Science
New report on how to maximise benefits of AI and gene editing
A new report by New Zealand scholars released in Paris on Tuesday morning looks at how to maximise the benefits and minimise risks associated with rapidly developing technologies such as AI and gene… Audio
'Good and bad purposes' of new tech examined in new report
New Zealand researchers have produced an international report looking at how to maximise the benefits and minimise risks associated with rapidly developing technologies, such as AI and gene editing.
Is it time to update our understanding of the universe? Some cosmologists think so
Oxford University professor Subir Sarkar says over the past 100 years our understanding of how the universe works has changed dramatically as technology has improved in leaps and bounds. Audio
Bright aurora light up Southern photographers
Two nights of bright aurora have had night photographers running for their cameras to capture the multicoloured skies.
Does 'zombie deer disease' pose risks for humans?
The deaths of two hunters who ate meat from deer infected with chronic wasting disease has scientists arguing over whether it can spread to humans.
The headlines we didn’t read
Mary Argue is back guiding us through the latest weird and wonderful headlines from the world of science including the many universes that could be created with every decision we make - among other… Audio
Elizabeth Kolbert: The A to Z of climate change
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Elizabeth Kolbert tells the story of climate change in her new alphabetised essay collection H Is for Hope. As our world warms up, Kolbert hopes the book will help… Audio
The burden of long covid
Evidence indicates long covid presents a considerable burden to New Zealand. Between 4 and 14 percent of people infected with the virus will develop ongoing symptoms, anything from mild to severe… Audio
The diverse experiences of farming
A lot of urban dwellers get their information about farming from supermarkets, new research suggests. A Massey University research project surveyed over 1300 urban and rural people about their views… Audio
A quest to demystify creatures of the deep sea
Dr Thom Linley has always been fascinated with fish, how they behave, their ecology and their different ocean habitats. He is a curator of fishes at Te Papa, and also co-hosts the Deep-Sea Podcast… Audio
Summer 34 – Three decades of albatross research
Journalist Rebekah White meets two people who have been counting albatrosses on remote islands in the subantarctic for more than three decades. Their research shows that at least one species is en… Video, Audio
Science: Roman wine taste, trees solve solar storm puzzle
Science commentator Dr Allan Blackman joins Kathryn with three new studies. Audio
The quantum science where Aotearoa is lightyears ahead
Aotearoa New Zealand has played an unusually pivotal role in humanity's understanding of how light and matter interact, Dr Jacob Ngaha says. Audio
Otago researchers involved in solving a rare genetic condition
Academics from around the globe have joined forces under the lead of Otago University to get to the bottom of a rare genetic condition. It's called Glutamine Synthetase Stabilization Disorder, and it… Audio
Bird flu: what is it, and why has it been found in US dairy cows?
There are few places in the world the high pathogenicity bird flu has not yet reached, and scientists say the world is in an animal pandemic.
Dr Stephen Best: Restoring sight for all
Ophthalmologist Stephen Best can work modern-day miracles. For the past 25 years, the glaucoma specialist has removed cataracts, prevented blindness, and restored sight to hundreds, if not thousands… Audio
Boris Heifets: Hope as a powerful placebo
Ketamine - an anaesthetic drug primarily developed as a horse tranquiliser - is also known to be a powerful psychedelic. Audio
The headlines we didn’t read
RNZ producer, Mary Argue, has been reading all the headlines - so you don't have to. She'll discuss everything from the expansion of the universe, the usefulness of beta-blockers, and the debate about… Audio
Research showcased at food, farming and freshwater roadshow
Farmers and growers around the country have been getting together to hear about research which might help New Zealand agriculture adapt to future challenges. Audio
Taking on water - marine protection in Aotearoa
New Zealand once led the world in marine protection. Now it looks like we will fail to meet our international promise to protect 30 percent of our ocean estate by 2030. Why is stopping fishing so… Audio