The Conversation

The Conversation

The Conversation

The Conversation is an independent source of news and views, funded by the academic and research community and delivered direct to the public. The Conversation launched in Australia in March 2011.
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Big Data Could Be A Big Problem For Workplace Discrimination Law

Big Data Could Be A Big Problem For Workplace Discrimination Law

What if whether you got a job was determined by which web browser you used? ShutterstockBy Mark Burdon, The University of Queensland and Paul Harpur, The University of QueenslandStaff recruitment and retention are an ongoing challenge for employers. Proponents of big data in the workplace are now claiming they can change that.

L'Aquila Scientists Free But Political Risks Remain

L'Aquila Scientists Free But Political Risks Remain

L'Aquila is still in repair. Roberto TaddeoBy Lawrence Torcello, Rochester Institute of TechnologyIt has been five years since an earthquake hit the Italian city of L’Aquila leaving 309 people dead. In the aftermath one public official and six earthquake scientists were charged with multiple counts of manslaughter. Each defendant was sentenced to six years in jail.

What Makes A Terrorist Stop Being A Terrorist?

What Makes A Terrorist Stop Being A Terrorist?

Hundreds of ISIS militants are rumored to be disillusioned. Handout/ReutersBy John Horgan, University of Massachusetts Lowell“Feet first”. That’s how one terrorist leader told recruits was the only way out. It makes sense. Allowing members to just walk away wouldn’t be good for the group’s image.

New Battery Turns Ambient Heat Into Electricity

New Battery Turns Ambient Heat Into Electricity

Well, maybe it's not quite this electrifying, but the  electrochemical cell prototype is pretty cool. Florian F.  (Flowtography)/Flickr, CC BY-NC-NDBy Tessa Evans, The Conversation

Mystery Virus That Turned Starfish Into Goo Identified

Mystery Virus That Turned Starfish Into Goo Identified

An Ochre starfish, in healthier times. Amanda Bates, Author providedBy Amanda Bates, University of SouthamptonWe live in a time when our climate is warming more rapidly than ever before. Rising temperature and associated changes in weather are driving shifts in the distributions of species on Earth. Some are thriving in these new climate conditions and have even moved into new regions that were historically inhospitable. One concern for us humans is how harmful species – diseases or pests – are responding to a changing climate.

Changing A Landscape With Your Mind Is Hugely Relaxing

Changing A Landscape With Your Mind Is Hugely Relaxing

By Sue Thomas, Bournemouth UniversityLooking over the landscape I could see an old tree standing frozen and seemingly dead, its branches coated with icy rime. Around it, mossy grass and small rocks lay beneath a coating of snow and in the distance glistening waterfalls tumbled down the sides of whitened mountains. It looked like the wilds of Ireland in wintertime, but the view existed only in my phone. My task, using a handheld biosensor called PIP, was to bring summer to this deeply cold outdoor scene by the powers of mental relaxation.

Sorry Kids, Men Are Better Writers Than Women

Sorry Kids, Men Are Better Writers Than Women

Oh, no, wait – it's the 21st century! Carl GuderianBy Camilla Nelson, University of Notre Dame AustraliaIt’s official: men are better writers than women. The news came as something of a shock to a hardened feminist such as myself, but a quick survey of prescribed and suggested texts set for senior English in most Australian states demonstrates this is a fact routinely taught to teenagers in school.

The Whip, The Lash And The Blood, Sweat And Semen Of Jazz

The Whip, The Lash And The Blood, Sweat And Semen Of Jazz

Dr. Fletcher (J.K. Simmons) and Andrew (Miles Teller) in WhiplashBy Lauren Rosewarne, University of MelbourneA decade of piano lessons with a woman who never allowed my lack of passion, prowess or practice ruin a good thing, exists as a mere red herring. A good woman, a sane woman, but even ten years with her wasn’t enough to ameliorate the (mis)education I got from music classes in primary school.

Peer Review Has Problems And We Need A Fix

Peer Review Has Problems And We Need A Fix

Where it begins. NatureBy Andy Tattersall, University of SheffieldDirty Harry once said, “Opinions are like assholes; everybody has one”. Now that the Internet has made it easier than ever to share an unsolicited opinion, traditional methods of academic review are beginning to show their age.We can now leave a public comment on just about anything – including the news, politics, YouTube videos, this article and even the meal we just ate. These comments can sometimes help consumers make more informed choices. In return, companies gain feedback on their products.