The Conversation

How geopolitical stigma associated with Putin is affecting Russians

Russian athletes, artists and scholars, meanwhile, were excluded from international competitions, cultural platforms and academic events

The gut-muscle link: Why fermented foods could boost muscle health

Protein-rich fermented foods may support gut health, metabolism and inflammation control, but evidence that they directly improve muscle mass or strength remains limited

Women are more emotionally intelligent than men, but why is that a problem?

A review of nearly three decades of research across 76 countries found women score higher on average, particularly in recognising and managing others' emotions

What your eyes could reveal about your heart health and disease risk

The retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, contains several specialised layers of cells

Trump backs unregulated AI to beat China, but it may harm US security

The US president has repeatedly argued that the introduction of robust regulations to slow down progress on AI threatens US national interests by enabling China to seize the advantage

Iran war pushes diesel to record high prices, with no relief on the horizon

The inflation-adjusted price of diesel in late August was about as high as it was in 2022 and has likely risen further

How to judge whether an AI answer to your question is trustworthy

AI-generated responses can be factual, interpretive, constructive or strategic, and each requires users to assess accuracy, context, purpose and personal relevance differently

Does my child have Covid-19 or a cold? How to tell the difference

Respiratory infections can share similar symptoms, making them difficult to distinguish

When skilled immigrants are overqualified, employers pay a price too

Nearly one in three immigrants in Canada with a post-secondary education report that they are overqualified for their jobs

People more likely to ditch cars for e-bikes when they feel safe, confident

A Western Sydney trial found that training, guided rides and social support were crucial in helping participants build confidence and use e-bikes more often for daily travel

Using thunderquakes to X-ray Earth: Study shows urban seismology in action

Scientists used ordinary telecom fibre-optic cables to detect seismic waves generated by thunder, opening a new way to study groundwater, sinkholes and underground structures

Why the vote on taxing California's billionaires is being watched globally

In New York, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has proposed a 2 per cent income tax increase for those earning over $1 million, and passed a property surcharge tax on second homes

From sports to protest, the surprisingly political history of hoodie

From medieval hoods and sportswear to hip-hop, street culture and political protest, the hoodie has evolved into a garment shaped by race, power, policing and identity

Worried your toddler isn't getting enough iron? What parents need to know

Iron deficiency is common among young children, but simple dietary changes can help toddlers meet their iron needs and support healthy growth

Birds and crocodiles may share a warm-blooded past, fossil study suggests

New research suggests the ancestors of modern crocodiles were active, warm-blooded land dwellers before their metabolism slowed and they adapted to an ambush-predator lifestyle in water

Working 9-to-5? Here's how to spend time in nature despite a busy schedule

Getting outdoors doesn't require a weekend getaway. Experts say small daily habits such as eating lunch outside, taking nature breaks and choosing greener routes can improve mental well-being

US is issuing billions in tariff refunds, but global trade damage remains

But while a US Supreme Court ruling in February reversed the tariffs, much of the economic and political damage, and perhaps some of the Trump administration's gains, will be hard to undo

Do heart attack patients have more micro and nano plastics in their blood?

A study found smokers were far more likely to have microplastics in the blood supplying their hearts, suggesting smoking and air pollution may help microscopic plastic particles enter the bloodstream

Bird flu is deadly for backyard chickens and cats, warns vet expert

The highly pathogenic H5N1 virus, which can spread among birds, mammals and occasionally humans, has been detected in seabirds in two Australian states, prompting warnings for poultry and pet owners

Starmer has resigned, but what can new PM do differently against Reform UK?

When Starmer led Labour into the election in 2024, he was facing down the party's traditional rivals in the Conservatives