Christmas each year entails the giving of gifts to family and friends with a common assumption that presents are to be opened on Christmas Day under the Christmas tree. Its also often assumed that the giving of gifts relates to the Biblical story about the three wise men (or Kings) who brought gold, frankincense and myrrh as homage to the baby Jesus at his birth.
As with all religious festivals and customs, the giving of gifts has a mixed origin and dates back to Ancient Rome and gift-giving during the Winter solstice celebrated during the holiday of Saturnalia. This practice started to change with early Christianity where gifts were exchanged on New Year's Day. Prior to the Protestant Reformation, gifts were assumed to be to the benefit of local rulers however this also changed to be a practice of gift-giving to children following the Reformation.
Most of the current practice dates from the 19th Century when Christmas Eve was established as the date for the giving of gifts.
Threats relating to technology, disinformation, economic security and foreign interference are overshadowing traditional security concerns in Australians’ minds, according to data released by the Australian National University National Security College.
More than 12,000 people were asked across two surveys, in November last year and July this year, to rate the seriousness of 15 potential threats over the next decade.
Combining the categories of “major” and “moderate” the five most serious concerns were rated in July 2025 as:
the use of artificial intelligence to attack Australian people and businesses (77%)
a severe economic crisis (75%
disruption to critical supplies due to a crisis overseas (74%)
the deliberate spread of false information to mislead the Australian public and harm their interests (73%), and
a foreign country interfering in Australia’s politics, government, economy or society (72%).
Climate change rated sixth (67%), although a high proportion of people (38%) rated it as a “major” threat. This was second only to threats relating to AI (40%).
The possible threat of Australia being involved in military conflict came in seventh (64%).
Anxiety about security issues is increasing. In July half the respondents agreed with the statement “I am worried about Australia’s national security”. This was an 8% rise between November 2024 and July.
Over that time, threat perceptions increased across all 15 possible threats that were asked about.
The table below shows the threat perceptions of about 6000 Australians in July.
Threat Perceptions July 2025
The November 2024 research also asked, from a list of four, what Australians want to nation to prioritise in the next five years.
The leading priority was safe and peaceful communities, nominated by 35%. When second preferences are included, this rises to 64%.
This priority ranked top across a wide range of demographics, including age, gender, cultural background, education , income and location.
The survey found three other national priorities rated in this order:
.. upholding Australia’s democratic rights and freedoms (23%)
.. strengthening Australia’s security (15%).
The research also included more than 300 interviews across Australia.
The consultations found national security was “consistently framed as being about the peaceful continuity of everyday life”.
National priority for the next 5 years (%)
NSC head Professor Rory Medcalf said: “On the one hand, Australians know what they want to protect, especially in terms of peace, safety, community, democracy and prosperity, On the other hand, they recognise that a complex set of rapidly emerging threats can put these cherished priorities at risk.”
The full research results will be released early next year.
The ANU National Security College is a joint initiative of the federal government and the university.
The College undertook the community consultations as an independent research initiative.
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Microplastics are defined as being plastic particles less than 5 mm in size and have permeated/infiltrated
nearly every part of the environment, including food, water, and air. Multiple recent
studies published in peer-reviewed journals such as Nature Medicine and Environmental
Science & Technology have shown mounting concern about their potential
impacts on human health as well as the survival of multiple species of wildlife on the planet.
The use of plastics remains almost out of control despite effects to reduce the use of soft plastic shopping bags and plastic drinking straws. As a result the contamination from microplastics has become both widespread and continuing.
Exposure pathway
Humans are exposed to microplastics primarily
through:
Ingestion: Found in seafood, bottled water, salt, and even vegetables.
Inhalation: Airborne microplastics from synthetic textiles and urban dust.
Dermal
contact: Though less studied, skin exposure may occur
via some types of cosmetics or contaminated water.
The biological effects of microplastic exposure
Once inside
the body, microplastics can interact with tissues and cells in several harmful
ways:
Inflammation and oxidative stress: Studies show that microplastics can trigger immune responses and
generate reactive oxygen species, leading to cellular damage.
Disruption of gut microbiota: Ingested microplastics may alter the composition of intestinal
flora, affecting digestion and immunity.
Translocation to organs: Nanoplastics (smaller than 1 µm) can cross biological barriers
and accumulate in organs such as the liver, kidneys, and brain.
Physical and chemical hazards of microplastics
Microplastics
are not inert and these substances carry:
Additives: Plasticizers, flame retardants, and stabilizers that may be
endocrine disruptors.
Adsorbed pollutants: Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals that bind
to plastic surfaces.
Physical abrasiveness: Their shape and size can cause mechanical irritation in tissues.
A 2025
review in Nature Medicine highlights several key findings:
Microplastics have been detected in human
blood, placenta, and lung tissue.
The toxicity depends on polymer type,
particle size, shape, and surface chemistry.
