‘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

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‘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 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
‘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
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Can Israel’s Iron Dome withstand Iran’s missiles?

Can Israel’s Iron Dome withstand Iran’s missiles?

The Iron Dome is just one part of Israel’s missile defence system. David’s Sling is another. How does it all work?

  • byJackson Graham andAngus Holland
‘It’s mayhem’:Can all-out war in Lebanon be prevented?

‘It’s mayhem’:Can all-out war in Lebanon be prevented?

Why has the conflict over the Israel-Lebanon border escalated? How bad is it looking? And what do Iran and the US want to happen?

  • byGemma Grant,Angus Holland andJackson Graham
Do big miners pay their fair share?
Explainer
Company tax

Do big miners pay their fair share?

Described as “the gift that keeps on giving”,Australia’s mineral wealth has made mine owners into multibillionaires. But at a time when we pay to import our own gas,are the spoils being shared fairly?

  • byAngus Holland
‘A summer romance’:How the US fell in love with Kamala Harris
Explainer
US Votes 2024

‘A summer romance’:How the US fell in love with Kamala Harris

Previously written off,Kamala Harris has energised the Democratic Party and reshaped the race to the White House. But how was she shaped by her early life,what does she stand for now – and can she defeat Donald Trump?

  • byAngus Holland andCindy Yin
Clever birds and killer bots:What to know about swarm intelligence
Explainer
Natural world

Clever birds and killer bots:What to know about swarm intelligence

Birds,bees and ants all co-operate to solve problems with no one in charge. Here’s what humans are learning from them.

  • byAngus Holland andJackson Graham