ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on December 25, 2025.
What was the ‘Christmas Star’? Astronomy might hold the answer
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonti Horner, Professor (Astrophysics), University of Southern Queensland In the run up to Christmas, carols fill the air. Many have an astronomical twist, singing of the “Christmas Star” from the story of the nativity. Described in the Gospel of Matthew, the star guided the three wise men
It’s hard to describe what it feels like to become a mum, but it has a name: matrescence
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Belinda Eslick, Honorary Research Fellow, The University of Queensland Dylan Nolte/Unsplash “Completely life-changing”. “Nothing could have fully prepared me”. These are the sorts of phrases you often hear from women when they become a mother. These descriptions can point to the complexity and depth of the experience.
Why do we blush? Turning red may have surprising social benefits
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amanda Meyer, Senior Lecturer, Anatomy and Pathology in the College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University We’ve all had the feeling. You’re embarrassed and then there it is: a warm flush creeping up your neck and across your cheeks. The more you think about it, the
What’s the difference between Christmas cake and Christmas pudding? One has more sugar and fat
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Margaret Murray, Senior Lecturer, Nutrition, Swinburne University of Technology GettyImages RTimages/Getty For well over 100 years, Australians have been able to buy Christmas pudding and Christmas cake as part of their festive celebrations. You might have some vague idea both originated in the northern hemisphere, but aren’t
Can you ‘live long and prosper’ by learning economics from Star Trek? Or is that ‘highly illogical’?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Head, Canberra School of Government, University of Canberra It might seem worlds away from the Earth we know. But can Star Trek teach us anything about the economics of our own society? Set in the mid-23rd century, the original Star Trek series told the story
