ScienceNZ: Scion

Collaboration to improve genetic information management

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 02:14:07 GMT

The use of genomic technologies has exploded in recent years, but statistical methods for analysing the vast amounts of data produced have lagged behind. Now, a new collaboration led by Scion aims to make better information accessible on everything from medical diagnoses to plant and animal breeding.

New Zealand triumphs in International Bioplastics Awards

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 01:31:29 GMT

A New Zealand-developed product has won the Best Innovation in Bioplastics category at the International Bioplastics Awards. The Biopolymer Network's PLA foam was developed by researchers at Scion, and was selected for its green credentials, performance at low densities, and because it can be processed on existing manufacturing lines.

Award winning designs expand bioplastics' potential

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 03:37:54 GMT

Students at Unitec’s School of Design recently took up a challenge, outlined by Crown Research Institute Scion and the Designers Institute of New Zealand, of creating stylish, functional products using bioplastics derived from sustainable resources.

Gorse a potential water pollutant

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 22:13:39 GMT

It's been a thorn in the side of landowners for many years, but now new research from Scion has uncovered another reason to view gorse as a problem weed.

Scion: Pathway to biofuels through forests

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 02:38:36 GMT

Energy from forests is one of New Zealand's best options for producing its own biofuels is the conclusion of Scion's second "Bioenergy Options for New Zealand" report.

Crown Research Institute success in MacDiarmid Awards

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 23:19:46 GMT

Two Scion scientists have won recognition in the MacDiarmid Young Scientists of the Year Awards. Karen Love won the Master's Award while Dr Tripti Singh was runner-up in the Adding Value to Nature category.

Verenium and Scion awarded grant for Ethanol research

Sat, 09 Aug 2008 00:20:31 GMT

Grant will fund optimization and pilot-scale evaluation of pre-treatment and enzymatic processing technologies to make cellulosic ethanol from wood.

GE trees felled but the science continues

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 23:50:49 GMT

Fifty-five genetically modified Pinus radiata were cut down today by Scion at the conclusion of their live field trial. However, environmental impacts research will continue at the site in Rotorua.

Doom for Algal Bloom?

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 02:14:02 GMT

An innovative solution to a billion-dollar problem has been successfully trialled by Scion. A modified form of zeolite, a natural volcanic mineral, looks set to be a new tool in the campaign to mitigate the effects of nutrient run-off in New Zealand's lakes and waterways.

Research helps save lives on NZ farms

Tue, 27 May 2008 23:15:06 GMT

New research from Scion into New Zealander’s on-farm handling of quadbikes has revealed how an incompatibility between design and use, plus a tendency for farmers to learn by ‘trial and error’, has turned this common farm vehicle into a $8.3 million annual liability.

Nobel Peace Prize contribution honoured

Thu, 22 May 2008 04:56:04 GMT

A climate change expert at Scion has been honoured by the IPCC for his work that helped it jointly win the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. Dr Peter Beets researches forest carbon stocks and land use change.

No Environmental Impact from Genetically Modified Research Trees

Thu, 01 May 2008 22:59:41 GMT

Results from New Zealand's most comprehensive, independent scientific field trial of genetically modified trees support the argument that GM trees are low-risk and can be safely introduced into the environment, with no negative effects on other organisms.

Productive developments for New Zealand's forests

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 01:39:44 GMT

Scion has developed key soil and environmental indicators which will ensure the sustainability of New Zealand’s forests. Now and for the first time, forest managers can assess and maintain the productivity of their forestry sites.

NZ can grow all its own biofuels

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 19:33:27 GMT

Scion research shows New Zealand has enough land available for purpose-grown forests, to fuel vehicles within 40 years.

Pining for oil

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 20:26:37 GMT

Scion, the Crown Research Institute, says New Zealand’s forestry looks good as a sustainable resource for renewable fuels at US$60 per barrel. Technology and policy settings are vital.

Transport fuels from New Zealand biomass a reality

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 01:59:54 GMT

Biofuels generated from New Zealand-grown softwood feedstocks present a feasible, sustainable and environmentally beneficial energy option, say the authors of a report by the New Zealand Lignocellulosic Bioethanol Initiative.

New Zealand research expertise sought at international renewable energy conference

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 01:33:58 GMT

Dr Tom Richardson, chief executive of Crown Research Institute Scion, is this week presenting New Zealand research into the role of forestry in producing renewable energy, at the U.S. Government hosted Washington International Renewable Energy Conference (WIREC 2008).

'Menage-a-trois' plan to put pest moth off scent

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 04:12:48 GMT

New Zealand scientists may suggest to US crop protection agencies that a slightly kinky approach could help eradicate their light brown apple moth pests.

Rain puts dampener on Scion's experimental burns

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 04:14:05 GMT

Whilst most of New Zealand has been praying for rain this summer, Scion's fire researchers have had more than their fair share of it. Experimental burns taking place on Mount Torlesse in Canterbury have been plagued by bad weather, but despite this, useful information has been collected to help in the fight against wildfires.

Scion sheds light on insect control

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 03:27:53 GMT

Most people turn off the lights to keep creepy critters away. But Scion is turning them on. The Crown Research Institute is trialling yellow lighting systems as a means of repelling insects, research which could reduce the need for methyl bromide treatments at wood processing sites.