The presence of a biocorona, layer of proteins and biomolecules that forms around microplastics, can
influence how the body reacts to them.
Despite continuing research on microplastic infilration, there remains considerable knowledge gaps. Long term exposure and chronic impact studies, dose-reponse relationships including level of toxocity, and population-level epidemiogical data do not exist. In the interim, the only action that people can take is to reduce their reliance on plastic - whether this be in food storage items, utensils, bottles and when cooking (including microwave heating of plastic food trays).
Summer’s here and after a wet spring in many parts of Australia, mosquitoes are out in force. Insect repellent has become a routine requirement for time outdoors.
But how safe are they? And do we really need them?
The swelling and itchiness usually resolves in a few days. But scratching can result in secondary infection, especially for young children, if dirt and germs from underneath the fingernails get into the sore.
A mosquito bite can also cause disease. Not all diseases are life-threatening but they can be severely debilitating.
These diseases are a risk in most parts of Australia. Even cooler regions such as Victoria and Tasmania have mosquito-borne diseases which can be seriously debilitating.
Australian health authorities regularly review the recommendations for insect repellent use. But the range of formulations filling our supermarket shelves can change from summer to summer.
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) assesses insect repellents for their safety and effectiveness. Packaging should clearly display an APVMA registration number, along with directions for safe use and any required warnings, on their label.
Products sold as mosquito repellents in Australia must be registered with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.Cameron Webb (NSW Health Pathology & University of Sydney), CC BY
What’s in popular mozzie repellents?
The most widely available active ingredients are diethyltoluamide (DEET), picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE).
Research and reviews from scientists and health authorities show mosquito repellents are a safe and effective way to prevent mosquito bites if used as recommended.
Scientists investigate each active ingredient to determine whether it’s safe. DEET has been the subject of many studies. Picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus haven’t been used for as long and haven’t been as thoroughly studied as DEET, but remain among those recommended by health authorities in Australia and overseas.
However, even if a product has been deemed safe, it is important to follow the directions for use on label. There will always be a risk if products are ingested in large quantities or intentionally misused.
What about babies and young children?
Most mosquito repellent formulations in Australia are registered for use on children over 12 months of age, although not all formulations list a specific age restriction.
International studies have shown that DEET and picaridin are safe for children. Recommended age limits for some mosquito repellents vary between countries and product type. In the United States, for example, there is no age limit for the use of DEET, while oil of eucalyptus is recommended only for children over three.
A 2024 study reviewing reports of adverse outcomes from mosquito repellent use concluded DEET was the preferred insect repellent for children, as it was the safest and offered long-lasting protection against biting mosquitoes when used as directed. The researchers noted other active ingredients may provide similar protections but more assessments were required to determine their safety.
Mosquito bites can be annoying but also lead to illness.A/Prof Cameron Webb (NSW Health Pathology & University of Sydney)
Tips for parents of babies and young children
Always be guided by the current recommendations of the APVMA and limit the use of DEET-based repellent from 12 months. Check the label before using mosquito repellent on children.
When you’re applying repellent, ideally apply it to your hands, then rub it on their skin. If you’re using a spray, apply it carefully and never directly onto a child’s face.
Unlike sunscreens, which have a SPF rating, there isn’t a single measure with which to compare the different formulations of mosquito repellents and their effectiveness.
“Heavy duty” or “tropical strength” formulations often contain the same active ingredients as those known as “kid friendly”, but in higher doses that last longer.
Lower concentrations still offer good mosquito bite protection, they just need to reapplied more often.
The secret to getting the best protection is to ensure mosquito repellents are applied correctly. Whether you use a cream, lotion, gel, roll-on, pump-spray or aerosol, make sure all exposed skin is covered. Reapply after swimming, sweaty exercise, or if it has rubbed off.
Cameron Webb, Clinical Associate Professor, School of Medical Science & Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute; Principal Hospital Scientist, University of Sydney
In various lifestyle magazines and health journals, the benefits of daily walking have often been cited with varying distances and number of steps mentioned. Good evidence and factual information is missing from many of the published articles leaving the reader wondering, how much should I do ? Research does exist and a summary of findings reveals there are some recommended step counts by age group -
Children and teens: 10,000 - 14,000 steps per day for growth and fitness (this would include playing sports so the number of steps would be easily achieved),
Adults under 60 years of age: 8,000 - 10,000 steps per day for optimal cardiovascular and metabolic health,
Adults over 60 years of age: 6,000 - 8,000 steps per day to reduce chronic disease and maintain mobility. The estimation of 3,000 steps per day to reduce the risk of Alzeheimers from the Harvard University study is also valid in this context.
Overall large scale studies have shown that 7,000 steps per day is an optimum level linked to significant reductions in mortality risk. This matches with epidemiologists' recommendations, highlighting a range of 6,000 - 8,000 steps as a method for reducing dementia risk with significant protection against memory and cognitive functional decline.
