The first pig kidney has been transplanted into a living person. But we’re still a long way from solving organ shortages
Massachusetts General HospitalIn a world first, we heard last week that US surgeons had transplanted a kidney from a gene-edited pig into a living human. News reports said the procedure was a breakthrough in xenotransplantation – when an organ, cells...
A philosopher makes the case for a thoughtful life – but life is more than a thought experiment
Yuliia Myroniuk/ShutterstockSvend Brinkmann’s Think is a book in praise of the thoughtful life and an easygoing exploration of the role of thinking in our lives today. The book is essentially in two parts. The first is descriptive. It explores questions...
Art depicts Jesus in a loincloth on the cross – the brutal truth is he would have been naked
The 5th-century Maskell panel showing Jesus in a loincloth.British Museum, CC BY-NC-SAWhen Jesus is shown on the cross, he is almost always depicted wearing a loincloth around his waist. We now know, however, this has more to do with artistic...
How Spanish conquistadors, and a tiny cactus-dwelling insect, gave the world the colour red
ShutterstockWhen you think about a red object, you might picture a red carpet, or the massive ruby in the Queen’s crown. Indeed, Western monarchies and marketing from brands such as Christian Louboutin have cemented our association of the colour red...
How can schools make sure gifted students get the help they need?
Earlier this month, the New South Wales government announced it would roll out programs for gifted students in every public school in the state. This comes amid concerns gifted school students are not achieving their potential. A previous review in...
View from the Hill: Albanese hit by unexpected wave as he tries to clear the decks
In 2023, Anthony Albanese was shooting for the moon, his eyes on the Voice referendum. On one view, he looked like the idealist reflecting his left-wing roots. In 2024, we’re seeing a pragmatic, determined, managerial prime minister, busy ...
Draft NDIS bill is the first step to reform – but some details have disability advocates worried
Drazen Zigic/ShutterstockSince the review of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) released its recommendations in December, there has been a series of Town Hall events to discuss them around the country – but no actual changes. Today the government introduced...
Baltimore bridge collapse: a bridge engineer explains what happened, and what needs to change
When the container ship MV Dali, 300 metres long and massing around 100,000 tonnes, lost power and slammed into one of the support piers of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, the bridge collapsed in moments. Six people...
The consequences of the government’s new migration legislation could be dire – for individuals and for Australia
The Albanese government came to power with a promise to be “strong on borders without being weak on humanity”. But there was little humanity in parliament yesterday as the government tried to force through some of the most draconian migration...
Australia just committed $207 million to a major satellite program. What is it, and why do we need it?
Landsat image of Lake Torrens, South Australia.NASA Earth ObservatoryLast week, the federal minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Madeleine King, signed a A$207 million commitment with the United States in support of “Landsat Next”.Aptly named, this is the next generation...