Science
Are microplastics behind a raft of unexplained cancers?
A group of researchers recently published a major scientific review into how microplastic exposure can affect our digestive, reproductive, and respiratory systems. Audio
Building-sized asteroid could hit Earth in 2032
Space agencies are keeping a close eye on a recently discovered asteroid that has a small chance of impacting Earth. Audio
Meteoroid over South Island causes massive sonic boom
South Islanders saw a fireball break through the atmosphere near Wanaka overnight with a loud sonic boom.
Buried 'supercontinents' could be much older than previously thought
Earth has a lot going on under the surface - even in what may have once seemed to be its most unassuming layer.
The science of pheromones, smell and attraction
Pheromones are mysterious compounds that can increase attraction for mammals - but as much as the fragrance industry wants us to believe it, that's not yet been proven for humans. Oxford University… Audio
NZ innovators using AI traps in fight against pests
Artificial intelligence is making conservation efforts faster and easier in the fight for total pest eradication, with new traps able to tell predator from protected species.
AI used in the fight for pest eradication
Artificial intelligence is being used to boost conservation efforts, making the fight for total pest eradication both quicker and easier. New traps developed by local companies can distinguish between… Audio
If the govt wants science to have an economic impact, it has to fund it
Opinion - Success will depend on how they are implemented and, most of all, on the sector receiving sufficient funding.
Two Wellington students honoured to represent New Zealand at science fair in US
Two Wellington students have been selected to represent New Zealand at the 'Olympics' of Science and Engineering Fairs in the United States. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Thursday 30 January 2025
On today's episode, a Green Party MP has accused some government ministers of being, quote "outwardly racist and xenophobic", and he's called on the Prime Minister and Parliament's Speaker to take… Audio
Robert F. Kennedy Jnr's trip to Samoa in 2019 under the spotlight
Returning to our story on Robert F Kennedy Jnr - who has been questioned on his involvement in the measles outbreak in Samoa in senate hearings. Vaccinologist Helen Petousis-Harris spoke to Ingrid… Audio
Two Wellington students selected to represented NZ at Science and Engineering Fairs in US
Two school students have been given the opportunity of a lifetime, to represent New Zealand at the "Olympics" of Science and Engineering Fairs in the United States. Year 13 Wellington College student… Audio
Trapping smarter, not harder
Using cameras, AI and a networking system, a team in Queenstown are trialling 'smart' traps to help them battle predators in difficult-to-reach areas.
No signs of kauri dieback in Auckland's Hunua Ranges
There's some good news for Auckland's Hunua Ranges - the latest survey shows there are no signs of kauri dieback. Auckland Council's Principal Biosecurity Advisor Dr Sarah Killick spoke to Ingrid… Audio
Reversing speed limit reductions will lift economy - PM
Blanket speed limit reductions introduced by Labour will start changing, beginning with State Highway Two in the Wairarapa. A total of 38 sections of state highways will revert to their previous… Audio
Our Changing World: Smart traps
On Our Changing World, Claire Concannon heads to the Wye Valley just outside Queenstown.
The Southern Lakes Sanctuary project is setting up a new smart trap network there, the fourth they’ve built… Audio
Southland company preparing for moon mission
In a few weeks' time, Southland company "Space Ops NZ" will play a crucial role in landing a new spacecraft on the moon. The company will use its 30-meter antenna to guide a spacecraft to the moon, in… Audio
Lessons from La Palma helping to predict volcanic eruptions
Learning how to predict where Auckland's next volcano might pop up Audio
The science of antivenom
Despite being home to a whole cast of creepy crawlies, barely anyone has died from a spider bite in Australia in decades. We have antivenom to thank. Audio
Puzzling fossils unearthed in China may rewrite the human story
A cache of human-like fossils from China has perplexed scientists for decades, defying explanation or categorization.
