Today we hear about the Parkes radio telescope's role in the search for alien life. Our guide is the irrepressible John Sarkissian, the scientist who's had his eye on The Dish since childhood.

The Dish in Parkes is scanning the southern Milky Way, searching for alien signals

The Conversation's editors bring you the most insightful, fascinating, surprising analysis and stories from the academic world. We're asking the experts to bust the myths, explain the science and put the news headlines into context. Join us as we take a deep dive into the big ideas driving our world.

News & Politics

The way Australia has commemorated Cook's arrival has changed over time – from military displays in 1870 to waning interest in Cook in the 1950s, followed by the fever pitch celebrations of 1970.

250 years since Captain Cook landed in Australia, it’s time to acknowledge the violence of first encounters

The impact of 1770 has never eased for Aboriginal people. It was a collision of catastrophic proportions.

An honest reckoning with Captain Cook’s legacy won’t heal things overnight. But it’s a start

Once you get older, the focus moves to trying not to lose your muscle tissue. So as you age, your protein requirements actually start to go up.

Childhood, adolescence, pregnancy, menopause, 75+: how your diet should change with each stage of life

Michelle Grattan discusses how the coronavirus is affecting a range of MPs abilities to serve their constituents, operate their offices, and partake in parliament.

Politics with Michelle Grattan: MPs Tim Watts, Fiona Martin, Clare O'Neil and Helen Haines talk about serving their electorates during the coronavirus crisis

What does the pandemic sound like? In this episode, urban researchers all over the world open up the voice recorder on their phones and record a two minute report from the field about their city.

The Dish in Parkes is scanning the southern Milky Way, searching for alien signals

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