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Meth Use Skyrockets – Expert Reaction
Thursday, 12 December 2024, 6:14 pm | Science Media Centre
“The latest findings of increasing meth use in New Zealand (+108%) are consistent with the previous quarter of wastewater testing results (+31%) and our own recent NZ Drugs Trends Survey (NZDTS) results which showed declining prices for meth (-36%) ... More >>
New Food Standards For Lab-grown Meat – Expert Reaction
Thursday, 12 December 2024, 5:38 pm | Science Media Centre
Instead of going through the process of approving each new cell-cultured food individually as a novel food, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) proposes to establish clear standards that any cell-cultured food must comply with. More >>
Top Scholars Call For Collins To Reverse Changes To Science Funding
Thursday, 12 December 2024, 5:36 pm | Stacey Bryan-Sneddon
The open letter is signed by 80 Rutherford Discovery Fellows, in response to Minister Collins’ announcement on Dec 4 that the govt will disband the humanities and social science Marsden Fund panels and ensure half of Marsden funding will go towards research ... More >>
'Giant Batmobiles': In Search Of The Manta Rays Of The Hauraki Gulf
Thursday, 12 December 2024, 6:26 am | RNZ
Every summer, manta rays cruise the waters of the Hauraki Gulf. Researchers are racing to find out more about these charismatic creatures as their habitat continues to decline. More >>
‘Super-Matcher’ Study Wins $360,000 Funding Boost
Wednesday, 11 December 2024, 11:19 am | University of Canterbury
This project will investigate how trained experts and untrained super-matchers use visual information as both groups are very accurate at pattern-matching tasks but they excel in very different ways. More >>
Reports Of Cybercrime On The Rise: Keep Them Coming, Says The NCSC
Wednesday, 11 December 2024, 8:52 am | National Cyber Security Centre - NCSC
Phishing remains the biggest incident category for individuals and organisations, accounting for almost half of all reports. It is also the most common way for cyber criminals to gain access to your systems. More >>
Mind’s Ear: Investigating The Sounds In Your Head
Monday, 9 December 2024, 5:06 pm | University of Auckland
Now, as their investigations into the phenomenon continue, the University will host a global conference on sounds imagined in the mind, an event intended not just for scientists but also philosophers, musicians, poets and writers. ‘Mind’s Ear and ... More >>
Climate Commission Says Aim For Carbon-negative – Expert Reaction
Friday, 6 December 2024, 3:43 pm | Science Media Centre
The Commission says the current greenhouse gas targets are realistic and achievable, and that a loftier goal on both carbon and methane is also warranted. The Science Media Centre asked experts to comment. More >>
Chorus, DataGrid Team For 540 Tbps Tasman Ring Network
Friday, 6 December 2024, 11:13 am | Bill Bennett
Datagrid has joined forces with Chorus to build an extensive Trans-Tasman submarine cable network. It's a departure for the fibre wholesale business, but wholly in keeping with its core business. The Commerce Commission wants Contact Energy and Nova Energy ... More >>
Living With An 8-Year-Old IPhone, Some Surprises
Friday, 6 December 2024, 11:10 am | Bill Bennett
In September I sent the review iPhone 15 Plus back to Apple and retrieved an eight-year old iPhone 7 Plus from the cupboard. How did that work out? More >>
Govt Cuts Humanities And Social Science Funding - Expert Reaction
Thursday, 5 December 2024, 5:15 pm | Science Media Centre
The areas that have been cut include research in subjects like nursing, law, and archaeology. More >>
Schneider Electric Announces New Solutions To Address The Energy And Sustainability Challenges Spurred By AI
Thursday, 5 December 2024, 11:39 am | Schneider Electric
Both innovations form part of Schneider Electric’s end-to-end, AI-ready data centre solutions, which focus on three key areas including developing an energy strategy for the AI era; deploying advanced infrastructure; and sustainability consulting. More >>
Otago Scientist Awarded Prestigious Fellowship For Antibiotic Resistant ‘superbugs’ Research
Wednesday, 4 December 2024, 8:07 pm | L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science
