Podcasts about Curtin University

In the aftermath of violence, everyone asks the same question: why? But what if the way we ask it — and the stories we tell next — decide whether it happens again? Why Australia Once Refused to Name Killers (And Why That's Changing) In this episode, Konrad is joined by Dr Glynn Greensmith, senior lecturer in journalism at Curtin University, to unpack the uncomfortable truth about mass attacks, media coverage, and the hidden incentives shaping what we see, share, and believe. Drawing on decades of research into mass violence, journalism, and copycat behaviour, we explore why attention is often the real reward attackers seek — and how Australia once reduced harm by refusing to give it to them. We examine how 24-hour news, social media algorithms, and profit-driven media structures collide with public safety, why speculation masquerading as news makes us less informed, and what responsibility journalists, platforms, politicians — and ordinary people — actually carry in moments of crisis. Dr Glynn Greensmith https://www.smh.com.au/by/glynn-greensmith-p5369d Bypass the Algorithm, Sign up to the Punter Times Newsletter  https://www.punterspolitics.com/pages/email-sign-up

The wide-ranging impact of Australia's new social media ban for children under 16 — the first of its kind in the world — is already being felt at home and abroad, especially for major platforms that have controversially allowed children full access.澳大利亚针对16岁以下儿童实施的新社交媒体禁令。此类禁令是全球首例，其广泛影响已在国内外显现，尤其对那些曾引发争议地允许儿童全面使用平台的巨头企业造成冲击。The ambitious move to improve online safety governance for youngsters, which took effect on Dec 10, requires major platforms like Instagram, Facebook, X, Snapchat, TikTok, Reddit, and YouTube to enforce the new legislation. They face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32.9 million) if they take no reasonable steps to prevent underage users from holding accounts with them.这项旨在加强青少年网络安全监管的重大举措已于12月10日生效，要求Instagram、Facebook、X、Snapchat、TikTok、Reddit和YouTube等主流平台执行新法规。若未能采取合理措施阻止未成年用户注册账户，这些平台将面临最高4950万澳元（约合3290万美元）的罚款。The ban follows a major survey which revealed how social media is negatively affecting the life satisfaction of Australian high school students. The study, led by the Australian National University, looked at the impact of regular use of social media platforms on life satisfaction levels for students nationwide. It found most participants reported regularly using at least one social media platform, while nearly one in five young people actively post or share social media content at least once a day.这项禁令出台前，一项重大调查揭示了社交媒体如何对澳大利亚高中生的生活满意度产生负面影响。由澳大利亚国立大学主导的研究，考察了社交媒体平台的常规使用对全国学生生活满意度的影响。调查发现，大多数参与者表示会定期使用至少一个社交媒体平台，而近五分之一的年轻人每天至少主动发布或分享一次社交媒体内容。Most major platforms have said that they would comply with the law. Video service provider TikTok said in a statement it has a range of methods for compliance including facial age estimation, credit card authorization, and government-approved identification.大多数主流平台均表示将遵守该法律。视频服务提供商TikTok在声明中称，其已采取多种合规措施，包括面部年龄估算、信用卡授权以及政府认可的身份验证。YouTube said it would make changes to how it operates in Australia under the ban, adding it is committed to finding "a better path forward to keep kids safe online". "We believe a more effective approach is one that empowers parents, rather than stripping away their choices, and allows kids to continue to derive the immense benefits of digital environments while protecting them from harm," it said in a statement.YouTube表示，在禁令实施期间将调整其在澳大利亚的运营方式，并承诺致力于寻找“更佳方案保障儿童网络安全”。该公司声明称：“我们认为更有效的方式是赋予家长更多选择权而非剥夺其选择权，让儿童在享受数字环境巨大益处的同时获得有效保护。”Legal action法律举措On Friday, message board website Reddit filed a lawsuit in Australia's highest court seeking to overturn the country's social media ban for children. The San Francisco-based firm, which ranks Australia among its biggest markets, said in the High Court filing that the ban should be declared invalid because it interfered with free political communication implied by the country's constitution.周五，社交论坛网站Reddit向澳大利亚最高法院提起诉讼，要求推翻该国针对儿童的社交媒体禁令。这家总部位于旧金山的公司将澳大利亚列为其最大市场之一，在向最高法院提交的文件中称，该禁令应被宣布无效，因为它干涉了该国宪法所暗示的政治自由交流。A spokesperson for Communications Minister Anika Wells, who was named as the defendant along with the Commonwealth of Australia, said the federal government was "on the side of Australian parents and kids, not platforms" and would "stand firm to protect young Australians from experiencing harm on social media", Reuters reported.据路透社报道，美国通讯部长安妮卡·韦尔斯（Anika Wells）的发言人表示，联邦政府“站在澳大利亚家长和孩子这一边，而非平台方”，并将“坚定立场，保护澳大利亚青少年免受社交媒体伤害”。Wells与澳大利亚联邦政府共同被列为本案被告。Health Minister Mark Butler said Reddit filed the lawsuit to protect profits, not young people's right to political expression, and "we will fight this action every step of the way". "It is action we saw time and time again by Big Tobacco against tobacco control and we are seeing it now by some social media or Big Tech giants," Butler told reporters.澳大利亚卫生部长马克·巴特勒表示，Reddit提起诉讼是为了保护利润，而非捍卫年轻人的政治表达权，并称“我们将全力抵制这一诉讼的每一步行动”。巴特勒向记者表示：“这是大型烟草公司屡次采取的反烟草管制手段，如今某些社交媒体或科技巨头也在效仿。”One Reddit user said in a message-board post: "Our son can no longer access his apps — this has already had a profound effect … Normally he would be consumed with his phone, watching mind-numbing videos."一位Reddit用户在论坛帖子中写道：“我们的儿子现在无法使用他的应用程序，这已经产生了深远影响……平常他会沉迷于手机，看那些令人麻木的视频。”In a radio interview a day after the ban took effect, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said online safety regulators from the eSafety Commissioner are looking at accounts in line with the new legislation. "So they'll look at what the impact is and then every month for six months they'll have to report," he said.禁令生效次日，澳大利亚总理安东尼·阿尔巴尼斯在电台采访中表示，电子安全专员办公室的网络安全监管人员正依据新法规审查相关账户。他表示：“他们将评估影响，并在接下来的六个月内每月提交报告。”Albanese also acknowledged the challenges implementation of the ban faces.安东尼·阿尔巴尼斯也承认实施禁令面临的挑战。"Some people will get around it, just as chances are this Saturday night an under 18-year-old will get a beer in a pub somewhere. That doesn't mean that society doesn't set these rules, and these processes, in order to keep our youngest Australians safe," he said.他表示：“有些人会钻空子，就像这个周六晚上，某个酒吧里很可能会有未满18岁的未成年人喝到啤酒。但这并不意味着社会没有制定这些规则和流程来保护我们最年轻的澳大利亚人。”"We'll be sensible about it … we're talking of over a million accounts across platforms. We don't expect it to all be done perfectly, but we do expect the law provides for them to do their best endeavors."安东尼·阿尔巴尼斯接着说到：“我们会审慎处理此事……毕竟涉及跨平台超过百万个账户。我们不指望一切都能完美解决，但法律要求他们尽最大努力。”Praise, wariness赞美，警惕Julian Sefton-Green, a professor of new media education at Deakin University, said the ban was "inspiring legislation".迪肯大学新媒体教育教授朱利安·塞夫顿-格林（Julian Sefton-Green）称这项禁令是“鼓舞人心的立法”。"It's designed to raise questions … It's designed to make families and young people talk in different ways," he said.他表示：“禁令的初衷是引发思考……旨在让家庭和年轻人以不同的方式展开对话。”"So I think the significance of this law might be that it changes the power of these huge multinational global platforms, which are to a very great extent unaccountable, unregulated, and not owned by individual national countries, and it will raise a lot of questions about what individual countries can do in respect of these large multinational companies," Sefton-Green, who is also a member of the Australian eSafety Commissioner's advisory group that explores the implementation and outcomes of the nation's social media minimum age legal obligations, told China Daily.同时担任澳大利亚电子安全专员顾问组成员的朱利安·塞夫顿-格林（Julian Sefton-Green）向《中国日报》表示：“因此我认为这项法律的意义可能在于改变这些庞大全球性跨国平台的权力格局——它们在很大程度上不受问责、不受监管，且不属于任何单一国家所有。这将引发诸多思考：各国政府面对这些大型跨国企业究竟能采取哪些有效措施？”澳大利亚电子安全专员顾问小组负责研究该国社交媒体最低年龄法律义务的实施情况及成效。But Catherine Archer, a senior lecturer and researcher in social media at Edith Cowan University, said many academics feel children and teens were not consulted widely enough before the legislation was announced.但伊迪丝考恩大学社交媒体高级讲师兼研究员凯瑟琳·阿彻（Catherine Archer）指出，许多学者认为在立法公布前，对儿童和青少年的意见征询不够充分。"The ban could cause anxiety and other mental issues for teens. They will face uncertainty over the school holidays on how to keep in contact with their friends and be entertained and informed on their regular platforms," Archer said via the Scimex science information portal.凯瑟琳·阿彻（Catherine Archer）通过Scimex科学资讯门户网站表示：“这项禁令可能引发青少年焦虑及其他心理问题。他们将在假期面临不确定性，不知如何与朋友保持联系，也无法通过常用平台获取娱乐和资讯。”"Teens are starting to think of ways around the ban, and the concern is that they may go to 'darker' places on the web. Messaging apps like WhatsApp won't be under the ban, so bullying may still occur," she said.她表示：“青少年正开始寻找规避禁令的方法，令人担忧的是他们可能会转向网络上更‘阴暗'的角落。WhatsApp等即时通讯应用不受禁令限制，因此网络欺凌仍可能发生。”"The effectiveness is yet to be tested. Some adults are worried that it will lead to more data and surveillance, as age testing is not foolproof."她接着说到：“该措施的有效性尚待检验。部分成年人担忧这将导致更多数据收集和监控，因为年龄检测并非万无一失。“Some teenagers have expressed concern over the ban, according to the Australian Associated Press.据澳大利亚联合通讯社报道，一些青少年对这项禁令表示焦虑。It cited the example of Carlee Jade Clements, 15, an influencer from Melbourne with 37,000 Instagram followers who was still on the platform two days from the ban's effective date. Clements spent years building her Instagram presence, with her mother managing the account, but fears the new rules will impact her income and opportunities, AAP reported.该报道以15岁的墨尔本网红卡莉·杰德·克莱门茨（Carlee Jade Clements）为例，这位拥有3.7万Instagram粉丝的博主在禁令生效前两天仍活跃于该平台。据澳大利亚联合通讯社报道，克莱门茨耗费数年时间经营Instagram账号（由其母亲管理），但现在她担忧新规将影响她的收入与发展机会。Two teenagers representing an Australian libertarian group filed another suit last month against such a ban, according to Reuters.据路透社报道，两名代表澳大利亚自由意志主义团体的青少年上月就该禁令提起另一项诉讼。Tama Leaver, a professor of internet studies at Curtin University, said that no matter how people feel about the ban or social media, the feelings and responses of teens losing access to social media must be taken seriously.西澳大利亚珀斯科廷大学互联网研究教授塔玛·利弗（Tama Leaver）表示，无论人们对禁令或社交媒体持何种看法，青少年失去社交媒体使用权限所产生的情绪和反应都必须被严肃对待。"Parents and trusted adults need to listen to young people, to support them, and not dismiss what social media may have meant to them," Leaver said.塔玛·利弗（Tama Leaver）表示：“父母和可信赖的成年人需要倾听年轻人的心声，给予他们支持，不要轻视社交媒体对他们可能产生的意义。”The ban may well reduce some risks, he said, but "cyberbullying will still exist — messaging platforms are mostly exempt from the ban. Untrustworthy adults may still be able to find ways to reach and speak to teens across almost any platform."利弗表示，这项禁令或许能降低某些风险，但“网络欺凌仍将存在——即时通讯平台大多不受禁令约束。不可靠的成年人仍可能找到途径，在几乎任何平台上接触并与青少年对话。”"The job of helping young people learn to navigate the digital world safely is ongoing, and helping teens continue that conversation matters. Opening a door so young people have someone to turn to if they experience something challenging, confronting or terrible online, is vital."利弗表示：“帮助年轻人安全地探索数字世界是一项持续的工作，而引导青少年持续参与相关对话至关重要。为年轻人敞开大门，让他们在遭遇网络挑战、冲突或可怕经历时能获得支持，这具有关键意义。”Sabrina Caldwell, senior lecturer from the School of Systems and Computing at UNSW Canberra, said the new social media ban "won't work perfectly, but it can work imperfectly".新南威尔士大学堪培拉校区系统与计算学院高级讲师萨布丽娜·考德威尔（Sabrina Caldwell）表示，这项新的社交媒体禁令“不会完美奏效，但可以不完美地发挥作用”。"Some young people will find ways to circumvent the restrictions. However, even if they find a way to sneak online, they will not find most of their peers there, and this will detract significantly from the social media experience," Caldwell said.Caldwell表示：“一些年轻人会想方设法绕过限制。然而，即使他们找到偷偷上网的途径，也无法在网上找到大多数同龄人，这将极大削弱社交媒体体验。Bigger issues更重大的问题An Australian Broadcasting Corporation survey of more than 17,000 youngsters aged under 16 about the ban, found one-quarter would stop using social media.澳大利亚广播公司针对1.7万多名16岁以下青少年开展的禁令调查显示，四分之一受访者表示将停止使用社交媒体。Twenty-two percent of social media users said they were unsure if the ban would be effective, while 72 percent said they did not think it would work, according to the poll.调查显示，22%的社交媒体用户表示不确定禁令是否有效，而72%的用户认为禁令不会奏效。Associate Professor Katie Wood, an expert in clinical psychology at Swinburne University of Technology, questioned the ban's role in addressing the "clear negative impacts on mental health and well-being" from excessive social media.斯威本科技大学临床心理学专家凯蒂·伍德（Katie Wood）副教授质疑这项禁令能否有效应对过度使用社交媒体对心理健康和幸福感造成的“明显负面影响”。"While more research is needed to fully answer this question, parents will need support to work with their children to find ways to manage the ban," Wood said.伍德表示：“虽然需要更多研究才能彻底解答这个问题，但家长需要支持来协助孩子寻找应对禁令的方法。”"There is a risk that children will find other ways to access social platforms and become sneakier about it. Parents will need to be vigilant about this as well as any emotional and social fallout."伍德称：“会存在这样的风险：孩子们可能会另辟蹊径接触社交平台，且手段会变得更加隐蔽。家长不仅需要对此保持警惕，还需关注由此引发的情感与社交问题。”Tom Sulston, head of policy at Digital Rights Watch, a group that advocates protection of Australians' digital rights, told China Daily that despite the ban, bullies, abusers, and predators will not go away.数字权利观察组织政策主管汤姆·苏尔斯顿向《中国日报》表示，尽管实施了禁令，但欺凌者、施虐者和掠夺者不会就此消失。该组织致力于保护澳大利亚人的数字权利。"They will merely follow young people onto the platforms that they are allowed to use. At the same time, young people will be discouraged from seeking help as they may feel they are doing something they shouldn't be."苏尔斯顿表示：“他们只会跟随年轻人进入被允许使用的平台。与此同时，年轻人会因担心自己正在做不该做的事而不敢寻求帮助。”Demanding ID from people to use simple internet systems is likely to cause an increase in identity theft, as Australians become habituated to entering their ID around the internet and potentially into criminal honeypots, Sulston said.苏尔斯顿指出，要求民众在使用简单互联网系统时提供身份证明，很可能导致身份盗窃案件激增。因为澳大利亚人逐渐习惯在网络各处输入个人身份信息，这些信息可能落入犯罪分子的陷阱。Considering the ban's potential impact on other parts of the world, Sulston said his hope and expectation is that "countries will look at Australia's experiment on young people's ability to communicate with each other and treat it as a cautionary tale".考虑到这项禁令可能对世界其他地区产生的影响，苏尔斯顿表示，他希望并期待“各国能关注澳大利亚这项关于年轻人相互交流能力的实验，并将其视为一个警示案例”。"Instead, they will opt to regulate social media companies to remove the harms, rather than remove the young people. We need to stop social media companies from using their algorithms to profit from spreading hate, lies, and division. That is what we should be regulating, rather than the age of the users," he said.他如是说：“可另作他选的是，可以选择监管社交媒体公司以消除危害，而非驱逐年轻人。我们必须阻止社交媒体公司利用算法从传播仇恨、谎言和分裂中牟利。这才是我们应当监管的对象，而非用户的年龄。”Sefton-Green said it will also "encourage other countries to stand up against these social media firms, to try to say that the norms of behavior we see in our society should be norms for which national governments take responsibility".塞夫顿-格林（Sefton-Green）表示，该实验还将“鼓励其他国家挺身对抗这些社交媒体公司，力图表明我们社会中的行为准则应当成为各国政府应承担责任的规范”。Prime Minister Albanese said the "world is not only watching, the world is following".澳大利亚总理安东尼·阿尔巴尼斯表示：“世界不仅在关注，更在追随。”Professor Michael Salter from the School of Social Sciences, Arts, Design and Architecture at the University of New South Wales, said the ban is still "an unfortunate but necessary step to protect children from escalating levels of online sexual abuse and exploitation".新南威尔士大学社会科学、艺术、设计与建筑学院的迈克尔·索尔特（Michael Salter）教授表示，这项禁令仍是“一项不幸但必要的措施，旨在保护儿童免受日益严重的网络性虐待和剥削”。"Globally, 300 million children experience online sexual abuse each year, and the majority of this occurs on social media platforms," said Salter, who is director of Childlight UNSW, the Australasian hub of Childlight, the Global Child Safety Institute, which undertakes research on the impact of child sexual abuse and exploitation.作为全球儿童安全研究所旗下机构Childlight的澳大拉西亚中心新南威尔士大学Childlight项目主任迈克尔·索尔特（Michael Salter），他长期致力于研究儿童性虐待与剥削的影响。他表示：“全球每年有3亿儿童遭受网络性虐待，其中大部分发生在社交媒体平台上。”"Social media companies have consistently prioritized growth and engagement over child protection. Age restrictions are a necessary circuit breaker for a sector where voluntary industry action has failed," he said.Salter表示：“社交媒体公司始终将增长和用户参与度置于儿童保护之上。在行业自发行动未能奏效的领域，年龄限制是必要的保护机制。”Rachael Sharman, a senior psychology lecturer at University of the Sunshine Coast, said that while the logistics of the ban remain under question, the move, if successful, "will give parents and families the opportunity to reclaim childhood, and ensure the building blocks of the brain are set in place before exposure to what has proved to be a most pernicious influence".阳光海岸大学心理学高级讲师瑞秋·夏曼（Rachael Sharman）指出，尽管禁令的实施细节仍存争议，但若该举措得以成功推行，“将使家长和家庭有机会重新夺回童年时光，确保大脑发育的关键阶段在接触已被证实具有极大危害性的影响之前得到健全发展”。"I suspect the rest of the world is taking such an extraordinary interest in this Australian initiative, to see when and how they can best follow suit for the improved wellbeing of their future generations," Sharman said.Sharman表示：“我怀疑世界其他国家之所以对这项澳大利亚倡议表现出如此非凡的兴趣，是为了观察何时以及如何才能最好地效仿，从而为子孙后代创造更美好的福祉。”Germany, Denmark, New Zealand and Malaysia are already considering policies concerning access to social media by teenagers.德国、丹麦、新西兰和马来西亚已开始考虑制定青少年使用社交媒体的相关政策。circuit breaker保护机制algorithmsn./ˈæl.ɡə.rɪ.ðəm/算法perniciousadj./pɚˈnɪʃ.əs/有害的social fallout社交影响circumventv./ˌsɝː.kəmˈvent/规避

