Jackson Graham
Jackson Graham is an Explainer reporter for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald
Explainer
Early childhood
A good toy can be the building blocks of a career, or just a way to skip church
Not all toys say “educational” on the box. Still, some can spark lifelong learning. Here’s what the experts put in toy boxes.
- by Jackson Graham
Latest
Explainer
Aviation
‘Cleared for take-off’: Who keeps us safe in the skies?
We’re told flying is safe and the statistics confirm it. So why are there still mishaps? And what happens behind the scenes when an engine goes “bang”?
- by Angus Holland and Jackson Graham
Explainer
Water
‘The tipping point’: Where does our water come from – and could it run out?
In cities, we tend to take our water for granted. How does it get to us – and how do you put a price on it?
- by Jackson Graham
Explainer
US Votes 2024
The polls say it’s neck and neck. But can you even trust them?
It’s almost a dead heat between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, say the polls. But then there are the unknowns. What are they?
- by Angus Holland and Jackson Graham
Explainer
Animals
‘Avian architecture’: Why birds’ nests are truly grand designs
Some are cup-shaped, some have domes, others have been likened to apartment complexes. How do birds build their nurseries?
- by Jackson Graham
Explainer
Middle East at war
‘Cat and mouse’: What we know about Iran’s secretive nuclear program
It’s shadowy, underground and back on the world’s radar. Could Tehran one day have nuclear weapons?
- by Jackson Graham and Angus Holland
Explainer
Middle East at war
Can Israel’s Iron Dome withstand Iran’s missiles?
The Iron Dome is just one part of Israel’s missile defence system. David’s Sling is another. How does it all work?
- by Jackson Graham and Angus Holland
Explainer
Middle East tensions
‘It’s mayhem’: Can all-out war in Lebanon be prevented?
Why has the conflict over the Israel-Lebanon border escalated? How bad is it looking? And what do Iran and the US want to happen?
- by Gemma Grant, Angus Holland and Jackson Graham
Explainer
Space
‘Puffy-head bird-leg syndrome’: What space travel does to the body
Weird things can happen to the body in space – not least from abrupt changes in gravity as well as weightlessness, radiation and being in close quarters. How do astronauts do it?
- by Jackson Graham
Explainer
Natural world
Clever birds and killer bots: What to know about swarm intelligence
Birds, bees and ants all co-operate to solve problems with no one in charge. Here’s what humans are learning from them.
- by Angus Holland and Jackson Graham
Explainer
Middle East tensions
Houthis, Hezbollah and Hamas: Who they are and what they want
As Israeli troops raid Lebanon, conflict is spreading again in the Middle East. Who are the key players, and what is the Axis of Resistance?
- by Jackson Graham, Angus Holland and Cindy Yin
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/by/jackson-graham-p53651