THE TRUTH ABOUT: Nhmrc - The Untold Story

The federal budget will keep scientific research alive. But it’s unlikely to expand it

In March, a major independent report commissioned by the federal government declared Australia’s research and innovation system was “broken”. The report, titled Ambitious Australia, recommended how to fix it.

The Conversation · May 14

Donations, access and secrecy: 3 tactics tobacco companies use to influence smoking laws

In April, the United Kingdom passed landmark laws that aim to create a “smokefree generation”. This means anyone born on or after January 1 2009 can never legally be sold tobacco products.

The Conversation · May 6

Pretend play is a magical part of childhood. New research suggests it can also help mental health

Pretend play is a significant and often magical part of childhood.

The Conversation · Apr 21

Funding surgery and hormones for trans people can save Medicare millions: new research

Transgender and gender-diverse (“trans”) people have worse mental health compared to the general population. As a result, they’re more likely to use mental health services, such as psychologists and counsellors, and treatments such as antidepressants and anxiety medication.

The Conversation · Feb 10

Why scrapping a key health promotion agency makes little economic sense

News the world’s first independent health promotion agency – Australia’s own VicHealth – is to be abolished has been called “incomprehensible” and “a disaster” that places democracy at risk.

The Conversation · Feb 8

Does coffee raise your blood pressure? Here’s how much it’s OK to drink

Coffee first entered human lives and veins over 600 years ago.

The Conversation · Feb 2

Did the kids stay up late in the holidays? 3 ways to get sleep routines back

For many families, the holidays mean sleep routines go out the window. Bedtimes drift later, screens stay on into the late evening, sleep-ins become the norm.

The Conversation · Jan 26

Should Australia establish an independent body to investigate scientific misconduct? We asked 5 experts

Most of us trust scientists. We believe they are not just competent, but honest as well.

The Conversation · Dec 12, 2025

NSW Health resists lower blood lead guidelines for children in Broken Hill, documents reveal

Greens MP condemns ‘pathetic’ level of funding to deal with lead contamination in state’s far west

The Guardian - AU · Dec 11, 2025

Women told they have dense breasts don’t know what to do next, new study shows

Imagine a 57-year-old woman, let’s call her Maria, who’s just opened a letter about her mammography results. She’s had several mammograms before, but this time reads new information: “Your breasts are dense”.

The Conversation · Dec 3, 2025