The Conversation

The Conversation Video Series

Developed, produced and edited by Luminaire Pictures for SBS World News and The Conversation.

This video series delivers insights from the sharpest academic minds across a diverse selection of issues.

Hands on the wall: were the first artists actually women?

Janine Burke explains research by archaeologist Dean Snow suggesting that, contrary to popular belief, the first artists may have been women.

How are tattoos removed?

Professor Rodney Sinclair explains how advancement in laser tattoo removal technology has enabled the relatively safe and easy removal of tattoos.

Solving the world’s toilet shortage

Dani Barrington explains the reasons why it’s important to provide toilets to the third of the world’s population that currently lacks access to adequate sanitation.

Dani Barrington is a Research Fellow in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene at Monash University.

The benefits of high-intensity workouts

High intensity workouts (HIT) are the number-one fitness trend worldwide, comprising short intervals of exercise at a very high intensity, interspersed with periods of recovery or rest. And despite its lower energy and time commitment, HIT workouts are actually quite good at improving our aerobic fitness.

So how do they stack up against more traditional exercise regimes? We find out in this week’s episode of TCTV.

Nigel Stepto is a Senior Lecturer in Exercise Physiology at Victoria University, and Chris Shaw is a Research Fellow at the Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living at Victoria University.

How the weather affects our mood

We often talk of our mood with reference to the weather: gloomy, sunny or under a cloud. But does the weather actually affect our mood?

Nick Haslam, Professor of Psychology at the University of Melbourne, describes how sunny skies and rainy days can influence our mood and consequently change our behaviours.

Anhedonics: why some people don’t like music

For many people, the enjoyment of music actually translates into noticeable physical reactions. Music can send shivers through your spine, and can release dopamine in your body to provide a feeling of immense pleasure and reward.

Are raw foods good for you?

There are claims that cooking destroys the nutrients and enzymes found in food, so eating raw, uncooked foods must be better for you.

But the reality is not so simple and, as Tim Crowe explains, being on a pure raw food diet could mean that you are actually limiting your intake.

Smartphones and metadata: a question of privacy

Metadata is data about data, such as names, telephone numbers, email addresses, and the like. A file you create using a word processor or a photo you take with your smartphone will have metadata attached to it, and while most of this data may seem innocuous, it can be highly valuable to police and investigators.

Why older adults love online dating

Older adults are the fastest-growing demographic on online dating websites, and adults aged 50-plus make up 22% of members on one of Australia’s leading online dating site.

Co-working: The benefits of collaborative workspaces

From a single collaborative workspace in San Francisco in 2005, co-working as a concept has ballooned into a popular movement, with over an estimated 3000 spaces around the world.

The future of wearable technologies

Technology has been always crucial to the development of fashion, but as technology improves and advances, it is being more and more closely integrated into our clothing.

What are stars?

Astrophysicist Akila Jeeson-Daniel explains the physics behind the balls of gas that light up the night sky.

Client: The Conversation & SBS World News
Series Producer: Ryan Blair
Associate Producer:  Sarah Webb
Camera: Ryan Blair & David Franjic
Camera Format: Canon C100 & 5D3
Lens: Canon L Series

Luminaire Pictures provided:
• Project management
• Content planning
• Creative and story development
• Conducting interviews
• Video crew including producer and DOP
• Video editing
• Colour grading
• Sound mix
• Mastering
• Development of The Conversation branded logo animation ident