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What does being ‘fit’ actually mean? We took the test to find out

How can you tell if you’re (technically) fit – and what difference does it make to your life?

  • Jackson Graham and Felicity Lewis

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‘Super complex’: Why do humans love some flavours and hate others

We love a taste “sensation” but where do flavours actually come from? How might rainforest taste? And what’s sonic seasoning?

  • Jackson Graham and Angus Delaney
Donald Trump

‘Your head will spin’: What Trump will do on ‘Day One’

Most US presidents are judged on their first 100 days. Donald Trump plans to get plenty done on “Day One”. But how much can he actually pull off?

  • Angus Holland
A road in Noto peninsula, facing the Sea of Japan, north-west of Tokyo  after an earthquake in January 2024.

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?

  • Sherryn Groch
Rod and Deonie Fiford and Niamh with the rocket that rekindled his passion for building blocks.

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.

  • Jackson Graham

‘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?

  • Angus Holland and Angus Delaney
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‘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”?

  • Angus Holland and Jackson Graham

‘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?

  • Jackson Graham

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?

  • Angus Holland and Jackson Graham

‘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?

  • Angus Holland

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