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Science & Environment
Industry thrilled at lifting of ban on oil and gas exploration
A secure gas supply will support the transition towards renewable energy, industry group says.
The psychology of buying lottery tickets
The lure of big Lotto jackpots is down to people being bad at assessing probabilities, a psychology professor says. Audio
Bill to resume oil and gas exploration set for later this year
The government will reverse its ban on oil and gas exploration, Minister for Resources Shane Jones has confirmed.
Dr Peter Sudmant on age and genetics
Genetics matter less the older you get, says a study out of the University of California. What are the implications of that for us? How should we use that information? Dr Peter Sudmant is an… Audio
Animal Societies: Biology Professor Dr Lee Alan Dugatkin
Dr Lee Alan Dugatkin is a distinguished professor of biology at the University of Louisville, and the author of various books. His interests are in the areas of animal behaviour and evolution, and his… Audio
The headlines we didn’t read
Mary Argue is back guiding us through the latest weird and wonderful headlines from the world of science. Audio
Screen time before bed isn't as bad as we thought
According to a new worldwide review of evidence, "blue light" before bed doesn't seem to have a significant impact on sleep. Audio
'Environmental nightmare': Thousands gather to oppose Fast-track Approvals Bill
Rallies have been held around the country to oppose the bill, which gives three ministers the final say over major infrastructure and development projects.
Sea urchin pandemic spreads beyond Red Sea, endangering coral reefs
The species' deaths put the already fragile reef ecosystem in even more peril.
What to know about bird flu in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Explainer - The outbreak of bird flu in US dairy cows has been confirmed in Minnesota and Iowa, bringing to 11 the total number of affected states.
Prof Beth Linker: In defence of slouching
A straight spine is so prized in our culture that megastar Taylor Swift is currently performing in a NZ$300 posture-supporting bra. Yet the idea there is a "universal good posture" that will protect… Audio
Critter of the Week
This week's critter is the ro, also known as the smooth stick insect, whe or Clitarchus hookeri - our most common native stick insect. Smooth stick insects have a range of superpowers: as well as… Audio
Gardening with Lynda Hallinan
Gardening guru Lynda Hallinan joins Mark to talk about all things in the garden at this time of the year. Audio
New project launched to battle weeds
New Zealand is an ongoing battle against problematic introduced plant species' that threaten our native flora. Niklas Erikson is a Senior Conservation Advisor for Auckland Council, he speaks to Mark.
…Earth science: Inspiring the next generation of geologists
The number of students enrolling in the earth scientists is falling, according to data from numerous global geoscience institutes. To counter that, Christchurch-based earth modelling company Seequent… Audio
Kaikōura’s sea level rise sparks warning to council
A Kaikōura environmentalist believes sea level rise has sped up, leaving the town's coastline vulnerable.
US astronomer Dr Michael Brown's search for Planet Nine
US astronomer Dr Michael Brown's theory of a ninth planet, lurking on the very edge of our Solar System, is gaining momentum. Audio
What role could NZ's billion dollar space industry
As space gets busier - and more crowded - New Zealand's space industry is drawing interest from our traditional allies. Audio
Tuatara on display again as new enclosure unveiled, named
The tuatara haven't been seen in public since they were shifted from the city's old museum in early 2023.
Harry Potter's Invisibility Cloak
Colm Healy chats about the magic of material science and possible real life equivalents to Harry Potter's invisibility cloak. Audio