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Scientists know where the big earthquakes will hit. They just don’t know when
Explainer
Earthquakes

Scientists know where the big earthquakes will hit. They just don’t know when

A lurch in the Earth’s tectonic plates can wreak havoc at any time – as we’ve just seen in Vanuatu. How do scientists measure quakes, and are we doing enough to prepare?

  • by Sherryn Groch

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A good toy can be the building blocks of a career, or just a way to skip church

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
‘Peak popularity’: Why names go in and out of vogue
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
‘Cleared for take-off’: Who keeps us safe in the skies?
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
‘The tipping point’: Where does our water come from – and could it run out?
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
The polls say it’s neck and neck. But can you even trust them?
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
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‘They cheat like hell’: The fallout from the attack on the Capitol
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
‘Avian architecture’: Why birds’ nests are truly grand designs
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
‘Cat and mouse’: What we know about Iran’s secretive nuclear program

‘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
Is it better to be a night owl or an early bird?
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
Free agents, pick swaps, salary dumps: What does AFL trade jargon mean?
Explainer
Draft

Free agents, pick swaps, salary dumps: What does AFL trade jargon mean?

What do you call a free agent who isn’t actually free? What is a salary dump? And will pick purchasing become a feature in the AFL?

  • by Peter Ryan and Jon Pierik

Original URL: https://www.watoday.com.au/topic/explainers-1lz9