Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Latest Sci-Tech Headlines [Page 3]
Study: Bacteria On Roof Of The World Hatch Antibiotics
Thursday, 29 February 2024, 9:51 am | Skoltech
Skoltech researchers and their colleagues from China and Russia have discovered that the waters and soils of the Tibetan Plateau are teeming with bacteria that produce antibiotics. While none of the antimicrobial compounds identified by the team are ... More >>
Bird Flu Arrives In Mainland Antarctica - Expert Reaction
Wednesday, 28 February 2024, 1:06 pm | Science Media Centre
The H5N1 virus continues its global spread, having recently been found for the first time ever in mainland Antarctica. Avian flu reached the wider Antarctic region in October last year when it was reported on sub-Antarctic islands. Since 2021, highly ... More >>
Increase In Toxic Algae In Our Waters This Summer
Wednesday, 28 February 2024, 10:16 am | NIWA
Scientists are seeing more toxic algae in our lakes and rivers compared to previous years, says NIWA. New Zealand’s warm, stable summer has created ideal conditions for the growth of the algae, also known as cyanobacteria, which can be harmful to ... More >>
IEA To Address CEP Conference
Tuesday, 27 February 2024, 12:03 pm | CEPNZ
The head of energy efficiency at the IEA (International Energy Agency), Dr Brian Motherway, will headline the speaker line-up at this year’s CEP conference. The IEA estimates efficiency will deliver 30% of the carbon savings needed worldwide ... More >>
Weather Outlook For The Last Week Of Meteorological Summer
Monday, 26 February 2024, 12:53 pm | MetService
After a dry February so far, the last week of meteorological summer starts off wet for the North Island, with settled weather for the South Island. Heavy Rain Watches are in place for Great Barrier Island, the Coromandel Peninsula and the Bay of Plenty ... More >>
Innovative Pilot Shows Virtual Power Plants Can Play An Important Role In Managing Winter Peaks
Monday, 26 February 2024, 8:43 am | Ara Ake
A collaborative pilot unlocking the potential of residential solar batteries contributing to the national grid during winter peak demand has concluded, marking a technical success with valuable insights gained. In May 2023, Ara Ake teamed up with solar-and-battery-as-a-service ... More >>
EPA Says ‘null Segregants’ Aren’t GMOs – Expert Reaction
Thursday, 22 February 2024, 3:01 pm | Science Media Centre
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has just clarified that certain organisms, known as null segregants, are not considered genetically modified organisms. Null segregants are the offspring of genetically modified organisms, but do not contain ... More >>
Bridging The Digital Gap For Families
Thursday, 22 February 2024, 2:01 pm | SociaLink
Families struggling to connect with the internet are being helped by a group of agencies keen to bridge the gap. Tu Mai Digital was set up after Covid lockdowns when it was realised that families with no internet access were falling behind in ... More >>
Warming Winds Ahead Of Weekend Rain Band
Thursday, 22 February 2024, 1:09 pm | MetService
Continuing settled weather will cap off the working week, then MetService is forecasting rain to move swiftly northwards up the country for the last weekend of meteorological summer. A couple of crisp mornings this week remind us that autumn is just around ... More >>
EPA Decision Clears Way For New Research
Thursday, 22 February 2024, 12:33 pm | AgResearch
Researchers have today welcomed a clarification by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) that will allow them to progress new avenues of research for the benefit of New Zealand. In response to an application led by AgResearch and supported ... More >>
AI's Impact On Environmental Reporting
Wednesday, 21 February 2024, 10:03 am | University of Auckland Business School
As the importance of sustainability in all areas of our lives continues to grow, researchers are investigating how artificial intelligence can contribute. AI-generated content raises concerns when it comes to the accuracy and integrity of sustainability ... More >>
Will It Rain On My Wedding Day?
Tuesday, 20 February 2024, 10:31 am | NIWA
This is one of the most common questions that NIWA meteorologists get asked. Here they give their top tips to help you plan for the big day. Everyone wants beautiful weather for their wedding. There’s even a luxury travel company that promises a ... More >>
Come, Make A Difference - In Antarctica!
