Anna Salleh
Anna Salleh is a journalist with the ABC's Science Unit. As well as producing online content, she produces radio output for programs such as Science Friction, All in the Mind, the Science Show, Earshot and The Health Report. Anna has also worked as a TV researcher and producer on Australian Story, Quantum, The Investigators and Insight (SBS TV), and produced articles for Nature News, New Scientist, Australasian Science Magazine, Griffith Review, the Medical Observer, the Sydney Morning Herald, the Canberra Times and Choice Magazine. She has degrees in science and journalism, a PhD in science and technology studies and has a special interest in the intersection between science and society. Anna has also taught journalism at university, contributed to the development of science journalism courses, and to a number of books. She also sings, plays – and produces radio documentaries about - Brazilian jazz.
Latest by Anna Salleh
Stuck in a doomscrolling dive? Here are signs of 'vicarious trauma' to watch out for
Experts think exposure to traumatic content on social media, such as uncensored images coming out of the Middle East, can give some people PTSD. So what signs should you look out for, and how can you protect yourself?
'I feel like I've failed': The psychological toll of the rental crisis
The rental crisis not only brings you down, but research suggests it can affect your very sense of self and decisions you make.
'Know when to stop': Why do we get pimples — and is it OK to squeeze them?
What triggers acne, can you inherit it, can chocolate and hot weather give you zits, and most importantly, should we pop our pimples?
Fear killer robots? This expert believes you should be more worried about what AI is doing to your mind
While artificial intelligence promises to make life easier, the technology is already affecting our mental health and understanding of reality, warns one neuroscientist.
The right headphones and 'quiet breaks' might save your child’s precious hearing
Kids are increasingly wearing headphones and earbuds but the noise they're exposed to could be damaging their hearing, experts warn. So here's what you can do to help prevent that.
Melting ice caps are slowing Earth's spin. Here's why that's messing with time
Melting ice in Greenland and Antarctica is changing Earth's spin, which may help experts with a tricky international timekeeping dilemma, a new study suggests.
Before you get your wisdom teeth removed, read this
Wisdom teeth are our most meddlesome molars; evolutionary relics that can be more trouble than they're worth. But experts say any benefits associated with their removal must be weighed against the risks.
When is a 'bad feeling' actually bad news? Psychologists say not everything is a coincidence
Less than an hour after Isla left a Mumbai cafe, it became a terrorist target. Did her intuition save her, and should we always trust that "sixth sense"?
Antarctica's 'old-growth forests' are sentinels for a changing world
You probably imagine Antarctica is just covered in snow and ice, but parts of the frozen continent are home to lush beds of green moss that chart changes over thousands of years.
Kate spent summer in Antarctica. This is what it’s like to live in one of the most remote places on Earth
Kate Selway has spent the past two months battling subzero temperatures, perpetual sunlight, and getting stuck on the ice to help unlock the secrets of Antarctica’s melting glaciers.
Why images of turtles tangled in plastic do not necessarily spark environmental action
You might have caught the latest Attenborough documentary in your holiday downtime. And while awe-inspiring and confronting wildlife footage can raise awareness of environmental issues, whether it compels lasting behavioural change is a different story.
From Kangaroo to K'gari, find out how eight amazing Australian islands were born
Australia is surrounded by stunning islands — you may even spend time on one this summer. Join us on a whistle-stop tour to explore how some of our most iconic isles rose from the sea.
Should we still be using RATs to test for COVID-19? Yes, but choose wisely
New research suggests manufacturer statements about the accuracy of COVID rapid antigen tests generally 'overstate sensitivity', but experts say it's still important to use them.
Ettie fell over playing 'monster, monster'. She's still feeling the impact of concussion 18 months later
Most concussions don't happen on the sports field. Brain injury is a risk for everyone — and a single knock can have lasting consequences — but it is under recognised in the community and can be difficult to get support.
How pushing past her comfort zone netted Michelle Simmons Australia's top science prize
Quantum physicist Michelle Simmons has been awarded the 2023 Prime Minister's Prize for Science for her role as a world leader in the race to harness the power of atoms to build super-fast computers.
What's really in that 'nicotine-free' vape that promises to help you relax?
Seductive flavours and scents aside, are there any benefits to inhaling things like vitamins, essential oils and melatonin? And how safe is it?
Want more 'bang for your cup?' Science says this is the best time to drink your morning brew
How does caffeine work in your body, how much can you have and is there a best time of the day to drink it? We explore the science behind your morning brew.
'You need to be really brave': Tatsuya took a long time to feel comfortable giving scientific presentations in English
English is the common language of science, but it comes with downsides for scientists and our planet.
Cancer screening tests are commonplace, but how much benefit do they provide?
A new study suggests the early detection of lung, breast, prostate and colorectal cancers has only a small effect on our life span but Australian experts say the tests are based on solid evidence and save lives.
The sweet silly songs we sing to our kids aren't just for fun — they change their brain
We make up endless silly, sweet, spontaneous songs to sing to our children. Have you ever thought about why?
Fish farts, snorting koalas, bonking frogs: How do animals make these crazy sounds?
Animals can make the strangest sounds. Tune into the noises made by some iconic species and find out how they make them.
Have you tested positive for COVID but had no symptoms? Scientists find a gene that could explain why
One in five people who test positive for COVID don't get symptoms. This could be explained by a genetic variant and exposure to the common cold, a new study suggests.
'The most fun part of science': Scientists discover a planet that should not exist
Around 520 light-years away lies a Jupiter-sized planet that should have been destroyed. So how did it survive? It could have been like Tatooine from Star Wars.
Scientists created 'synthetic embryos' without sperm or eggs. What are the legal and ethical implications?
Reports that scientists are making "synthetic embryos" has revived debate about stem cell research. But what exactly is going on?
Ancestors or a 'failed migration'? Researchers find ancient human fossils in mainland South-East Asia
Bone fragments found in a mountain cave in northern Laos are the oldest evidence of modern humans in South-East Asia, suggesting our species was in the region much earlier than previously thought, say scientists.