Today on Dear Science, Christina caught up with AUT Professor Marcus Jones. They discussed Russia’s exclusion from the global scientific community, new variants of Covid-19, and when the pandemic might finally be over.

~ universal harmony ~

Oozing a grateful ora, massaging the creative mind.

Surface elevator....

Nearly twenty years after Aotearoa decriminalised sex work, the stigma and stereotypes attached to sex workers and the industry persist. In particular, the representation of sex work in the media has reproduced negative ideas about sex work, despite a general societal shift to greater acceptance of sex work as work. Christina spoke to Dr Gwyn Easterbrook-Smith from Massey University about their new research into the representation of sex work in the media, and the stigma surrounding sex work in Aotearoa.

On the Tuesday Wire, Christina spoke to AUT Professor Marcus Jones for Dear Science. Today, they discussed Russia’s exclusion from the global scientific community, new variants of Covid-19, and when the pandemic might finally be over.

She also spoke to Professor Robert MacCulloch from the Univeristy of Auckland about Christopher Luxon’s State of the Nation speech at the weekend, and the economic breakdown of the National party’s proposed tax cuts.

Trishil spoke to Dr Alys Clarke from the Auckland Bioengineering Institute about her research into a virtual placenta. The application of the placenta will allow for clinical trials to occur during pregnancy.

Trishil also spoke to Professor Jennifer Kruger into her research into the femfit technology. The tech is designed to assist women with urinary incontience with exercising their pelvic floor muscles.

And finally, Christina spoke to Dr Gwyn Easterbrook-Smith from Massey University the representation of sex workers in the media, and the stigma attached to the sex industry nearly twenty years after sex work was decriminalised in Aotearoa.

Michael James Keane phones up to chat about his new album 'Wandering Bull', stonemasonry, and whole bunch of other stuff. Whakarongo mai! 

New Zealand’s tracing system of hazardous chemicals seems insufficient according to a new report released by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment. Charlie spoke first with Dr Jennifer Gadd, Aquatic Chemist at NIWA, about the report and the current regulations around chemical importation. Secondly Melanie Kah, associate professor at the University of Auckland, spoke about the risk of not tracking chemicals and how the system can be improved.

Conflict in Ukraine continues, with Russia using more military force in the area and putting nuclear weapons on “high alert”. Samuel Hickey, a Research Analyst at the Centre for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, spoke with Charlie about the current attacks on nuclear power plants in Ukraine. He further discussed the potential impacts of nuclear weapons and the distribution of them.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to First-Time Flatting. Whakarongo mai! 

This week on Te Waea:

Samuel Hickey from the Centre for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation discusses Russia’s weapons and nuclear power plants.

Dr Anna Brooks from the University of Auckland speaks about long covid.

Dr Jennifer Gadd from NIWA and Melanie Kah from the University of Auckland discuss hazardous chemicals in the environment

And National MP, Todd Muller speaks about the passing of his sunscreen standards bill. It had unanimous support, which is rare for an opposition member. 

Tomorrow’s World is back! 

This week Isla and Stella look into "What's carbon neutral? The Sustainability of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics."