Science
Why does music cross borders and boundaries?
Dr Patrick Savage is a musicologist at the University of Auckland who studies how music has evolved across time, languages and cultures. He won an early career research excellence award for His latest… Audio
Why we used to sleep in two segments
Continuous sleep is a modern habit, not an evolutionary constant, which helps explain why many of us still wake at 3am and wonder if something's wrong.
Study finds learning languages can help the brain fight aging
It might be time to get back on your duolingo streak - a new study has found speaking more than one language helps the aging brain. Professor Stephen May from the School of Maori and Indigenous… Audio
Do trigger warnings spike intrigue or deter?
Trigger warnings at the head of articles are becoming more common, but do they change behaviour? 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
How much caffeine is too much?
Caffeine can boost alertness, mood, and performance, but how much can we tolerate? Audio
Aucklanders flock to see 'unforgettable' bioluminescence
Photos of the marine phenomenon show the waves glowing neon blue.
The tech behind NZ's Earth Science
Volcanologist and Earth Sciences New Zealand principal scientist, Graham Leonard is back this week looking at the technology driving new Earth science. Audio
James Watson, co-discoverer of DNA's double helix, dead at 97
In his later years, Watson's reputation was tarnished by comments on genetics and race that led him to be ostracised by the scientific establishment.
Redundancy bill more than $10m as Callaghan Innovation winds down
More than 200 roles have been lost since November 2023 through the closure of the crown-owned science and innovation entity.
How do we know if our food has been genetically modified?
Changes to our genetic modification laws have our scientists and politicians struggling to agree on a way forward. Over the last few weeks we have been discussing various aspects of the gene tech bill… Audio
Dismantling of climate laws breaks years of cross-party agreement
Governments make grand statements on targets without awkward detail about what we have to do to reach them, write Barry Barton and Jennifer Campion.
Auckland BioSciences expands animal blood operation to Uruguay
Animal-derived serum and plasma from mostly cattle and pig carcasses is used in medical and life science research, including for veterinary vaccines.
Apple Maps find sparks new search for Amelia Earhart’s remains
A chance look through Apple Maps has led to a new expedition to find the remains of famed aviator Amelia Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan. The photo shows what some think is the wing of her… Audio
Preparing for a 'solar storm'
In the depths of the Beehive's bunker, officials have been running a new kind of exercise. Audio
Quakes: Can we predict when the 'big one' will hit?
It's been about 2,600 since New Zealand's last large earthquake of magnitude six or more. Are we 'overdue'? Earthquake geologist Dr Rob Langridge joins Emile to explain. Audio
Infectious disease research gets $75 million funding boost from government
Scientists do not know what the next pandemic will be - or when it will hit - but they are certain about one thing: it is coming.
Chch physicist's examination turns NZ X-ray history on its head
Curiosity about an object mounted on his wall at work has led a medical physicist to uncover evidence challenging New Zealand's x-ray history. Audio
Science with Ezzy Pearson
Science correspondent Ezzy Pearson talks about orcas that have developed a new way of hunting sharks, why men need to exercise more to get the same heart health benefits, and the worst fire in space.
…Is this New Zealand's oldest x-ray?
New Zealand's oldest known surviving x-ray of a frog was taken in September 1896 by a Christchurch school teacher.