Artificial intelligence stands at a crossroads: with regulation and ethical oversight it promises to transform society for the better; but left unchecked, it may enable profit-driven exploitation on a global scale. The real question is not how powerful AI can become, but how can we harness this power for good, and create substantial positive impact. Few people can explain this precarious balance between exciting innovation and massive responsibility better than Dr Martin Dougiamas.Martin is a Perth-based computer scientist and educator who revolutionised online learning with the creation of Moodle in 2002 — the world's most widely used open-source learning platform. Martin's work over 20 years as CEO of Moodle championed openness, collaboration, and accessibility in technology. Also founder of the Open EdTech Association, Martin fosters a global community of educators, developers and contributors who continually update and improve Moodle.  He's aligned Moodle with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, helping tackle global challenges through education. A 2024 WA Australian of the Year nominee, Martin continues to promote responsible tech development — ensuring that AI serves humanity rather than the other way around.Martin has a master's degree and PhD from Curtin University, and three honorary doctorates. In 2008, he won the Google-O'Reilly Open Source Award in the Education Enabler category. We hope you enjoy this discussion with Dr Martin Dougiamas. Learn more about Martin here. We wish to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land we recorded on, the Wardandi Noongar people. We pay our respects to them and their culture; and to elders past, present and emerging. For more information about JustInvest & EIA: justinvest and ethicalinvestment

In this episode of The Talking DLD Podcast we're catching up with Professor Suze Leitão from Curtin University and the Engage with DLD teams. Suze and collaborators have recently published a research paper titled: “They don't realise how hard he has to try every day”: The rewards and challenges of parenting a child with developmental language disorder. Tune in as we unpack this important body of work and explore its impact on clinical practice and advocacy. Head to our website to access resources discussed in this episode: The Rewards & Challenges of Parenting a Child with DLD - The DLD Project

Scientists have made an extraordinary discovery near Perth: In the Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary, they discovered a large population of the extremely rare carnivorous plant Drosera silvicola. Curtin University doctoral student Thilo Krüger spotted the tiny species by chance as the team drove by and thus initiated the discovery. In conversation, he explains how this surprising moment came about, what significance the find has for species protection and what makes this inconspicuous but remarkable plant so special. - In der Nähe von Perth ist Wissenschaftler*innen ein außergewöhnlicher Fund gelungen: Im Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary entdeckten sie eine große Population der extrem seltenen fleischfressenden Pflanze Drosera silvicola. Der Curtin-Universitätsdoktorand Thilo Krüger erspähte die winzige Art zufällig im Vorbeifahren und leitete damit die Entdeckung ein. Im Gespräch erklärt er, wie es zu diesem überraschenden Moment kam, welche Bedeutung der Fund für den Artenschutz hat und was diese unscheinbare, aber bemerkenswerte Pflanze so besonders macht.

What causes some people to stutter? It's often believed that trauma or anxiety is the cause, but world-first research has found a genetic link to stuttering, allowing for life-changing early intervention.Our host David Karsten is joined by Professor Janet Beilby, an internationally renowned stuttering expert and Director of the Curtin Stuttering Treatment Clinic (CSTC). They discuss how Beilby and her colleagues have pinpointed the genes associated with stuttering, meaning intervention can happen much sooner, which is crucial for managing the condition. David and Janet also talk about the the impact stuttering can have on a person's life, and how the CSTC helps to manage stuttering and other fluency disorders in children, adults and the elderly. What is stuttering? [01:16]Challenges faced by people who stutter [05:52]The genetic link to stuttering [11:05]‘Genes aren't destiny' [19:27]Fostering resilience in kids [29:44]Acceptance and Commitment Therapy [31:00]Future directions in speech science [40:03]Learn moreCurtin Stuttering ClinicLife-changing genetic link offers hope for millions who stutterInternational Stuttering ProjectLarge-scale genome-wide analyses of stuttering (Nature Genetics)Connect with our guestsProfessor Janet BeilbyJanet is a leading speech pathology clinician, researcher, educator and director of the Curtin Stuttering Treatment Clinic (CSTC). In July this year, Janet co-published world-first research in Nature Genetics that pinpointed the genetic markers for stuttering. As director of CSTC, Janet has translated research into life-changing outcomes for over 10,000 clients, trained hundreds of students and been awarded over half a million dollars in research funds to investigate aspects of stuttering disorders, as well as dementia and virtual education.Join Curtin UniversityThis podcast is brought to you by Curtin University. Curtin is a global university known for its commitment to making positive change happen through high-impact research, strong industry partnerships and practical teaching.Work with usStudy a research degreeStart postgraduate educationGot any questions, or suggestions for future topics?Email thefutureof@curtin.edu.auSocial mediaXFacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedInTranscriptRead the transcript: https://thefutureof.simplecast.com/episodes/speech/transcriptBehind the scenesHost: David KarstenProducer: Emilia JolakoskaContent writer: Zoe TaylorExecutive producer: Natasha WeeksFirst Nations AcknowledgementCurtin University acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the First Peoples of this place we call Australia, and the First Nations peoples connected with our global campuses. We are committed to working in partnership with Custodians and Owners to strengthen and embed First Nations' voices and perspectives in our decision-making, now and into the future.Curtin University supports academic freedom of speech. The views expressed in The Future Of podcast may not reflect those of Curtin University.

