AU Edition - Today's top story: The US says it has launched ‘space control weapons’. It plays into the hands of its enemies September 17, 2026 AU Edition   Speaking at a major military conference this week, US Air Force Secretary Troy Meink made a startling announcement: his country has launched “on-orbit space control weapons” – in other words, weapons in space. This statement signals the United States’ willingness to weaponise space – a domain that, at least according to international law, is the province of all humankind which shall only be used for peaceful purposes. Meink refused to provide further details about what space weapons the US has actually deployed. Space law expert Cassandra Steer says there are three possibilities. The most likely of which – that Meink’s words were simply a rebranding of existing capabilities such as jammers used to interrupt satellite signals – might sound reassuring. But military posturing like this is still very dangerous because it increases the risk of actual war breaking out in space. This would have catastrophic consequences for everyone living on Earth.   Drew Rooke Deputy Science + Technology Editor   Today's newsletter supported by The Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG)   The US says it has launched ‘space control weapons’. It plays into the hands of its enemies Cassandra Steer, Australian National University This could mark the start of a major arms race in space, which would threaten all of us on Earth. The Houthis have further tightened their grip on the Red Sea. Here’s what it could mean for the world Jessica Genauer, UNSW The move suggests Iran and its allies are settling in for a long war. That could mean pain for the global economy. Hanson’s personal attacks and offensive comments are straight out of the populist playbook. But they come with risks Josh Sunman, Flinders University What is acceptable from a minor party of protest may not be what voters want to see from a potential government. Naomi Klein’s new book calls out end times fascism. What is this – and what’s the role of big tech? Luke Munn, The University of Queensland Two new books, End Times Fascism and Nerd Reich, take a hard look at fascism today – and its intersections with big tech. Are data centres actually noisy, and is this bad for our health? Marion Burgess, UNSW ; John Davy, RMIT University Noise concerns have tanked several data centres proposed in residential areas in Australia. But is the noise just annoying, or is it bad for our health? Thanks, Trump: Why Canada may become the European Union’s first ever ‘associate member’ Stewart Prest, University of British Columbia Canada has spent the last century defending European democracies. Now it’s asking them to return the favour. Should you say ‘autistic person’ or ‘person with autism’? Here’s how language has changed Jemima Kang, The University of Melbourne; Alsa Wu, The University of Melbourne; Naomi Baes, The University of Melbourne; Nick Haslam, The University of Melbourne New research charts how preferences have changed over the past 45 years, and where they stand now. Weeping whales: why one humpback whale mother stayed beside her dead newborn Olaf Meynecke, Griffith University Our latest study takes a closer look at the emotional lives of humpback whales. Some of the most iconic movie sets aren’t sets at all – they’re paintings Andrew James Couzens, CQUniversity Australia; Jim Picton, CQUniversity Australia This filmmaking technique will leave you doubting what’s in front of your eyes. Politics + Society Is the nuclear non-proliferation pact a model for regulating runaway AI? Nicholas Ross Smith, University of Waikato Competition for AI dominance resembles the nuclear arms race of the Cold War era. A similarly serious response may also now be needed. The government might strip some asylum seekers of their work rights. Here’s why it shouldn’t Rennie Lee, The University of Queensland; Janeen Baxter, The University of Queensland The government is reportedly considering restricting the work rights of asylum seekers as part of its plan to decrease migration. But it’s not a good idea. Health + Medicine Do pimple patches actually work? Here’s what the science says Lisa Byrom, The University of Queensland If you’re squeamish, you might want to avoid the TikTok videos of people peeling off their pimple patches. But if you want to know if they really work, read on. Business + Economy Want to help Nepal recover from its deadly floods? Here’s what tourists need to know Brent Ritchie, The University of Queensland Almost one in seven jobs in Nepal rely on tourism. Travellers need to consider these things before planning a return to Nepal. Education Should schools ban students from doing cartwheels? Brendon Hyndman, Charles Sturt University Some schools are reportedly restricting cartwheels and handstands to prevent injuries. Environment + Energy We could soon be able to track changes in Australia’s forests in near-real time – using satellites Brendan Choat, Western Sydney University; Daniel Falster, UNSW Collecting data from sensors in remote woodlands has long required arduous treks. What if sensors could transmit data in real time? NZ’s new emergency management law sets the rules. Trust and connection are key to it working Todd Miller, Auckland University of Technology Disasters don’t follow a script. Research shows adaptable relationships between emergency agencies are vital to an effective response. Climate change is putting the squeeze on the world’s grapegrowers: new research Kathiana Luk, The University of Melbourne; Andrew Dowdy, The University of Melbourne; Hamish Clarke, The University of Melbourne Renowned wine regions from Australia to South Africa are battling increasingly fierce fire seasons. Science + Technology Why does laundry get smelly if it stays wet? A textile scientist explains how to fix it Saniyat Islam, RMIT University Forgot your laundry in the washing machine? Sorry, you’re going to have to wash it again. Arts + Culture The Jim Henson Company reminds us even the synthetic can be joyous and beautiful and beloved James Lachlan Dwyer, Queensland University of Technology Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of The Jim Henson Company is now open at QAGOMA, Brisbane. It reminds us that puppets are extensions of us. Your Say ‘Australia’s data centre build‑out carries risks for the economy – and inflation’ was a timely and interesting article on the impact of the massive data-centre build happening or planned in Australia. Jak proposed some treatment options but ignored the most obvious: a moratorium on all new centres until the federal government puts legislation in place to control their pace, placement, power, water and infrastructure usage. Meanwhile, the economic benefits may flow largely to foreign corporations, while tradesmen and building materials are diverted from the government’s 1.2 million-house target, driving up costs and reducing housing supply. State governments are racing to offer carrots, while Crisafulli says he won’t be bound by federal power restrictions. The answer, Mr Albanese, is to mandate that data centres are of strategic national importance, bringing their location, construction and ownership under Commonwealth control. — Stuart Kennedy Read the article Thank you for the article ‘Trailblazing lawyer Mary Gaudron, a woman of many firsts, leaves a huge and lasting legacy’. It was with a huge mix of sadness and inspiration to read Mary Gaudron's many accomplishments throughout her life. Sadness she is gone, sadness that so many things she fought for are yet to be realised, like equal pay. I hope she is honoured with a state funeral or memorial but I doubt it will occur. Still a lovely article, thank you. — Shirley Allen Read the article Your article ‘1 in 3 uni students experience serious financial hardship. Could concession cards for all help?’ brought back many memories of my hand-to-mouth years as a uni student, after moving to Sydney from regional NSW to study. I had taken a ‘gap year’ between school and university to save up enough to make the move, but sadly the nest egg didn’t last past 2 years as I suffered a sporting injury that stopped me working for weeks (and meanwhile the rent still needed paying). My experience is that cost of living pressures disproportionately affect students from regional areas who are navigating the private rental market while working casual jobs around lectures. I’m not convinced that a concession card will help all that much; a rental assistance scheme or even food vouchers may be more useful. Ever-increasing university fees and skyrocketing rents will make many students think twice about enrolling in a degree. At what point will a university education only be attainable for those from a wealthy and/or urban background? — Elizabeth Devlin Read the article   We'd love to hear from you. Each day we publish an edited selection of your views on our stories. 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