Dr Leah Smith has officially received her For Women in Science fellowship for her research into phage therapy (tackling antibiotic resistant super bugs). Phages, a type of virus that only infect bacteria, are ‘experts’ at targeting and killing ... More >>
Dairy-beef Offers Potential For Significant Emissions Savings
Tuesday, 3 December 2024, 3:32 pm | AgResearch
The Life Cycle Assessment analysis by AgResearch scientists, shows using fast-finishing systems with dairy-beef animals results in a carbon footprint that is 32-48 per cent lower than the average for traditional beef systems in New Zealand. More >>
Datadog Highlights Advanced AI/ML And AWS Monitoring Capabilities At Re:Invent
Tuesday, 3 December 2024, 3:31 pm | Datadog
At AWS Re:invent, Datadog highlighted its continued investment in its Amazon Web Services (AWS) monitoring product portfolio, which covers all aspects of a customers’ tech stack, including AI/ML applications as well as serverless and containerised ... More >>
NIWA Selects VAST Data To Set New Standards In Environmental Research Infrastructure
Tuesday, 3 December 2024, 2:57 pm | VAST Data
Selection of the VAST Data Platform by NIWA will streamline management of critical climate data, enabling breakthrough scientific insights. More >>
"Spilling The Tea" On Wetlands: Scientists Find Link Between Temperature And Carbon Storage Rates
Tuesday, 3 December 2024, 8:35 am | NIWA
The project, which is the first long-term study of its kind, found that warmer temperatures reduce the ability of wetlands to store carbon, meaning more is released into the atmosphere. More >>
How The Sun Heals After Plasma Eruption: New Findings On Coronal Dimmings
Monday, 2 December 2024, 9:58 pm | Skoltech
This study sheds new light on eruptive solar phenomena, offering valuable perspectives on the processes that govern the Sun’s behavior and its stormy mood. More >>
NZ’s Gas Shortage Was Not Caused By The Offshore Exploration Ban – But It Was Still A Flawed Policy
Monday, 2 December 2024, 8:28 pm | The Conversation
The Emissions Trading Scheme would have been a better tool to reshape the energy market and cut emissions than an outright ban – and most new exploration had largely dried up already. More >>
NZ, China Team Up On Caring For Coastal Wetlands As Sea Levels Rise
Monday, 2 December 2024, 4:11 pm | University of Auckland
The New Zealand scientists are focused on computer modelling to guide wetland management, including the potential to restore mangroves and saltmarshes on low-lying farmland where sea water is encroaching. More >>
Download Weekly: Starlink direct-to-mobile passes US regulatory hurdle
Friday, 29 November 2024, 10:59 am | Bill Bennett
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted conditional authorisation for Starlink to provide direct-to-mobile services in the United States. Google adding regional submarine capacity without stating NZ plans. Devoli tops Deloitte’s Masters ... More >>
Eight Young Explorers Chosen To Embark On Trip Of A Lifetime
Thursday, 28 November 2024, 9:39 pm | Antarctic Heritage Trust
The group, aged 18-35 from New Zealand and Australia, will join the tenth Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ which will travel to the Ross Sea region with Expedition Partner Heritage Expeditions, into the beating heart of Antarctic exploration and ... More >>
Over-The-Air Vulnerabilities Discovered In Advantech EKI Access Points
Thursday, 28 November 2024, 11:15 am | Nozomi Networks
AUCKLAND – 28 November 2024 – As industrial networks expand into wireless domains, new vulnerabilities are exposing critical infrastructure to potential cyber threats. With this evolution, safeguarding wireless devices within industrial settings has ... More >>
Final Negotiations For A Global Plastics Treaty – Expert Reaction
Wednesday, 27 November 2024, 2:56 pm | Science Media Centre
More than 900 independent scientists have signed a declaration calling for an effective treaty to end plastic pollution by 2040. More >>
'Asleep At The Wheel': Science Group Calls On Minister Step Up Over Issues In Sector
Tuesday, 26 November 2024, 8:54 pm | RNZ
The Save Science Coalition says political parties agree there are "big issues" within the science sector but Judith Collins is yet to do anything about it. More >>
Kacific’s SatPack Delivers Reliable Portable Satellite Internet For High-Demand, Remote Operations