How do universities ensure their programmes and curricula meet the demands from industry, government – and students themselves – for career-ready graduates equipped with vital transferable skills? Skills – whether you call them soft, transferable, power, productivity, work-based or human skills – have come to dominate the conversation about employability. The rapid advance of artificial intelligence, coupled with a shrinking number of entry-level roles, means that graduates are looking for the capabilities that will give them an edge. Industry and governments, meanwhile, have their eye on the economic and innovation advantages that come with an agile, digitally literate and productive workforce. Alongside academic skills, universities have long provided students with opportunities to develop communication, critical thinking and teamwork skills, but external demands mean they need to be more intentional about embedding transferable skills in curricula – and give graduates means to evidence this learning. To find out how institutions in the UK and Australia are responding to the call for work-ready graduates with a skill set adapted to the modern economy, we talked to: Sir David Bell is vice-chancellor and chief executive of the University of Sunderland. He is also vice-chair of Skills England. Sir David has served as Her Majesty's chief inspector of schools, and his public sector roles include permanent secretary at the UK Department for Education, director of education and libraries for Newcastle City Council and chief executive of Bedfordshire County Council. Dawn Bennett is a higher education consultant, with a focus on graduate outcomes and student success. She is also founder of the Developing Employ-ability Initiative, which gives students and educators a framework for managing career development and mapping employability skills, and a senior associate with consultancy Outside Opinion. She spent 14 years as the John Curtin distinguished professor of higher education and director of the Developing Employability and Creative Workforce Initiatives at Curtin University, Australia, and continues to engage in research. She is a former professional violist. Derek Harding is manager of the VET Educator Academy at Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne. In this role, he works on professional development for staff to promote academic quality. A former high school teacher, he has experience in foundation education and instructional design. For more advice and insight on developing transferable skills from academics and experts from universities around the world, read our spotlight Soft skills for hard times.

What makes you a designer? ...Today, Abbie, Claudia, and Chris explore radical changes in learning around systems thinking and design over time, along with the implications for future designers, which includes all of us. This conversation was recorded in front of a live audience as part of the RSDX Online Festival on Sunday, October 5, 2025. Join the RSDX Zoom Event here to watch the recording of Claudia and Chris' presentation 'Configuring Incompossible Futures'....Claudia Westermann is an artist-researcher and licensed architect. She is Associate Professor of Creative Practice in the School of Design and the Built Environment at Curtin University in Perth, Australia, a member of the German Chamber of Architects, Vice President of the American Society for Cybernetics (ASC), and co-editor of the journal Technoetic Arts. Claudia Westermann's projects have been widely exhibited and presented, including at the Venice Biennale, the Moscow International Film Festival, ISEA Symposium for the Electronic Arts, and the Center for Art and Media (ZKM) in Germany. She has received awards for her practice and teaching, including two provincial and three national awards. For her visionary engagement fostering systemic education, research, and practice, she received the Margaret Mead Prize from the American Society for Cybernetics in 2024.Chris Speed FRSE, FRSA is Professor of Design for Regenerative Futures at RMIT, Melbourne, where he works with communities and partners to explore how design supports transitions toward regenerative societies. He has a strong record of leading major grants and educational programmes with academic, industry and third-sector collaborators, applying design and data methods to address social, environmental and economic challenges. From 2022 to 2024, he served as Director of the Edinburgh Futures Institute, where he led the transformation of the historic Old Royal Infirmary into a world-leading centre for interdisciplinary teaching, research and innovation. Between 2018 and 2024, he directed Creative Informatics, a £7.4 million UKRI-funded cluster that supported data-driven innovation in the creative industries. From 2012 to 2022, he was Co-Director of the Institute for Design Informatics at the University of Edinburgh, which he helped build into the College's largest research centre and a nationally recognised leader in interactive media. In 2020, he received the University of Edinburgh Chancellor's Award for Research and was elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh....Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution....Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann....⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Explore all things CMM Institute here.

Dr. Al Grauer hosts. Dr. Albert D. Grauer ( @Nmcanopus ) is an observational asteroid hunting astronomer. Dr. Grauer retired from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 2006. travelersinthenight.org From August & September 2025. Today's 2 topics: - When it was first spotted by astronomers at Space Watch on Kitt Peak, 2008 GO98 appeared to be one of many outer main belt asteroids moving through the night sky. 9 years later when my Catalina Sky Survey teammate Greg Leonard observed it with our 60 inch telescope on Mt. Lemmon it had a coma and a tail like a comet. Active asteroids like 2008 GO98 have asteroid orbits but sometimes show cometary activity which could be caused by a collision with another object and/or by thermal fracturing and ice sublimation caused by the slight warming they obtain from sunlight.   - 75% of asteroid hunter's discoveries are called C type asteroids. They are dark, have a high abundance of carbon, consist of clay and silicate rocks, and may have a composition which is up to 22% water. Recently Dr. Phillip A. Bland of Curtin University in Australia and Dr. Bryan Travis of the Planetary Science Institute in Tucson, Arizona published an article in the on line journal Science Advances describing their numerical simulations of the evolution of the progenitors of the C type asteroids.   We've added a new way to donate to 365 Days of Astronomy to support editing, hosting, and production costs.  Just visit: https://www.patreon.com/365DaysOfAstronomy and donate as much as you can! Share the podcast with your friends and send the Patreon link to them too!  Every bit helps! Thank you! ------------------------------------ Do go visit http://www.redbubble.com/people/CosmoQuestX/shop for cool Astronomy Cast and CosmoQuest t-shirts, coffee mugs and other awesomeness! http://cosmoquest.org/Donate This show is made possible through your donations.  Thank you! (Haven't donated? It's not too late! Just click!) ------------------------------------ The 365 Days of Astronomy Podcast is produced by the Planetary Science Institute. http://www.psi.edu Visit us on the web at 365DaysOfAstronomy.org or email us at info@365DaysOfAstronomy.org.

Tesla is accelerating its shift away from components made in China. It's pushing suppliers to eliminate China-made auto parts for cars built in the United States within the next year or two. Is this strategy due to political pressure from Washington, or is it preparation for a more aggressive trade environment? Is the change even possible? How could this reshape Tesla's business in China, where the company has long enjoyed policy support and unmatched efficiency? And how may this push for de-Sinicization affect U.S. automakers' global edge? Host TU Yun joins Yan Liang, Professor of Economics, Willamette University, Warwick Powell, Adjunct Professor, Queensland University of Technology, and Joseph Siracusa, Professor of Global Futures, Curtin University for a closer look.

Iran's capital is facing its worst drought in recorded history. The President warns the only option may be to evacuate Tehran. Some commentators call that idea 'a joke'. But water cuts have begun - and no rain is expected. How did things get this bad? And how many of the world's cities face a similar fate? In this episode: Peter Newman - a Professor of Sustainability at Curtin University. Marcus D King - director of the Masters program for Environment and International Affairs at Georgetown University. Allam Ahmad - President of the World Association of Sustainable Development. Host: Bernard Smith Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

A new bee has been discovered by scientists in Australia. The ‘Lucifer' bee, which gets its name from the unusual with devil-like horns, is the first of its kind…Joining Ciara to discuss this is Aoife Nic Giolla, Co-Founder of the Native Irish Honeybee Society, and owner of Galtee Honey Farm.Image: Dr Kit Prendergast, Curtin University

Work design isn't just about dividing tasks and streamlining processes – it's about shaping how people experience their work: the meaning they find and the autonomy they have.In the age of AI, this takes on new urgency. As technology reshapes work, organisations must choose whether to let jobs become narrower and more transactional, or redesign them to drive motivation, resilience and performance.In this episode, Professor Sharon Parker – Director of the Centre for Transformative Work Design at Curtin University – shares how HR leaders can apply evidence-based work design to create healthy, meaningful roles and ensure people remain at the centre of transformation.SHOW NOTESFurther learningAHRI's contemporary workforce redesign short course: https://bit.ly/4hVCh0rAHRI's organisational design short course: https://bit.ly/49K5WrhSharon Parker's SMART work design model: https://bit.ly/4991zGbHRM article featuring Sharon Parker's research: https://bit.ly/3WMcmyLSharon Parker's book Transformative Work Design: https://bit.ly/47LZptBConnect:Connect with Sharon Parker on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4qTOczSFollow AHRI on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3LIdUXZAHRI members can join the AHRI LinkedIn Lounge to access bonus content and continue the discussion: https://bit.ly/3LIdWPBNot yet an AHRI member? Join today and access a range of benefits, as well as a passionate community of HR practitioners: https://bit.ly/4oSwaNn

Australia is banning social media for children 16 and under – but will it actually keep them safe or only spark new problems?In this episode, hosts David Karsten and Celeste Fourie are joined by Professor Tama Leaver, Professor of Internet Studies at Curtin University, to discuss Australia's proposed ban on social media for children under 16.We explore what the Ban aims to achieve, who it will affect, and whether it could reshape the relationship between government and big tech.The discussion also ventures into what social media will look like when the ban comes into play, and how AI is creating a new internet for the next generation.The ban: Purpose, platforms and rollout [01:15]Consultation and youth input [04:40]How social platforms shape teens' social lives [06:20]Will the ban protect young people? [11:12]Generative AI and youth [16:30]Industry and global response [22:00]Digital literacy and misinformation [16:50]The path forward: advice on supporting teens as the ban takes effect [33:10]Learn moreeSafety CommissionerDigital ChildConnect with our guestsProfessor Tama Leaver, Professor of Internet Studies at Curtin UniversityTama is a regular media commentator, Chief Investigator in the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child and former president of the Association of Internet Researchers (AoIR).Follow Tama on LinkedInJoin Curtin UniversityThis podcast is brought to you by Curtin University. Curtin is a global university known for its commitment to making positive change happen through high-impact research, strong industry partnerships and practical teaching.Work with usStudy a research degreeStart postgraduate educationGot any questions, or suggestions for future topics?Email thefutureof@curtin.edu.auSocial mediaXFacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedInTranscriptRead the transcriptBehind the scenesHosts: Celeste Fourie and David KarstenContent Creators: Zoe Taylor and Caitlin Crowley Recordist: Caitlin CrowleyProducer: Emilia JolakoskaExecutive Producers: Anita Shore and Natasha WeeksFirst Nations AcknowledgementCurtin University acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the First Peoples of this place we call Australia, and the First Nations peoples connected with our global campuses. We are committed to working in partnership with Custodians and Owners to strengthen and embed First Nations' voices and perspectives in our decision-making, now and into the future.Curtin University supports academic freedom of speech. The views expressed in The Future Of podcast may not reflect those of Curtin University.

(00:00:00) Galactic Influences and Supermoons: Exploring Earth's Crust and Taikonaut Trials (00:00:42) Earth's geology written in the stars (00:10:30) Taikonauts stranded in space following space junk impact (00:12:38) Biggest Supermoon of the year (00:14:59) The Science Report (00:17:20) Skeptics guide to jogging big foots In this episode of SpaceTime, we delve into fascinating intersections of geology and astronomy that could reshape our understanding of Earth's history and the cosmos.Earth's Geology Written in the StarsA groundbreaking study reveals a compelling connection between the structure of our Milky Way galaxy and the evolution of Earth's crust. Researchers from Curtin University have found that meteorite impacts, influenced by the solar system's journey through the galaxy, have played a significant role in shaping our planet's geology. The episode explores how ancient zircon crystals are providing a unique archive of Earth's interactions with the galaxy, suggesting that astrophysical processes may have directly influenced the continents beneath our feet and the conditions that made life possible.Taikonaut Stranded in SpaceIn a dramatic turn of events, three Chinese taikonauts are stranded in orbit after their Shenzhou 20 spacecraft was struck by suspected space junk just hours before their scheduled return to Earth. This segment discusses the implications of the impact, the ongoing assessments by mission managers, and the potential need for a replacement capsule to ensure the crew's safe return. The episode also reflects on past incidents involving space debris and the measures taken to protect the Tiangong Space Station.The Biggest Supermoon of the YearSkywatchers around the globe were treated to the biggest supermoon of the year, appearing 7% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon. This segment explains the science behind the phenomenon, including the moon's elliptical orbit and its impact on tides. We also discuss how the term "supermoon" became popularised and the frequency of such lunar events, with several more supermoons on the horizon.www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com✍️ Episode ReferencesPhysical Reviewhttps://journals.aps.org/pr/Naturehttps://www.nature.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.Earth's Geology Written in the StarsTaikonaut Stranded in SpaceThe Biggest Supermoon of the YearEarth's Geology Written in the StarsTaikonaut Stranded in SpaceThe Biggest Supermoon of the Year

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Shane and Fiona speak to Wendy Morris and Amity James about their participation at the National Housing Conference in Perth, where they both spoke on a panel about gender responsive housing policies. Wendy Morris is a HAAG member and Amity James is an Associate Professor at Curtin University. 

