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If you’re in the desert on a hot day, you might see things that aren’t really there. But that’s not the only way to see a mirage – you can also see them in a glass of sugary water!

Diamonds are amazing crystals. A repeating pattern of pure carbon atoms, they’re famous for being the hardest substance in the world. Yet, an Australian team of scientists have just managed to bend diamonds. So how did they do it?

By Michelle Wheeler Summer scorcher and no air-con? Dunking your feet in water can make the heat more bearable, Aussie research suggests. Sponging yourself all over is even better, and has the added benefit of lowering your heart rate.

Written by Celia Berrell A small steel ball in a short smooth tube held in place by a spring, is the kind of switch that works in a twitch and starts an exploding thing.

Have you ever wondered why many old paintings are so shiny? It’s not the paint they used – it’s a varnish that’s applied on top of the paint. These chemicals are designed to enhance and protect precious artworks. And CSIRO just formulated a new varnish that’s taking the art world by storm!

We’re testing your science knowledge from A to Z! From animals quirks to the age of zircon, see if you can get all five questions right.

Washing your hands is important, but how do you know if it’s working? Make some safe but gross glow germs to find out how well you wash!

If you’re a bit of a germophobe, we have bad news for you. There are a lot of Australians who aren’t washing their hands nearly enough. That’s the conclusion of new research from the Food Safety Information Council.

Drop the ruler, watch for the jump… that’s the point of drop jump! Can you work out which matchbox tray the coin will fall into?

It’s spring, and in many areas of Australia that means it’s magpie swooping season. But next time you’re ducking an angry bird, be thankful you live now and not 90 million years ago. Back then, the swooping might have come from something much larger.