Genes
Science: Covid vaccines saved millions, insecticidal cat nip, keeping a beat
Science commentator Dr Siouxsie Wiles joins Kathryn to talk about research that's modelled how many lives were saved during the first year the vaccines were available, a catnip plant from Japan and… Audio
Cognitive impact of long Covid laid bare
We know the symptoms of long Covid include things like memory problems and 'brain fog.' But one of the most rigorous examinations of the long-term cognitive impacts of severe Covid has unveiled some… Audio
How even mild cases of Covid-19 can cause brain damage
A new study has provided the clearest evidence yet that Covid-19 can cause regions of the brain to shrink - and lead to cognitive decline - even in people who aren't seriously ill. Dr Maxime Taquet… Audio
Why some people need less sleep than others
Ever wondered how some people are able to function optimally on just a few hours' sleep, while others still find themselves feeling a lot less than ideal after a solid eight hour shift? Those lucky… Audio
What if the food advice we know is wrong?
A new study out of Sweden says decades of official dairy wisdom is incorrect, suggesting dairy fats can actually protect us against heart attack and stroke. Dr Ali Hill runs the rule over some of the… Audio
Some types of obesity may increase dementia, stroke risk
As harmful fat accumulation continues to impair our physical health, researchers are warning that abnormal or excessive fat accumulation can increase the risk of dementia and stroke. Researcher Elina… Audio
Testosterone's link to men's success questioned in new study
It's a commonly-held belief that your testosterone can affect where you end up in life. However, a new study claims that higher levels of testosterone in men doesn't give them an edge. Study author… Audio
Sniffing, swilling and spitting through the world of wine
The New Zealand National Wine Tasting Competition final is taking place at the New Zealand School of Food and Wine in the Viaduct this afternoon. Event organiser Celia Hay joins us to discuss. Audio
Defying body clock linked to depression and lower wellbeing
According to a new study, people whose sleep pattern goes against their natural body clock are more likely to have depression and lower levels of wellbeing. Lead author Jessica O'Loughlin joins the… Audio
Puppies are biologically wired to communicate with people
A new study has revealed that puppies are born ready to communicate with people. Evolutionary biologist Gita Gnanadesikan is with us to discuss the study's findings. Audio
Could hosting parasitic worms prevent ageing?
Playing host to helminth parasitic worms could hold the key to living longer and staying free of chronic disease, according to a new article published in the eLife journal. Gastroenterologist Dr Tom… Audio
Want to get ahead as an introvert? Act like an extrovert
A common personality trait of leaders is a high level of extraversion. But what about introverts who are interested in obtaining leadership roles in their lives and careers? The answer is simple: act… Audio
Covid-19 update with Professor Gary McLean
New Zealander Gary McLean is a professor in molecular immunology at London Metropolitan University and also a researcher with Imperial College. Dr McLean joins the show from London to look at the… Audio
The secret to living to well into your 90s (or older)
Dr Claudia Kawas is searching for the secrets to living a longer and healthier life. Kawas and her team have been running a major study of ageing California residents for more than two decades. She… Audio
Sir Paul Nurse: What Is Life?
Nobel prize-winning geneticist Sir Paul Nurse's latest book, What Is Life?, explores the question of what we as humans share with all other living things on this planet. Audio
Award for using DNA to better understand plants & animals
Geneticist Neil Gemmell has won the 2020 Hutton Medal for using DNA & new genomic technologies to better understant plants & animals. Audio
Our Changing World for 12 November 2020
The invention of a woven bassinet to save babies' lives & a geneticist seeking to understand plants & animals have won awards at the 2020 Research Honours Aotearoa. Audio
How the next pandemic could be engineered by terrorists
The next major pandemic could be inflicted by terrorists unleashing a bio-engineered virus on to the world, according to distinguished fellow at Harvard Law School, Vivek Wadwha. He joins the show to… Audio
New book examines how childhood shapes later life
In his new book, The Origins of You: How Childhood Shapes Later Life, University of Otago professor Richie Poulton and his co-authors set out to determine to what extent our origins shape our later… Audio
Is there any science behind the Sirtfood Diet fad?
Following recent photos of the dramatic weight-loss transformation by pop star Adele the Sirtfood Diet has become a hot topic. But what's the catch? Sarah Hanrahan from the NZ Nutrition Foundation… Audio