/australia1dWhat the IMF actually said about the Australian economyThe IMF's January update on the world economy mentioned Australia only once, noting that the country, along with Norway, is projected to experience persistent above-target inflation. Despite media reports suggesting the IMF was warning Australia, the update did not criticize the government's spending or provide new inflation projections. Instead, it confirmed the Reserve Bank of Australia's earlier forecast that inflation would not return to under 3% until mid-2027. The IMF also projected Australia's economic growth to remain among the best of advanced economies, with growth expected to outpace that of the G7 nations next year.
/australia1dTrump’s ‘new normal’ leaves Australia marooned. We can no longer pretend otherwise | Zoe Daniel | The GuardianZoe Daniel's article in The Guardian discusses the disintegration of the rules-based global order, emphasizing the destabilizing actions of the Trump administration. It highlights the challenges faced by middle powers like Australia, who find themselves in a precarious position as traditional alliances are threatened and the U.S. under Trump acts unpredictably. The article calls for a new approach by middle powers to navigate this rapidly changing global landscape.
/technology1dDumbphone Owners Have Lost Their Minds | WIREDThis article from WIRED explores the growing trend among Gen Z to ditch smartphones in favor of dumbphones, examining the psychological and practical implications of such a shift. It delves into the concept of the 'extended mind hypothesis' and 'transactive memory' to illustrate how deeply smartphones have become integrated into our cognitive processes. The author reflects on personal experiences and fears of losing a part of themselves if they were to give up their smartphone, while also acknowledging the benefits of reduced screen time and increased mindfulness. The article concludes by questioning whether the transition to dumbphones is truly feasible and what it might mean for those who remain enmeshed with their devices.
/australia5dCoalition under threat as three Nationals senators resign from frontbench after crossing floor | Coalition | The GuardianThe Coalition is under threat as three Nationals senators resigned from the frontbench after crossing the floor on Labor’s hate speech bill, challenging the authority of Sussan Ley and Nationals leader David Littleproud. The opposition leader, Sussan Ley, accepted their resignations, insisting that cabinet solidarity is a non-negotiable principle. The Nationals are threatening to permanently end their coalition with the Liberal party. The legislation, which allows the government to designate organizations as ‘hate groups’ and introduces tougher penalties for religious and spiritual leaders who promote violence, passed the Senate.
/australia7dAlbanese considers Trump’s invitation to join Gaza ‘board of peace’ despite concerns body may undermine UN | Anthony Albanese | The GuardianAustralian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is considering Donald Trump's invitation to join the US president's proposed 'board of peace' initiative for Gaza reconstruction and Middle East peace efforts, despite concerns it may undermine the UN. The board, which includes leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Hungary, Canada, Argentina, the European Commission, and Middle East powers, promises to be a 'more nimble and effective international peace-building body'. Trump will serve as chair, with countries paying US$1bn to the US expected to be given permanent status. Albanese confirmed Australia had been invited to join the new international body, promising serious consideration, especially around proposals to advance Middle East peace efforts.
/australia7dAustralia’s koala paradox: why is the beloved marsupial endangered in parts but overabundant in others? | Wildlife | The GuardianAustralia’s koala paradox: why is the beloved marsupial endangered in parts but overabundant in others? | Wildlife | The Guardian. The article explores the paradox of koala populations in Australia, where some areas face overabundance while others face endangerment. In southern Australia, koalas have thrived due to suitable habitats and lack of predators, leading to overpopulation and food scarcity. Meanwhile, in northeastern states, koalas are endangered due to habitat loss, land-clearing, and climate change. The article highlights the complexity of managing koala populations and the need for sustainable solutions.
/australia7dNew Australian carbon credit scheme for solar and EVs accused of potentially misleading customers | Energy | The GuardianA new Australian carbon offset company, Aetium, has been accused of potentially misleading customers by offering to generate thousands of credits for their solar panels and electric vehicles in a scheme that climate campaigners have labelled as junk.
/science7dSunlight at Work Beats Artificial Light for Glucose ControlThis study published in Cell Metabolism found that exposure to natural daylight in an office setting improved glycemia and other metabolic parameters in people with type 2 diabetes compared to artificial lighting. The randomized crossover study showed that individuals spent more time in the normal glucose range with natural light, and had higher fat oxidation and plasma free fatty acid levels. The lead author recommends increasing exposure to natural light during the day, especially when combined with physical activity, for better metabolic health.
