Shifting the field of view: Telling science stories with virtual reality

Apr 12, 2016 06:53 am UTC| Insights & Views Science Technology

Since first donning a Virtual Reality (VR) headset only 8 months ago, my personal relationship with this technology has progressed at lightning speed, way past the awkward getting-to-know-you phase. In the broad scheme of...

Retirees, don't worry about your health deteriorating – leaving work can be good for you

Apr 12, 2016 06:44 am UTC| Insights & Views Health Life

A few years ago, my mother had a bit of a crisis in the lead-up to her retirement. She struggled with her self-worth, perceived value to society and fears of boredom. Shes not alone in her worry. The literature suggests...

Climate Change Series

Burning fossil fuels is responsible for most sea-level rise since 1970

Apr 12, 2016 06:27 am UTC| Insights & Views Law Nature

Global average sea level has risen by about 17 cm between 1900 and 2005. This is a much faster rate than in the previous 3,000 years. The sea level changes for several reasons, including rising temperatures as fossil...

Tasmania's 'smoke-free generation' is undemocratic age discrimination

Apr 12, 2016 05:11 am UTC| Insights & Views Law

Tasmania is considering legislation to create a tobacco-free generation by banning sales to persons born after July 1, 2000. It is a tobacco prohibition law, albeit one whose endgame will play out for future generations...

Ideas for Australia: Consensus versus the culture wars – getting the balance right

Apr 12, 2016 05:05 am UTC| Insights & Views

In recent years, political point scoring and wedge politics have made it hard to have a calm, reasoned political debate on a range of issues from same-sex marriage to refugees or climate change. However, potentially...

Why Australia does not need a royal commission into the banking industry

Apr 12, 2016 04:54 am UTC| Insights & Views

Is a Royal Commission into banking required? I think not. There have been many problematic incidents adversely affecting customers in the banking and financial sector in Australia although whether they are more frequent...

Lessons from semi-arid regions on how to adapt to climate change

Apr 12, 2016 04:50 am UTC| Insights & Views

Rising temperatures and more extreme, unpredictable climate events are making sustainable livelihoods tough for many people living in semi-arid regions of the world. To adapt, local communities, and especially farmers, use...