Science
NZ scientists hope $1m boost leads to new melanoma treatment
New Zealand has the world's highest melanoma death rate, but University of Auckland scientists hope a $1 million grant will help bring a new treatment to patient trials in just over five years… Audio
Weight-loss drugs market 'almost like Viagra': Pfizer boss
Pfizer is preparing for a market for obesity drugs on par with the booming business created by erectile dysfunction drug Viagra in 1998.
Centuries-old enormous black coral found in Fiordland
A large black coral believed to be centuries old is one of the largest ever found in the waters of New Zealand, researchers say. Video
Eyes of world's longest-living vertebrate show little ageing
Studying the eyes of the Greenland shark may hold keys to curing human eye defects.
Kilos return four times faster after ending weight-loss drugs, study finds
Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have become immensely popular.
Warning to swimmers as risk of toxic algae intensifies
Temperatures are set to rise, creating perfect conditions in Hawke's Bay for toxic algae to bloom.
Red moon, blue moon, supermoon: What to watch out for in 2026
What will we see in the southern sky in 2026?
Summer stargazing
Turn your attention skywards. With our clear skies and lack of light pollution, Aotearoa has become a top global destination for stargazing. If you find yourself under the stars these holidays… Audio
Doubt cast on potential for life on Jupiter's moon Europa
New research is raising questions about whether Europa has what it takes for habitability.
Storm chaser captures rare red sprites across Kimberley sky
The eruption of red, luminous sparks is known by meteorologists and weather enthusiasts as red sprites.
Ancient African bedrock reveals the violent beginnings of life on our blue planet
In remote corners of the world, geologists have found tiny relics of Earth's very ancient surface, writes Simon Lamb.
'High alert' as bird flu threat looms for Antarctica
Scientists are racing to record crucial "baseline" population data on wildlife before the deadly H5 strain of bird flu arrives.
RNZ's best videos to watch over summer
Looking for something a bit different to watch this summer break? RNZ has you covered.
Historical mysteries solved by science in 2025
The thought-provoking findings by researchers across the globe offer new ways of understanding the past.
Kea more susceptible to surprise than cockatoos, Austrian study finds
In the latest competition between New Zealand and Australia, researchers at the University of Vienna found that kea were more capable of surprise than cockatoos.
It's been a big year for the colossal squid
We can't get enough colossal squid action, and it turns out 2025 was a big year for the massive creature. Here to tell us more, is Professor Kat Bolstad - head of the AUT Squid Squad. Audio
NZ Crohn's disease researchers get $2.4 million funding boost
An US charity has funded a New Zealand led research project looking to develop a Covid-style test for Crohn's disease.
How to take science on holiday with you
It's the school holidays, but you know you're really winning with the kids when they take an active interest in a subject outside the classroom. Morgan McKeen is a science technology engineering and… Audio
New way to extract nitrates from wastewater found
Nitrates have to be removed before the treated water can be discharged into the environment.
Wheelchair user flies into space in world first
An aerospace and mechatronics engineer at the European Space Agency has crossed the Karman line.
