ScienceNZ - The Value of Science Discovery
Science Value
Nematode name 50 years in the making
Advances in technology and international expertise have finally enabled the formal description and naming of a New Zealand nematode, more than 50 years after its original discovery.
New Value
Natural compounds that keep the gut healthy
Research suggests that compounds in fruits and vegetables help us stay healthy by supporting the natural beneficial microorganisms in our gut
Revolutionary new sustainable fishing technology
Imagine if every fish landed on a trawler was alive, in perfect condition and small fish, sharks and other species could be safely released underwater before a catch was lifted on-board.
Summer pasture pest numbers on the rise
AgResearch scientists are predicting larger than normal numbers of the pasture pests porina and black beetle this summer.
Matching science with Maori aspirations
The conclusion of the Waitangi Treaty settlements will see approximately 40 per cent of New Zealand’s planted forests owned by Māori. This provides the opportunity for Māori to contribute significantly to the national economy through forestry.
Scientists to gather earthquake shaking information
Scientists will be visiting residential properties in Christchurch during the next two weeks to gather information to improve earthquake hazard and risk assessments in New Zealand
ESR scientists monitoring North Korean nuclear test
ESR scientists are monitoring the Pacific for airborne radioactivity resulting from yesterday’s underground nuclear event detected in North Korea.
Antarctic Environments Portal
Antarctica is under increasing pressure from human activity and climate change. To make science about this unique region more accessible - especially to policy makers - Landcare Research and Antarctica New Zealand have signed a collaboration agreement for the development of an innovative web portal
An apple a day to keep inflammation away?
New research suggests that apples may be good for the millions of people worldwide suffering from inflammatory diseases
NIWA survey work helps assess Kaikoura tsunami risks
Surveying work carried out by NIWA scientists this week is helping provide new insights into the tsunami risk from undersea landslides in the Kaikoura Canyon.
Fiordland’s depths reveal more new-to-science wonders
Scientists have used a remote operated vehicle (ROV) equipped with cameras and a grappling arm to locate and sample specimens of sea pen previously unknown to science, hidden in the undiveable depths of remote Fiordland.
Commercial Partnership Pays Dividends for New Zealand
An AgResearch-developed wool dyeing technology that bridges the gap between high performance and haute couture is set to shine on a global stage thanks to a worldwide licensing deal.
The revolutionary textile dyeing process is now being commercialised by BGI Development. It enables wool to be dyed two colours at the same time, and graphics and images to be dyed into the fabric. There is no loss of the quality feel of the fabric and the images won’t deteriorate over time.
Fighting rural fires with smartphones
Whenever a fire breaks out, people reach for their phones. Thanks to a smartphone app developed by Scion’s rural fire research team, phones can be used for more than just ringing 111. Fire managers can use their phone to help fight the fire.
New Thinking
Molecular motors drive energy technologies
Scion may, at first glance, seem an unlikely place to house a team of theoretical physicists.
Mars to Manawatu for robotic rover project
An AgResearch team has taken some extra-terrestrial inspiration to help take the pain out of intensive pasture management.
Inspired by NASA’s Mars rover project, the team at AgResearch in Palmerston North and Lincoln have built a paddock robot they’ve named the Agri-Rover.
Building community resilience to climate change
Erosion, low incomes, poor infrastructure and population migration leave many rural communities in New Zealand vulnerable to climate related impacts, and unable to take advantage of opportunities for a better future.
Ground-breaking research through global connections
Working together with leading research organisations around the globe helps Scion’s research teams gain access to advanced scientific tools and helps foster innovative thinking. It also helps cement Scion as a world-leader in areas such as forestry management and genetics, biosecurity, bioenergy and bioproducts.
Eureka Awards
Science New Zealand again sponsored the national awards. Three winners emerged, with the grand prize going to Evan Brenton-Rule of VUW.
AgResearch to invest $100 million in new science innovation hubs
AgResearch, New Zealand’s largest Crown Research Institute, has today announced a major investment programme that is the largest of its kind in New Zealand agricultural science.
Meat and three veg diet may offer more than first thought
A new study from Plant & Food Research may offer hope to those who love red meat but worry about the effect it may have on their gut,
Biorefinery technology
Scion has the expertise to support growing global interest in biorefinery processing, based on a long history of research and development for the pulp and paper industry.
New Science
New technologies for improved forest safety
Three new forest harvesting technologies developed by Scion, in conjunction with industry, will help improve workplace safety in forestry.
Cardboard boxes given aerospace treatment
New Zealand’s export industry is heavily reliant on cardboard boxes, and understanding how boxes fail under heavy loads is crucial. Until now, scientists have only been able to observe how boxes look before and after failure.
Wood gets medical attention
Using medical scanners, scientists at Rotorua-based Crown Research Institute Scion have been able to peer inside blocks of wood.
A natural alternative to a fishy problem
Scientists have long been researching eco-friendly packaging alternatives to one of the most widely used plastics, polystyrene. This is now a step closer with the construction, by Biopolymer Network Ltd, of a pilot plant capable of producing fish boxes made from a bio-foam that looks and behaves much like its less eco-friendly counterpart.
Scientists Find Mysterious Giant Pockmarks on Chatham Rise
Pockmarks are crater-like structures on the seabed caused by fluids and gases erupting through sediments into the ocean
LignoTech - leading the greeen way forward
Strong, lightweight and economical are highly desirable properties when it comes to buying a car. But one made using corn residue?
Unique facility to test biodegradation and composting
Scion has designed and built a unique-to-New Zealand test facility for measuring the aerobic composting of materials such as bioplastics, paper and wood, and quantifying the time it takes for materials to biodegrade.
Treating timber in leaky buildings
Novel research and technical advice from Scion’s wood preservation team contributed to the Department of Building and Housing (DBH) publication, “Dealing with timber in leaky buildings”. This guide was prepared for builders and building professionals.
Satellite imagery aids forest management
Satellite imagery is proving an effective tool that meets forestry management and research needs for cost effective, up-to-date information on the status of forest resources.
