Damian Michael September 28, 2020 Does Australia really have the deadliest snakes? We debunk 6 common myths The weather is warming up, and snakes are coming out to bask in the sun. But we don't need to tell tall tales to appreciate snakes – the truth is far more fascinating.

Shutterstock September 28, 2020 As universities face losing 1 in 10 staff, COVID-driven cuts create 4 key risks A collapse in revenue and a lack of government support have led to university workforces being decimated to cut costs. This presents a number of longer-term risks for universities and the nation.

Shutterstock/Harvepino September 28, 2020 Rocky icebergs and deep anchors – new research on how planetary forces shape the Earth’s surface New research uncovers the fundamental factors that control the Earth's surface, providing insights into how land levels will respond to the melting of ice sheets and sea level rise.

Shutterstock September 28, 2020 There’s no single gene for left-handedness . At least 41 regions of DNA are involved A study of more than 1.7 million people has revealed 41 distinct genetic regions associated with left-handedness, and another 7 tied to ambidexterity.

Raphael Alves/EPA September 27, 2020 A million deaths from coronavirus: seven experts consider key questions An unprecedented level of research has gone into understanding the novel coronavirus. Here's what we still don't know.

Shutterstock September 28, 2020 Behind Victoria’s decision to open primary schools to all students: report shows COVID transmission is rare A new report shows out of 1 million students enrolled in all Victorian schools, only 337 may have acquired the virus through outbreaks at school.

Shutterstock September 28, 2020 ‘Virtue signalling’, a slur meant to imply moral grandstanding that might not be all bad Accusing a person or company of 'virtue signalling' has become a common putdown. But slurs like these are not new.

Shutterstock September 28, 2020 Specialist referral rules haven’t changed much since the 70s, but Australia’s health needs sure have Many more people need long-term specialist care, or are waiting a long time for elective surgery. These and other factors tell us we need to update how specialist referrals work.

Erik Andrews/AAP Image September 27, 2020 Curfew lifted and COVID-19 roadmap is ‘ahead of schedule’ as Melbourne inches towards end of lockdown Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has provisionally brought forward the lifting of lockdown after announcing 127,000 Melburnians can return to work this week amid 'safe and steady' lifting of restrictions.

YouTube September 28, 2020 Fox News uses the word ‘hate’ much more than MSNBC or CNN The conservative cable news channel particularly favors the term when explaining opposition to Donald Trump. This framing of the news can lead Fox viewers to see the world as us versus them.

Kittisak Jirasittichai/Shutterstock September 28, 2020 It’s about to become easier to lend irresponsibly, to help the recovery It'll be up to the borrower, not the lender to determine whether what's offered is suitable under changes to be detailed in the budget.

Wes Mountain/The Conversation September 26, 2020 Top economists back boosts to JobSeeker and social housing over tax cuts in pre-budget poll More than half back a permanent boost to JobSeeker. Only one in five want to bring forward tax cuts.

GettyImages September 28, 2020 With polls showing Labour could govern alone, is New Zealand returning to the days of ‘elected dictatorship’? During the MMP era, the average vote share of the highest-polling party has been steadily climbing — with big implications for New Zealand democracy.

Shutterstock September 28, 2020 Birthdays, holidays, Christmas without mum or dad: how to support kids with a parent away fighting fires My research focuses on how to support children with a parent who must travel afar for work. Strategies that boost understanding and maintain connection with the absent parent build resilience.

JAMES ROSS/AAP September 27, 2020 Many anti-lockdown protesters believe the government is illegitimate. Their legal arguments don’t stand up Government conspiracy theories are without merit, but their growing prevalence should ring alarm bells about the parlous state of civics education in this country.