Opinion

Hidden women of history: Catherine Hay Thomson, the undercover journalist who went inside asylums

17 Jan 2020

A passionate crusader for the rights of women and children, Catherine Hay Thomson went undercover to investigate their treatment in public institutions and testified before a Royal Commission.

Vital Signs: The end of the checkout signals a dire future for those without the right skills

17 Jan 2020

Technological change has always destroyed jobs. But now automation and artificial intelligence are drying up the options for those displaced.

Bushfire smoke is bad for your eyes, too. Here's how you can protect them

16 Jan 2020

Another troubling consequence of the bushfire smoke is its effects on our eyes. But there are some steps we can take to minimise irritation and any risk of longer-term harm.

I'm struggling to breathe with all the bushfire smoke – could I have undiagnosed asthma?

15 Jan 2020

Particulates in fire smoke can irritate the lining of the respiratory tract, causing throat irritation, coughing and breathing difficulties.

In this new world of bushfire terror, I question whether I want to have kids

15 Jan 2020

Having fewer children is one of the most effective ways an individual can mitigate climate change.

A season in hell: bushfires push at least 20 threatened species closer to extinction

14 Jan 2020

In a matter of weeks, the fires have subverted decades of dedicated conservation efforts for many threatened species.

Our buildings aren't made to keep out bushfire smoke. Here's what you can do

09 Jan 2020

Air purifiers with a HEPA filter are an expensive option. Plugging ventilation holes in walls helps, but there are also dangers.

The story of a wave: from wind-blown ripples to breaking on the beach

07 Jan 2020

There's much more to waves than the part you see at the beach. And it can all start hundreds, if not thousands, of kilometres from the shore.

Vital Signs: Australia's nation-building opportunity held hostage by the deficit daleks

20 Dec 2019

The idea there is no government fate worse than debt is misleading at best.

The timeless appeal of an ocean pool – turns out it's a good investment, too

20 Dec 2019

New South Wales boasts many wonderful ocean pools, thanks to a combination of climate, geology, culture and prosperity. Despite concerns about costs, economic and health benefits far outweigh these.

Opinion

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