Science
Useful Science with Bonnie Harrison
Bonnie Harrison is here guiding us through the latest weird and useful headlines from the world of science, including the rates of falling in love for single adults, the potential benefits of… Audio
Ancient antibiotic-resistant bacteria discovered in Romanian underground glacier
The researchers say insights gained from the discovery may help in the fight against modern superbugs that cannot be treated by common antibiotics.
Do positive affirmations work? A psychologist unpacks the evidence
The tantalising promise is: repeat these positive affirmations often enough and you'll be happier, calmer and even healthier, but can this actually change your life?
Critter of the Week
The critter of the week is the newly crowned Bug of the Year 2026, the Avatar moth! This beautiful day-flying moth is only found on the Denniston Plateau, from 640 to 850m. They eat alpine marshwort… Audio
"Profound autism" diagnosis sparks debate in autism community
A new international proposal is sparking debate in the autism community, with a diagnosis of "profound autism" now under consideration. The proposed diagnosis would describe autistic people who have… Audio
How a tiny fish could lead to treatment for painful condition
A new discovery involving the larva of zebrafish shows promise for treating or preventing painful lymphoedema. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Thursday 19 February
A very happy Zoi Sadowski-Synnott joined us after becoming the most decorated Olympic snowboarder in the world; Corin Dann spoke with Reserve Bank governor Dr Anna Breman following her first official… Audio
Why are cicadas so darned loud this time of year?
Explainer - It's the season, and you can't miss the buzzy chorus. So how do these insects make so much noise, and is it dangerous?
Wellington startup chasing holy grail of nuclear fusion
A Wellington tech-start-up is competing with some of the brightest minds in the world to figure out how to replicate the power of the sun for energy production. Openstar founder Ratu Mataira spoke to… Audio
Why do nose and ear hairs get longer and thicker?
More hair where we don't want is under-researched, according to two academics.
Pacific experts urged to lead solutions for regional challenges
The chair of the Pacific Academy of sciences says its time Pasifika experts take the lead on climate change, health, renewable energy and traditional knowledge in the region. Audio
How science is shaping the clothes of the future
New Zealand is part of a massive European research project aimed at shaking up the textile industry.
Expert Feature: What happens to all that space junk?
But is the space in space infinite? What happens when satellites stop working? As the saying goes, what goes up, must come down, so will we see more space junk landing on earth? Here to help answer… Audio
Why haven't humans been back to the moon in over 50 years?
It has been more than 50 years since the last astronaut set foot on the moon - so why has it taken so long for us to get back?
Is a Long Life in Your DNA? Scientists Think So
A new study shows genetics play a more significant role in longevity than previously thought. Audio
Violent dreams and Parkinson's disease – Is there a link?
Sleep neurologist Isabelle Arnulf says young people who have turbulent dreams need not be concerned but they can be a warning sign in another age group. Audio
Useful Science with Bonnie Harrison
Bonnie Harrison is here guiding us through the latest weird and useful headlines from the world of science. Audio
Nicolas Niarchos: Power to the people
Lithium ion batteries power our everyday lives and are at the heart of the green electric revolution. But there's a very dirty story behind the clean image. Audio
Timing critical as Kiwi wasp bait tech trialled on hornet invaders
After proving highly effective against wasps, Vespex is to be trailed on the yellow-legged hornet population.
Trump repeals US environment agency's ability to regulate pollution
The Trump administration has delivered a deadly blow to longstanding US climate policy regulating climate pollution.
