Self Improvement Wednesday

This week on Self Improvement Wednesday, Dr Lauren Rosewarne, from Melbourne University's School of Social and Political Sciences, teaches us about her very festive special subject: Christmas films. 

Sydney's first government telephone exchange was established in 1882. By 1891 there was a petition that unleashed hell.

Latin Lecturer Dr Anne Rogerson shows you how to party like it's 99BC with the history of Roman birthdays, holidays, and military parties. 

Egyptologist Dr Camila Di Base-Dyson teaches Richard Glover all about Ancient Egyptian etiquette.

Richard speaks with Eliza Middleton, a senior ecologist at Water Technology about the incredible discovery of a new species of now-extinct sawfly

Prof. Brett Summerell shares the incredible prehistoric history of the plants that you can find in any garden around the world.

Do you ever feel stressed when attempting to multitask?   It might be because you're actually attempting the impossible.    A cognitive scientist explains why. 

If you're a conservationist trying to track the population or behaviour of an endangered animal, a photo taken by someone strolling through the bush can be invaluable. 

You might rely on GPS to get around an unfamiliar place, but how do caverneers map and orient themselves in undiscovered cave systems?

How can we reintroduce our native species to Sydney without predation from foxes and cats? 

Dr Anne Casey, a poet and writer teaches us the joy of poetry.

Australia is full of wonderful colourful animals, but shining a UV light can unlock a whole new spectacle!

Prof. Michelle Arrow explores the dramatic history behind the 1956 classic Summer of the Seventeenth Doll

Prof. Sebastian Pfautsch explores the history of science and the fundamental question of 'Why?'

You might think reading a book is a fairly straightforward exercise. But in reality, the way we read has changed radically over the last few hundred years.

Rheumatoid arthritis can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, but a combination of prescribed medication and the right diet can do a lot to help.

Scientists have stumbled across a freak of nature. Dr Jodi Rowley explains the rare and beautiful discovery of a green tree frog that's almost completely blue.

You'd be forgiven for thinking that surgery is a field that was invented by human beings, but ants might have beaten us to it.

What do you know about the bandicoot? Prof. Peter Banks shares the true story of these overlooked native marsupials. 

Humans have come a long way since we wandered the wilderness and hunted for our food. But now, our IQ scores are getting worse. Neuroscientist Mark Williams says our phones might be to blame. 

How volcanoes have captivated the imagination over time

Prof. Brett Summerell shares the little-known story of this iconic Australian plant.

A new study has found two species of Australian frogs previously unknown to science, both with distinct whistling calls. 

Professor Richard Kingsford explores the millions of individual impacts of climate change. 

Medical entomology, the study of how insects intersect with medicine.

The story behind one of the most deadly volcanic events in recorded history.

The story behind one of the most deadly volcanic events in recorded history.

Into one of the Vietnam War's most famous battles.

Into one of the Vietnam War's most famous battles.

Have you ever thought closely about moss? An expert tells you all about it.

Have you ever thought closely about moss? An expert tells you all about it.

Whales are considered to be pretty smart creatures, and like us many species of them have innate curiosity.

Whales are considered to be pretty smart creatures, and like us many species of them have innate curiosity.

They're becoming more popular, so how nutritious are they?

They're becoming more popular, so how nutritious are they?

There's a hybrid total eclipse coming to Australia this month - but it'll only be visible from the West. Fred Watson explains what it all means

There's a hybrid total eclipse coming to Australia this month - but it'll only be visible from the West. Fred Watson explains what it all means

Professor Richard Kingsford from UNSW has tracked a lot of animals in his time, and he shares some fascinating insights into how it's done.

Professor Richard Kingsford from UNSW has tracked a lot of animals in his time, and he shares some fascinating insights into how it's done.

"When you have diverse teams working on problems, you get better solutions."

"When you have diverse teams working on problems, you get better solutions."

From Adam and Eve to Moreton Bay, what makes fig trees so special?