Science
Why are attention spans dropping?
Barbara J Sahakian is Professor of Clinical Neuropsychology at the University of Cambridge, and she joins Emile Donovan. Audio
Science: Bumblebee puzzle buddies, waterproof spider nests
Science commentator Ximena Nelson joins Kathryn to talk about two studies that give us some insights into bumblebee and spider behaviour. Audio
New study finds Waitomo caves system is 1.5 million years old
A new study into the caves in Waitomo is shedding light on just how our natural land was shaped by volcanic eruptions. Author Dr Simon Barker spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Why sparrows could tell us a lot about humans
Professor of avian behavioural ecology at Macquarie University in Australia, Simon Griffith joins Emile Donovan. Audio
Who should be allowed access to your wastewater?
Many people may flush and forget but excrament can be mined for a lot of information about your health and habits, and the question is - who should get access to what you discarded? Doctoral candidate… Audio
Uni of Otago releases March 15 Project findings
Researchers say the March 15 terrorist attack left Christchurch's Muslim community with high rates of both mental health problems and post-traumatic growth. Tess Brunton has more. Audio
Playing 'I-spy' with urban emissions
A new lab is cruising the streets of Wellington, homing in on our urban carbon emissions.
Total lunar eclipse seen in NZ skies
A total lunar eclipse bringing a red-hued moon happened in the early hours of Monday morning. Auckland's Stardome Observatory's Rob Davison spoke to Ingris Hipkiss. Audio
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
