Latest Sci-Tech Headlines [Page 5]
Callaghan Innovation strengthens national innovation system
Tuesday, 9 July 2013, 3:30 pm | Science New Zealand
Commenting on today’s release of the Callaghan Innovation Statement of Intent, the chief executive of Science New Zealand, Anthony Scott, said: “Callaghan Innovation will add considerable value to the national innovation system through this highly ... More >>
The Dawkins Delusion - Book Launched
Tuesday, 9 July 2013, 2:23 pm | Jonathan Latham
Richard Dawkins, Stephen Hawking, Sam Harris, and many leading scientists share an essentially unacknowledged ideology. So also do many of the institutions they inhabit. That ideology is that the humanities are unnecessary for an education and unnecessary ... More >>
ScienceTeller Festival dates announced for 2013
Tuesday, 9 July 2013, 1:32 pm | ScienceTeller
ScienceTeller – the popular biennial international festival celebrating science and storytelling is back and will be held in Dunedin from 25-27 October. Featuring a programme of internationally renowned and high profile guests, the second festival, ... More >>
UC expert asks if recreational drugs should be legalised
Tuesday, 9 July 2013, 1:22 pm | University of Canterbury
UC toxicologist and food safety expert Professor Ian Shaw says millions of young people throughout the world party under the influence of a new generation of psychoactive drugs including synthetic cannabinoids, benzylpiperazine (BZP) and methamphetamine. More >>
Trial suggests winter management can cut runoff losses
Tuesday, 9 July 2013, 11:31 am | AgResearch
An AgResearch study in South Otago has indicated that simple and low cost management techniques can significantly reduce overland flow and contaminant losses from winter forage crop paddocks. More >>
Studying waves over astronomical distances
Monday, 8 July 2013, 2:48 pm | University of Auckland
Tiny pulses of light one billionth of a second apart, travelling further than from the Earth to Sun, were used in an exquisitely sensitive experiment at The University of Auckland to explore fundamental interactions between light and sound. More >>
UC Research Differences Between Speech of Hearing Impaired
Monday, 8 July 2013, 12:02 pm | University of Canterbury
An American expert visiting the University of Canterbury (UC) is researching why some children with hearing problems learn to speak better much more quickly than others after receiving hearing implants. More >>
Droughts a major potential threat to New Zealand fish
Sunday, 7 July 2013, 12:00 pm | University of Canterbury
The increasing intensity and frequency of extreme droughts is a major potential threat to New Zealand’s biodiversity and economic and cultural wellbeing. More >>
UC graduate hopes to develop robotic house housekeeper
Saturday, 6 July 2013, 10:28 am | University of Canterbury
A University of Canterbury (UC) graduate hopes to develop a robotic housekeeper, capable of cleaning a house while the residents sleep. More >>
NZ Leading the World in Rapid Point of Care Science
Friday, 5 July 2013, 3:27 pm | BioTest Diagnostics
New Zealand company BioTest Diagnostics has announced it is collaborating with UK company AgPlus to bring immediate Point of Care Testing benefits to the veterinary market. More >>
Growth rates of Pasifika children faster than expected
Friday, 5 July 2013, 3:05 pm | AUT University
The growth rate of Pasifika children under 10 years of age is faster than expected says the lead researcher of a major AUT longitudinal study. More >>
Fishing threatens rare dolphins in tourist hotspot
Friday, 5 July 2013, 12:10 pm | University of Otago
New research by University of Otago scientists has shown that the Hector’s dolphin, an endangered species found only in New Zealand, is more at risk from amateur fishing in Akaroa Harbour than had been thought. More >>
UC mechanical engineering project putting tents to the test
Thursday, 4 July 2013, 1:04 pm | University of Canterbury
The University of Canterbury (UC) is carrying out tests on Kathmandu tents to see how they cope in extreme New Zealand weather conditions. More >>
Carl Smith Medal awarded to leading ecology researcher
