Mistake of fact excuse in Queensland rape law: the path to reform
2020 kicked off with January’s Skeptics in the Pub, where Professor Jonathan Crowe discussed his work in reforming the ambiguous and archaic legislation concerning sexual assault in Queensland. Following a comprehensive examination of the legal definitions of consent and assault under the Queensland Criminal Code, Professor Crowe detailed a range of ‘rape myths’, such as intoxication, mental incapacity, and lack of resistance, as well as several case studies which employed th
The science of immortality: have we gone too far?
During August's GC Skeptics in the Pub, Associate Professor Magnolia Cardona talked about death and dying, and that dying, at some point, is actually OK (believe it or not). This seems at odds with modern medicine and science, where it seems that all discoveries are geared towards keeping us alive. But research tells us that dying is usually a journey - being prepared for the journey is what makes it more bearable. Many of us find discussing death and dying uncomfortable - bu
Weight loss maintenance: a look at habits
During January's GC Skeptics in the Pub, Dr Gina Cleo talked about her PhD findings and the relationship between habits and weight loss. We all know that diets don't work, at least in the long term. We have heard over and over how healthy eating needs to be a "life style" not a short term fix. In fact, even habits that have nothing to do with diet can impact on our calorie intake (and what we are concerned with here is excessive and unhealthy calorie intake). We all know that
Navigating colds, flus and other bugs: a guide for evidence based parents.
During the August's Gold Coast Skeptics in the Pub, Dr Amanda McCullough talks about the evidence behind the benefits (or lack there of) and harms of jumping straight to antibiotics for a quick cold or flu remedy. Of course there are circumstances where antibiotics should be taken, like when there is something serious going on like meningitis or pneumonia; however, in most cases of colds and flus the best remedy is waiting it out and rest. Before taking an antibiotic, Amanda