Science
Will AI ever reach true consciousness?
The dazzling growth of AI in recent years has reignited discussion around whether machines could reach a true state of consciousness. But what exactly is consciousness? Scientists are still trying to… Audio
The McMigraine hack: does it really work?
Dr Fiona Imlach joins Jim to discuss migraine disease, its causes, and what can help. Audio
Are all memories real?
Professor of Psychology at the College of Charleston, Gabrielle Principe joins Jim to discuss the intricacies of remembering. Audio
Astrophysicist Dr Michelle Thaller
Matariki is just around the corner, and flying in for the event is renowned NASA science communicator Dr Michelle Thaller. Audio
Grand ideas: a new prosthetic leg
Ruby Keegan is working on a prosthetic limb which can be worn in and out of the water - giving amputees the freedom to move easily between land to sea. She's just won Massey University's Grand Ideas… Audio
Science sector sounds alarm over funding shake-up
The science sector, once hailed for its agility and ingenuity, is now grappling with a crisis of confidence.
The science sector sounds the alarm
Researchers brace for an uncertain future and warn of lasting damage after a funding shake-up. Audio
Podcast Critic
Regular Afternoons podcast critic Alan Doak has been listening to Instant Genius by the folk that make BBC Science Focus Magazine and The Economics of Everyday Things hosted by journalist Zachary… Audio
Science: How sitting shrinks your brain, crime from the cradle
Science commentator Allan Blackman looks at how sitting for hours can affect your brain - even if you're doing regular exercise. A major new study has tracked 80,000 Queenslanders, looking at how… Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Tuesday 3 June 2025
In today's episode, the government's making big changes to WorkSafe, the agency tasked with keeping workers safe including shifting in priorities from enforcement to giving advice, the Energy… Audio
PM's new science advisor John Roche
The Prime Minister's new chief science advisor, John Roche, is getting underway with his new job, a year after the position was vacated Audio
NZ students excel at international science fair in US
Two New Zealand high school students have been victorious at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in Ohio. Year 13 student Jesse Rumball-Smith and year 11 student Isabelle Aduna… Audio
Wellington students win big at world's oldest and largest science fair
No New Zealand students have competed in the International Science and Engineering Fair for more than a decade.
Aurora: Dazzling light displays return
South Islanders are reporting sightings of the Aurora Australis in Southland and Otago.
World-first NZ study could help stamp out superbugs
It aims to map antimicrobial resistance hot spots across New Zealand to help combat a growing global health threat.
Guardians against the galaxy: Duo honoured for asteroids work
A Tekapo couple who have spent the past 50 years helping to track asteroids that could pose a threat to Earth have been jointly awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Earth's core is bleeding precious metals
A new study suggests Earth's inner core, once thought sealed off, is slowly leaking rare precious metals.
What if the Big Bang wasn’t the beginning?
We're joined by theoretical physicist Niayesh Afshordi-professor at the University of Waterloo and associate faculty at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics-and science communicator Phil… Audio
Getting kids hooked on STEM subjects
STEM education is more than just science, technology, engineering, and maths-it's about equipping the next generation with the tools to solve real-world problems. We speak with Morgan McKeen, a… Audio
Possible dwarf planet spotted near the edge of our solar system
A 700km-wide object, 2017 OF201, has been found orbiting far beyond Neptune. It could reshape our understanding of our solar system's edge. Audio
