Explainer
Language
‘Peak popularity’: Why names go in and out of vogue
One of the earliest names ever recorded was Enpap-x. But Alexander and Freya are ancient too. Some names catch on, others fade from glory. Why? And what are the rules on trading in your name for a new one?
- by Angus Holland and Angus Delaney
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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
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
US Votes 2024
‘They cheat like hell’: The fallout from the attack on the Capitol
Hare-brained schemes and legal loopholes helped cause havoc after the last presidential election. But there are many ways to contest a result. How?
- by Angus Holland
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
Biology
Is it better to be a night owl or an early bird?
Some of us are early birds, others are night owls. But is that down to your genes or modern life?
- by Angus Holland and Gemma Grant
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
Company tax
Do big miners pay their fair share?
Described as “the gift that keeps on giving”, Australia’s mineral wealth has made mine owners into multibillionaires. But at a time when we pay to import our own gas, are the spoils being shared fairly?
- by Angus Holland
Explainer
US Votes 2024
‘A summer romance’: How the US fell in love with Kamala Harris
Previously written off, Kamala Harris has energised the Democratic Party and reshaped the race to the White House. But how was she shaped by her early life, what does she stand for now – and can she defeat Donald Trump?
- by Angus Holland and Cindy Yin
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
Original URL: https://www.watoday.com.au/by/angus-holland-hvf2m