Tuesday, 20 February 2024, 9:22 am | Antarctica New Zealand
Antarctica New Zealand is looking for adventurous individuals to join the prestigious team supporting Antarctic research at Scott Base and beyond for the upcoming 2024/25 season. <img src="https://img.scoop.co.nz/stories/images/2402/37f69a8c8c7760c432fa.jpeg" ... More >>
Extreme Fire Danger Risk Continues In Dry Areas This Week
Monday, 19 February 2024, 1:38 pm | MetService
Strong, warm, north to northwesterly winds once again give way to a cool southerly flow as the familiar pattern of this summer in Aotearoa New Zealand continues. Strong Wind Warnings and Watches are in place for the eastern South Island and lower North ... More >>
Tohatoha Launches New Climate Change Education Initiative – The Climate Disinformation Night School
Monday, 19 February 2024, 11:15 am | Tohatoha
Non-profit community education group Tohatoha announced today it is launching a new initiative that aims to counter the spread of disinformation around climate change both in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally. The Climate Disinformation Night ... More >>
Scientists Counting Down To MethaneSAT Satellite Launch
Friday, 16 February 2024, 11:13 am | NIWA
NIWA scientists leading Aotearoa New Zealand’s MethaneSAT agricultural emissions science programme are gearing up for the launch of its satellite. MethaneSAT is a global initiative led by the US Environmental Defense Fund to track and reduce methane ... More >>
First UN Report On The State Of The World’s Migratory Species – Expert Reaction
Thursday, 15 February 2024, 3:46 pm | Science Media Centre
A landmark UN report paints a grim picture of the state of migratory wild animals worldwide, including those that travel through New Zealand, like sharks, whales, albatross, and sea turtles. The report was launched at the meeting for the Convention ... More >>
Port Hills Fire - Expert Reaction
Thursday, 15 February 2024, 3:40 pm | Science Media Centre
Fire crews are responding to a large vegetation fire in the Port Hills near Christchurch. Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) was alerted to the fire at 2.15pm on Wednesday 14 February. The SMC asked experts to comment. Dr Nathanael ... More >>
Regulating Genetic Technologies In Aotearoa - Expert Q&A
Thursday, 15 February 2024, 3:35 pm | Science Media Centre
Dr Revel Drummond, Scientist, Plant & Food Research Ltd, comments: What implications would the shift to a new biotechnology regulator have for the legal and policy landscape around genetic technologies in NZ? "Currently, ... More >>
New Building Design Guidance Culmination Of Decades Of Seismic Engineering Research
Thursday, 15 February 2024, 11:53 am | Earthquake Commission
Updated engineering guidance to help with the design of new buildings in New Zealand has been the culmination of decades of natural hazard research funded by Toka Tū Ake EQC and other research agencies. Standards New Zealand have today put out a draft ... More >>
Dialogue And The Human Condition
Thursday, 15 February 2024, 10:47 am | Martin LeFevre - Meditations
In my 30’s I had the good fortune to dialogue with David Bohm, considered the founder of the global dialogue movement and a man Einstein called his “spiritual son.” Bohm was a brilliant, sensitive physicist and philosopher, but his intellect ... More >>
Bacterial Genus Endemic To Aotearoa Is Like Discovering A “microbial Kiwi” Among Microorganisms.
