Health
'Poo pill' can significantly improve health, study shows
A study of 87 obese adolescents found four years after a 'faecal transfer', their risk of diabetes and heart disease fell.
Warnings Kiwis risk going blind from easily treated condition
Eye specialists say some Kiwis are at risk of going blind, because they're not getting access to the care they need to treat one of the most common causes of vision loss. Audio
'Defy the odds': Study tracking premature babies finds most have healthy lives
Rosie Peck could once fit in the palm of her Dad's hand, but she's now a teacher, a mum and part of the groundbreaking study. Audio
US funding cuts make NZ vaccine research more critical
Fortunately, New Zealand now has the capacity to develop home-grown vaccines, through the mRNA Platform, which has received $70m in government funding. Audio
US funding cuts make NZ vaccine research more critical
The US Health Department's recent announcement that it is cutting funding for mRNA vaccine research sent shockwaves through the scientific world and it also has ripple effects for New Zealand. Ruth… 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
New flu vaccines being designed as flu spread driven by schools
Flu season is having a second run, Dr Lisa Connor is working hard to design new vaccines, she joined First Up for an update. Audio
Dental Council charges extra levy to cover sharp rise in disciplinary cases
The council acknowledges the stress of the cost of living crisis but it had no other option.
The heavy toll concussions are taking on former players
After the tragic death of former Māori All Black Shane Christie, Emile Donovan speaks to neurophysiologist and concussion researcher Professor Alan Pearce. Audio
'Stealth vaping is everywhere', new research finds
A researcher has found the design of vaping devices makes it easy to puff in secrecy.
Worries that easing of alcohol restrictions will harm vunerable
Some Aucklanders are worried that the government's proposal to ease alcohol restrictions will harm some of the poorest and most vulnerable communities. It is estimated that alcohol harm currently… Audio
Researchers target rising HIV diagnoses among Māori
A new research project will examine why Māori are less likely to access HIV prevention services.
Midday Report Essentials for Thursday 28th August 2025
In today's episode, the government has signed off on loosening alcohol restrictions; Residents of the now destroyed Loafers Lodge hostel are pained recalling the memories of the deadly fires that… Audio
Govt loosens alcohol restrictions
The government has signed off on loosening alcohol restrictions, promising fewer hurdles for bars and bottle stores, as first revealed by RNZ earlier this month via a leaked Cabinet paper. RNZ's… Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Thursday 28 August 2025
In today's episode, Meridian is eyeing fast track approval to power up its energy generation; The government is hoping its new plans to fast-track more supermarkets will help to put a lid on the cost… Audio
Warning as fewer people take up Covid boosters
Some experts say it could put the population at risk. Audio
Samoa dengue cases drop
The country's Health Ministry said cases for the week of 18-24 August had dropped by 19 percent compared to the previous week.
Pharmacy on falling rates of people getting Covid boosters
Fewer people are getting Covid boosters. Over 65s have the highest uptake with more than 70 percent having had at least one, while for those under 50, it's just 20 percent. Mangawhai Pharmacy director… Audio
Fewer people getting Covid boosters
As the Covid pandemic recedes into distant memory, fewer and fewer people are bothering to get boosters. Ruth Hill reports. Audio
Health NZ invited specific providers to join GP service, documents show
The health minister revealed plans for a 24/7 online GP service earlier this year.
