Topics
Please explain: What's the difference between a tornado and a cyclone?
With tornadoes wreaking havoc in recent thunderstorms, Dr Tom Mortlock, an Adjunct Fellow in the Department of Natural Sciences at Macquarie University, explains what they are and whether we are seeing more of them.
Please explain: What is a booster and why do I need one?
A high COVID-19 vaccination rate is allowing even the hardest-hit Australian states to begin to return to normal. But why do we need a third shot? Professor Janaki Amin, from the Macquarie University Department of Health Systems and Population, explains.
Please explain: Why do people lie?
There are many reasons we choose not to tell the truth. Associate Professor in Philosophy Robert Sinnerbrink explores whether any of them are morally justifiable.
Please explain: What's behind people's obsession with their pets?
Some people are obsessed with their pets, they sleep with them in the bed, spend thousands on them and won't travel without them, while others feel nothing when it comes to animals. Where does this difference in connection come from? Macquarie University philosopher Dr Jane Johnson explains.
Please explain: What makes a happy family?
Conflict will arise in every family – it is how members deal with it that makes the difference, explains Emeritus Professor of Social Psychology at Macquarie University, Dr Julie Fitness.
Please explain: Why do we cry?
There is more to crying than simply expressing our emotions. Clinical psychologist Dr Philippe Gilchrist explains the reasons behind our tears, and why some of us are more prone to a good weep than others.
Please explain: What is seasonal affective disorder?
VIDEO: Macquarie University Professor of Psychology Nick Titov explains the winter blues and how we can protect our mental health during the colder months.
'Blind in the mind': What is aphantasia?
Dr Rebecca Keogh, Research Fellow in Macquarie’s Department of Cognitive Science, explains a condition that has only had a name since 2015.
Please explain: How do corporate takeovers work?
US investment giant Ares Management in February withdrew its conditional $6.4 billion offer to take over Australian wealth manager AMP. Macquarie Business School researcher Dr Farida Akhtar explains the mechanics of takeovers and why they sometimes fail.
What are hedge funds?
The recent collapse of yet another hedge fund has thrust these seemingly mysterious investment funds back into the spotlight. For many investors, however, the question remains – what exactly are they? Hamid Yahyaei, from Macquarie Business School, explains.
How will the COVID-19 pandemic end?
Despite 28 days of no community transmission in NSW – the state's longest stretch since the pandemic began – a ‘return to normal’ could be years away, say Macquarie University researchers.
Please explain: Why does the world need poetry?
When Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th US President, a spellbinding poetry reading from National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman stole the show. As Professor Louise D’Arcens explains, poets have long been helping us make sense of the world.