Genetics
Tailoring drugs & diet to your genes? It's already happening.
Now that genetic testing is readily available expect more medicines, and even diet and exercise to be tailored to your gene types. In his latest book, evolutionary biologist, family doctor, surgeon… Audio
Missing pieces in the code of life could play a role in cancer
The sequencing of an entire human genome in 2003 was hailed as a great victory, but in reality, it wasn't complete. The uncharted regions of the genome could play a role in cancer and autism, some… Audio
Geneticists join the fight against myrtle rust
Geneticists are hoping to discover genes which could protect manuka trees from myrtle rust. 46 cases of myrtle rust have been recorded in Taranaki, Northland and Bay of Plenty with Ministry of Primary… Audio
Govt told to improve endangered birds' genetic pools
According to the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, 80% of the country's native bird population is in a bad way and say are even at risk of extinction. Scientists say eliminating… Audio
Biology of disruption: Kaikōura's marine life adapts
What did the Kaikōura earthquake mean for local sea life? For some seaweeds, it's been a genetic bonus in the future we may see more biodiversity along the coast, according to a marine scientist. Audio, Gallery
Professor Russell Snell - the hunt for autism genes
To mark Brain Day 2017* (and part of international Brain Awareness Week), Kim talks to Professor Russell Snell, a world-renowned geneticist based at the University of Auckland who has long studied… Audio
Quinoa genetics & evidence e-cigarettes are a gateway to smoking
A new study suggests e-cigarettes may be a gateway to smoking real cigarettes. Also scientists are using genetic sequencing technology to understand how quinoa can grow in super harsh conditions. Audio
In the bull pen
The Te Mania Angus Stud at Conway Flat in North Canterbury has been in the Wilding family for four generations. Their goal is to breed with cutting-edge genetics while farming sustainability. Audio
Jean testing: ethical cotton
Cotton has one of the most tangled and opaque consumer supply chains in the world, says James Hayward of Applied DNA Sciences. He's using genetic barcodes to introduce more traceability to the system.
…Hacking the genetic alphabet
Professor Floyd Romesberg of the Scripps Research Institute in California is part of a research team that's added 2 extra, synthetic genetic 'letters' to ecoli bacteria, and these single-celled… Audio
Triplets in Triplicate
Wellsford farmer Gordon Levet didn't take much notice of one of his cows - until she started producing triplets. Audio
Beth Shapiro: mammoths, genetics and de-extinction
Kim Hill talks to molecular palaeontologist Professor Beth Shapiro, who is Director for Conservation at the University of California Santa Cruz Genomics Institute, and Research Associate of the Denver… Audio
Kākāpō - what genes can tell us
A new genetic study shows that a once abundant kākāpō population declined in numbers and genetic diversity soon after stoats were introduced in the late 1800s. Audio
Anthony Byrt: art, criticism, and poker
Kim Hill talks to New Zealand critic and journalist Anthony Byrt, writer for Metro, contributor to international contemporary art magazine Artforum International, and Reviewer of the Year at the 2015… Audio
Episode 4 - Intergenerational conversation
Noelle McCarthy takes an honest look at ageism, pension costs, and intergenerational tension. Video, Audio
Euan Ashley; athletes and genetics
Cardiologist and systems biologist Euan Ashley is Associate Professor of Medicine and Genetics at Stanford University in California. He is director of the Center for Inherited Cardiovascular Disease… Audio
Episode 3 - Mind matters
How do our brains change as we get older? Noelle finds out, with the help of a neuroscientist, a centenarian, and a Poet Laureate. Video, Audio
Episode 2 - Ageing bodies
How do we want to age? And how much control will we have over the process? Noelle McCarthy visits the Dunedin Study, and finds out why the most accurate measure of your age might not necessarily be… Video, Audio
Gene linked to obesity found in half of Samoans
American researchers have discovered that close to half of all Samoans have a gene that increases their risk of becoming obese.
Gene helps explain high levels of obesity in Samoa: study
American researchers have discovered close to half of all Samoans have a gene that increases their risk of becoming obese. It's likely a results of the ancient migrations across the Pacific - those… Audio