Adversity is inherent within most – if not all – occupational contexts in which the performance of individuals and teams is crucial for organisational effectiveness. With its central focus on what enables people to resist, bounce back, or recover from adverse events that threaten their functioning, viability, or development, it is unsurprising that the concept of resilience has attracted a significant focus over the past 40 years. However, the majority of this past work has focused on resilience among individuals despite the fact that in in most contexts, whether work, sport or education, people typically complete tasks within teams that work interdependently for a specified timeframe to achieve a common and valued outcome or objective.In order to better understand the nature of team resilience, a recent paper co-authored by our guest today – Professor Daniel Gucciardi - seeks to address this gap in the literature.About our guest…Daniel Gucciardi is a Professor in the Curtin School of Allied Health at Curtin University in Western Australia.Daniel's research portfolio sits at the interface of the psychological and behavioural sciences, and utilises basic and applied research paradigms to advance knowledge and practice on the complexities of human performance and health. Daniel's work and interests focus on human performance and health primarily within the context of stress, where he examines concepts like resilience, team dynamics, self-regulation, and behaviour change.You can find out more about Daniel's work via his Google Scholar page: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=ovDUT-EAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inserting microchips into human brains was once the stuff of science fiction but is now reality thanks to companies like Elon Musk's Neuralink. But what are the pros and cons of having Musk tech inside our heads? In this episode, our host David gets cerebral with Dr Sarah Hellewell, a Neurotrauma Research Fellow at Curtin University and the Perron Institute. Together, they unpack how human augmentation tech like Neuralink works, and how it can help to improve the quality of life for people with brain injuries or neurological conditions. They also explore the ethics of merging ‘mind with machine'. Understanding brain computer interfaces (BCI) [01:02]Decoding thoughts into actions [04:45]BCI can change lives [09:12]Ethical implications of BCI tech [14:15]The future of BCI in everyday life [12:36]Learn moreThe man with a mind-reading chip in his brain – thanks to Elon MuskWhy Elon Musk's Neuralink brain implant reframes our ideas of self-identityResearchers reveal new pathway to improve traumatic brain injury outcomesThe Future Of Brain trauma and sportsConnect with our guestsDr Sarah HellewellSarah is a Senior Research Fellow in Neurotrauma at Curtin University and the Perron Institute. Her research incorporates both clinical and preclinical research programs spanning the spectrum of neurodegeneration and brain injury severity, enabling her to rapidly identify clinical problems and translate “bedside to bench” and back again.Join Curtin UniversityThis podcast is brought to you by Curtin University. Curtin is a global university known for its commitment to making positive change happen through high-impact research, strong industry partnerships and practical teaching.Work with usStudy a research degreeStart postgraduate educationGot any questions, or suggestions for future topics?Email thefutureof@curtin.edu.auSocial mediaXFacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedInTranscriptRead the transcript: https://thefutureof.simplecast.com/episodes/neuro-tech/transcript Behind the scenesHost: David KarstenContent creators: Caitlin Crowley and Zoe TaylorProducer: Emilia JolakoskaExecutive producer: Natasha Weeks and Anita ShoreFirst Nations AcknowledgementCurtin University acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the First Peoples of this place we call Australia, and the First Nations peoples connected with our global campuses. We are committed to working in partnership with Custodians and Owners to strengthen and embed First Nations' voices and perspectives in our decision-making, now and into the future.MusicOKAY by 13ounce Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 Music promoted by Audio Library.Curtin University supports academic freedom of speech. The views expressed in The Future Of podcast may not reflect those of Curtin University.

European leaders meet to discuss Russia and the Ukraine war - after a surge in attacks by both sides in September. More sanctions are under discussion - and new defences against Russian drones. So what next for peace efforts - or are Russia and Europe moving closer to conflict? In this episode: Mattia Nelles - CEO and co-founder of the German-Ukrainian Bureau. Eldar Mamedov - Non-Resident Fellow at the Quincy Institute, former Latvian diplomat and former foreign policy adviser in the European Parliament. Alexey Muraviev - Associate Professor of National Security and Strategic Studies at Curtin University in Perth, Australia. Host: Dareen Abughaida Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Sex work is legal and it's in-demand. So, why are those who do sex work feeling unsafe and isolated? Sex workers rarely speak publicly but Curtin University reporter Camila Equsquiza Santa Cruz spent months interviewing some of these workers in Western Australia on a campaign they say is all about basic human rights. Host / Reporter: Camila Equsquiza Santa CruzSupervising Producer: Kayt DaviesEpisode Executive Producer: Simon BradyMusic:‘Betelgeuse' / Kunal Shingade ‘Drifting Thoughts' / Free Sound Server ‘Coniferous Forest' / Orangery ‘Checkmate' / Nathan SmithImage:'Red Umbrella' - Aline de Nadai / Unsplash More stories from Curtin University:Western Independent More stories from The Junctionhttps://junctionjournalism.com/

New research from Curtin University and published in Physical Review Research, has found that the chemistry of zircons found in Earth’s crust contained a geological archive of Earth’s interaction with the Milky Way. To learn more about these findings and how this new line of research connects geology and astrophysics, we caught up with lead study author Professor Chris Kirkland. For anyone interested in the study, it can be found here: https://doi.org/10.1103/98c3-d9j2Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gender is always in motion, but is masculinity in crisis? In this episode, host David Karsten speaks with Dr Ben Rich and Todd Morley about modern masculinity, the challenges men face today, the rise of extremism and the solutions that could benefit us all.What does it mean to be a man in 2025 – and is masculinity in crisis? [00:09]Why men are falling behind: education, mental health and identity in a time of “polycrisis” [02:04]Generational divides and changing views on struggle [07:43]How social media is shaping masculinity [11:19]Extremism explained – what it really means and how it connects to masculinity [14:49]Is the internet an accelerant for radicalisation? [23:01]What men – and society – can do to create better futures [26:59]Redefining the “modern man” – why ambiguity matters [30:50]Inside the Curtin Extremism Research Network (CERN) [34:59]Learn moreHasan Piker: a "himbo gateway drug" to the left?Most young Aussie men are turning to masculinity influencers, and it's impacting their mental healthWhat is gender? With Judith Butler The draw of the ‘manosphere': understanding Andrew Tate's appeal to lost menThe Future Of the Manosphere podcastWestern Australia Intervention Support Program (WAISP)Connect with our guestsDoctor Ben RichDr Ben Rich is a senior lecturer in the School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry, and co-director of the Curtin Extremism Research Network (CERN), where his research focuses on the factors behind politically extreme views in areas such as gender, race, and public health.Todd MorleyTodd Morley is a PhD researcher in the School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry. His current research focuses on the radicalisation patterns of lone actor terrorists, and he also works as a preventing/countering violent extremism practitioner and consultant outside of Curtin.Join Curtin UniversityThis podcast is brought to you by Curtin University. Curtin is a global university known for its commitment to making positive change happen through high-impact research, strong industry partnerships and practical teaching.Work with usStudy a research degreeStart postgraduate educationGot any questions, or suggestions for future topics?Email thefutureof@curtin.edu.auSocial mediaXFacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedInTranscriptRead the transcript.Behind the scenesHost: David KarstenContent creator and recordist: Zoe TaylorEditor: Caitlin CrowleyProducer: Emilia JolakoskaExecutive Producers: Anita Shore and Natasha WeeksFirst Nations AcknowledgementCurtin University acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the First Peoples of this place we call Australia, and the First Nations peoples connected with our global campuses. We are committed to working in partnership with Custodians and Owners to strengthen and embed First Nations' voices and perspectives in our decision-making, now and into the future.Curtin University supports academic freedom of speech. The views expressed in The Future Of podcast may not reflect those of Curtin University.

Sponsor Details:This episode of SpaceTime is brought to you with the support of Insta360. Capture your adventures with their latest game-changer, the GOUltra. For a special SpaceTime listener offer, visit store.insta360.com and use the promo code SPACETIME at checkout. Help support SpaceTime and get a great deal. Win/win!In this episode of SpaceTime, we uncover groundbreaking discoveries in planetary science and solar physics, including the remnants of ancient asteroids on Mars, the recovery of the Mother's Day meteorite, and new insights into solar energetic particles.Asteroid Remnants Found in Martian MantleA new study reveals that fragments from ancient asteroids, which significantly impacted Mars around 4.5 billion years ago, are now trapped within the planet's mantle. Data from NASA's Mars Insight lander has provided unprecedented insights into the Martian interior, showing that these remnants, some up to four kilometres wide, offer a unique glimpse into Mars' geological history. The findings suggest a sluggish evolution of the Martian mantle, contrasting sharply with Earth's dynamic tectonic processes.Mother's Day Meteorite DiscoveryIn an exciting expedition, scientists from Curtin University have successfully recovered a meteorite that lit up the skies over Western Australia on Mother's Day. Using the Desert Fireball Network, researchers pinpointed the meteor's landing site and undertook a challenging journey to retrieve samples. Preliminary analysis indicates that the meteorite is an ordinary chondrite, providing valuable insights into its origins and the solar system's history.Tracing Super Fast Electrons from the SunAstronomers have identified two distinct origins for energetic particles emitted by the Sun, thanks to observations from the European Space Agency's Solar Orbiter mission. The research highlights the difference between solar energetic electrons linked to solar flares and those associated with coronal mass ejections. Understanding these two types of solar energetic particles is crucial for predicting space weather and protecting satellites and astronauts from radiation hazards.www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com✍️ Episode ReferencesNASAhttps://www.nasa.gov/Curtin Universityhttps://www.curtin.edu.au/European Space Agencyhttps://www.esa.int/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support.

75% of asteroid hunter's discoveries are called C type asteroids. They are dark, have a high abundance of carbon, consist of clay and silicate rocks, and may have a composition which is up to 22% water. Recently Dr. Phillip A. Bland of Curtin University in Australia and Dr. Bryan Travis of the Planetary Science Institute in Tucson, Arizona published an article in the on line journal Science Advances describing their numerical simulations of the evolution of the progenitors of the C type asteroids. These researchers find that these common asteroids are likely to have started out as giant convecting mud balls which could still exist at the center of large asteroids like Ceres. The C type asteroids are particularly significant in that they are likely to have been one of the ingredients which came together under gravity to form Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. Their impacts upon a young Earth are likely to be the source of the water in our oceans. Of more immediate interest is that the type C asteroids could be a handy source of water and raw materials for space colonists either as they are currently flying through space or found buried in impact craters on the Moon.

How will Pakistan deal with its worst floods on record? Hundreds of people are dead and millions affected. Now, the country is facing outbreaks of diseases and severe food shortages. But what's caused this disaster? And is climate change to blame? In this episode: Ali Hasanain, Associate Professor, Economics, Lahore University of Management Sciences. Peter Newman, Professor, Sustainability, Curtin University. Javaid Ur-Rahman, Climate Change Correspondent, The Nation. Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

In this episode: Mental health assessments may be overlooking key struggles Limited internal dialogue can quietly intensify anxiety and emotional dysregulation in young people facing communication challenges Transition to high school dramatically amplifies the academic and social pressures New intervention approaches are uncovering how teaching the language of emotion can unlock better coping and self-advocacy for vulnerable teens Host: Andrew Fuller, Clinical Psychologist and Family Therapist, Speaker and Creator of Learning Strengths Guest: Professor Mark Boyes, Educational and Developmental Psychology, Curtin University; Co-Lead, Mental Health Research Domain, Curtin enAble Institute, Academic Editor, PeerJ; Editorial Board Member, Dyslexia and Vulnerable Children and Youth StudiesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russia has announced it will stop abiding by the now-defunct INF treaty with the United States.The announcement came just days after Trump ordered the repositioning of two nuclear submarines in response to what he called "threatening comments" from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy chair of Russia's security council.Is this the beginning of a new nuclear arms race? What happens when nuclear posturing, once considered a taboo topic, plays out over social media between world leaders? And eighty years after Hiroshima and Nagasaki, have we forgotten the reality of nuclear war and the moral restraint that once held it at bay?Host Zhao Ying is joined by Kamal Makili-Aliyev, Associate Professor at the School of Global Studies, University of Gothenburg, Joseph Siracusa, Professor of Global Futures, Curtin University in Australia, Zhang Xin, Deputy Director of the Center for Russian Studies at East China Normal University.

Amy Steel is a climate adaptation expert and PhD candidate with Adrift Lab at Curtin University, Western Australia. With over a decade of experience advising on decarbonisation and climate resilience, Amy is now focused on a vital question: should humans intervene to help ecosystems on the verge of collapse—and if so, how, where, and when?Amy's research centres on the Yowli (otherwise known as Flesh-footed Shearwaters) breeding on islands in the Recherche Archipelago off Kepa Kurl, Esperance. These seabirds face increasing and worsening threats from lightning-ignited wildfires during their peak breeding season, impacted by climate change. Working with the Esperance Tjaltjraak Rangers, Amy is exploring how Wudjari cultural burning can protect these fragile habitats. Amy also reflects on moving from high-level strategy to hands-on fieldwork, the importance of Indigenous knowledge, and what it means to protect ecosystems in a rapidly changing climate.In this episode, we discuss:Amy's diverse background and what led her from leadership roles in climate strategy to researchThe long-term impacts of heat stroke that ended her competitive netball career and influenced her pathJoining the Adrift Lab team and what inspired her to undertake a PhDWhy islands and seabirds like the Yowli are critical indicators of ecosystem healthThe increasing severity of wildfires and extreme weather, and their impacts on vulnerable speciesWhether seabirds and other wildlife can adapt to human-driven climate change, and if natural checks and balances are breaking downThe ethical and ecological questions around human intervention in collapsing ecosystemsWorking closely with the Esperance Tjaltjraak Rangers, and the role of Wudjari cultural burning in ecosystem resilienceThe importance of place-based policy and honouring Indigenous knowledge in climate responsesHow to communicate climate and conservation issues effectively, and create lasting change within communitiesStaying motivated in advocacy through collaboration and community actionThe role of athletes in climate conversations, and how to stay safe while being active in a changing climateWhat gives Amy hope as an environmental researcherTo view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.

