Science
Can you donate your poo in New Zealand?
Even if public enthusiasm was high, the demanding and stringent donor process means only a select few can help advance this unusual but promising therapy.
Feature interview: The Art of Sisu
The Danes have hygge, a cultural inclination to try to make things cosy. In Finland, they have a very different cultural trait called sisu, a quiet, inner strength drawn from surviving hardship. Dr… Audio
Could 2026 see the biggest boost in kākāpō numbers yet?
Hopes are high for a bumper kākāpō breeding season - and RNZ will be there to cover it.
It’s OK not to be calm in an emergency
In the wake of last month's deadly tower fire in Hong Kong, what safety advice can help people survive in a similar situation? Audio
Useful Science with Bonnie Harrison
Bonnie Harrison is here guiding us through the latest headlines from the world of science, including whether lettuces respond to music. Audio
James O’Hanlon: Liars, Cheats and Copycats
A new book by Australian science communicator James O'Hanlon explores the ingenious ways animals use deception to survive. Audio
Māori rock art one of 12 research areas to get funding boost
The Royal Society Te Apārangi announced the 12 recipients of its Mana Tūānuku Research Leader Fellowship for 2025 this week.
Research finds music trends reflect mood of society
Music can do wonders for the mood. Researchers have discovered music can also reflect the mood of society. Markus Foramitti, one of the study's authors, spoke to Lauren Crimp. Audio
Te Papa exhibition takes visitors on a journey into nature
Breathe | Mauri Ora opens at Te Papa this weekend and uses an immersive experience to explore the rhythm that cultivates and connects all life - breath. Audio
Auckland team uses umbilical stem cells to treat eye disease
If things went wrong, the stem cells could turn into other cells - like for hair or teeth - instead of eyes. Audio
Glyphosate safety paper retraction exposes ghostwriting in science
New Zealand-based scientist Dr Sasha (Alexander) Kaurov formally requested the retraction, and he joins Emile Donovan. Audio
Archaeologists find earliest known fire made by humans
It's a significant find that archaeologists say illuminates a dramatic turning point in the human story.
How monogamous are humans? Scientists compare with other animals
Humans are far more monogamous than our primate cousins, but less so than beavers, a new study suggests.
Stories from Our Changing World
Time now for our regular catch up with Claire Concannon for Our Changing World. And this week, she's got a story from RNZ journalist Veronika Meduna, about restoration efforts in Porirua Harbour. Audio
Warmest spring ever is part of 'new normal'
More than 50 weather stations round the country recorded their warmest-ever spring, new data confirms.
Bringing the bounty back to Porirua Harbour
A renewed coordinated effort aims to restore the former kai moana bounty of Te Awarua o Porirua, or Porirua Harbour.
Increased Southern Ocean rainfall may have global consequences
The Southern Ocean may be "sweating" more in response to climate change - but what does that mean?
Useful science with Bonnie Harrison
Bonnie Harrison is here guiding us through the latest weird and useful headlines from the world of science. Audio
The five major 'epochs’ of human brain development
Professor Duncan Astle joins Jim to discuss the human brain's development and its four pivotal 'turning points'. Audio
Water nitrate levels rise in town previously hit by unsafe levels
Nitrate levels are inching up in a South Canterbury town, where some council water supplies were previously off limits for extended periods.
