Dogs can be trained to do all kinds of things and they have emotional intelligence. It's these characteristics which make them great companions for people with mental health conditions. But can therapy and assistance dogs heal hearts and minds?

Is a canine companion the best medicine?

Feed your mind. Be provoked. One big idea at a time. Your brain will love you for it. Grab your front row seat to the best live forums and festivals with Natasha Mitchell.

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Only 50 years ago, if you were 60 years old your chance of dying was the same as an 80-year-old's today. Thanks to progress in medical technology, you can live longer than ever before. Quantum technology and quantum screening, modelling with digital twins, harvesting the power of AI and real time monitoring of your molecules – a panel of health experts discusses the new frontiers in the development of drugs and health technology.

The future of health technology

Gender equality isn't just about equal pay, it's a health and safety issue. Women perceive safety very differently to men, and that's why they need a seat at the table when policies are being nutted out. Just a month after Australia gets its first Gender Equality Strategy, Stephanie Copus Campbell speaks about her first-hand experience on women's rights and discrimination in Papua New Guinea and many other countries in the region — and her observations as the international Ambassador for Gender Equality. Her verdict: we are going backwards worldwide.

"It's personal" — field stories from the frontline of Australia's Ambassador for Gender Equality

How valuable are trees as an alternative crop? And what's the role of agroforestry in the future of sustainable farming?

Trees as an alternative crop — the future of forestry in Australia?

They use of shark nets to protect us from sharks is highly controversial. Do they work, what do they do to marine life, are there alternatives, and why are sharks so political?  Join Natasha Mitchell and guests at the 2024 Ocean Lovers Festival for a robust interrogation of of an issue that ignites passions.

The shark net controversy — hear the debate at Bondi's Ocean Lovers Festival

It's a question that has focused the minds of astronauts, scientists, space entrepreneurs and enthusiasts alike – is there, could there be, life on Mars? The race is on to find out, with NASA hoping to land astronauts there by the late 2030s.

Is a canine companion the best medicine?

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