Health and happiness

In her new book Screen Wise, award-winning Australian journalist, author and commentator Madonna King explores one of modern parenting’s biggest challenges: raising children in a world dominated by devices. In this extract, King interrogates the impact of Australia’s world-first social media protections for under-16s and offers practical ideas for screen-free activities.

Contact spoke with Emeritus Professor Philip Almond, whose research examines the history of supernatural traditions, to unpack the origins of some of our oldest superstitions and what they can tell us about human nature.

Contact asked an expert to explain what all Australians need to know about getting real value from private cover and avoiding the mistakes that catch so many people out.

Fast fashion is so last season. Investing in quality clothes that feel great to wear and is better for the planet and – in the long term – for your pocket, too. But where should you start?

UQ virologist Professor Kirsty Short spoke to Contact about what Australians should and shouldn't be worried about in the face of the H5N1 avian influenza threat.

Contact sat down with Associate Professor Stephanie Wyeth from UQ's School of Architecture, Design and Planning to understand the importance of third spaces and how we can find our own – especially with added cost-of-living pressures.

Contact spoke with Dr Martin Schweinberger – Senior Lecturer in Applied Linguistics – about what the use of so-called dirty words can actually tell us about the people who use them. Plus, vote in our poll: is it ok to swear at work?

Dr Oliver Rawashdeh, Senior Lecturer in UQ's School of Biomedical Sciences writes for Contact, and explains circadian biology – how the body clock actually works – and the significant social costs and health risks that come with ignoring our bodies' natural rhythms.

Contact sat down with Professor Vanessa Cobham and Associate Professor Michael Noetel from the School of Psychology to talk about how parents can nurture resilience at home and keep moving forward even when things feel unsteady.

Injectable peptides are the new anti-ageing trend sweeping the beauty industry. But what’s in them? And are they safe?