Genomics
What if... genomics could safeguard our food supply?
The rapid warming and periods of droughts as a result of climate change will impact our ability to grow food. Researchers at Plant and Food, AgResearch and the Bragato Research Institute are… Video
Genomics and the future of gene technology in Aotearoa
Advances in the field of genomics (the study of DNA and genomes) have meant big leaps in our ability to sequence, understand and manipulate the genomes of living things. Damian Christie explores… Video, Audio
What if... we sequenced every infectious disease in NZ?
During the Covid-19 pandemic, New Zealand researchers led the way in sequencing the virus, and in figuring out puzzling transmission pathways. Video
What if... we sequenced every waterway in New Zealand?
Living things leave tiny traces of DNA as they move around their environment. Now scientists can determine the quality of a waterway by using eDNA to see who lives there. Video
What if... genomics could help save an endangered species?
In 2018 the kākāpō became the first species in the world to have every individual's genome sequenced. How is the information being used today to help conservation? Video
What if... we can use genetic testing to beat cancer?
Around 25,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year in Aotearoa. Genomics can help us detect cancer sooner and treat it more precisely. Video
Our Changing World – Genomics in Aotearoa
From helping taonga species such as the kākāpō, to early identification of cancer, to tackling food security: New Zealand scientists are using genomics – the study of DNA or genetics – to find… Audio
Planning for Aotearoa's genomic medicine future
If the future of healthcare is personalised genomics, how can we ensure that it is used to lessen inequities, rather than strengthen them? This week, Our Changing World speaks to two of the co-leaders… Audio
Our Changing World: Improving New Zealand's wellbeing with genomics
The age of personalised medicine is coming. Claire speaks to two researchers building a culturally safe genomic database for Aotearoa, which they hope will enable this health revolution. Audio
Genome sequencing and the pandemic
Genome sequencing has become a household term during this pandemic. This week, we explore how it became an important tool in the fight against Covid-19. Audio
Our Changing World for 12 November 2020
The invention of a woven bassinet to save babies' lives & a geneticist seeking to understand plants & animals have won awards at the 2020 Research Honours Aotearoa. Audio
Precision gene editing: a new approach
Since it was first discovered 4 years ago, the gene editing technology CRISPR-Cas 9 has shown potential in its ability to remodel our DNA and correct genetic abnormalities associated with health… Audio
New tech simplifies DNA sequencing for primary sector
Improvements to DNA sequencing technology will be able to help researchers solve genetic problems faster in animals, plants and other organisms, a Palmerston North scientist says.
An embryonic heart defect was fixed with gene editing – so what now?
A genetic heart disorder has been fixed using gene editing in human embryos. We assess how this week's big science story could impact New Zealand. Audio
Synthetic life – can we build it?
At a recent conference in New York, 250 scientists from 10 countries discussed the ethics of creating genomes. They also pitched ideas, including plants that can sniff out explosives and microbes that… Audio
Koala genome
Veronika Meduna meets wildlife geneticist Rebecca Johnson to discuss how genomics can help with efforts to protect the koala. Audio
Making sense of the code of life
BBC broadcaster Adam Rutherford discusses how genomics is changing how we think about medicine, agriculture, conservation and even our relationship to our nearest evolutionary cousins, the… Audio
Andrew Digby: kakapo genomics and conservation
Former astronomer who became captivated with conservation when he came to New Zealand in 2006, and is now the scientist on the Kakapo Recovery team, providing advice to guide the conservation of the… Audio
Hairy elephants and transgenic aphids
University of Otago geneticists Peter Dearden and Neil Gemmell continue their discussion of the gene editing tool CRISPR and its use in genomics, conservation and de-extinction. Audio
The CRISPR dilemma
CRISPR is the new buzzword in genetics, and University of Otago geneticists Peter Dearden and Neil Gemmell discuss the potential benefits and risks of the new gene editing tool. Audio