/australia8dFor all the talk of Australian values our rights as citizens and humans remain fragile | Julianne Schultz | The GuardianThis article by Julianne Schultz discusses the fragility of human rights in Australia, the only liberal democracy without a constitutional or statutory bill of rights. It highlights the increasing normalization of dehumanizing behavior and the threat to the global commitment to human rights. Schultz argues that a statutory bill of rights could have a practical and symbolic impact, strengthening Australian advocacy in a world where human rights are increasingly derided.
/socialscience8dThere Are 4 Types Of Introverts. Which One Are You?This HuffPost article explores the four types of introverts: social, thinking, anxious, and restrained. Each type has unique characteristics and strengths, and therapists provide advice on how to embrace and thrive as each type. Social introverts prefer smaller gatherings and need downtime to recharge. Thinking introverts thrive on solitary activities and deep reflection. Anxious introverts may feel nervous in social situations but can benefit from gradual exposure and therapy. Restrained introverts need time to warm up to new situations and prefer deliberate routines. The article emphasizes that introversion is not a flaw but a strength.
/space8dAstronauts’ Brains Are Being DisplacedA recent study published in the journal PNAS reveals that astronauts' brains shift upward and backward within the skull after spaceflight, with sensory and motor regions experiencing the most significant displacement. The research, based on MRI data from 26 astronauts and a control group, indicates that the duration of exposure to microgravity correlates with the degree of brain shift. While most changes revert within six months on Earth, some deformations persist longer, raising concerns about the long-term health implications of space travel.
/australia8dOutback NSW lake home to hundreds of turtles set to run dry in 130-year first - ABC NewsImperial Lakes Nature Park in Outback NSW, home to hundreds of turtles, is on the brink of drying up for the first time in over a century, posing a significant environmental crisis. The eastern lake, which has survived past droughts, is now at knee-depth due to hot conditions and low rainfall, requiring at least 87 megalitres of water to prevent it from drying out completely. Landcare Broken Hill is urgently seeking community support to raise $150,000 to purchase water for the lake, as local reservoirs are also below capacity and unable to provide assistance. The drying lake threatens the survival of native wildlife, including endangered species, and highlights the need for sustainable water management and funding for nature reserves.
/australia9dGet ready for Waymo's autonomous cars on Australian roads – report | CarExpertWaymo, owned by Alphabet, is reportedly in talks with the Australian federal government to begin testing its autonomous vehicles on public roads. The company, which has faced several incidents involving its self-driving cars, is looking to expand its operations outside its US base, where it is already testing in cities like London and Tokyo. The Australian Government is set to announce a new Automated Vehicle Safety Law in 2027 to provide a national framework for autonomous vehicles.
/science9dMeat may play an unexpected role in helping people reach 100 | New ScientistA study in China has found that meat consumption may contribute to a longer lifespan, particularly among older, underweight individuals. The research suggests that meat provides essential amino acids that affect the aging process and can help build stronger muscles and bones. However, the study also emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet that includes vegetables. The findings suggest that dietary recommendations for the oldest-old should focus on nutritional adequacy rather than strict avoidance of animal foods, especially for underweight older adults.
/australia9dLabor to separate gun control from proposed laws to address hate speech, PM says | Australian politics | The GuardianAustralian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that the government will separate gun control measures from proposed hate speech laws, acknowledging that the racial vilification provisions do not have the support of the Senate. The government will instead focus on introducing new gun control laws, including a national gun buyback scheme and stricter rules on gun importation, following opposition from the Coalition and the Greens to the hate speech legislation.
/science9dEcological and social pressures drive same-sex sexual behaviour in non-human primates | Nature Ecology & EvolutionThis research article from Nature Ecology & Evolution examines the occurrence of same-sex sexual behavior (SSB) in 59 non-human primate species, analyzing its associations with environmental, life history, and social traits. Findings indicate that SSB is more likely in species inhabiting drier environments with increased food scarcity and predation pressure, in species with greater size dimorphism and longer lifespans, and in those with more complex social structures and hierarchies. Structural equation modeling suggests that environmental and life history traits influence SSB indirectly, while social complexity directly promotes its occurrence.
/lgbtq9dHockey player's viral coming-out was 'overwhelming' in 'the best way possible'This article discusses hockey player Jesse Kortuem's experience after coming out as gay, inspired by the show Heated Rivalry. Kortuem shares the overwhelming positive response he received and how it has impacted him and others in the hockey community.
/australia9dAustralia’s confidence in Trump’s US has evaporated. What will it take for the alliance to rupture? | Australian foreign policy | The GuardianIt’s about time, America is no longer a reliable partner.
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