Thursday, 4 July 2013, 11:54 am | University of Otago
Dr Shinichi Nakagawa, a behavioural ecologist who has earned a growing international reputation for his research, is the latest recipient of the University of Otago’s Carl Smith Medal and Rowheath Trust Award. More >>
New plan for improving environment statistics
Thursday, 4 July 2013, 10:54 am | Statistics New Zealand
A new plan for improving environment statistics has been created to help New Zealand get the information it needs about its environment, Statistics NZ said today. More >>
Meeting of APEC Chief Science Advisors in Indonesia
Thursday, 4 July 2013, 9:24 am | Sir Peter Gluckman Chief Science Advisor
The First Meeting of APEC Chief Science Advisors and Equivalents was held in Medan, Indonesia on 29-30 June 2013 and followed APEC Leaders’ approving a proposal for such a meeting put forward by New Zealand and Russia in 2012. More >>
Research delivers encouraging signs for oyster industry
Wednesday, 3 July 2013, 4:47 pm | Cawthron Institute
A collaborative research programme to breed oysters resilient to a virus that three years ago devastated New Zealand’s Pacific oyster industry is starting to deliver promising results. More >>
UC project aims to help half a million Kiwis
Wednesday, 3 July 2013, 11:38 am | University of Canterbury
A major University of Canterbury (UC) research project aims to help many of the 500,000 New Zealanders who are deaf and have hearing problems. More >>
NIWA Climate Summary for June 2013
Wednesday, 3 July 2013, 11:03 am | NIWA
Wettest June on record throughout Central Otago and significant snow event for the South Island in late June More >>
Closing date nears for the Prime Minister’s Science Prizes
Wednesday, 3 July 2013, 9:03 am | The Royal Society of New Zealand
New Zealand scientists and leading research teams are being given a final prompt to complete their entries for this year’s Prime Minister’s Science Prizes. More >>
Research Advisory Panel: Major boost for research at Te Papa
Tuesday, 2 July 2013, 4:32 pm | Te Papa
Te Papa’s newly established Research Advisory Panel has met for the first time. The panel, chaired by Dr Raewyn Dalziel from the University of Auckland, will have oversight of the strategic direction of the Museum’s research. More >>
Big turnout for lake science presentations
Tuesday, 2 July 2013, 3:56 pm | Bay of Plenty Regional Council
More than 120 Rotorua residents turned up last week to hear about research being done into improving water quality in the Rotorua Lakes. The evening, hosted by Bay of Plenty Regional Council and University of Waikato, presented research findings ... More >>
Researcher seeking biological cure for hearing loss
Tuesday, 2 July 2013, 2:53 pm | University of Canterbury
A biological cure for hearing loss would be of enormous social and economic benefit for New Zealanders, says a University of Canterbury (UC) student who is a finalist in the Sir Paul Callaghan Eureka awards for young science orators. More >>
New technology links diet to genetics
Tuesday, 2 July 2013, 2:29 pm | University of Auckland
A team of researchers looking into links between nutrition and genetics have developed technologies that will revolutionise how food companies validate new products. More >>
World’s top dolphin scientists urge NZ govt to act now
Tuesday, 2 July 2013, 11:03 am | WWF
Some of the world’s leading whale, dolphin and porpoise scientists have expressed their ‘extreme concern’ about the survival of New Zealand’s Maui’s dolphin, urging the government to take immediate action to ensure ‘full protection of Maui’s ... More >>
Heavy-hitting keynote speakers set to inspire at TechEd
Monday, 1 July 2013, 4:15 pm | Microsoft TechEd
Enhancing human intelligence with big data, and strengthening human capability through technology, will be on the agenda for more than 2,000 people at Microsoft TechEd New Zealand 2013. More >>
NZ cannot afford to be complacent over quality water
Monday, 1 July 2013, 12:29 pm | University of Canterbury
While New Zealand may have abundant water resources, the world is facing a tremendous water shortage which is worsening with time. More >>
Why all the fuss about GM food?