Tuesday, 26 November 2024, 3:26 pm | Kacific
SatPack is designed to withstand extreme environments, featuring a military-grade antenna dish and a rugged, weather-resistant frame. Packaged in three protective cases, it is easy to carry, transport and set up, with no technical expertise required. More >>
Cyclone Gabrielle's Impacts On NZ's Ecosystems - Expert Reaction
Tuesday, 26 November 2024, 12:48 pm | Science Media Centre
The symposium is part of the 2024 New Zealand Ecological Society Conference, where experts will speak on a wide variety of topics including Mātauranga Māori and ecology, how biological invasions misshape our world, Aotearoa’s own pekapeka/bats, and ... More >>
Parts Of Power System Could Be Out For 36 Hours In Event Of Extreme Solar Storm
Monday, 25 November 2024, 8:47 pm | RNZ
A major space weather event would have "potentially catastrophic consequences", a NEMA plan says. More >>
New Zealand Association Of Scientists Awards Celebrate The Achievements Of Scientists And Our Science System
Monday, 25 November 2024, 5:47 pm | New Zealand Association of Scientists
It has been an extraordinarily difficult year for science and scientists in Aotearoa New Zealand, and it is important to remember that we have outstanding, world-leading work being done here which underpins our society, economy, and communities of learning. More >>
Microbes Behind Unprecedented Surge In Methane Emissions
Monday, 25 November 2024, 11:28 am | NIWA
Between 2020 and 2022, Earth experienced the largest rise in methane emissions since observations began nearly 40 years ago, and potentially the largest in 800,000 years when referring to ice core data. Knowing where methane comes from is vital to mitigate ... More >>
International Team Launch Second Attempt To Drill Deep For Antarctic Climate Clues
Saturday, 23 November 2024, 8:24 pm | Antarctica New Zealand
Kiwi climate researchers are part of an ambitious mission to recover critical geological records to help forecast future sea-level rise. The first team members have embarked on a 1128 km journey across the Ross Ice Shelf to set up camp on the edge of the ... More >>
GFANZ Supports The UNDRIP
Saturday, 23 November 2024, 8:16 pm | GFANZ
GFANZ objects in the strongest terms to any actions by the Aotearoa New Zealand government which undermine its UNDRIP or Te Tiriti commitments. We invite other organisations to join us in publicly acknowledging the benefits of Te Tiriti, Te Ao Māori, and ... More >>
Download Weekly: How would NZ telecoms cope with another cyclone
Friday, 22 November 2024, 2:52 pm | Bill Bennett
Would the telecommunications sector fare better if there was another extreme weather event like Cyclone Gabrielle? The Download Weekly put the questions to TCF CEO Paul Brislen. More >>
Precautionary Approach To Puberty Blockers – Expert Reaction
Thursday, 21 November 2024, 6:02 pm | Science Media Centre
The Ministry has released an evidence brief which concludes there are limitations around the quality of evidence for both the benefits and risks of puberty blockers. More >>
Scientists Discover Deep Earthquakes Under Southland
Thursday, 21 November 2024, 10:45 am | Natural Hazards Commission
Most earthquakes happen in the cold, brittle ‘continental’ crust less than 15-20km, but in Southland, Williams’ team found the seismically active continental crust extends up to twice the average depth. More >>
ADInstruments Releases Comprehensive Guide On Animal Welfare For Telemetry Research
Wednesday, 20 November 2024, 6:34 pm | ADInstruments
ADInstruments' new guide serves as a critical tool for researchers, fostering a culture of respect and care in animal-based telemetry studies. More >>
Scientists Develop Tool To Monitor Coastal Erosion In Fine Detail
Wednesday, 20 November 2024, 8:53 am | University of Auckland
“This tool is a game-changer for anyone involved in coastal science or management,” says Professor Giovanni Coco, of the School of Environment. “Online beach monitoring for the whole of New Zealand is now a reality.” More >>
Dawn Aerospace Achieves Historic Flight - Breaks Sound Barrier And Global Records
Tuesday, 19 November 2024, 11:43 am | Dawn Aerospace
The milestone was achieved on 12 November 2024, with the Aurora surpassing the speed of sound for the first time, reaching Mach 1.1 and climbing to an altitude of 82,500 feet. More >>
Protecting Young Minds With AI
