For Dear Science this week, our expert, Professor Allan Blackman, chats with us about an astronomical discovery, the passing of the great Tom Lehrer, and the latest estimate on your required daily step count

Thanks to MOTAT, the museum inspiring the innovators of tomorrow!

This week, our expert, Dr Daniel Thomas, chats with us about snake and spider venom, saber-toothed tiger extinction, and penguin travel patterns.

Thanks to MOTAT, the museum inspiring the innovators of tomorrow!

This week on Dear Science, our expert Professor Allan Blackman chatted with us about lightning created from peeling tape, talcum powder causing cancer, and a new type of nitrogen. 

Thanks to MOTAT, the museum inspiring the innovators of tomorrow!

This week on Dear Science, our expert, Daniel Thomas chatted with us about rice arriving in the Pacific, Aotearoa's native forests sinking carbon, and orcas using seaweed to groom themselves. 

Thanks to MOTAT, the museum inspiring the innovators of tomorrow!

For Dear Science this week, our expert, Professor Allan Blackman, chats with us about the importance of uranium 235.

Thanks to MOTAT, the museum inspiring the innovators of tomorrow!

This week on Dear Science, our expert, Dr. Cushla McGoverin, chatted with us about the early human subspecies of Denisovans, plants having an extra set of even deeper roots, and sea spiders farming their own bacteria.

Thanks to MOTAT, the museum inspiring the innovators of tomorrow!

This week on Dear Science our expert, Professor Allan Blackman, chatted with us about characterising liquid carbon, a New Zealand led cleanup in Antarctica, and plants making their own pesticide. 

This week on Dear Science our expert, Professor Allan Blackman, chatted with us about how the universe really came about, causes of maths anxiety, and the makeup of a Dutch silver basin. 

Thanks to MOTAT, the museum inspiring the innovators of tomorrow!

These past few weeks in politics have seen various issues that we spoke about in our weekly catchup with the National Party.

First up, at the Aotearoa Music Awards, National MP Chris Bishop was heard making disdainful remarks such as “what a load of crap” during a performance by singer Stan Walker. 

Second, Te Pāti Māori co-leaders Debbie Ngārewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi were recently suspended from parliament for 21 days for their haka protesting the Treaty Principles Bill. The penalty is far harsher than any previous penalty for an MP, raising questions about whether it is justified or sets a dangerous precedent. 

Finally, the government recently announced a new visa for parents of migrants, allowing them to come to New Zealand for a longer period of time than traditional visitors without having to acquire residency.

Wire host Castor asked about each of these issues in our weekly catchup with National’s Tom Rutherford, starting with Chris Bishop’s comments at the AMAs. 

This week on Dear Science our expert, Professor Allan Blackman, chatted with us about debunked claims of life on the distant planet k2-18b, stories of a mysterious 'Planet X', and playing 'The Blue Danube' in outer space. 

Thanks to MOTAT, the museum inspiring the innovators of tomorrow!