By Suzanne Nielsen, Professor and Deputy Director, Monash Addiction Research Centre, Monash University
Tina Lam, Senior Research Fellow at the Monash Addiction Research Centre, Monash University
When we talk about drug overdose deaths, many of us imagine a problem that affects young people.
But new data from Australia’s Annual Overdose Report, published on Sunday, reveals a significant jump in the number of older adults dying from an overdose, compared to two decades ago.
Since 2001, unintentional overdose deaths have declined by about one-third among people under 30. But deaths in those aged 50–59 have increased three-fold. Among 60–69 year olds, deaths have nearly…
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By Rachel Ong ViforJ, John Curtin Distinguished Professor & ARC Future Fellow, Curtin University
Amity James, Associate Professor and Discipline Lead Property, Curtin University
Christopher Phelps, Research Fellow, School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, Curtin University
Paul Vivian, PhD Candidate, School of Accounting, Economics & Finance, Curtin University
Half of parents in a recent survey said they’d helped out financially in some way – but some could afford much more than others.
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By Alexa Scarlata, Lecturer, Digital Communication, RMIT University
Craig Martin, Lecturer in Screen Studies, Swinburne University of Technology
Jessica Ford, Senior Lecturer in Media, University of Adelaide
Jessica Gildersleeve, Professor of English Literature, University of Southern Queensland
Joanna McIntyre, Senior Lecturer in Media Studies, Swinburne University of Technology
Jo Coghlan, Associate Professor, Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, University of New England
Lisa French, Professor & Dean, School of Media and Communication, RMIT University
Phoebe Hart, Associate Professor, Film Screen & Animation, Queensland University of Technology
Stuart Richards, Senior Lecturer in Screen Studies, University of South Australia
With September comes spring: flowering trees, warmer weather, longer days. But just as it felt like spring had sprung, a new cold front came over much of south east Australia.
No matter if you’re looking for something to while away the last of the chilly days, or looking for something to watch to escape the dreaded hay fever outside, our experts this month have you covered. There are old classics celebrating 50 years since they hit the big screen, now available on the small screen at home. There is a new ABC drama; a documentary about The Biggest Loser; and Untamed, blending western…
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By Lin Tian, Research Fellow, Data Science Institute, University of Technology Sydney
Marian-Andrei Rizoiu, Associate Professor in Behavioral Data Science, University of Technology Sydney
When you ask ChatGPT or other AI assistants to help create misinformation, they typically refuse, with responses like “I cannot assist with creating false information.” But our tests show these safety measures are surprisingly shallow – often just a few words deep – making them alarmingly easy to circumvent.
We have been investigating how AI language models can be manipulated to generate coordinated disinformation campaigns across social media platforms. What we found should concern anyone worried about the integrity of online information.
The shallow safety problem
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By Jess Harris, Associate Professor in Education, University of Newcastle
Kathleen Smithers, Senior Lecturer, School of Education, Charles Sturt University
Nerida Spina, Associate Professor of Education, Queensland University of Technology
Sarah Gurr, Lecturer in Education, Charles Sturt University
A new book shows how casual educators and teachers play a crucial role in education. But many face underpayment and uncertainty juggling too many contract jobs.
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By Kolaia Raisele, PhD Candidate in Anthropology, La Trobe University
Aidan Craney, Research Fellow, Anthropology and Development Studies, La Trobe University
Four Pacific nations are backing deep-sea mining, while others worry about environmental consequences. The split could threaten the region’s climate leadership.
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By Olivera Simic, Professor in Law, Griffith University
Some say the law / ought not to bend. // That it should be a neutral, / certain thing. // But there are reasons / judgement and interpretation / are bequeathed / to human / – humane – / hearts, and heads.
– Excerpt from The Hope of a Thousand Small Lights, Maxine Beneba Clarke
On January 23 2025, the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) chief prosecutor applied…
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By Kaaren Mathias, Associate Professor in Public Health and Social Justice, University of Canterbury
Many studies show public funding of private healthcare can be more expensive and less equitable. A truly evidence-based health system would acknowledge this.
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By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra
The government’s trial has found age-assurance for its under-16 social media ban can be done, however admitting it can’t be one-size-fits-all.
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By Jerónimo Restrepo
In a recent scam, several Brazilians gave personal information to scammers after seeing videos that were manipulated by AI, in which famous people appeared to promote a government rewards program
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