Halo summer! Ring round the sun is a solar sell of warmer days to come
As if to assure warmth-deprived Melburnians that it's still up there and on duty, the sun put on a spectacular sky show to mark the first day of summer on Thursday.
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Bridie Smith
Platypus and echidna venom could inspire new diabetes medications
Venom from two iconic Australian species could be behind the development of new treatments for diabetes, which affects around 1.7 million Australians.
How bottom feeding helped Alfred prince of whales grow so big and blue
Scientists have found out how the blue whales rose to become the biggest beasts the Earth has seen – and it's all down to their teeth.
Fears Melbourne's 'sacred botanical site' could shrink, taking a slice of history with it
One of Melbourne's oldest gardens which was laid out when the colony of Victoria was just two years young is under threat from building works, which could swallow up about 10 per cent of the remaining grounds.
WWI antiseptic could fight common cold - and tackle superbugs
A century-old antiseptic made from coal tar and used to treat wounds and sleeping sickness in World War I Australian soldiers has been found to help the body fight off viral infections, including the common cold.
The mozzies multiplying at the bottom of our gardens
Melburnians complaining about the swarms of mosquitoes this spring need to take a good hard look at themselves. Or more specifically, at their back gardens.
11 mosquito fixes that don't really work - and the one that saved the Queen
It was an Australian invention developed in war-time conditions that allowed Queen Elizabeth II to tour insect-free in '63. While the royal link that brought insect repellent to the masses is true, not all mozzie management techniques stack up. Here are some hits - and misses.
Tree change for Melbourne, as the city plans for a warmer world
A warming climate means the days of Melbourne's boulevards being lined with exotic elm trees are numbered. Instead, the city's landmark boulevards will be lined with trees that can tolerate the higher temperatures forecast in the future. But don't think that automatically means gum trees.
Frogs breed with their siblings and cousins after bushfires
Frog calls that greeted researchers after the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires were robust in number. But genetic testing has revealed they are alarmingly limited in diversity, catching researchers on the hop.
Scientists reveal why salt is so addictive
Wondering why it's so hard to resist when asked if you "want fries with that"? Or why the smell of sizzling bacon makes your mouth water and stomach rumble? Turns out there is a scientific explanation for salt cravings.
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