Science
What is the vagus nerve?
It's the talk of social media and health and wellbeing circles, but most of us have probably never heard of it. The vagus nerve. What is the vagus nerve, and what does it do? In broad terms, it's the… Audio
Super blue moon: What is it, and when will the next one be?
Explainer - How did the super blue moon get this peculiar name? And why is there disagreement on when the next one will be? RNZ is here to clear it all up.
The science behind the Fukushima waste water release
The UN's atomic regulator says Fukushima power plant's water will have "negligible" radiological impact on people and the environment. But is it safe?
Colin Monteath: Erebus, ice and fire
Mount Erebus is an ultra mountain and the planet's southernmost volcano. Sheathed in ice, with hundreds of ice caves and a lava lake, its name is synonymous with the tragic 1979 air accident. Polar… Audio, Gallery
David Scheel: the mysteries of octopuses
The octopus is a highly intelligent and deeply mysterious creature. It changes colour as quickly as it can move, and it thinks with its tentacles. Marine biologist David Scheel has had a life-long… Audio
The electric stomach - an explainer
It might sound odd, but it's true, our stomachs have an amount of electrical activity going on! Dr Tim Angeli-Gordon is a biomedical engineer, he speaks to Jesse about what's happening in our tums. Audio
Expert calls for end to blood donation ban for mad cow disease
An infectious diseases expert is calling for an end to the blood donation ban for New Zealanders who lived in the UK during the mad cow disease epidemic.
The Massey University ecologist, Professor… Audio
Decoding our homegrown canine
The huntaway holds a special place in not only in our hearts and minds, but also, in our economy. Now, close to $2 million is being invested into better understanding this somewhat mysterious breed -… Audio
Rocket Lab set to launch its 40th Electron in 'recovery mission'
The Kiwi-founded space company hopes to be one step closer to a reusable rocket following today's launch.
Expert 'disappointed' by decision to release nuclear wastewater
A Hawaii-based marine conservation expert is "disappointed" by Japan's decision to release treated nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean.
The country is going to release one-million-tonnes of… Audio
Exercise on the brain
Dr Kate Thomas has exercise on the brain. As an exercise physiologist, she researches how exercise and fasting can change the energy sources our brain uses. And as an ultramarathon runner, she chases… Video, Audio
Our Changing World – Exercise and brain health
We know exercise can help our body, but what does it do to the brain? Dr Kate Thomas is an exercise physiologist researching how exercise changes chemicals produced in the brain. Claire Concannon… Audio
David Snowden on future proofing tomorrow's leaders
Professor Dave Snowden is one of the world's leading experts in the science of common sense, otherwise known as the science of complexity. Professor Dave Snowden speaks to Jesse. Audio
Scientists call for investment in climate change research in Southern Ocean
Hundreds of international scientists are calling for the urgent expansion of science focused on the Southern Ocean in the face of climate change.
Otago graduates make history by defending at home
Two Otago graduates have made history by completing their PhD oral defence assessments within their own Māori communities.
Meningococcal disease could be eliminated from NZ say experts
Eliminating meningococcal disease permanently from New Zealand is achievable, according to a group of leading infectious disease experts.
University of Otago epidemiologist Amanda Kvalsvig and her… Audio
NZ’s biggest quake-maker: Scientists peer inside Hikurangi Subduction Zone
It is capable of unleashing "mega-thrust" earthquakes and tsunamis, the like of which New Zealand has never experienced in modern times.
Earthquake engineering meets breast cancer screening
How can swaying buildings help diagnose breast cancer? Katy Gosset meets a team of engineers taking inspiration from earthquake engineering to design a new, cost-effective device to help detect breast… Video, Audio
Our Changing World – A new tool for breast cancer screening
How can earthquake engineering help smooth the process of screening for breast cancer? Katy Gosset meets a team of engineers developing a low-cost device to help get more women tested sooner. Audio
New tool to discourage dogs from attacking kiwi
A group of Canterbury students and the National Kiwi Hatchery in Rotorua have joined forces to develop a new tool that discourages dogs from attacking and killing our national bird.
"Robo Kiwi" is… Audio
