An estimated 4000 people are killed by lightning worldwide every year. The good news is that 9 out of 10 people struck by lightning survive, but for many people their high voltage encounter changes their lives forever, with links to a host of subsequent health problems including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, heart problems, and even cataracts. Journalist Charlotte Huff has been speaking to some lightning survivors, and looking at the risks and dangers of these bolts from above.

Apple buys a New Zealand company that's developed an efficient way to move power around without wires, Amazon works on a way to deliver when you're not home and Facebook experiments with the display of news articles.

This week, the US opioid epidemic shows no sign of letting up, will this become a local problem? Using bacteria to mine precious metals from e-waste, in Naked Science, skin memory cells that enable faster healing and plants that trick bees with the colour blue. Plus, what does the change of government mean for our local tech sector?

Washington Post's Nick Miroff has been writing about the opioid epidemic in the US, and the history of opiate dependency. We also look at the growing addiction problem in Australia and the clampdown of over-the-counter codeine medicines.

Simon Morton visits Mint Innovation, an Auckland company using bacteria to mine precious metals from your old electronic junk.

Scientists have discovered memory in skin cells enables faster healing. But what are the dangers?

Tech correspondent Peter Griffin looks at how the change in government will impact the local tech industry.

This week we learn about the Chinese bitcoin ban and find out how you can become a virtal trader with the newest cryptocurrencies. Plus a vet that is using medical marijuana on pets, a blossoming garden under the Mediterranean Sea, and we take a journey through anxiety.

A bitcoin bubble is seeing Asian governments scrambling to regulate this new financial frontier. New York Times' Nathaniel Popper has been tracking the rise and fall of cryptocurrencies in Asia.

Tech correspondent Peter Griffin shares his experience of buying virtual coins, and he's got a few tips if you are considering investing in new cyber frontier.