Science Media Centre

At least two people have been infected with hantavirus on a cruise ship crossing the Atlantic.  The virus, which has a […] The post Cruise ship hantavirus cases – Expert Reaction appeared first on Science Media Centre .

From tomorrow, 2nd May, all drinking water pipes and taps used in new builds and renovations must be lead-free, the government has […] The post Lead pipes banned for new plumbing – Expert Reaction appeared first on Science Media Centre .

The government intends to put new restrictions on nitrous oxide availability, with the aim of reducing recreational use of ‘nangs’. Nitrous […] The post Government plans crackdown on nitrous oxide – Expert Reaction appeared first on Science Media Centre .

El Niño could influence weather patterns across NZ from winter onwards, potentially bringing reduced rainfall for some areas. Earth Sciences […] The post “Formidable” El Niño expected – Expert Reaction appeared first on Science Media Centre .

The eleven finalists for this year’s Science Journalism Awards, selected from close to 60 submissions, include stories on a lost […] The post Science journalism stars of 2026 appeared first on Science Media Centre .

NZ-led research into large earthquakes shows they stop fast, with a sharp backwards movement. Scientists studied 12 major earthquakes that […] The post Major earthquakes stop with a jolt, causing whiplash for buildings – Expert Reaction appeared first on Science Media Centre .

Making more money off conservation land is one of the ways the government hopes to achieve the country’s Biodiversity Strategy. Its […] The post The govt’s plan to improve biodiversity – Expert Reaction appeared first on Science Media Centre .

Nine Kiwi startups could offset carbon emissions at the scale of NZ forests, says a new report. The ‘Cleantech Report‘ also […] The post NZ shows promise in ‘cleantech’ – Expert Reaction appeared first on Science Media Centre .

Torrential localised downpours have flooded suburbs across Wellington with little warning. Other areas across the North Island have also been affected, […] The post Flash flooding in Wellington – Expert Reaction appeared first on Science Media Centre .

As diesel supplies fall and prices soar, NZ’s primary industries like farming and forestry will feel the strain, experts say. The […] The post Diesel shortages squeeze primary industry – Expert Reaction appeared first on Science Media Centre .

NZ researchers who looked at the key toxic chemicals in vape smoke say vaping increases cancer risk. Since there’s not yet […] The post Vape smoke is a cancer risk, but not as much as cigarettes – Expert Reaction appeared first on Science Media Centre .

Kiwi scientists share how funding cuts have impacted their research and careers, in a new report from the Save Science Coalition. Many of […] The post The human face of science funding cuts – Expert Reaction appeared first on Science Media Centre .

A fire broke out at one of Australia’s two operational oil refineries last night and continues to burn this morning. […] The post Australian oil refinery ablaze – Expert Reaction appeared first on Science Media Centre .

The controversial Enhanced Games will allow athletes using performance enhancing drugs to compete next month. With millions of dollars of prize […] The post Will the Enhanced Games change doping in sport? – Expert Q&A appeared first on Science Media Centre .

Experts say that increasing heavy rainfall events in NZ are affecting the safety of our kaimoana. Following the weekend’s heavy rain, […] The post Storms put seafood safety at risk – Expert Reaction appeared first on Science Media Centre .

Over a third of NZ’s monitored groundwaters saw a rise in nitrate levels in the last two decades, likely because of human activities such as farming and wastewater. That’s one of the findings from the latest three-yearly report assessing the state of our rivers, lakes, wetlands, groundwater, and glaciers. Our Freshwater 2026 focuses on groundwater quality as a signal of long-term problems with ou…

A new report to the Prime Minister recommends moving more of NZ’s science funding into advanced technology. The recommendations, made by the PM’s Science, Innovation & Technology Advisory Council, will go into the investment plan that Research Funding NZ will use for funding decisions. The Council also suggested centering funding around four “pillars” related to primary industries, technology, en…

Health NZ’s latest vaccination advice for health professionals says COVID boosters are no longer needed for most adults aged 30 to 64. However, those eligible for publicly funded healthcare can still get the vaccine for free every six months. The Science Media Centre asked experts for their advice to people considering a COVID booster. Associate Professor Helen Petousis-Harris, Faculty of Medical…

Forty animals, including several types of seabirds and sharks, will gain protection under the UN Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species. Participating countries at the meeting in Campo Grande, Brazil, also agreed to work together on improving the conservation statuses of 15 protected animals. These include species found in NZ, like the Antipodean albatross, flesh-footed shearwater, a…

The Olympic Committee will require women athletes to take a gene test showing they’re biologically female before they can compete. Athletes’ gender will be determined by a genetic test, which looks for the presence of a gene on the Y chromosome, known as SRY, as a proxy for the sex of an athlete. With “rare exceptions” for those who have differences in sex development, those who test positive wil…