Science
How prepared are we for solar storms?
Last night, stargazers were treated to a spectacular show as the Southern Lights lit up the skies in the south. Thanks in part to Dr Daniel MacManus from the University of Otago, our infrastructure… Audio
Could another aurora light up NZ skies tonight?
Keen stargazers could be in for another glimpse on an aurora that lit up skies at the southern end of the country on Wednesday night. Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Thursday 13 November 2025
A new bowel cancer report shows people under 50 are more likely to be diagnosed in the more serious stages of the disease than older people; Schools, kindergartens and other early learning places are… Audio
Rare geomagnetic storm puts on stunning aurora display
A rare geomagnetic storm last night created a spectacular display of aurora in the night skies. One of those watching was Tuhura Otago Museum's director Dr Ian Griffin. He spoke to Charlotte Cook. Audio
Survey reveals lack of bowel cancer symptom awareness
A new bowel cancer report shows people under 50 are more likely to be diagnosed in the more serious stages of the disease than older people. Bowel Cancer NZ chief executive, Peter Huskinson spoke to… Audio
Stunning aurora lights up southern skies
Stargazers took to social media to post their photographs from places like Dunedin, Waihola Lake, Roxburgh, Cromwell and Mount Cook.
Jane Goodall honoured by conservationists, including DiCaprio
Actor Leonardo DiCaprio and Indigenous communities gathered in the US capital to pay a heartfelt tribute to the celebrated primatologist.
Why does music cross borders and boundaries?
Dr Patrick Savage is a musicologist at the University of Auckland who studies how music has evolved across time, languages and cultures. He won an early career research excellence award for His latest… Audio
Why we used to sleep in two segments
Continuous sleep is a modern habit, not an evolutionary constant, which helps explain why many of us still wake at 3am and wonder if something's wrong.
Study finds learning languages can help the brain fight aging
It might be time to get back on your duolingo streak - a new study has found speaking more than one language helps the aging brain. Professor Stephen May from the School of Maori and Indigenous… Audio
Do trigger warnings spike intrigue or deter?
Trigger warnings at the head of articles are becoming more common, but do they change behaviour? Audio
Useful Science with Bonnie Harrison
Bonnie Harrison is here guiding us through the latest weird and useful headlines from the world of science. Audio
How much caffeine is too much?
Caffeine can boost alertness, mood, and performance, but how much can we tolerate? Audio
Aucklanders flock to see 'unforgettable' bioluminescence
Photos of the marine phenomenon show the waves glowing neon blue.
The tech behind NZ's Earth Science
Volcanologist and Earth Sciences New Zealand principal scientist, Graham Leonard is back this week looking at the technology driving new Earth science. Audio
James Watson, co-discoverer of DNA's double helix, dead at 97
In his later years, Watson's reputation was tarnished by comments on genetics and race that led him to be ostracised by the scientific establishment.
Redundancy bill more than $10m as Callaghan Innovation winds down
More than 180 roles have been lost since November 2023 through the closure of the crown-owned science and innovation entity.
How do we know if our food has been genetically modified?
Changes to our genetic modification laws have our scientists and politicians struggling to agree on a way forward. Over the last few weeks we have been discussing various aspects of the gene tech bill… Audio
Dismantling of climate laws breaks years of cross-party agreement
Governments make grand statements on targets without awkward detail about what we have to do to reach them, write Barry Barton and Jennifer Campion.
Auckland BioSciences expands animal blood operation to Uruguay
Animal-derived serum and plasma from mostly cattle and pig carcasses is used in medical and life science research, including for veterinary vaccines.
