Explainers
Explainer
Road safety
‘Everything changed in one moment’: What makes a car crash so deadly?
Vehicle collisions kill an average of three people a day in Australia. Drivers are often the focus of blame but other factors can play a part, including the design of the roads we hurtle along.
- by Patrick Hatch
Latest
Explainer
Psychology
Can you learn how to make conversation? Here are some tips
Recounting a quirky fact you heard on a podcast or offering a compliment are just a couple of ways to kick off a conversation. But how do you keep the chat flowing, and perhaps make a new friend?
- by Angus Holland
Explainer
Sleep
It can stop you breathing more than 100 times an hour. What’s sleep apnoea?
Sometimes the silence can be more alarming than the snoring – as the bed partners of people with apnoea will know. Why are sleepers left gasping for breath, and how does everyone get a good night’s rest?
- by Jackson Graham
Explainer
Israeli-Palestinian conflict
What rules of war apply in the Israel-Hamas conflict?
Torture and taking hostages are undisputed breaches of international law. Other acts are less clear-cut. Who decided these rules, and how do they work in practice?
- by Angus Holland
Explainer
Diwali
When good beats evil: Why a million Australians celebrate Diwali
… and more than a billion people celebrate it around the world. Where did it come from, and what does it mean?
- by Jewel Topsfield and Rachael Dexter
Explainer
Energy prices
How your electricity bill gets worked out
Many of us got a (bill) shock in July when prices spiked. Why aren’t renewables making our bills cheaper? What’s behind the cost of our power?
- by Angus Holland and Jackson Graham
Explainer
Parenting
‘I don’t think of it at all as a gift’: Why it’s complicated being a gifted child
They’re sharp, curious – and prone to boredom or even bullying at school. Far from the smartypants cliches, some gifted children hide or stop learning. What is giftedness? And what’s life like for kids with stratospheric IQs?
- by Angus Holland
Explainer
Halloween
‘The dead know things’: The spooky history of Halloween
Halloween is an American thing, right? Not exactly. Here’s how it went from ancient rites to actual riots to sweet trick or treating for all the family.
- by Jackson Graham and Felicity Lewis
Explainer
Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Israeli troops are now in Gaza. How might its ground assault unfold?
An Israeli general is urging troops to be ready for a ground assault into Gaza. What would an incursion involve for both sides?
- by Angus Holland and Jackson Graham
Explainer
Drugs in sport
How does the AFL’s illicit drug policy work?
Under the AFL’s illicit drugs policy, Melbourne’s Joel Smith would record a first strike, receive a suspended fine and counselling. But here’s what happens under the league’s anti-doping code.
- by Peter Ryan and Jon Pierik
It’s one of the most densely populated strips on Earth. These maps show the crisis facing Gaza
A humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Gaza as Israel prepares for the next stage of the conflict with Hamas. This is how things stand.
- by Explainer reporter Jackson Graham and the Visual Stories Team