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?

  • bySherryn 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.

  • byJackson Graham
Explaining modern mysteries:How the Herald answers your curly questions

Explaining modern mysteries:How the Herald answers your curly questions

Explainer editor Felicity Lewis reveals how her team tackles the questions you want answered – and some you hadn’t thought to ask.

  • byBevan Shields andFelicity Lewis
‘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?

  • byAngus Holland andAngus 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”?

  • byAngus Holland andJackson 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?

  • byJackson Graham
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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?

  • byAngus Holland andJackson Graham
‘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?

  • byAngus 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?

  • byJackson 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?

  • byJackson Graham andAngus 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?

  • byAngus Holland andGemma Grant