In this episode of SpaceTime, we dive into the depths of cosmic mysteries and groundbreaking discoveries, including the enigmatic Long Period Transient and the stellar companion of Betelgeuse, alongside exciting findings from Mars.Unraveling the Long Period TransientAstronomers have uncovered a new cosmic phenomenon, ASCAP J1832-0911, which emits both radio and X-ray pulses every 44 minutes for just two minutes at a time. This first-ever detection of a Long Period Transient has left scientists puzzled about its nature and origins. Lead author Dr Andy Wang from Curtin University discusses the potential theories, including the possibility of a magnetar or a binary star system, while emphasizing the need for further observations to unravel this cosmic mystery.Betelgeuse's Stellar CompanionIn a remarkable discovery, astronomers have identified a stellar companion orbiting the red supergiant Betelgeuse. This pre-main sequence star, approximately one and a half times the mass of the Sun, resides within Betelgeuse's outer atmosphere. As Betelgeuse approaches the end of its life, this companion is also on a collision course with destiny, likely spiraling into Betelgeuse within the next 10,000 years. This finding could shed light on the periodic brightness changes observed in similar red supergiant stars.Mars Perseverance Rover's New DiscoveriesNASA's Perseverance Rover continues its exploration of Jezero Crater, uncovering unusual rock formations that may reveal significant geological history. The rover is investigating an intriguing contact area where clay-bearing units meet olivine-rich rocks, potentially preserving evidence of ancient intrusive processes. Despite challenges in studying these formations, mission managers remain determined to unlock the secrets they hold about Mars' past.www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com✍️ Episode ReferencesAstrophysical Journal Lettershttps://iopscience.iop.org/journal/1538-4357NASA's Perseverance Rover Missionhttps://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support.00:00 Space Time series 28 episode 90 for broadcast on 28 July 202500:47 Long Period Transient emitting radio and X ray pulses every 44 minutes07:48 Astronomers have discovered what appears to be a companion star in binary orbit12:30 NASA's Mars Perseverance Rover is continuing its exploration of Jetro Crater15:00 New study links early smartphone use to poorer mental health later in life17:39 There are new reports of Bigfoot activity in the Pacific Northwest state of Washington

