This past fortnight, ST Explainers tackled everything from the Chinese Communist Party's plenum to food myths and investment scams.

Man, what an achievement

Writer Paul Beatty became the first American to win the Man Booker since the award was opened to authors outside Ireland and the Commonwealth in 2014. Get a primer on the man and his career. http://str.sg/4YTH

China's big pow-wow

The Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party held its annual leadership meeting this week. China bureau chief Kor Kian Beng explained the plenum and its workings. http://str.sg/4fFN

The crucial battle for Mosul

A landmark offensive by the Iraqi government to recapture Mosul from the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria took place on Oct 18. Read why the city is so important to the battling forces. http://str.sg/4fg6

Investment or scam? Tell-tale signs

More than 20 people lost over $1 million in an investment scam involving an offshore betting company. Find out the tell-tale signs of such scams. http://str.sg/4fYg

Food for thought on those diets

A recent Nielsen survey found that one in two Singaporeans follows diets that limit or omit certain ingredients. Are these food choices based on real science or hearsay? ST Explainers tackle some common food myths. http://str.sg/4fbd

The air up there: It's a tough job

Singapore recently hosted a symposium for air traffic controllers. Aviation correspondent Karamjit Kaur explains what air traffic controllers do and the training requirements for this high-stress occupation. http://str.sg/4f7b

Insight into birth of KKH

The KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) has more than 100 years of history. Find out what the name Kandang Kerbau means and how it evolved from a badly situated hospital with a lunatic asylum to a treatment centre for sex workers to Singapore's premier maternity hospital. http://str.sg/4fGc