Environment
New Thinking
Global warming clash builds up its own heat
The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research is standing by its prediction that global warming will cause more floods of the type that devastated Northland.
Space-age radar may help assess landslides
Landcare Research remote sensing scientists hope to prove that cloud-piercing satellite radar has significant potential for rapid mapping of storm damage.
Potential tool for possum population control
AgResearch scientists have found two enteroviruses in wild possums that could be used to carry vaccines for possum biocontrols such as contraception.
“Stern” warning highlights need to get smart on food miles and climate change
Landcare Research scientists say New Zealand exporters can survive and even thrive as their markets become more concerned with climate change – by taking steps to reposition our clean, green brand.
Landcare Research honours achievers
A housing development and a high school have been recognised by Landcare Research at the Canterbury Resource Management Awards 2006.
Possum in a pickle
A recent trip to the UK to present breakthrough research in possum biocontrol led to an unlikely meeting for AgResearch scientist Dr Gail Shuttleworth.
New fruits needed to fight snack food threat
HortResearch believes new fruit varieties will play a key role in ensuring fruit remains a key part of a health, balanced diet.
Ensis organises national soils conference
Some $2.16 billion of GDP could be at risk if we fail to look after the quality of New Zealand's soil and water resources. The 2006 Soils & Society Conference signals the link of soil to social well being. Ensis is the unincorporated joint venture between Crown Research Institute, Scion and Australia's CSIRO.
I'll huff and I'll puff...
Household-scale wind generators may soon be powering your home. Industrial Research scientists are backing rising public enthusiasm for alternative energy sources such as wind.
Expat plants could threaten biosecurity
AgResearch, Crop & Food Research and Ensis scientists are studying ‘expat’
New Science
DNA tracks pests on most-wanted list
Landcare Research scientists in Auckland have developed DNA techniques to help identify which wildlife killers have been dining out on other species.
AgResearch has whiff of success with new sniffer
AgResearch has bought a state of the art "sniffer" device it says will expand the frontiers of agricultural science by offering an improved way to instantly measure biological data such as methane emissions or pregnancy status from animal breath samples.
Possum field trials a success
A new threat to possums is on the horizon, with the successful release of genetically marked parasites in a field trial at Kahurangi National Park at the top of the South Island.
Scentinal guards future of endangered wildlife
The fight to protect and preserve New Zealand's unique indiginous plants and wildlife has gained a powerful new ally.
Scientists fear results of collapsed ice shelf
The Ross Ice Shelf, a raft of ice the size of France, could collapse quickly, triggering a dramatic rise in sea levels, GNS Science scientists warn.
Ice Age calling card found off South Island
NIWA scientists have found evidence to suggest giant icebergs, like those currently south of New Zealand,
once drifted by the east coast.
once drifted by the east coast.
Large icebergs head north
A flotilla of 100 icebergs drifting towards New Zealand could come within a few kilometres of the coast - but they might be too small to be seen say NIWA.
NZ world leader in pastoral greenhouse gas research
CRIs AgResearch and NIWA are members of the Pastoral Greenhouse Gas Research Consortium which is producing world-leading research on greenhouse gases.
Possible dry summer poses risks
NIWA said yesterday the chances of a weak El Nino pattern this spring are 50 per cent, double the usual probability. This could pose problems for farmers without access to irrigation water.
But WHY do the shifting sands shift?
For many who live near the coast, beach erosion and buildup is much more than a philosophical question: it’s fundamental to the future. An international research team led by NIWA is investigating how sandbars influence beach shape – with The Coromandel’s Tairua and Pauanui beaches both in the spotlight.
New Value
Styling plant genes
AgResearch scientists have developed a high-precision DNA test that can accurately diagnose the seed yield potential
Collaboration on environmental management
Under a new Memorandum of Understanding, ESR will provide expert scientific advisory services to the Malaysian Centre for Environmental Protection and Information (CPEI) in Selangor State.
Protecting the soils that support 17% of New Zealand GDP
Over $2 billion of New Zealand exports depend on the top 15cm of soils. But how do soils function under current and changing land uses? Four Crown Research Institutes are behind an ongoing study – and interim results show we have a long way to go to achieve sustainable land use.
