Science
David Clark on Pharmac, drugs and a life’s worth
Checkpoint presenter Lisa Owen interviews Health Minister David Clark on Pharmac's funding model, why life-prolonging drugs aren't being funded, and whether it's high time for an independent review… Video, Audio
Call for Far North council to act on bird deaths
Hundreds of birds - including protected species - have died in an outbreak of avian botulism in sewage ponds in Kaitaia. Fish and Game says the disease is triggered by hot weather - and the Far North… Audio
The New Caledonian crow is way smarter than we thought
The New Caledonian crow is a clever wee so-and-so. Nearly two decades ago it first showcased the ability to use tools to solve problems. Video, Audio
The computer says yes: Logic, algorithms & society
We're living in the most mathematical age of all time as computers, using algorithms, revolutionize the world around us. From online banking to when Netflix makes suggestions based on the shows we've… Audio
Mother worried for her son's medicinal cannabis supply
A mother who gives her son cannabis for his violent seizures is terrified he'll be without medicine after what growers call a massive aerial cull by police. Medical cannabis campaigners say upwards of… Audio
Crows solve tricky problem by planning ahead, study finds
Auckland scientists have shown that New Caledonian crows - already known for their toolmaking abilities - also have impressive planning skills.
Our place in the space race
The global foray into outer space is taking on new dimensions with breakthrough discoveries and successful missions to asteroids and planets.
Liz Garton discovers New Zealand industry has its feet… Audio
Spreading the joy of monarch butterflies
In many parts of the country, a monarch caterpillar pops up as rarely as a blue moon - but in some spots, people are inundated with these cute crawlers. Audio
Our Changing World for 7 February 2019
Archey's frogs are thriving thanks to rat control, and the first kakapo chicks have hatched and their mothers are mating again. Audio
Passive houses: warm, dry and sustainable, but why so rare?
Kathryn talks with Jason Quinn, building scientist and passive house designer, about delivering warm, dry houses that are cheap to run. There are just 24 houses in New Zealand which are fully… Audio, Gallery
Animals thriving in unusual habitats
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Why animals are turning up in odd places and thriving in unusual habitats. Wildlife writer Isabelle Groc and conservation biologist Brian Silliman on what is driving predators… Audio
World headed for warmest period on record
The world is in the middle of what is likely to be the warmest 10 years since records began in 1850, says the Met Office.
Are there laws on Mars?
What happens when the Elon Musks of the world start colonising Mars? Can they? These are the questions Dr Anna Marie Brennan is posing. Audio
Expert on Auckland's Volcanoes
The upper North Island that we see today hasn't always looked this way. Thanks to some gnarly volcanic eruptions the entire face of the region has been changing over millions of years. Audio, Gallery
Professor Timothy Frayling: early riser or night owl?
Early bird or night owl? Professor Timothy Grayling of the University of Exeter Medical School explains the health implications of our sleep patterns. Audio
Element of the Week
2019 is the Year of the Periodic Table. Every Friday we'll be featuring a different element on Element of the Week. This week...it's Helium. Audio
Squishy drug delivery
An octopus squeezing through a small space and a squishy ball have inspired a new way of delivering drugs through the skin that is being developed at the University of Otago. Audio
Squishy drug delivery
An octopus squeezing through a small space and a squishy ball have inspired a new way of delivering drugs through the skin that is being developed at the University of Otago.
AudioOur Changing World for 31 January 2019
How to squish drugs through the skin using nanotechnology, and keeping up with the kakapo. Audio
Opening a new window into the universe
Dr Nergis Mavalvala is a Pakistani-American quantum astrophysicist who was part of the team that first observed gravtation waves (ripples in the fabric of space time) in a landmark discovery in 2016… Audio
