the Art Gallery of New South Wales

    Amanda Peacock     |      July 9, 2013

    The celebrations of NAIDOC week continue with art exhibitions, artist talks and school holiday workshops. Amanda Peacock from the Art Gallery of New South Wales provides some historical background about the Yirrkala Bark Petitions.

  • NAIDOC week – celebrating our community achievements

    April Long     |      July 7, 2013

    In NAIDOC week Australia recognises the unique cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. April Long from the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence is organising a community event that is all about celebrating our community achievements together.

  • When you’re no longer part of your football family

    Stefan Grun     |      July 4, 2013

    Manly Sea Eagles rugby player Steve Menzies has announced his retirement on Thursday two months before turning 40. Having had the personal experience, Stefan Grun explores what is left once the active sporting career is over.

  • Fertility – what you should know and when to seek help

    Professor Michael Chapman     |      July 4, 2013

    An increasing number of couples chooses to delay the decision to have children. Professor Michael Chapman from IVFAustralia delivers the facts about fertility.

  • Children in detention: child rights not refugee fight

    Leila Druery     |      July 3, 2013

    The new Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has set the issue of asylum seekers high on his political agenda. Leila Druery, a refugee advocate for activist group GetUp!, describes the plight of children in mandatory detention and argues that their rights should come before political considerations.

  • Kevin Rudd’s challenge to sustain public goodwill

    Dominic O'Sullivan     |      July 1, 2013

    Kevin Rudd’s reinstallment as Prime Minister after a dramatic victory over Julia Gillard has exposed profound operational problems within the Labor Party. Dominic O'Sullivan, associate professor in political science at Charles Sturt University, says one lesson to learn is that trust is important in politics.

  • Celebrate NAIDOC week

    Open Forum     |      July 1, 2013

    It’s NAIDOC week from 7 to 14 July. 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.