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Explainers

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What is a deep fake?
Explainer
Web culture

What is a deep fake?

We know about fake news but what about its nascent cousin, the computer-created deep fake? How can you spot one? And why are they a cause for concern?

  • by Tim Biggs and Robert Moran

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Mate: What’s the history of our most treasured salutation?
Explainer
Friendship

Mate: What’s the history of our most treasured salutation?

From Shakespeare to the Australian Constitution (almost), mate is a short word with a long history. So how has the term evolved to become so recognisably Australian?

  • by Tony Wright
A year on from the destruction at Juukan, could it happen again?

A year on from the destruction at Juukan, could it happen again?

What are the laws and agreements that are meant to protect Indigenous heritage? How can they be improved? And are laws enough?

  • by Emma Young and Tess Ingram
What is Israel’s Iron Dome?

What is Israel’s Iron Dome?

A quick guide to the high-tech shield that’s changed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

  • by Sherryn Groch
How does the federal budget work – and how is it different from yours?

How does the federal budget work – and how is it different from yours?

What is a federal budget trying to do? How does the government decide where to spend its money? And where did budget rituals such as “the lock-up” come from?

  • by Katina Curtis
It stores pollution 30 times faster than forest. What is blue carbon?
Explainer
Emissions

It stores pollution 30 times faster than forest. What is blue carbon?

Shy dugongs, sea turtles and ancient microbes are all found among our seagrasses and mangroves. Why are politicians interested in these ocean meadows now?

  • by Emma Young
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‘It doesn’t define me’: What is it like to live with dementia?
Explainer
Dementia

‘It doesn’t define me’: What is it like to live with dementia?

Every three seconds, someone in the world develops a form of dementia. So why is it so poorly understood?

  • by Jewel Topsfield
What are CTE and concussion and how do they affect athletes?

What are CTE and concussion and how do they affect athletes?

What’s the difference between CTE and concussion? What are their short-term and long-term effects? And how are sporting codes handling the problem?

  • by Konrad Marshall
Hackers can stop the trains and the lights. But could they start a war?

Hackers can stop the trains and the lights. But could they start a war?

Total meltdown or death by a thousand hacks – how bad could a cyberwar get? And where is the line between espionage and all-out attack?

  • by Sherryn Groch
Shorthand, typesetters and news for seven pence: How has the Herald changed in 190 years?

Shorthand, typesetters and news for seven pence: How has the Herald changed in 190 years?

In 1831, the newspaper printed its first run of 750 copies. Now we have more than 9 million readers a month.

  • by Sarah Keoghan
How do you win an Academy Award?
Explainer
Oscars

How do you win an Academy Award?

Ahead of the Oscars, we look at what goes into winning best picture.

  • by Garry Maddox