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  1. The Conversation

    As the world heats up, solar panels will degrade faster – especially in hot, humid areas. What can we do?

    Tijnlp/Shutterstock To reach the goal of 82% renewable energy in Australia’s grid by 2030, we’ll need to build a lot more solar. But even as we accelerate the rate at which we install solar on our rooftops and in grid-scale farms, the world keeps getting hotter and extreme weather arrives...
  2. The Conversation

    From Coke cans to shoes to menus: what’s behind the rise in personalised products?

    urbanbuzz/Shutterstock Customised shoes, personalised drinks and specialised menu offerings. In a world where carbon copies of products are everywhere, retailers have to make their products stand out and provide customers with a unique purchasing experience. The need to be different is even...
  3. The Conversation

    Australians are washing microplastics down the drain and it’s ending up on our farms

    Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock Australian wastewater treatment plants produce thousands of tonnes of treated sewage sludge every year. This nutrient-rich material is then dried to make “biosolids”, which are used to fertilise agricultural soil. Unfortunately every kilogram of biosolids also...
  4. The Conversation

    Taking expensive medicines or ones unavailable in Australia? Importing may be the answer

    shurkin_son/Shutterstock The cost-of-living crisis may be driving some Australians to look for cheaper medicines, especially if those medicines are not subsidised or people don’t have a Medicare card. Options can include buying their medicines from overseas, in a process called “personal...
  5. The Conversation

    Out of the rabbit hole: new research shows people can change their minds about conspiracy theories

    Getty Images Many people believe at least one conspiracy theory. And that isn’t necessarily a bad thing – conspiracies do happen. To take just one example, the CIA really did engage in illegal experiments in the 1950s to identify drugs and procedures that might produce confessions from...
  6. The Conversation

    Run out of butter or eggs? Here’s the science behind substitute ingredients

    Joanna Lopez/Unsplash It’s an all too common situation – you’re busy cooking or baking to a recipe when you open the cupboard and suddenly realise you are missing an ingredient. Unless you can immediately run to the shops, this can leave you scrambling for a substitute that can perform a...
  7. The Conversation

    The art of ‘getting lost’: how re-discovering your city can be an antidote to capitalism

    Shutterstock Do you remember what it was like to discover the magic of a city for the first time? Do you remember the noises, smells, flashing lights and pulsating crowds? Or do you mostly remember cities through the screen of your phone? In 1967, French philosopher and filmmaker Guy Debord...
  8. The Conversation

    How long does back pain last? And how can learning about pain increase the chance of recovery?

    fizkes/Shutterstock Back pain is common. One in thirteen people have it right now and worldwide a staggering 619 million people will have it this year. Chronic pain, of which back pain is the most common, is the world’s most disabling health problem. Its economic impact dwarfs other health...
  9. The Conversation

    Asbestos in mulch? Here’s the risk if you’ve been exposed

    Dan Himbrechts/AAP Mulch containing asbestos has now been found at 41 locations in New South Wales, including Sydney parks, schools, hospitals, a supermarket and at least one regional site. Tests are under way at other sites. As a precautionary measure, some parks have been cordoned off...
  10. The Conversation

    8 ways Woolworths and Coles squeeze their suppliers and their customers

    Dan Himbrechts/Darren England/AAP To hear the Woolworths and Coles chief executives speak on Four Corners this week, you’d think their industry was highly competitive. For instance, Woolies’ chief Brad Banducci said: Meanwhile, Coles’ chief Leah Weckert said: Between them, Coles and...
  11. The Conversation

    If you’re worried about inflammation, stop stressing about seed oils and focus on the basics

    Zephyr_p/Shutterstock You’ve probably seen recent claims online seed oils are “toxic” and cause inflammation, cancer, diabetes and heart disease. But what does the research say? Overall, if you’re worried about inflammation, cancer, diabetes and heart disease there are probably more...
  12. The Conversation

    Did your dog dig in asbestos-laden mulch? Here are the risks–and what to do next

    AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts This week, disturbing news emerged about mulch containing asbestos in parks, schools and homes across New South Wales (and possibly Canberra). So far, the discussion has focused on the risks to human health. But the incidents have prompted me to worry about the...
  13. The Conversation

    What ‘psychological warfare’ tactics do scammers use, and how can you protect yourself?

    christinarosepix/Shutterstock Not a day goes by without a headline about a victim being scammed and losing money. We are constantly warned about new scams and staying safe from cybercriminals. Scamwatch has no shortage of resources, too. So why are people still getting scammed, and sometimes...
  14. The Conversation

    Survival secrets revealed? Here are the ‘safest’ places to sit on planes, trains, and more

    When it comes to travelling, safety is paramount. While many of us consider factors like comfort, legroom, or proximity to exits when selecting our seats, few of us consider which seat might be the safest in the event of an accident. This comprehensive guide will delve into the safest places...
  15. The Conversation

    Avoid this frequent blunder with Australia Post—you won't believe what happened to this woman's letter!

    Navigating the postal system can be a tricky business, and Australia Post customers are being urged to pay close attention to how they package their items for mailing. This comes after a Melbourne woman reported that her letter arrived with its contents missing, sparking a conversation about...
  16. The Conversation

    Exposed: Celebrity chef uncovers the shocking secret behind restaurant 'specials'

    Restaurant ‘specials’ often entice diners with promises of culinary delights beyond the regular menu. Yet, what if these offerings concealed more than they revealed? Celebrity chef Manu Feildel peeled back layers of mystery surrounding restaurant specials to uncover a shocking truth that may...
  17. The Conversation

    Doctor reveals 3 habits to avoid 'killing your brain' while using your phone

    Disclaimer: This article should not be considered medical advice. Readers are recommended to seek guidance from their doctors for an accurate diagnosis. In today’s modern era, our smartphones have almost become our 24/7 companion. From keeping us informed and entertained to facilitating...
  18. The Conversation

    Driver’s defence against $644 parking fine ‘not good enough’, disability advocate asserts

    In the heart of urban life, where parking woes are commonplace, a hefty $644 penalty imposed on a Sydney resident has sparked a significant argument. Kate Meller found herself at the centre of controversy after receiving a staggering $644 parking fine for occupying a disabled parking spot...
  19. The Conversation

    Shocking discovery: ALDI’s self-checkouts break the mould compared to Coles and Woolworths!

    In the ever-evolving landscape of retail, convenience reigns supreme. As consumers increasingly seek efficiency in their shopping experiences, self-checkouts have emerged as a game-changer in the Australian market. But navigating the self-service checkouts at your local grocery store can be a...
  20. The Conversation

    5 myths about romance fiction, busted – from Fabio to feminism

    Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley in Bridgerton Colin Hutton/Netflix Romance fiction has a reputation problem. In its long history, it has been regularly characterised as “trashy”: a sort of sentimental junk food for the brain. At worst, romance novels have been imagined as actively harmful...
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