The Latest Breaking News from The Conversation

The emerging threat of violent, exploitative digital ‘com networks’: what do we need to know?

For many parents, keeping their children safe online is a top priority. But now there’s an emerging threat: “com networks”.

The Conversation · Aug 19

Offloading work tasks to AI comes with a cost – to our brains

Imagine your team has been tasked to deliver a high-stakes policy paper under intense time pressure. Everyone turns to generative artificial intelligence (AI) and within minutes, it delivers a full draft complete with structured arguments and authoritative-looking citations.

The Conversation · Aug 19

During eruptions, misinformation can spread further than ash. How can we spot it?

Erupting or silent, volcanoes have always captured our imagination.

The Conversation · Aug 19

Cannabis isn’t ‘safer’ in your 20s and 30s – it’s linked to an earlier onset of psychosis

People who use cannabis in their 20s and 30s are developing psychosis years earlier than non-users, according to our new study, published today in the journal Biological Psychiatry.

The Conversation · Aug 18

An ‘AI legal team’ has won its first case. It’s a rare win for access to justice

Last week, the Fair Work Commission ruled Gregory Baker, a computing academic at Macquarie University, should be treated as an ongoing, part-time employee, after the university had earlier declined his request to convert from a casual role.

The Conversation · Aug 18

Does ‘AI-watermarking’ mean the party is over for cheating students?

Concerns about students cheating with AI are rife within schools and universities.

The Conversation · Aug 18

The Opportunity Party’s Treaty policy is closer to Labour than National. But is it a bottom line?

During the current parliamentary term, the debate over te Tiriti o Waitangi’s place in public life is arguably more polarised than at any time in the past 50 years.

The Conversation · Aug 18

Students need more than AI skills — they need accountable AI literacy

As students return to Canadian colleges and universities soon, many will enter classrooms where generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is already part of everyday academic life. Many might use tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini to brainstorm, summarize readings, revise writing and prepare job applications.

The Conversation · Aug 18

Canada’s AI strategy needs educators who feel prepared, not just trained

The Canadian government recently introduced AI for All, a national artificial intelligence strategy that has two focuses: building trust and creating opportunity.

The Conversation · Aug 18

How drones are taken down – from nets and metal cages to jammers

From the Ukraine war and suspected drone sightings at Europe’s busiest airports to the seizure of over 700 unauthorised drones during the 2026 Fifa World Cup, the skies above us and news reporting are abuzz with drones.

The Conversation · Aug 18