Monday, 18 November 2024, 10:47 am | University of Auckland
Operating like a spell checker for toxic language, a new tool flags potentially harmful messages before they are sent, encouraging users to reconsider their words. More >>
Tūhura Otago Museum Returns To The Pacific For 2024 Science Expo
Monday, 18 November 2024, 10:30 am | Otago Museum
The museum team sought to bring interactive science experiences to Pacific nations. With support from the US Embassy and MFAT, the project has successfully evolved into an on-going partnership with the region. More >>
Download Weekly: 100% claim lands One New Zealand in criminal court action
Friday, 15 November 2024, 5:57 pm | Bill Bennett
In this week's newsletter: One New Zealand vows to defend criminal charges over its 100% coverage marketing. Chorus wants 5G fixed wireless held to same marketing standard as other broadband technologies. Mobile termination rate regulation could be on the ... More >>
Global Plastic Waste To Double By 2050, Study Says – Expert Reaction
Friday, 15 November 2024, 11:58 am | Science Media Centre
A new modelling study says global plastic waste will double by the middle of the century if we stick to business as usual. However, a mix of policies could slash it by 90%. More >>
Trans-Tasman Earth Observation Research Studies Confirmed
Thursday, 14 November 2024, 11:51 am | Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment
New Zealand researchers will partner with Australian research organisations on Earth observation projects that will monitor soil moisture and improve satellite imaging for agricultural monitoring among other projects. More >>
New Plant Disease Risk Forecast Reports Bring Positive Results For NZ Nurseries
Thursday, 14 November 2024, 11:07 am | HortPlus
“The weekly risk reports are hugely valuable in helping to further refine our weekly spray programme targeting myrtle rust and downy mildew,” says Abby Lomas, who works in plant husbandry at the Rural Design nursery in Kaiwaka, Northland. More >>
NZ Innovating Towards Energy Security With Supercritical Geothermal Technology
Thursday, 14 November 2024, 10:30 am | Energy Resources Aotearoa
As a domestic energy source, SCGT could reduce our dependence on imported coal and deliver reliable electricity at affordable prices, whatever the weather. More >>
Cheers To Crustaceans: New Species Named After Welly Brewery
Thursday, 14 November 2024, 10:08 am | NIWA
Pentaceration forkandbrewer - a marine isopod found off the east coast of New Zealand - was given its formal scientific name after Fork and Brewer brewed the best beer as part of The Crustacean Beer Competition at the 10th International Crustacean Congress ... More >>
New AUT Research Shows Online Gaming A Predictor Of Gambling Harm
Thursday, 14 November 2024, 6:30 am | Auckland University of Technology
The study showed that gambling participation by the group was low and infrequent, and risk factors and gambling harms were not specific to Pacific people in that they were generally as would be expected among the general population. More >>
Veteran Climate Scientist Michael Oppenheimer On Activist Soup-Throwers, A New Climate Era And His Continuing Optimism
Wednesday, 13 November 2024, 10:07 pm | RNZ
One of the first scientists to sound the alarm on climate change says "we've entered a brand new climate era" - but throwing soup at paintings isn't the answer. More >>
Royal Society Te Apārangi Governance Submissions Close - NZAS Submission
Wednesday, 13 November 2024, 6:47 pm | New Zealand Association of Scientists
The proposed governance restructuring undermines the intent of the legislation establishing RSTA with electoral colleges for constituencies deserving representation at the level of governance. More >>
Project Aims To Improve Quality Of Weather Data In New Zealand
Tuesday, 12 November 2024, 4:59 pm | HortPlus
The project has been undertaken by University of Auckland Masters student Aman Tyagi as part of a data science industry project guided by mentors from HortPlus and academic supervisors. More >>
What To Expect From COP29 – Expert Reaction
Monday, 11 November 2024, 3:59 pm | Science Media Centre
This year, COP29 provides a critical opportunity to galvanise global efforts for stronger national action on climate and health. More >>
What Is The Impact Of AI On Productivity In Aotearoa New Zealand?