 A pair of letters from life down under. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories. Story 1:  Can I Hold Your Hand The guy who had something extra, gives it to her. By Baztrachian My name is Dennis. Growing up on our ranch in Western Australia, I lived a pretty isolated life. Starting at around age twelve, I was bussed into town, and had to adjust to big classrooms, and girls. Some of them were already well developed by the time I hit my, shall we call it, ‘growth spurt'?  I noticed I had a weird effect on girls but more so on women. If they touched my hands they'd act weird and sometimes just get quiet and stare at me. It was weird so I didn't tell my parents but by the time I was thirteen I wore gloves all the time. That way I could do all the normal things everyone else did like shake hands and stuff like that without causing a problem. At first, Folks assumed I had an injury or skin rash.Soon folks thought I had some OCD about germs. Yes, as hard as it was to wear gloves all the time it was even harder not to wear them. You never know how much people touch each other with their hands until you can't do it. Try refusing to shake someone's hands sometime. You'll see. Fortunately for me the hand thing had no effect on my own household members, including my mother & sister. Perhaps it's a pheromone thing, I don't know? At a family reunion when I was 14, my female cousins went numb like the girls at school, so after that, I always wore gloves around them. Unless I wanted them to shut up, then it was kind of handy! As I transitioned from middle school to high school, the female reactions to my touch brought on more immediate & expressive sexual attraction. The younger girls were confused by their feelings, the older and sexually active girls weren't confused at all. They knew they were horny. Granted, I took off the gloves like when I was out with my Boy Scout troop, playing sports at school, and some other social events where there were no women around. Avoiding girls as a practice, made some people think I was gay; so it was a relief when I went off to Perth for Curtin University, where being weird was much more acceptable. But more to the point here, is I wasn't gay. I really did want a girlfriend. In my speech class I met a cute girl named Melody. She was perky, a little offbeat, average in size, and she wore her dark hair in very feminine pixie cut that showed off her sexy neck. Taking a chance, I started to hang out more with Melody and her group of friends from Bunbury, a city further south on Australia's west coast. One night she came to a rugby game I was in. Afterward, she came down on the field & impulsively leaned in and kissed me on the lips, before going home with her gals. I discovered that I could kiss her and she was just fine, with no odd side effects. A month later, a few of us were in her off-campus apartment after class, for lunch. After eating, the others suddenly left for class, leaving just the two of us. Mel was looking at my gloved hands. She asked why I wore gloves around campus, but not in always? She even saw me at Rugby practice last week without gloves on. I tried brushing it off with a witty joke. I had several rehearsed one-liners ready, for such inquiries. She laughed, then added; “But seriously; why? I tried a tall-tale far-fetched narrative for my next come back. That didn't deter her persistency either. I paused, then decided to risk it and just explain to her about the gloves and the true impact of my hands, but I think she thought the truth was just an even crazier tale to cover for some Obsessive Cumpulsive thing on my part. "Dennis, do you think it would be okay for me to touch your hands without the gloves? Do you trust me?" It had been a few years since the last time I'd deliberately touched a woman, and that was in another place, hours away from college. Maybe here & now it would be okay? Besides, I was longing to touch her and feel her lovely skin. "Alright, but don't say I didn't tell you what might happen." With that I removed my gloves. "Your hands look so soft! I've never seen a guy with hands as soft as yours..." and that's where her sentence ended. Mel had her hand on mine and now she had that glazed-over look, which I remembered so well. As she sat there staring at me, I took the chance to gently touch her face and then steal a caress of her gorgeous neck. That stirred her up a bit. "Oh, my God; that's amazing!" she finally said. Then her face turned a little red. "What's it like?" I asked her. Hate to admit but I was really curious about it. "It's like riding a roller coaster and getting that feeling you get when it goes over a hill!" She squirmed in her seat. "Oh, that's doing things for me!" Then she got up and strided over to her bathroom. I got up and cleared the table, grabbed my gloves, then sat on the couch. A couple minutes later she came back out, looking calmer. She sat down by me and said; “I thought I might have peed my panties. False alarm; sort of.” She sat back down at the table & looked at me in wonder as the effect started to wear off. "Fuck, Dennis! You weren't lying were you? Oh my God, that must have been a bitch to grow up with that. You poor thing." Her hands impulsively went to mine again, and she touched me before I had a chance to react. Her head dropped back against the backrest, & her jaw went slack. She just seemed to melt into the couch. I let go of her hands and her recovery was a little faster this time. She was definitely experiencing it pretty intensely. She was looking at me like she was starving and I was a bacon cheeseburger. (Yeah, virgin Dennis was stupid enough not to realize that she was sexually aroused.) "Oh, my. I think we need to explore this a little more..." she said as she reached for me again. This time I pulled my hands back and slipped on my gloves. "Mel, I think I'm gonna to the library, and maybe let you get yourself together, okay?" I stood up and left her on her couch. She looked a little confused so I left, to let her recover in private. It was maybe twenty minutes later when she texted me, asking me to come back to her place. I sighed and texted back that I was on my way. I figured if she was okay enough to text me then she was okay, right?  I guess I had some responsibility to make sure she was okay. It was twenty minutes for me to walk back to her place. When she opened the door for me, I caught my breath. The object of my desire was standing before me in a long t-shirt. I immediately noticed her stiff nipples, and concluded that the t-shirt was perhaps the only thing she was wearing. She still had that craving hungry look. She managed to compose herself & politely invite me in, and had me sit on her couch. "I think we need to talk." she said, as she sat down next to me and let her soft boob lean against my horny arm. "Okay,” I said. “About what?" Then she looked me in the eyes and boldly said; "I think you need to fuck me so we can find out what this does." She said this with an impish smile while reaching for down my cock, which was hard. To be honest, I'd been very smitten by Mel since we first met on campus. Hence, it was usually hard when I was around Mel, so this wasn't all that remarkable. What was remarkable was my virgin cock getting its first female attention. I immediately decided that I liked this. Loved this. Quite a lot. "Mel, this is probably going to be a very bad idea. Are you sure you want to do this, because I know I do." She bit her lip and in a very exaggerated nod, said; “God, yes.” Leading me to her bedroom, she unbuttoned my shirt and pushed it off my shoulders. My shorts came next and I let them drop as I stepped out of my sandals. I was almost naked except for my gloves. Mel pulled her t-shirt over her head, and there she was. In all her feminine glory! She smiled at me and then kissed me lightly on the lips. Her hands went to my gloves. "Mel, I have to tell you something..." She looked a little surprised and she smiled. "Okay, the hand thing wasn't enough? What else? And please don't tell me you have herpes." "I'm a virgin." She giggled and smiled as she held her hands against her chest, "So am I! Isn't this crazy? I was planning to wait, but now all I can think about is you!" She yanked my arm and tugged me to the bedroom. Then she pulled back the blankets and climbed onto the middle of the waterbed. Patting on the bed she meant for me to join her. My cock jutted out from my body like a diving board. I briefly had an ethical discussion with myself about what I was doing and if it was fair to Mel. I quickly realized that I loved her, I wanted to be with her, and sooner or later we were going to have sex so why not now? Besides, she liked me, right? I went to get on the bed and had one knee on the blankets when she held up her hand. "Gloves. Off. Now." I drew in a breath for the moment of truth and took off my gloves. Being careful not to touch her too soon I got onto the bed next to her and laid on my side. She rolled over to face me, we rocked a bit from the waves. "Touch me." she said. "Where?" She smiled. "Any damn where you want. But do it now." I slowly moved my hand to her breast and then gently palmed it. Her reaction was instant. She sighed as a feeling of arousal and euphoria swept over her. I may have been a virgin but I knew what serious arousal looked like and this was it! Her face was flush, again. The glassy look in her eyes returned, but she held it together better. We kissed and started making out. Her hands were all over me and my hands were all over her. I noticed that her pelvis was rhythmically rocking. I don't think she knew. It wasn't maybe even two or three minutes when she rolled onto her back and pulled me on top of her. I had no idea what I was doing but my cock certainly knew where it wanted to be and I started pushing and prodding. "Here." she said, as she reached between us and firmly grabbed my rod and guided me until my sensitive tip felt her warm cunt. She moved my cock across her furrow a few times and then suddenly I felt the silky smooth wetness of her treasures. I hesitated and looked into her eyes. "Please." she lusted. I slipped into her glorious heaven. It was snug and tight and shallow, but with a twerk of her hips, she burst open her depths. “Ah, ahah!” she groaned for a moment, her eyes expressing some pain. And then she rocked her hips up and swallowed my full length. It was wet, warm, & snug. And it blew my mind to finally have my cock inside the girl of my dreams. "Oh, Jesus...fuck..." she uttered as I started to fuck her. Her eyes rolled back and then she closed them, panting heavily. She fell limp as my hips rose and fell on hers. I'd love to tell you it went on and on but, you know...virgin. I was new to this, and too soon I felt my cum rising. I think my last wet dream last longer than this. The college health class came back to me at that moment. I briefly thought about stopping. Then looking at Mel, my desire took over and I pressed deep into her and let loose! It felt so great to cum in her. We laid there embracing for a few more minutes as her breathing relaxed. “Look at me, Dennis,” she said. As I looked at her, she started twitching and moaning. Her hips moved to meet mine and I shot out another few squirts of cum. We did this routine again, until my cock and balls were starting to feel a little sore from the effort. When I was done, Mel lay there senseless. She was still twitching and moaning, and now her hands felt her own body. It was amazingly erotic. This thing she was doing went on and on, but then tapered off for several minutes at which point she fell soundly asleep. I got up and turned around to look at the lovely woman who gave herself to me. I looked down at my spent dick. It had a bit of a blood stain at the base. I guess this is what's referred to as ‘popping her cherry?' I grabbed my clothes and took a quick rinse in her shower, then got dressed enough to be presentable. Sitting down in her living room I fiddled with my hands and eventually turned on the TV. The sun set in the west. Right around eight o'clock  I heard her stirring. When she came out of the bedroom she had this silly smile on her face. And the t-shirt. Just the t-shirt. I could tell she was still aroused. Anyone would have seen that. "Lover, that was absolutely fucking ah, mazing!" "You're okay?" Really I was concerned for her. I loved her after all. She sat down on the couch next to me and kissed me. "I'm fine. I had no idea that was what sex was supposed to be like. Fuck." Her hand went to my chest. "Dennis, you're like the best psych drug ever invented!" "You've done drugs?" I asked. "Only when I had my wisdom teeth pulled. And this was way the fuck better than that! When your dick touched me it was like the whole world felt at peace and everything was going to be wonderful and then you started fucking me. Damn, that was intense! When you came in me it was like getting injected with a rainbow!" She went on and on about the experience, and as she did it was pretty clear she wanted more. I touched her face and she flushed with arousal; and this time we didn't even make it back to the bed. I fucked her right there on the couch. I lasted a little longer before I felt the unstoppable urge to cum in her. This time she gave a little cry and then fell limp. It took me a little time to calm down and when I did, I picked up Mel and carried her to the bedroom. She was totally passed out and I figured to let her sleep it off so after covering her up I got dressed and headed to my dorm. She called me late the next morning, explaining how she'd slept in and missed her morning classes. She didn't seem to care about it too much, and told me she would make her afternoon classes. But she also insisted I had to come over for dinner. Naturally I spent my time in class thinking about Mel. By the time I made it to her place I was getting hard before I got to her door; with the near certainty that I was going to get laid. When she opened her door for me she radiated sexiness. Her movements were different and she simply appeared more beautiful than before. It harkened to me some classic literature references to ‘the power of a woman's glamour', her charms, as another author phrased it. She was a new woman. A viral woman, a woman awakened to seduction and seducing. There was also a resoluteness to her now, and she made clear that she desired me. I knew that most of this was from my condition, the potent effect of my bare hands upon a female prospect. Still, it was getting me laid, right? We made it through dinner and then we managed to talk for a short time. Mel was amazed at herself for what she was doing with me. She said it was totally against her nature and upbringing to have given up her virginity, and to keep risking pregnancy with me; but she couldn't help herself. Twenty minutes later she passed out after I'd filled her cunt again. As she lay there sleeping it off I realized that when she got a dose of my cum it was sedating her, so the little swimmers in my semen would have time to travel upstream into her womb. I looked at the sleeping girl and realized that my cum was doing double duty trying to get her pregnant. When she woke up, she wanted to go again and so did my cock. In due time, she quit school because she didn't care about it anymore. And then the day she told me she was pregnant, the tears were flowing and she was crying...right until I took off my gloves and touched her face. I took her to visit my parents that next weekend; apprehensive of my parents' reaction. My father spoke first; “Son, this is a huge relief. My health issues require that I stop ranching, or get a lot of help. I was hoping to delay the matter until you finish college, but I was going to ask you to come home and take over the business. If the two of you could settle down here with us, I'll get the home builders out here, next week. We'd just gotten our first royalty check from the new natural gas wells that were drilled last year. Dad needed a way to reinvest it in the ranch, or he'd have to pay some very high taxes on the windfall. We got married the following month in Mel's home town. Then my parents threw a big reception at the family ranch a few weeks later. As the baby grew Mel became very calm and tranquil. She definitely had a ‘baby glow'. We'd still fuck and it still had the same effect on her; but even when we weren't fucking she'd still be very Zen-like. I understood it, when the baby was born; and Mel would get a sedated, glazed-over expression whenever little Gary (named after my father), put his hands on her tits and latched on to suckle them. It didn't sexually arouse her, but it still sent her into a trance-like condition. My boy was going to be a chip off the old block! I nicknamed him ‘Chip'. By Baztrachian for Literotica Story 2: New Step Siblings In Aussie Lockdown Teens meet in Melbourne for their parents' wedding, then get left together in locked-down Australia. By Baztrachian When my father told me that he was getting married again I accepted it as good news. He'd been alone and depressed since the divorce and when he met Debbie she clearly brought back his smile and his joy. So of course I was happy for him. It was just after Thanksgiving in 2019 when they decided on getting married the following June. The plan was for four of us to take a family trip together instead of doing the traditional honeymoon vacation. The four of us included my father, Debbie, myself, and my new step-sister, Taylor. The June date was set to coincide with Taylor graduating high school. Taylor was pretty happy about the plan to take a trip to Australia because their drinking laws would allow even a freshly minted eighteen year old to enjoy a visit to a bar. Over the ensuing months I got to know Taylor fairly well and we ended up getting along despite some serious differences. Where I was a devoted outdoorsman who loved hiking, off-road sports, climbing, and working out Taylor was your typical ginger. She was alabaster white and would get sunburned if she was in the sun for much more than a few minutes. She was also nearsighted and she had to wear glasses to see past her arm. She was cute in a dorky sort of way and I had no problem enjoying her company. The news of COVID started up in January but most everyone I knew dismissed it as being an overhyped flu. Granted, we took it more seriously as time went on but we still had plans to visit Australia and we kept to them. The wedding took place the weekend after Taylor's graduation. The next morning was a flurry of activity as we headed off to the airport. There had been a lockdown in Melbourne that May but it ended soon enough that our plans were not affected. It wasn't easy to get into Australia but we did and when we arrived we headed off to the house we'd rented for the vacation. We'd be there three weeks and we'd head home on July 9th just as planned. One thing we quickly discovered is that July is in the depths of winter, for the Aussies. The rental house was pretty amazing. It was in the town of Port Campbell situated on the ocean and that meant I had quite a lot to do every day. I quickly found myself a kayak and spent several of my days exploring the coast and getting in some decent fishing. My father and Debbie had a good time, of course, and Taylor made the best of it staying in the shade and catching up on her books. You know how when you go on vacation you allow yourself to detach from the world and not have much care for the news? Yep, that was our mistake. Living in our little vacation bubble we had no idea that not only had COVID not blown over but it was getting worse. We only got an idea that things were getting serious when my father got a toothache and decided to cut the honeymoon short by a couple days and go home. Turned out that a lot of Americans were trying to get out of Australia at that point, so airline seats were at a premium. The best my father could pull off were two seats for himself and Debbie. Taylor and I would have to wait for our flight on July 9th before we'd get home. Where we'd only be waiting a couple days for the flight my father paid for me and Taylor to stay in a decent enough Melbourne apartment with a view of the beach and the cruise pier. It was a great location and even though we'd just be there a couple days I was looking forward to making the most of the winter-time beach. The airport situation was a little crazy so we ended up saying our goodbyes at the apartment and then Taylor and I watched as the taxi took our parents away. That afternoon we went to a local store to get a few things and noticed that the other shoppers were all stocking up. Something about their faces alarmed me. "What're you doing?" asked Taylor as I put down our handbasket and instead took a 'trolley' as they call grocery carts down under. "I'm just being cautious is all. Look at these people, they're all freaked out and getting ready to hunker down. I don't know what's really happening but I want to make sure we've got everything we might need just in case." Taylor was a little irritated as I started picking up sundries, snacks, toiletries, and enough food for a couple weeks. I told her that if nothing happened then I'd just leave the stuff out for someone else. She made a remark about how I was wasting my money and I ignored her. On the way back to our apartment I slipped into a liquor store and picked up two cases of beer, six liters of vodka, six liters of whisky, and assorted mixers. Just in case, of course. The news that evening confirmed my fears. Melbourne was going into six weeks of lockdown. We were going to be shut into our apartment and only allowed outside for two hours of exercise and one hour to go visit a store. I made a few frantic calls to the airline and it was the seventh time I tried that I got through to find out our flight was cancelled. A few more calls followed and I confirmed we weren't going to be allowed to leave for at least the entirety of the six weeks. That led to calling my father back at home in the US. He handled the news with aplomb as if this was no big deal. I appreciated his confidence and doubly appreciated his promise to drop enough money in my account to see me and Taylor through the six weeks of lockdown. I felt better when I got off the phone and shared this news with Taylor. The next day was the start of the lockdown and it was immediately apparent that the police were in no mood to play with anyone. We looked over the balcony of the apartment and saw people on the beach getting chased away or even arrested by the aggressive police. At one point one of the cops even yelled at us to go inside or get arrested! It was really shocking to see the city become a big prison. You just don't expect that kind of thing to happen in a Western country and in this case it had happened so fast that there wasn't even time for anyone to protest. Although we were supposedly allowed to go out to exercise I convinced Taylor to stay in due to wanting to avoid a problem with the police. Where we were set on food for a while I also decided against going shopping until we absolutely had to. When we'd arranged for the apartment I was sleeping on the couch and Taylor had the bed. But a couple days into the lockdown Taylor had me switch because the bed was going to be more comfortable for me. Hate to say, but I didn't argue with her about that. We passed our time talking a lot. I got to hear about her high school experience, her debate club victories, her attempts at art, and her plans to study higher mathematics in college. Taylor got to hear about my hiking trip to Nepal, my fishing adventure in the Red Sea, my close encounter with a bear in Alaska, and etc. We even made it six days before I opened a case of beer. Despite the cold weather we made a point of sitting out on the balcony at night. We would sit and chat and sip a drink and enjoy breaking one of the oppressive rules. Naturally we stayed out of sight because even though we were rebels we didn't want to push our luck. An odd thing took place during our confinement as we tacitly agreed on some domestic practices. We never had to discuss it as we started doing laundry, cleaning dishes, and doing all of the normal things you do when you live together. For whatever reason we got along well as roommates and one day we both acknowledged this fact and each considered ourselves fortunate to have family we could like. I don't recall precisely which day it was but a day came along where we didn't need to leave the apartment and neither of us bothered to get dressed. I spent the day in a t-shirt and boxers, and Taylor spent the day in her night-time chemise and panties. That started a habit with us of being rather casual around the apartment. I'd be lying if I didn't admit to giving her body serious consideration. I did my best to play it off but when I was in the shower by myself I found her to be the object of my fantasies as I'd relieve my pent-up needs. July 31st was a Friday, and that particular day stood out to me. Taylor and I had been into drinking a bit more than usual and when it came time for bed she followed me into the bedroom. It was cold and cloudy outside and the apartment had a bit of a chill to it so Taylor's explanation made sense. "It's too fucking cold to sleep on the couch," she slurred, "hope you don't mind but I'm in here tonight." It was the first time I'd heard her swear. Myself, I didn't mind the prospect of her company so I held up the blanket and let her slide in. Then I cuddled up behind her and my prescription from Doctor Johnny Walker put me to sleep. In the morning I woke to feeling Taylor's warm ass pressing against my body. It was a couple moments before I realized that my cock was out of my boxers and snugly gripped by Taylor's panty-protected thigh gap. I really had to fight back the urge to try to fuck her but at the same time it just wasn't right. She gently moved against me as I withdrew my cock. I swore she was wanting me, but I had to tell my ego to calm down. I got up from the warm bed and headed out to the kitchen to make some much needed coffee. As the coffee was brewing I went out on the balcony to get some cold air. That helped me wake up and it also settled down the spike jutting out from between my legs. The day that followed was more or less normal. I was quietly relieved when Taylor didn't speak of what my cock had been up to during the night and I was quite set on making sure there were no repeat performances. At the same time the thought that my cock had been separated from Taylor's cunt by just a flimsy bit of fabric had me somewhat aroused all day. Around noon there was a knock on the door from one of our neighbors. I opened the door after putting on the requisite mask and the cheerful fellow mentioned how he'd overheard us on the balcony talking about vodka. He needed some and we had it. A trade was completed and now we had a bottle of gin and a couple bottles of tonic water. That night Taylor and myself sat down watching Sky News mostly because they were the only channel with news from the USA. At a certain point Taylor got up and made two pint glasses full of gin and tonic. Needless to say by bedtime we were both toasted and the two drinks were just a bit more than half gone. I made my move getting up to go to bed while Taylor put the two leftover drinks in the fridge. When she joined me in bed she had me spoon up behind her and then she snuggled into me. I have to admit that it was really nice. When I put my arm around her she didn't mind that my hand ended up holding her tit. Sleep overtook me before anything else happened and at the moment I was grateful. Sometime during the night I woke to feeling Taylor's ass pushing back at me. It was a very gentle motion but it was enough that my cock was responding. I couldn't help myself but to pull her tight against myself and strain to push my crotch at hers. She pulled away just enough to get her hand between us. She went right to my cock and rubbed it under my shorts. Again, she was very gentle but she was also making clear what she wanted. Fishing around my shorts she found the opening and I sighed as her soft hand wrapped around my pole and pulled it out of my shorts. Her hand exited the space between us and I felt her ass push up against me again. My cock rubbed between her ass cheeks. They felt silky and smooth. She moved again and this time lifted a leg to allow my cock to fit between us. The tip of my cock rubbed against something warm and moist. I woke up a bit more and did an exploratory thrust and realized that she wasn't wearing panties. "Taylor?" I asked. "Yeah?" she huskily replied. "Do you want me to stop?" She didn't hesitate. "No." She pressed her ass at me and I couldn't help myself but to thrust. We bumped a few times and then we both caught our breath as my cock found the right place. My cock was just pressed into the mouth of her cunt. I took a moment to savor the feeling and then felt her press back. I didn't move and instead felt her body open up for me as the first inch or so of my cock entered her. My instincts took over at this point. "Uh, ah!" she exclaimed as I started to drive myself into her. I felt her body twitch as I tried to get deeper. "Oh, God." she uttered as she moved her hips allowing me to plunge all the way inside of her. Between the effects of the alcohol and my need I wasn't the least bit interested in being gentle. All I knew was my cock was in her cunt and it was absolute Heaven! I started fucking her hard and my hands wrapped around her. I mashed one of her tits while she grunted from getting her cunt slammed. She put a hand on my hip to try to push me back a little and all I did was fuck harder. Taylor cried out as I drove deep and started spewing my load into her. She tried to move away from me and I held her tight until I was done shooting my cum into her. She was silent in the aftermath of our coupling. When my cock finally relaxed and slipped from her body she moved away from me just enough to get some space. As I started to feel the embrace of sleep I swore I could hear her quietly sobbing. It was a bit before sunrise when I awoke. The memory of the evening flooded in on me and I had that brief moment of disbelief where I thought it could have been a dream. During the night Taylor had moved to where she was sleeping a little away from me. I explored her body with a hand and felt her bare thigh. Moving up I found her bare hip and the fact that she was naked below the waist made me hard again. I brushed her hair with my hand and then caressed her cheek. "Taylor? You awake?" I asked. Her snoozing continued informing me she was deep in sleep. My hand moved down her body. I undid the ties on her chemise and treated myself to feeling the soft skin of her breasts. She gave a pleasant little purr as my fingers played over her nipples. I removed my hand and let her go back to snoozing. Taking her hip with my hand I gently pulled her against me. As her body moved against me my cock neatly fit into her thigh gap again. She lay quietly as I gently rutted against her. When I poked her in the right place she moaned and moved her leg. I stopped for a moment and then started gently moving again as I heard her moan in approval. When she'd moved her leg she exposed her cunt to me and it wasn't long before I felt her moisture on my cock. As gently as I could I changed my angle and pushed. Her cunt opened for me and I stifled a moan as I slipped into her again. I was determined to be gentle and took my time getting myself fully embedded in her. Taking a little time just to savor the moment I started a very slow and deliberate rhythm. Somewhere along the line Taylor stirred. She reached between us to where our bodies met and explored. Then she just relaxed and let me keep going. Soon enough I felt her hips moving in response to mine and then I felt her tense. "Fuck..." she whispered as she came. I felt her cunt clench around my cock and that did it for me as I unloaded my cum into her again. We had a moment where I just held her but then she was up and off to the shower. When she was done she excused herself to the kitchen and it was my turn to clean up. I needed it. And after I was dressed decently I went out to talk to her. "Good morning." I said, wondering what her response would be. She smiled at me. "It is." Naturally we had to talk about our new relationship. And that's what we did for a while before deciding to take a walk together. It was eerie to be in a big city and have it so quiet. We got over to the beach but between signs saying the beach was closed and glares from the police we decided to stay close to the apartment. Lunch was a simple affair of bread and cheese. While we ate I asked Taylor why she'd wanted to be more to me than just a step-sister. "I guess I never would have known you if our parents didn't get married. You're like the total opposite of me. But being around you I got to know you and then there's the thing where you're not so hard to look at, Mister." I smiled at her. "You're not so hard to look at yourself." When I asked her about the possibility of pregnancy she just shrugged. "I can go to the store if you want me to." I offered. "What if I didn't want you to?" she asked. "You mean you don't want to have sex anymore? I can understand that." She shook her head, "No, what if I just want us to keep doing this; whatever it is. Would you be okay with that?" I looked in her pale green eyes and realized that I was looking at the woman I'd marry. "Of course I would." And that, my friends, was the closest we ever came to a marriage proposal. After that it was just a given that we would marry and have a family. Naturally, it was no surprise that when we were finally allowed to return to the USA, Taylor was sporting a very modest bulge. I guess my biggest surprise in all of this was when we got home and broke the news to our parents. They looked at each other, smiled, and then my new step-mom says, "Yeah, we kind of figured you two would find a way to pass the time." By Baztrachian for Literotica