Saturday, 29 June 2013, 12:35 pm | Robert Mann
*To get beyond hackneyed pro/anti tropes, we need to reflect more upon the importance of power More >>
SMC turns Five! Plus unravelling Phar Lap's DNA
Friday, 28 June 2013, 5:26 pm | Science Media Centre
SMC turns 5! WCSJ 2013; Phar Lap; PM's Prizes; New from the SMC; Sciblogs highlights; Research highlights; Policy News; Sci-tech events More >>
Study Shows Genetic Testing Promise for Predicting Asthma
Friday, 28 June 2013, 1:25 pm | University of Otago
Genetic risk assessments could be used to predict which children with asthma are likely to grow out of the condition, and which will continue having symptoms as they grow older, new research emerging from the University of Otago’s world-renowned ... More >>
UC freshwater biologist to outline severe damage to NZ’s wet
Thursday, 27 June 2013, 11:55 am | University of Canterbury
A University of Canterbury (UC) freshwater biologist will outline the severe damage to New Zealand’s wetlands at a national conference on campus at UC next month. More >>
Science New Zealand supports national GMO regulation
Thursday, 27 June 2013, 10:28 am | Science New Zealand
The Government proposes to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) to confirm that it is central government that has responsibility to control genetically modified organisms (GMO) trials and releases. Science New Zealand chief executive Anthony ... More >>
Dampness key cause of asthma in children
Thursday, 27 June 2013, 10:04 am | University of Otago
The largest-ever worldwide study of the link between damp homes and respiratory and allergic conditions has significant implications for New Zealand children’s health. More >>
Leapfrog Hydro 2.0 facilitates quality water flow modelling
Wednesday, 26 June 2013, 4:48 pm | ARANZ Geo Limited
ARANZ Geo Limited, developer of 3D geological modelling software Leapfrog® Hydro, announced today the release of Leapfrog Hydro 2.0. The major release further improves the interface to specialist flow modelling software MODFLOW and FEFLOW, ensuring ... More >>
Research predicts the future of leisure
Wednesday, 26 June 2013, 3:09 pm | Victoria University of Wellington
Seeing a 3D hologram version of Elvis perform at music festivals of the future is no freakish sci-fi vision of the future, says Victoria University Associate Professor Ian Yeoman. More >>
UC study to help people with speech difficulties
Wednesday, 26 June 2013, 11:49 am | University of Canterbury
UC communication disorders PhD researcher Martina Schaefer wanted to examine whether the way people hear themselves affects the way they speak. The study, supervised by Associate Professor Megan McAuliffe, worked with healthy New Zealanders of various ... More >>
UC researchers part of global pilot to make cities healthier
Wednesday, 26 June 2013, 11:44 am | University of Canterbury
UC geography experts Dr Malcolm Campbell and Professor Simon Kingham are investigating sensor technology - either on a person or embedded in the city - to collect real time and local precise data which can be used to more accurately measure different ... More >>
Aucklanders sought to lose weight and avoid diabetes
Wednesday, 26 June 2013, 11:16 am | University of Auckland
An international three-year study to determine the best lifestyle strategies for weight loss and diabetes prevention is about to begin in Auckland, and researchers from The University of Auckland are seeking local people to take part. More >>
UC researcher shines a light on the economics of solar power
Tuesday, 25 June 2013, 1:17 pm | University of Canterbury
A University of Canterbury (UC) researcher says despite a drop in price, the economics of domestic solar power is still questionable. More >>
GE crops fail to deliver food to the hungry
Tuesday, 25 June 2013, 11:38 am | Soil and Health Association
New research from University of Canterbury researchers proves that genetically engineered crops have lower yields and use more pesticides than GE-free crops. More >>
A quieter week but some chilly nights
Monday, 24 June 2013, 12:37 pm | MetService
This week will be far quieter weather-wise but the lingering cold air will help maintain frosty conditions in many places. More >>
UC Researching Seismic Design For Timber Buildings
Monday, 24 June 2013, 12:11 pm | University of Canterbury
A University of Canterbury (UC) research team is investigating a new type of design for multi-storey timber buildings to successfully withstand earthquakes. More >>
Online racism an issue for New Zealanders
Monday, 24 June 2013, 9:16 am | Steve Elers
There is a growing trend of “online Maori bashing” says an Auckland University of Technology lecturer and doctoral researcher. Steve Elers, of Ngati Kauwhata, Ngati Haua, Ngati Kahungunu and Ngai Tahu descent, discovered multiple websites that are ... More >>
NIWA’s storm information update
Friday, 21 June 2013, 3:19 pm | NIWA
