Science
Scientists monitor cluster of quakes in lower North Island
At least 34 quakes have been recorded west of Castlepoint in the last seven days.
There's a new type of avocado growing in New Zealand
The creamy, nutty 'Harricado' is being grown around New Zealand and is a hardy fruit that can withstand frost.
Our Changing World: 40 years of Project Tongariro
Four decades after being established as a living memorial in response to a tragedy, this community conservation group is focused on the future.
What Christchurch's poor air quality means for our health
Overnight, the air quality in parts of Canterbury was rated as 'unhealthy' using the air quality index. Environmental epidemiologist Professor Simon Hales explains what that means. Audio
If you have a pet as a kid, does this lower your risk of asthma and eczema?
As the number of people with allergies grows worldwide, scientists are trying to work out precisely how and why these conditions - such as asthma and eczema - develop.
Leopard seals' mating songs compared to nursery rhymes
While the longest Beatles songs top out at under eight minutes, these "songbirds of the Southern Ocean" can drag theirs out to 13 hours Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Monday 4th August 2025
In today's episode, an Auckland school principal is describing the scrapping of NCEA as more window dressing than radical overhaul. Level One will be replaced with foundation literacy and numeracy… Audio
Leopard seal song compared to nursery rhymes
Researchers in Australia have found that leopard seals in Antarctica sing under the ice and their songs have similiaries with the way humans sing nursery rhymes to children. The study's lead author… Audio
Watch: Enormous stick insect species discovered in Australia
Weighing 44g and stretching 40cm long, the insect remained unknown due to its isolated habitat in Australia's mountainous wet tropics.
Exercise can help older adults reduce 'memory glitches'
A big study has found adults over 50 have less "memory glitches" when they have better wellbeing - including a decent exercise regime. Audio
Annoying people might be ageing you
A recent study shows negative social ties could add as much as 2.5 months to your biological age. Audio
Your dog can read your mind – sort of
Your dog tilts its head when you cry, paces when you're stressed and appears at your side during your worst moments. Coincidence?
Cyclones linked to surge in heart disease, study finds
Research across six countries shows cardiovascular hospitalisations spike for months after tropical cyclones.
Adam Zeman - the science of the imagination
We use imagination constantly in our day to day life, as we reminisce, anticipate, daydream, and read. We live in the here and now much less than we think. Audio
Aftermath of the Russian earthquake
The tsunami threat following this week's earthquake is mostly gone but NEMA is warning there could still be strong and unusual currents until Monday. Audio
Outsmarting a million dollar pest
Are some grapevines better at defending themselves from pests? Trials are being conducted to find out.
Harnessing plant power to combat vineyard threats
Are some grapevines better that others at naturally defending themselves from a disease-spreading pest? Michelle Thompson is running trials at Plant & Food Research in Lincoln to find out. Audio
Longest lightning bolt ever reached 829km
Lightning is arguably one of nature's most awe-inspiring events, but its unpredictability and duration can make it hard to study. World Meteorological Organization weather and climate extremes archive… Audio
Safety regulations for chemical labs under microscope
The Workplace Relations Minister has announced consultation on safety regulations for chemical laboratories, and the use hydrogen technologies.
Science correspondent Allan Blackman
Science correspondent Allan Blackman joins Kathryn to discuss how a 15-year-old study claiming that a microorganism can thrive on the toxic element arsenic has been retracted by the journal Science -… Audio