While there are a lot of dinosaur fossils, and a lot of plant fossils, the precise connection between the two has been something of a mystery. Now, researchers report that they've found what's called a cololite, fossilized gut contents, in the remains of a sauropod—a massive, long-necked plant-eater. The dino's last meal dates back 95 to 100 million years. Paleontologist Stephen Poropat joins Host Flora Lichtman to dig into the mysteries of a dinosaur's tummy.And, for prairie dogs, communication is key. The rodents' yips and barks can warn when danger is near—and not just to other prairie dogs. A new study suggests that birds called long-billed curlews are eavesdropping on this chatter to learn when a predator is lurking nearby. Using speakers and a taxidermied badger on wheels, ornithologists are untangling the social dynamics of black-tailed prairie dogs. Host Flora Lichtman talks with study author Andrew Dreelin about this eavesdropping behavior and what it means for conservation.Guests:Dr. Stephen Poropat is a paleontologist and deputy director of the Western Australian Organic and Isotope Geochemistry Centre at Curtin University in Perth, Australia.Andrew Dreelin is a research fellow with the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and a PhD candidate at Northern Illinois University.Transcripts for each episode are available within 1-3 days at sciencefriday.com. Subscribe to this podcast. Plus, to stay updated on all things science, sign up for Science Friday's newsletters.

What if a digital tool could help bridge the gap between hearing loss and informed action?In this session from the 2025 Future of Hearing Healthcare Conference, Dr. Mel Ferguson of Curtin University introduces the Hear Choice project—a co-designed, evidence-based decision aid developed to empower adults with hearing loss. Backed by Australia's National Health and Medical Research Council, Hear Choice is designed to address long-standing barriers in the hearing care pathway, from lack of knowledge and stigma to limited care options.Dr. Ferguson outlines how the tool was developed through stakeholder engagement, usability testing, and ongoing clinical evaluation. Early feedback from users and clinicians suggests that Hear Choice not only improves understanding but may also prompt meaningful behavior change. Watch now to learn how this scalable, brand-agnostic resource could support better-informed decisions and earlier intervention in hearing healthcare.Be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).- https://twitter.com/WeekinHearing- https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-week-in-hearing- https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/

Key Points:Introductions and backgroundMarc Zen introduces himself as a PhD candidate at Curtin University researching explicit media literacy education, particularly focusing on parent perspectives. He discusses his personal experiences with education growing up and how that motivated his research interests.Defining "explicit media literacy" Marc explains why he uses the broader term "explicit media literacy" rather than just focusing on . He notes that parents were more concerned about the influence of media on their children's future relationships than just the content of itself.Parent perspectives on media influenceThe parents Marc interviewed expressed a range of views, but were generally most concerned about how the media their children consume could negatively impact their future relationships and ability to have healthy, respectful intimacy. Some saw potential benefits in using media to start conversations.Initiating conversations with children Many parents struggled with how to initiate conversations with their children about and relationships, often resorting to awkward tactics like having the conversation in the car. Marc and Cam discuss strategies for parents to create a safe, open environment for these discussions.Differences in parent and gender perspectives Marc observed differences in how mothers and fathers approached the topic, with fathers more likely to discuss directly and share their own experiences, while mothers were more concerned about media messages promoting unhealthy relationship dynamics.Framing education in schools Marc discusses the debate around taking a "critical" approach versus a more "neutral" approach to teaching explicit media literacy in schools. He believes the neutral approach focused on building practical skills is more effective, though the critical approach is better than nothing.Concluding thoughtsMarc emphasizes the importance of reframing adolescence as a time of opportunity to build valuable life skills, rather than just a period of risk and vulnerability. He advocates for evidence-based, shame-free education that provides young people with practical tools.Relevant linksWebsite: www.marczen.com.au.Instagram: marc_zen_

In the United States, the conflict between California and the Trump administration over immigration appears to be further intensifying. Federal immigration officials are carrying out enforcement activities in California, especially the Los Angeles area, as part of President Donald Trump's mass deportation policy. The raids have been sharply criticized by local officials who say everything in their daily life is being affected by the activities targeting immigrant families. At the center of the clash is the federal government's decision to order the deployment of National Guard members and Marines to LA after days of protests driven by anger over the raids.What does the clash tell us about the social and political divisions in the United States? Host Ding Heng is joined by Joseph Siracusa, Professor of Global Futures at Curtin University, and Andy Mok, Senior Research Fellow at the Center for China and Globalization.

This week on the Perth Property Show, Trent Fleskens welcomes Megan Adair, director of Adair Advisory, WAPC Commissioner and Non-Executive Director at Stellar Living, for an in-depth discussion on her career and insights into the housing market in Western Australia. Megan shares her journey from studying at Curtin University to becoming a pivotal figure in the planning and property industry, touching upon key experiences and challenges she has faced. The conversation delves into the complexities of the planning landscape, the role of local government, and the importance of leadership and flexibility in policy-making. 

In this episode of The Poultry Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Natalie Morgan from Curtin University explains why fiber is often the overlooked component in poultry diets and why it deserves more attention. She explains how soluble and insoluble fibers impact gut health, nutrient absorption, and enzyme efficiency. Listen now on all major platforms!"Soluble fiber ferments and fuels beneficial bacteria, producing short-chain fatty acids that support gut health and reduce pathogen colonization."What will you learn: (00:00) Introduction(00:54) Guest background(02:25) Fiber in poultry nutrition(03:28) Soluble vs. insoluble fiber(04:07) Fiber's impact on enzymes(09:25) Fiber research(10:56) Closing thoughtsMeet the guest:Dr. Natalie Morgan received her B.Sc. in Animal Biology and Ph.D. in Poultry Nutrition from Nottingham Trent University. Now an Associate Professor at Curtin University in Australia, she specializes in dietary fiber and prebiotics in poultry diets, with extensive experience in enzyme application and microbiota studies. Her research aims to optimize nutrient absorption and gut health in poultry.Connect with our guest on Social Media: LinkedInLiked this one? Don't stop now — Here's what we think you'll love!

Jo and Sab want everyone to plant more banksia trees.Perth needs two million more banksias to give Carnaby's and Baudin's black cockatoos a decent food supply, according to Curtin University botanist Professor Kingsley Dixon. 01:28 How long until you can expect fruit off your dwarf Hass avocado tree.04:30 Hot weather is on its way - should you still prune? 15:20 If your trees aren't prospering, at what point should you replace them? The hilarious Sabrina Hahn is a font of knowledge.Listen to the program live on Saturdays at 9:00AM on ABC Radio Perth and ask your questions by calling in on 1300 222 720 or text 0437 922 720 Subscribe to the podcast through the ABC Listen App, Apple Podcasts or wherever you like to listen

Harvard University has sued the Trump administration to halt the freezing of federal grants worth billions of dollars. Does the lawsuit signal a major escalation in the growing conflict between higher education and the Trump administration, and what could be the possible outcomes? Host Zhao Ying is joined by Wang Haolan, Research Assistant at the Asia Society Policy Institute's Center for China Analysis; Edward Lehman, Managing Director LEHMAN, LEE & Xu Law Firm; Joseph Siracusa, Professor of Global Futures, Curtin University.

New Curtin University research into the overlooked environmental impact of pet dogs has found far-reaching negative effects on wildlife and ecosystems. Professor Bill Batemen from Curtin University joins Bill Woods to discuss his findings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Phillimore is the Executive Director of the John Curtin Institute of Public Policy at Curtin University. He has been at Curtin for 17 years, and previously worked in government and for other universities. He has spoken to SBS WA Correspondent Christopher Tan about why Western Australia is seen as a battleground state in the upcoming election.

The average new home loan size hit a record high in December 2024. According to the bureau of statistics that is now $666,000, making it difficult for first time buyers to enter the market. Curtin University's Professor Rachel Ong ViforJ looks closely at the pros and cons of housing entry schemes such as the first homebuyers grant and shared equity schemes.