Monday, 11 November 2024, 10:51 am | Tech Alliance
"Our 1st research results showed nearly 70% of respondents using AI, especially generative AI. Our 2nd survey is now live and we’re inviting New Zealanders to share their experiences and tell us how they are using AI right now,” says Madeline Newman, ... More >>
Otago Scientist Awarded Prestigious Fellowship For Antibiotic Resistant ‘Superbugs’ Research
Monday, 11 November 2024, 8:32 am | L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science
“Antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose a serious threat to human health, with the rise of so-called superbugs rapidly outpacing the development of new antibiotics,” says Dr Smith. More >>
Infectious Diseases & Pandemic Preparedness Summit 2024
Monday, 11 November 2024, 4:28 am | Te Niwha
The Infectious Diseases & Pandemic Preparedness Summit is hosted by the country’s infectious diseases research platform Te Niwha and brings together researchers, communities and government agencies who are working together to make the most impact. More >>
Spark looks to bigger phone bundles for ARPU refresh
Sunday, 10 November 2024, 1:07 pm | Bill Bennett
In this week's Download Weekly newsletter: Spark has announced new mobile plans which have the potential to improve its average revenue per user (ARPU). Apple enters LEO satellite sector. More >>
Dr Brian Cox: 'Venus Is About As Close To Hell As You Can Get'
Sunday, 10 November 2024, 5:54 am | RNZ
In the new BBC series Solar System, physicist Dr Brian Cox explores acid rain, ice mountains and nitrogen glaciers on Earth's neighbouring planets. More >>
AI Expert Concerned 'No Māori With Moko' Used In DIA Facial Recognition Test Cleared Of Racial Bias
Sunday, 10 November 2024, 5:24 am | RNZ
The official test cleared the system of significant racial bias. More >>
Author Jathan Sadowski To Bring His ‘Ruthless’ Critique Of AI To New Zealand For A Speaking Tour In December
Thursday, 7 November 2024, 8:13 pm | Dark Times Academy
Jathan’s series of talks in three New Zealand cities - Wellington, Dunedin and Auckland - will take place in the first week of December. More >>
Battle To Eradicate Toxic Species Silently Established On Remote Beach
Thursday, 7 November 2024, 5:06 pm | RNZ
A toxic plant that can temporarily cause blindness and quickly invade coastal areas has been found in large numbers established on a remote beach. More >>
Ngā Manu Nature Reserve Celebrates The Return Of Tuatara To Ngāti Koata And Brook Waimārama Sanctuary
Wednesday, 6 November 2024, 5:15 pm | Nga Manu
Among the tuatara being returned, two mature adults were part of long-standing Head Start programme and came to the reserve 20 years ago. The programme began over 30 years and has enabled the safe rearing and release of over 1,000 tuatara to protected ... More >>
