Science
Fewer Marsden Fund grants after government cuts
A major research fund has been forced to slash its grant allocation by more than $20 million next year.
How to catch a glimpse of the blood moon
A total lunar eclipse will take place in the early hours of 8 September and if the weather allows, it should be visible for the whole country.
New Zealand's obesity crisis and the high price of thin
Those who can afford it are getting thin by needle, but new weight loss drugs bring with them unanswered questions. Video
The cost to society of weight loss drugs
Those who can afford it are getting thin by needle, but new weight loss drugs bring with them unanswered questions. Audio
It's been an 'abysmal' winter for snowfall
Many ski fields had to close, the lack of snow impacting not just the tourist industry but also water levels in lakes that feed hydroelectric power stations.
Skeleton of extinct 'hypercarnivore' that had a taste for dinosaurs unearthed
The skeleton was nearly complete and the skull was in such good condition that its teeth still bore a coating of enamel, the study's lead author says.
The world's biggest iceberg has broken up
A23a has held the "largest current iceberg" title several times since the 1980s, occasionally being surpassed by larger but shorter-lived icebergs.
Midday Report Essentials for Wednesday 3rd September 2025
In today's episode, the government is making a U-turn and abandoning the controversial cost-saving changes for carers among a raft of changes for the disability sector; The New Zealand-born leader of… Audio
Southern lights visible in South Island
A strong solar coronal mass ejection has delighted stargazers in the south. Astronomer and director of the Otago Museum Ian Griffin spoke to Charlotte Cook. Audio
Horse and cattle cloning now commercialised in Australia
Cloning a mammal from an adult cell sample was first achieved in 1996 with the birth of Dolly the sheep in Scotland.
Introducing: Voices from Antarctica
Alison Ballance finds out what it takes to live in and do science in Antarctica, in a podcast series recorded on the frozen continent in November 2019. Audio
Shower Thoughts: Can I make myself less attractive to mosquitoes?
Julia Kasper is the Lead Curator of Invertebrates at Te Papa, she is an insect expert, and she joins Emile Donovan to explain. Audio
Aurora Australis may put on a show
It could be visible as far north as Auckland but the weather in the South Island is more favourable for viewing.
New research into blood pressure
At least one in five of us have high blood pressure but most of us don't know we have it. Untreated, it can lead to serious problems like stroke, heart attack and kidney failure. Which makes a new… Audio
Backcountry takahē make a comeback
Twice believed to be extinct, takahē are now returning to our wild spaces.
How the iconic discovery of the Titanic unfolded
Forty years ago, the wreck of the Titanic was finally discovered, with the search concealing a top-secret military operation.
What happens to the size of our brains as we age?
Current theories assume our brain gets smaller as we age, but researchers have found some parts of the brain get bigger. Audio
Graham Leonard: Latest research on flooding
Volcanologist and Earth Sciences New Zealand principal scientist, Graham Leonard is back this week covering the challenge of flooding in Aotearoa. Audio
Long-term study follows life of babies born with low birthweight
A major long-term study has followed the lives of babies born with very low birthweight in 1986, tracking their development and health into adulthood. Current lead researcher Dr Sarah Harris spoke to… Audio
A case of AI hallucinations, fake citations, and a cat
AI-hallucinated scientific research and legal precedents are making their way into academic papers and court cases, highlighting AI's real-world impact
