Science Media Centre

A genetic analysis of several strains of the Psa bacterium, conducted by American and Italian scientists, suggests a Chinese origin for the bacterium that has caused millions of dollars of damage to the New Zealand kiwifruit industry. However, more data from affected New Zealand kiwifruit are needed to complete the picture.  The new research, published [...]

A DNA analysis of several traditional Chinese medicine products has revealed illegal and potentially toxic ingredients. A new study, published in PLoS Genetics today, analysed 15 samples of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) seized at the Australian border,  identifying the species origin of ingredients in the pills and powders. Plants identified in analysed products included Ephedra, [...]

UPDATED: Genetically-modified radiata pine trees have been destroyed at a facility in Rotorua operated by the Crown research institute Scion in what the research organisation has labelled a “blatant act of vandalism”. The 1-hectare field trial site contained 375 pine trees and those entering the facility cut through a perimeter fence and then dug under [...]

Following last night’s earthquake off the coast of Indonesia, the global network of Science Media Centres collected the following expert commentary to provide background and context on the situation. From the AusSMC: Professor Kevin Furlong from Pennsylvania State University is currently in the US and is working with the US Geological Survey on this disaster [...]

New research has drawn a link between a history dental x-ray imaging and incidence of meningioma, a type of brain tumor — but experts note that advances in x-ray equipment, regulations and the low actual incidence of the disease mean that people should not be worried about the health risks. The new study, published in [...]

New research published in the leading journal Nature has started the difficult process picking apart the underlying genetic factors that contribute to Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Although it is well accepted that genetics make a strong contribution to ASD, most of the underlying causes remain unknown. In addition, despite the identification of specific [...]

Samples of  kiwifruit pollen collected from the Bay of Plenty and South Auckland in 2009 and 2010  contain DNA from the bacteria that causes vine canker — Pseudomonas syringae pv actinidiae (Psa) — and researchers say there is now evidence that the  disease incursion originated in China. In recent years New Zealand imported only 2kg [...]

Two new studies published in Science this week show that honey and bumble bees are negatively affected by a widely-used class of pesticides – even at supposedly safe doses. The pair of research articles examines the effects of neonicotinoid pesticides, insect neurotoxins which were introduced in the early 1990s and have now become one of the [...]

A leading New Zealand oceanographer is one of a team of international scientists warning that so many threats are converging on the world’s oceans, a global, integrated approach is urgently needed. The marine researchers, which includes NIWA biological oceanographer, Dr Julie Hall, have warned that the cost of damage to the world’s oceans from climate change [...]

A report that aims to provide scientific context for the divisive issue of water quality in New Zealand is being launched by Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment (PCE) Jan Wright at an event in Wellington today (20 March). In the report, the PCE states: “Water quality is a subject of high public concern and vigorous [...]

A new study has drawn together findings from hundreds of clinical trials to identify the most effective and safest pain relief option available to women during labour.  It finds the strongest evidence for drugs, though some non-drug methods may work and improve women’s satisfaction with their pain relief. Other popular options are not backed by [...]

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