Science
Our musical minds
Making and processing music is something unique to human brains, says Dr Sam Mehr. But why are we so attuned to rhythms, melodies and matching tones? Claire and Sam take a deep dive into the universal… Video, Audio
Our Changing World – Music on the brain
Making and processing music is something unique to human brains, says Dr Sam Mehr. But why are we so attuned to rhythms, melodies and matching tones? Claire and Sam take a deep dive into the universal… Audio
New study into mass bleaching of sea sponges gives hope for future
A new study into a mass bleaching of sea sponges is giving marine researchers "hope for the future". Lead author Professor James Bell spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Mass bleaching of NZ marine sponges largest ever recorded globally
A new study estimates the 2022 bleaching cut the population by close to half, making it the world's largest "sponge mortality event". Video
The Pre-Panel for 6th August 2024
Today on the Pre-Panel, Wallace Chapman previews tonight's show and producer Tom Riste-Smith talk about an incoming asteroid - Adophis. Audio
Can we freeze a body and bring it back to life?
An Australian cryonics company froze its first client in May. At the moment, it's unlikely to ever come back to life. Audio
We know dyslexia. What's dyscalculia?
Young people with dyscalculia have challenges acquiring arithmetic skills, even with a supportive home and school environment. It affects six percent of the population. Audio
Life after death? The science behind cryonics
Earlier this year, a cryonics company in Australia froze its first client at a facility in rural New South Wales. But as Professor Gary Bryant explains, cryobiology might not bring anyone back. Audio
Aurora Australis: Late night rewarded with stunning photos over Wellington
A budding photographer and stargazer gave up on sleep in favour of a stunning Aurora Australis. Audio
Two people dead in Melbourne mystery Legionnaires' outbreak
Two people are confirmed to have died from the bacteria and dozens have been hospitalised, but health authorities are still yet to identify a source for the outbreak.
Can you convince yourself to enjoy exercise?
Science writer David Robson specialises in the brain, body and human behaviour. In a recent New Scientist article, he explored ways to train yourself to employ better exercise habits - and ended up… Audio
Argue with Science
Mary Argue is back guiding us through the latest weird and wonderful headlines from the world of science. Audio
Heat energy from the earth: Graham Leonard
Last week a hydrothermal explosion blew rock and steam into the air, destroyed a boardwalk and sent tourists running in the Yellowstone National Park. GNS Science principal scientist Graham Leonard… Audio
Nico Dosenbach: how psilocybin changes the brain
The effects of psilocybin - the active compound in magic mushrooms - have been illuminated in a new Washington University School of Medicine study. For the study, seven people were given doses of the… Audio
Critter of the week
If you have trypophobia (fear of closely packed holes like honeycomb), then it is best not to look at photos of this lichen. Jesse talks to RNZ 's Ellen Rykers about lace lichen or coral lichen. Audio
Heavy metal in most chocolates may not pose health risk, researchers say
But consumption of more than one serving per day or in combination with other sources of heavy metals may cumulatively add up to exposure that exceeds recommendations, the researchers say.
Scientists worried about jobs going at GNS
Scientists are worried that New Zealand will lose key knowledge if jobs go at GNS science. Association of Scientists Dr Lucy Stewart spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Bonus: Kākāpō update with Dr Andrew Digby
Claire Concannon and Dr Andrew Digby talk about all things kākāpō: that habitat trial and where the birds are now, the next breeding season, and Andrew’s hopes for the future of this iconic manu. Audio
Our Changing World's Claire Concannon on GNS Science cuts
Claire Concannon from RNZ podcast Our Changing World joins Nights to chat about some interesting stories in the science and science-adjacent worlds. Audio
A year of kākāpō at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
It's been one year since kākāpō returned to mainland Aotearoa at the fenced Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari.
Claire Concannon finds out what mischief they've been up to, and what's next for the… Audio