NIWA has been measuring wave height from a buoy two kilometres off Baring Head, Wellington, since 1995. Last night’s waves are the largest seen in that record. • Last night, the highest waves measured were typically 15 metres, from peak to trough, for the ... More >>
SMC Heads-Up: Polar blast and the SMC in the headlines
Friday, 21 June 2013, 2:40 pm | Science Media Centre
Cold snap; SMC profiled; New from the SMC; Sciblogs highlights; Research highlights; Policy News; Sci-tech events More >>
Further funding for innovative Otago health research
Friday, 21 June 2013, 12:13 pm | University of Otago
Two Otago researchers have received a total of around $1m to pursue innovative projects as part of a follow-up to the Health Research Council’s (HRC) recent annual funding round. More >>
Comparing TrueNet with Akamai Broadband Reports
Thursday, 20 June 2013, 5:31 pm | TrueNet
Akamai publish a worldwide broadband ranking every quarter, last quarter they reported New Zealand has an average speed of 4.2Mbps. This number is due to be updated. TrueNet also measure broadband connection speeds, and find the average speed is 10Mbps. Measurements ... More >>
Snow Storm Provides Crucial Information For Scientists
Thursday, 20 June 2013, 4:38 pm | NIWA
While South Islanders are being warned to stay at home and prepare for the biggest storm predicted since 1992, NIWA scientists will be putting on their wet weather gear and heading out to measure snow-fall. Throughout the storm NIWA is mobilising ... More >>
GM a failing biotechnology in modern agro-ecosystems
Thursday, 20 June 2013, 11:18 am | University of Canterbury
University of Canterbury (UC) researchers have found that the biotechnologies used in north American staple crop production are lowering yields and increasing pesticide use compared to western Europe. More >>
The BlackBerry Z10 is now live on Telecom
Wednesday, 19 June 2013, 4:57 pm | Telecom New Zealand
This device is the smartest and fastest BlackBerry Smartphone yet, and we believe that Telecom customers are going to love this device for its speed, its adaptability and its range of features. More >>
Where will snow fall and what to look out for
Wednesday, 19 June 2013, 1:00 pm | MetService
The deep Antarctic air that is expected to sweep across the country this week is bringing very significant weather to many provinces.Here's the official MetService view of the key weather concerns for the country. More >>
Researcher says GM a failing biotechnology
Wednesday, 19 June 2013, 9:38 am | University of Canterbury
University of Canterbury (UC) researchers have found that the biotechnologies used in north American staple crop production are lowering yields and increasing pesticide use compared to western Europe. More >>
Honda Jointly Develops Robot For Post-Earthquake Efforts
Tuesday, 18 June 2013, 5:19 pm | Honda
Honda Jointly Develops Robot For Post-Earthquake Efforts At Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station More >>
Winter storm still on track
Tuesday, 18 June 2013, 3:41 pm | MetService
The developing winter storm that will move across much of New Zealand during the second half of this week is still on track to bring very significant snow to low levels and biting southerly gales. More >>
Kiwi charities join forces for Red Socks Day
Tuesday, 18 June 2013, 12:03 pm | Sir Peter Blake Trust
Keeping thousands of small feet warm this winter, with Sir Peter Blake’s lucky red socks, is the dream of two high-profile New Zealand charities that are joining forces for this year’s Red Socks Day. More >>
Airlines discriminate against pregnant women
Tuesday, 18 June 2013, 10:49 am | University of Canterbury
Airlines are discriminating against pregnant women, a University of Canterbury (UC) gender researcher says. Associate Professor Annick Masselot says a common complaint relates to airline practices which impose a `fit to fly’ condition on pregnant ... More >>
Winter storm looming
Monday, 17 June 2013, 3:58 pm | MetService
The complex, slow moving low over the Tasman Sea that has been responsible for the recent heavy rain over much of New Zealand will continue to bring unsettled weather through most of the coming week. More >>
Modern uses for ancient Māori knowledge
Monday, 17 June 2013, 1:21 pm | Victoria University of Wellington
Identifying modern-day uses for ancient Māori knowledge of the sun, moon and stars is one goal of research led by Victoria University astrophysicist Dr Pauline Harris. More >>
Sony launches new VAIO range
Friday, 14 June 2013, 4:33 pm | Sony New Zealand Limited
All models feature touch screen Includes VAIO Pro – the World’s lightest i touch ultrabook Full range features NFC ‘one-touch’ connectivity VAIO Duo 13 – an amazing evolution of the convertible ultrabook More >>
New funding for University of Waikato Antarctic research
Friday, 14 June 2013, 3:26 pm | University of Waikato
Waikato University Antarctic researchers Professor Craig Cary and Dr Charles Lee have secured $60,000 funding to lead a year-long pilot study to develop and validate tools to measure how the ecosystems in Antarctica respond to change. More >>
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