Thursday, 15 February 2024, 8:36 am | University of Canterbury
Scientists discover microbe unique to NZ More >>
Recipients Of The Māori Cancer Researcher Awards Aim To Improve Cancer Care
Tuesday, 13 February 2024, 10:04 am | Cancer Society
Three researchers committed to maximising Māori health gains are receiving funding for their research into improving cancer care. Te Kāhui Matepukupuku o Aotearoa (the Cancer Society of New Zealand) and Hei Āhuru Mōwai Māori Cancer Leadership ... More >>
UAVs For Pest Control Take Off
Tuesday, 13 February 2024, 8:55 am | Scion research
As climate change increases the risk of invasive pests reaching our shores and affecting New Zealand’s multibillion-dollar primary sector, Scion researchers are hopeful a burgeoning tool could provide a more efficient urban biosecurity solution. Scion’s ... More >>
Talk Of ‘one-in-100-year’ Weather Can Be Disastrously Misleading – Expert Q&A
Monday, 12 February 2024, 2:58 pm | Science Media Centre
Record rainfall and flooding caused by Cyclone Gabrielle across Hawkes Bay has been frequently described as a ‘one-in-100 year’ event. With the cyclone’s anniversary this week, the SMC asked a social psychologist and emergency management expert how ... More >>
Negative Learning From A Rattlesnake
Monday, 12 February 2024, 10:52 am | Martin LeFevre - Meditations
Growing up in Michigan, I had both a fear and fascination for venomous snakes, though I’d never seen an eastern massasauga rattlesnake, Michigan’s only venomous snake. In California over the years I’ve had quite a few close encounters with two of ... More >>
Lasers Will Target Pest Ravaging Honey Bees In University Of Auckland Experiments
Monday, 12 February 2024, 9:28 am | University of Auckland
Tiny lasers stationed at honey bees’ hives will disable and kill varroa mites in experiments aimed at defeating the parasitic pest ravaging bee colonies around the world. Devising a cheap tool for beekeepers to protect bee colonies without using ... More >>
One Vaccination Needle Size Does Not Fit All
Friday, 9 February 2024, 1:29 pm | Medical Research Institute of New Zealand
The Medical Research Institute of New Zealand (MRINZ) has made a major breakthrough in determining what needle length is required to ensure successful intramuscular (IM) deposition of vaccines. ‘ I M Vaccination Needle Length: A Call To Arms ’ ... More >>
The Mystery Of Consciousness
Friday, 9 February 2024, 11:06 am | Martin LeFevre - Meditations
The mystery of consciousness is as old as there have been people conscious that they were conscious. However most people, including philosophers and scientists, don’t know what they mean by consciousness. That confusion is compounded when speculating ... More >>
January Climate Summary - Warm & Dry For Many
Wednesday, 7 February 2024, 2:48 pm | NIWA
The January Climate Summary is attached. Highlights: - Temperatures were above average or well above average across most of Aotearoa New Zealand - It was a dry month for many parts of the country - Christchurch recorded 297 hours of sunshine, making it ... More >>
Faster Tropical Cyclones In A Warming World – Expert Reaction
Wednesday, 7 February 2024, 2:07 pm | Science Media Centre
In some parts of the world, a Category 5 hurricane signifies the most extreme wind speeds starting at 252 km/h. New research published in PNAS looks into why creating a new Category 6 could help capture just how much more intense the biggest tropical ... More >>
Noteworthy.co.nz: Kiwi Platform Celebrating People, Brands And Their Stories
Wednesday, 7 February 2024, 11:14 am | Noteworthy.co.nz
In the digital era, where every click leads to overwhelming information, finding a place that genuinely celebrates genuine Kiwi stories of innovation, resourcefulness, and entrepreneurial spirit can be challenging. Noteworthy.co.nz is a shining light ... More >>
Nuffield Farming Scholar Visiting New Zealand
Wednesday, 7 February 2024, 8:38 am | Good Carbon Farm
As part of an international study tour, Nuffield Farming Scholar, Luke Breedon, is visiting biochar producers in the North Island this week. Breedon is researching the production and application of biochar in horticulture and agriculture production, ... More >>
Scoop And MainCross Partner To Help Kiwis Launch Their Branded Digital Networks
Tuesday, 6 February 2024, 12:45 am | MainCross Systems
Launching a branded content or community network is now easier, quicker and more impactful as Scoop and MainCross Systems come together to help Kiwis power their own digital network sites and apps. MainCross – a no code Network CMS – is an ... More >>
Extreme Weather A Critical Concern For The Next Decade Of Farming, Experts Say
Monday, 5 February 2024, 10:28 am | Lincoln University
Climate change, extreme weather events and water quality are considered the three biggest challenges likely to affect agriculture in Aotearoa for the next 10 years, according to primary industry experts in a new study funded by Our Land and Water ... More >>