Three months after the fall of Bashar al-Assad, Syria's interim President has been struggling to unite the country.In a landmark breakthrough, the government struck a deal to merge the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces into state institutions.While Syrian Kurds celebrate the deal, residents on the northwestern coast remain wary after days of sectarian violence that killed over 1,000 people. The government blamed pro-Assad groups for instigating the violence, and said the security threats had already been neutralized, but will the fragmented country be able to achieve peace and unity after 13 years of civil war?Host Zhao Ying is joined by Wang Jin, Associate Professor with Northwest University in Xi'an, China; Joseph Siracusa, Professor of Global Futures with Curtin University; Steven Wright, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Hamad Bin Khalifa University.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Catherine Allfrey from Wavestone Capital as US and local markets are hit with US recession fears, plus Liam Wagner from Curtin University explains why petrol prices are likely to fall soon.

A new people has emerged in the digital age, that of ‘internet famous' celebrities. And that new people has a class of social scientist focused on studying them, the digital anthropologist. Crystal Abidin, a professor at Australia's Curtin University and founding director of the Influencer Ethnography Research Lab there, is such as digital anthropologist. Her research covers influencers – both adult and child and the general pop culture centered on social media, especially in the Asia Pacific region. In this Social Science Bites podcast, Abidin offers interviewer David Edmonds a metaphor to understand how her cyber-ethnography and digital anthropology work in practice. “I often think of anthropologists as Mars rovers that you throw into these unknown planets, and slowly but surely, we roll around the planet looking for bits of data, bits of material that might be new or novel. We're not going for quantity and volume at this scale. We're looking for what's neglected, unseen, sidelined by the margins, not yet mainstream. And we're measuring how much of these things are characteristic of the planet and worthy of study. … [A]s an anthropologist, given that my fidelity is to people and their cultures, I don't always only go for the shiniest, most mainstream thing. I often look for what's left behind.” In this conversation, though, Abidin talks about something very shiny indeed – those professional internet celebrities known collectively as “influencers.” She explains how while the top influencers do generate the paydays seen in popular media, the ecosystem extends down to individuals who are spending their own money in hopes of someday making it big. She also draws a distinction between influencers and creators, and also between influencers and memes.  Abidin also dives into regional differences in influencer culture, using her own detailed analysis of Asia Pacific influencer cultures, to explore regional differences that should be understood when assessing content on global platforms. “[I]f we were to discount the hegemony of American popular culture and their stronghold and a lot of social media, the palette is so diverse, the markets are so varied, that trends go in many different directions. So we need to sometimes think about who we are speaking about, what the superpower of the day is, and whenever we make these generalizations, what are the limitations? Who's not included in them?” In addition to her role at Curtin, Abidin founded the TikTok Cultures Research Network and is an affiliate researcher with the Media Management and Transformation Centre at Jönköping University. She was named an Australian Research Council DECRA Fellow for 2019 to 2024. Currently the editor-in-chief of Media International Australia, she has written or edited a number of books that bridge popular concerns with academic rigor, including 2018's Internet Celebrity: Understanding Fame Online and this year's Influencer Marketing: Interdisciplinary and Socio-Cultural Perspectives (co-edited with Lauren Gurrieri and Jenna Drenten),

In this episode, Dr. Sylvanna Mirichlis from Curtin University in Perth, Australia, and ISSS Past President Dr. Stephen Lewis from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada share about the origins of the annual March 1st Self-Injury Awareness Day (SIAD), what people around the world are doing as part of this day, and what our ISSS Stigma, Recovery, and Lived Experience Special Interest Group is doing to boost awareness of self-injury. We also share some of our favorite clips from past episodes. Self-Injury Resources:International Society for the Study of Self-Injury (ISSS) (https://itriples.org/Self-injury Outreach & Support (SiOS) (http://sioutreach.org/)Cornell's Self-Injury & Recovery Resources (SIRR) (www.selfinjury.bctr.cornell.edu)Shedding Light on Self-Injury (https://www.self-injury.org.au/)Lewis, S. P., & Hasking, P. A. (2023). Understanding self-injury: A person-centered approach. Oxford University Press.To watch Dr. Lewis' TEDx talk about his own lived experience of self-injury on YouTube, visit https://youtu.be/G17iMOw0ar8.Timestamps for clips from past episodes:37:37 - Lived experience: Kirsty's story of self-injury & advocacy (Season 2, Episode 30)43:41 - Psychologists with lived experience of self-injury, with Dr. Sarah Victor (Season 1, Episode 9)45:25 - Self-injury stigma and language, with Dr. Penelope Hasking (Season 1, Episode 4)48:26 - Lived experience: Thomas' story of self-injury & gender dysphoria (Season 4, Episode 48)52:48 - Self-harm across cultures, with Dr. Marc Wilson (Season 2, Episode 24)56:39 - The psychology of self-injury scarring, with Dr. Taylor Burke (Season 2, Episode 31)1:01:52 - A dad & daughter discuss her lived experience of self-harm (Season 3, Episode 37)1:15:15 - Parenting youth who self-injure, with Dr. Janis Whitlock (Season 1, Episode 3)1:23:49 - Supporting siblings of individuals who self-harm, with Dr. Amy Lucas (Season 4, Episode 46)Want to have a bigger role on the podcast?:Should you or someone you know be interviewed on the podcast? We want to know! Please fill out this Google doc form, and we will be in touch with more details if it's a good fit.Want to hear your question and have it answered on the podcast? Please send an audio clip of your question (60 seconds or less) to @DocWesters on Instagram or Twitter/X, or email us at thepsychologyofselfinjury@gmail.comWant to be involved in research? Send us a message at thepsychologyofselfinjury@gmail.com and we will see if we can match you to an active study.Want to interact with us through comments and polls? You can on Spotify!Follow Dr. Westers on Instagram and Twitter/X (@DocWesters). To join ISSS, visit itriples.org and follow ISSS on Facebook and Twitter/X (@ITripleS).The Psychology of Self-Injury podcast has been rated as one of the "10 Best Self Harm Podcasts" and "20 Best Clinical Psychology Podcasts" by Feedspot  and one of the Top 100 Psychology Podcasts by Goodpods. It has also been featured in Audible's "Best Mental Health Podcasts to Defy Stigma and Begin to Heal."

Cinematographer James Hoare is a recent graduate from Curtin University, where he worked alongside director Christopher Paik-Swan and writer Max Joyce to bring to life their final year short film Don't Talk About the Monster on the Roof, a micro-budget horror short flick inspired by the look of Ozploitation films. It's an impressively taut thriller that is drenched in sweaty tension as a group of mates head off on a road trip up to the Pinnacles, only to find that while on the trip, they each start disappearing one by one after something on the roof of the car rips them away.James' work as the cinematographer saw him utilising LED virtual production technology, alongside drone shots and on location cinematography. He comfortably blends the VFX backgrounds with on location shots, culminating in an effective and creatively engaging short that executes high concept ideas on a student budget.James was also able to present the film at the 2024 CamerImage Festival in Poland as part of their Talent Demo program. At the festival, he was able to present the film and receive detailed feedback from celebrated filmmakers like cinematographer Jarin Baschkle (Nosferatu, The Lighthouse) and director Hiro Murai (Atlanta, Mr and Mrs Smith).In the following interview, recorded ahead of the films screening at the WA Made Film Festival on Saturday 22 February as part of the Saturday Shorts line-up, James talks about his creative journey to becoming a cinematographer, what it means to be able to make films in Western Australia, and a lot more.The line-up for this years WA Made Film Festival is a stellar one, with a huge array of shorts, long shorts, features, documentaries, and a panels galore to keep you up to speed on the ins and outs of the WA film scene. The festival opens with the world premiere of Remotely Famous, directed by Brad Newland. The excitement for that is so high that the screening has already sold out. The energy continues over the weekend with a live Cinema Australia podcast recording with Matthew Eeles and director Zak Hilditch, short film showcases, screenings of award winning films like Genocide in the Wildflower State, world premieres of films like Lint, Christmas Orphans, In Sect, and Highest Treason, while acclaimed films like Jellyfish, Green: The Fight for Rock and Roll, and Everywhere get spotlight screenings.I'm proud to be part of this years festival as I join a panel of excellent WA filmmakers for The Future is Bright: Independent Filmmaker Panel on Saturday 22 February from 11:45am at the City of Perth Library Auditorium. The panel includes Sarah Legg, Tayah Lee-Traub, Steven J. Mihaljevich, Emilie Lowe, Lawrence Murphy, and Oscar Miller, each of whom will be discussing their upcoming feature films which were made completely independently.I'm continually in awe of the work that Jasmine Leivers and Matthew Eeles put into bringing the WA Made Film Festival together. It's a top tier local film festival that reminds audiences that there is a vibrant, active, and downright vital film scene in operation here in Western Australia.For all the details on the festival, and to secure your tickets, visit WAMadeFilmFestival.com.au. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Moon has always sparked human curiosity. It governs the tides and biological rhythms. It's inspired myths and stories. It's inspired us to reach out and explore it. And it's certainly inspired CrowdScience listeners, who have sent us a host of questions about it. And in a special lunar-themed episode we've brought together a panel of astronomers and planetary scientists to help answer them. What would life be like if there was no Moon? Would there even be life? Or what if we had two moons? Are the Moon and Earth equally battered by meteors? What would happen if an asteroid collided with the Moon? And could the Moon ever escape Earth's gravity? Anand Jagatia is joined by Prof Sara Russell, Head of the Planetary Materials Group at the Natural History Museum in London; Prof Neil Comins from the University of Maine, author of the book What if the Moon didn't Exist?; and Prof Katarina Miljkovic from Curtin University in Perth, Australia. Presenter: Anand Jagatia Producer: Jeremy Grange Editor: Cathy Edwards Production Co-ordinator: Ishmael Soriano Studio Manager: Andrew Garratt(Photo: Landscape with the rising of the full moon during the golden hour Credit: Jose A. Bernat Bacete via Getty Images)

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 142*How Mars Got Its MoonsA groundbreaking study suggests that Mars acquired its moons, Phobos and Deimos, after a passing asteroid was torn apart by the planet's gravity. This new hypothesis, based on NASA's supercomputer simulations and published in the journal Icarus, challenges previous theories of their origin, such as capture or major impact. The upcoming Martian Moons Exploration mission by JAXA, with NASA's involvement, aims to further investigate these theories by collecting samples from Phobos.*Starship Test Flight 6SpaceX has successfully completed its sixth test flight of the Starship Mega rocket, overseen by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. The test included a splashdown of the booster in the Gulf of Mexico and a successful orbital journey of the Starship, which trialled new heat shield materials and descent strategies. This marks the final test for this version of Starship, with an upgraded version expected to fly soon.*Revisiting Earth's Ore DepositsNew research reveals that the largest iron ore deposits in Western Australia's Pilbara are around a billion years younger than previously thought. Using advanced geochronology techniques, scientists have dated these deposits to between 1.1 and 1.4 billion years, reshaping our understanding of Earth's geological history and aiding future exploration efforts.The Science ReportA study suggests that a daily hour-long walk for those over 40 could extend life expectancy by five years. Meanwhile, global plastic waste is projected to double by mid-century, but a combination of policies could reduce it by 90%. Additionally, switching to a vegan diet could lower food costs by 19%, unlike the Mediterranean diet. The Bent Spoon Award was given to the Cancer Council of Western Australia for endorsing pseudoscientific practices like Richie.www.spacetimewithstuartgary.comwww.bitesz.com

Did you know that chronic pain affects 1 in 5 people globally and is the leading cause of disability? Whether it's persistent back pain, recurring neck issues, stubborn knee problems, or debilitating migraines, chronic pain can be both physically exhausting and emotionally draining. But, as this week's fantastic guest will explain, there is so much more that we could be doing.   Professor Peter O'Sullivan is a Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist and a John Curtin Distinguished Professor at the School of Allied Health Sciences at Curtin University. He's internationally recognised as a leading clinician, researcher and educator in musculoskeletal pain disorders. And, with his team, he's developed an approach called cognitive functional therapy, which has been proven to work not just with chronic back pain but also with other persistent pain conditions. Together, they have published more than 345 scientific papers, written numerous book chapters, and Peter has been the keynote speaker at over 120 international conferences.  In this episode, Peter explains why changing the story around pain is one of the most important things we need to address, if we want to effectively tackle it. We delve into the 10 myths of lower back pain and challenge common beliefs about posture, core strength, and the necessity of scans. Peter also explains why many popular strategies for avoiding back pain might actually make things worse. We discuss the vital role of healthcare professionals in chronic pain management, including the need for a multidimensional approach that combines physical therapy with psychological understanding. Building trust, listening to patient stories, and fostering hope is crucial in order to make people active participants in their own recovery journey. Peter is knowledgeable, passionate and someone who deeply cares about helping people break free from chronic pain. I truly believe this episode has the potential to change lives. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain yourself or know someone who is, I encourage you to tune in and listen to this valuable information. Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For all podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com. Thanks to our sponsors: https://airbnb.co.uk/host https://vivobarefoot.com/livemore https://calm.com/livemore https://drinkag1.com/livemore   Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/472   DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.