Explainers
Explainer
Science
What’s the art (and science) of making a beautiful sandcastle?
Great minds, from Buddhists to Beyoncé, have grappled with the deeper meaning of sandcastles. But in practice, how do you make one that is truly great?
- by Angus Holland
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Explainer
Real life
In life’s sliding door moments, how do you make the right decisions?
Marriage, career, children – the big decisions in life can often be the hardest. Is there an optimal method for making a choice? And how do you factor in loss and regret?
- by Jackson Graham
Explainer
US Votes 2024
Can Trump run for president at all? What the Colorado decision means and what happens next
The Colorado Supreme Court has ruled that Donald Trump is not eligible to run for office. What are the implications?
- by Angus Holland and Jackson Graham
Explainer
Christmas
Where did Santa come from? Was pudding really served with meat? Everything you wanted to know about Christmas
Behind the tinsel, there’s a cornucopia of customs and layers of legend in the festive season. What are some of them?
- by Jackson Graham and Felicity Lewis
Explainer
Population
The planet’s population will get to 10.4 billion – then drop. Here’s when we reach peak human
India overtook China as the world’s most populous nation in 2023 but far bigger population shifts are transforming the world. Where will all the people be in 2100?
- by Matt Wade and Angus Holland
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
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