Science & Technology
Q+A: Does food advertising push up obesity rates?
New Zealand has one of the highest rates of obesity in the world – but how much does advertising have to do with it? Jim Mann is calling for greater government regulations around how food is advertised, especially to children.
What is the future of work in a techno-human world? ▶
In a lecture given at the University of Auckland, Professor Judith Bessant speaks about her work looking at techno-human futures and how this could affect work cultures moving forward.
Is vaping the answer to quitting smoking? 🔊
A New Zealand study has found that those who use nicotine e-cigarettes in conjunction with other nicotine supplements such as patches have a higher chance of quitting than those who don’t.
Q+A: Why are shark populations in decline?
Often thought of as the king of the ocean, shark populations are on the decline the world over, while their habitats have been affected by human contact.
Q+A: How is climate change reshaping oceans and marine life?
How is climate change affecting the oceans and marine life? What are the interactions between the earth, the atmosphere, and the ocean, and how does that affect human life? What measures can people take to prevent massive environmental damage?
How bad is the discrimination against trans and non-binary people? 🔊
This week, a report on the health of trans and non-binary New Zealanders revealed some alarming statistics into psychological distress, discrimination and ongoing barriers to health services.
Why is the Kererū so important? 🔊
They are known to get drunk on berries, fall out of trees, and hang around humans, but Kererū have become something of a New Zealand icon.
Why is cannabis use declining among young people? 🔊
New research from the University of Otago has revealed that cannabis use is in decline among young people in New Zealand. The research showed that between 2001 and 2012 lifetime use of the drug among teenagers dropped from 38% to 23%.
Q+A: Eating the Past: What are the biophysical limits to New Zealand’s future?
What are the biophysical limits to New Zealand’s food and energy future? Mike Joy says people need to do a lot less of what they are doing now if New Zealand is to have a sustainable future.
Q+A: Are we living in a climate of ignorance?
Are we living in a climate of ignorance when it comes to discussing climate change? Joel Rindelaub seems to think so.
Sink or swim: How are low-lying Pacific islands adapting to climate change?
Low-lying Pacific islands in atoll archipelagos such as Tuvalu, Tokelau and Kiribati are likely to adapt to the effects of climate change rather than simply sink beneath the waves.
How do we measure pain, anyway?
How do we measure pain, anyway? Jeremy Delahanty investigates.
Space Junk: Can we clean up earth’s orbit before it’s too late?
Brettina Mrusek asks if we can we clean up earth’s orbit before it’s too late.
Q+A: How can kelp DNA help us detect earthquakes?
New research involving kelp DNA has suggested a novel way to measure and potentially predict previously unknown locations that may be prone to earthquakes.
Q+A: What alternatives do we have to counter plastic waste?
As the quest to combat plastic pollution continues, new research has explored the potential for developing environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic, like sulphur polymers.
Are we on the verge of a revolution in cancer research?
In the past decade, cancer research undertaken at the University of Auckland has changed lives. Our top scientists say it has now entered the next frontier and there’s hope that cancer could eventually be brought under control.
You’re eating, drinking, and breathing microplastics. Now what?
A new study led by Kieran D. Cox and researchers at the University of Victoria in British Columbia confirms a logical but cringe-worthy conclusion: humans are consuming plastic.
Can the media influence the side effects of medication?
Kate Mackrill explores what is known as the nocebo effect and whether the media can in fact influence the side effects of medication.
Can reforestation help reverse the extinction crisis?
Reforestation can help reverse not one but two planetary crises according to new research from the Earth Innovation Research.
Q+A: Why are the numbers of insects in fast decline?
Why are the numbers of insects in fast decline? What does it mean for our food supply and our long term survival? Scientists say climate change is not the only reason. Maria Armoudian speaks with Andrew Dopheide about the current plight of our insect population.