Biofouling Fight Protecting Unique New Zealand Environment And Economy
Monday, 5 February 2024, 10:24 am | MAF Biosecuirty New Zealand
Cruise ships visiting New Zealand this summer are doing a good job of meeting our strong biofouling standards and protecting our unique marine environment, says Biosecurity New Zealand Deputy Director-General Stuart Anderson. “This season to date, only ... More >>
New Tsunami Kiosk Teaches Lessons From Tragic Past
Friday, 2 February 2024, 11:59 am | Earthquake Commission
A special tsunami exhibition with hi-tech animations uses lessons from a tragic past to help residents on Rēkohu Wharekauri/Chatham Islands to be better prepared for future devastating mega-waves. Several six-metre waves claimed over 20 lives ... More >>
Seasonal Climate Outlook: Feb - April
Friday, 2 February 2024, 10:43 am | NIWA
Highlights: - February is likely to feature weather patterns typically associated with El Niño, including below normal rainfall in northern and eastern areas of both islands - Temperatures will range from cool (for the time of year) to hot - Air pressure ... More >>
Turtle Time Is A Long Time
Friday, 2 February 2024, 10:33 am | Department of Conservation
DOC is urging people to do their ‘due diligence’ before buying a pet red-eared slider turtle, as they pose a serious threat to native freshwater plants and animals if abandoned. <img src="https://img.scoop.co.nz/stories/images/2402/9e5e456c21fab5d8adee.jpeg" ... More >>
Dunedin Research Leads The Way In Forecasting The Impact Of Rising Groundwater
Friday, 2 February 2024, 10:20 am | Joint Press Release
A GNS Science report, produced in partnership with Otago Regional Council (ORC), has shed new light on the behaviour of groundwater beneath South Dunedin and Harbourside and what this could mean for the future. The study, based on analysis of four years ... More >>
Gene-editing Offers Hope For People With Hereditary Disorder
Thursday, 1 February 2024, 11:04 am | Joint Press Release
A group of patients with a hereditary disorder have had their lives transformed by a single treatment of a breakthrough gene-editing therapy, according to the lead researcher. The patients from New Zealand, the Netherlands and the UK have hereditary ... More >>
Scion’s Central Role In €7.5 Million Research Project
Thursday, 1 February 2024, 10:30 am | Scion
Scion’s leading biomaterials, 3D printing, packaging, and machine-learning knowledge is being called on as part of a €7.5 million (NZD$13.25m) research project funded in partnership with the European Union. The EU’s key research and innovation funding ... More >>
World-leading Technology Will Aid Tory Channel Mariners
Thursday, 1 February 2024, 10:24 am | Marlborough District Council
A groundbreaking visual aid providing real-time guidance for mariners on current and tide conditions in Tory Channel/Kura te Au goes live on Marlborough District Council’s website on Monday. <img src="https://img.scoop.co.nz/stories/images/2402/785893deb71ff1da343f.jpeg" ... More >>
Kimer Med, The New Zealand Biotech Leading The Charge Against Viral Disease
Thursday, 1 February 2024, 10:12 am | Kimer Med
Ground-breaking New Zealand biotech start-up, Kimer Med, has kicked off a capital raise to complete pre-clinical studies on its broad-spectrum antivirals, ahead of phase 1 clinical trials. The company has spent the past three years working on the ... More >>
Antarctic Frontier Project ‘Tantalisingly Close’ To Vital Climate Secrets
Wednesday, 31 January 2024, 1:50 pm | Antarctica New Zealand
An international team co-led by GNS Science Te Pū Ao, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington and Antarctica New Zealand has successfully drilled through 580 metres of ice, obtained the longest sediment core ever retrieved from the remote ... More >>
Otago GE Wasp Project Violates International Gene Drive Agreement
Wednesday, 31 January 2024, 9:55 am | GE Free NZ
Professor Dearden, Otago University, has received $11 million from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Enterprise (MBIE) to engineer wasps using gene drive technology. He is only consulting with Māori and regulators, ignoring and side-lining ... More >>
Ground-breaking Blue Carbon Research Underway In Waihi Estuary
Wednesday, 31 January 2024, 9:37 am | Joint Press Release
Tauranga, 30 January 2024 – Te Wahapū o Waihī (TWOW) and Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC) have partnered in a progressive blue carbon research project of international significance with The Nature Conservancy Aotearoa New Zealand (TNC ... More >>
‘Forever Chemical’ PFAS Banned From Cosmetics – Expert Reaction
Tuesday, 30 January 2024, 5:17 pm | Science Media Centre
The EPA is banning the use of per– and polyfluoroalkyl substances in cosmetic products from the end of 2026. These “forever chemicals” are difficult to break down and can build up in the body and the environment over time. The EPA says New ... More >>
NZ Invention To Enhance Safety Of CAR T And Other Cell Therapies
Monday, 29 January 2024, 12:08 pm | Malaghan Institute
An innovative 'safety switch' for CAR T-cell therapy, designed at the Malaghan Institute and recently patented, has the potential to significantly enhance the safety and accessibility of this cutting-edge cancer immunotherapy and other cell therapies. ... More >>
New Guidance Encourages Planners Not To Let Landslide Risk Reduction Opportunities Slip By
Monday, 29 January 2024, 11:42 am | GNS Science
Today GNS Science has released new land-use planning guidance to manage and reduce the risks of landslides. The Landslide Planning Guidance: Reducing Landslide Risk through Land-Use Planning strongly encourages landslide risk to be considered early ... More >>
New Global Research Initiative Investigates Carbon Sequestration Potential Of Kelp
Friday, 26 January 2024, 12:38 pm | Cawthron Institute
Could kelp be a secret weapon in the fight against climate change? A new research project aims to answer that question by better understanding how kelp contributes to carbon sequestration in our oceans. The international collaboration, led by Aotearoa ... More >>
Break-through Science Backs That Mānuka Plant Species Is Distinct To Aotearoa New Zealand
Thursday, 25 January 2024, 3:29 pm | Manuka Charitable Trust
A recent study comparing the DNA of Mānuka from Aotearoa New Zealand and Leptospermum scoparium , also known as jelly bush or tea tree, from Australia showed significant genetic differences between the two, enough for the researchers to recommend that ... More >>
Warm Oceans Behind Our Hot, Humid Weather
Thursday, 25 January 2024, 12:54 pm | NIWA
A strong marine heatwave is contributing to New Zealand’s unusually hot weather, says NIWA. Meteorologist Ben Noll says that sea surface temperatures around Auckland are borderline tropical. "A rapidly intensifying marine heatwave has caused ... More >>
Research Tackles History And Mystery Around Auckland Lava Caves
Wednesday, 24 January 2024, 3:00 pm | Earthquake Commission
Homeowners and developers are discovering approximately one new lava cave a month in the Auckland Volcanic Field (AVF), and a new research project aims to create a complete database of historical records and new discoveries. <img src="https://img.scoop.co.nz/stories/images/2401/7d2c753d6d8a67e9aba6.jpeg" ... More >>
Will AI Catalyze A Revolution In Consciousness?
Wednesday, 24 January 2024, 12:53 pm | Martin LeFevre - Meditations
It’s exceedingly ironic that the thought machines computer scientists are creating may be compelling what religious teachers and philosophers throughout history have not been able to do – induce ordinary folks to be self-knowing and thereby, ignite ... More >>
Mapping 140,000 Landslides For Safer Communities
Monday, 22 January 2024, 12:04 pm | University of Canterbury
Canterbury researchers and students have mapped 140,000 landslides triggered by Cyclone Gabrielle in a bid to create models for future weather events. New Zealand now boasts one of the largest single-event inventories of landslides globally. Te ... More >>
There’s No Muddling Through This Terrible Transition
Monday, 22 January 2024, 11:20 am | Martin LeFevre - Meditations
Taking a meditation on the patio at sunset on a gray, wet and chilly day, there came, unexpectedly, the feeling of space and sacredness that is always new. Sunset was barely discernible, just a deepening dusk. The branches of the two tall pines ... More >>
DOCOMO Develops World's First Tech Utilizing Generative AI To Automatically Generate Non-Player Characters In Metaverse
Friday, 19 January 2024, 7:12 pm | JCN Newswire
- Auto-generates behavior tree without the need for advanced programming - TOKYO, Jan 16, 2024 - (JCN Newswire) - NTT DOCOMO, INC. announced today that it has developed a generative AI that automatically generates non-player characters (NPCs), characters ... More >>
Neuroscience And The Mind In Meditation
Friday, 19 January 2024, 10:52 am | Martin LeFevre - Meditations
Neuroscientists are discovering more and more how the human brain works, even as they seem to understand less and less the mind in meditation. For example, they’ve discovered something called “aphantasia,” an apparently inherited neurological ... More >>
AI Governance Alliance Calls For Inclusive Access To Advanced Artificial Intelligence
Friday, 19 January 2024, 9:12 am | World Economic Forum
The AI Governance Alliance (AIGA) released today a series of three new reports on advanced artificial intelligence (AI). The papers focus on generative AI governance, unlocking its value and a framework for responsible AI development and deployment. ... More >>
