Medsafe has expanded access to the psychedelic drug psilocybin, and the sleep hormone melatonin. The change means melatonin will be available for purchase at pharmacies with no prescription, and psilocybin can be prescribed by a highly experienced psychiatrist for patients with treatment-resistant| www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz
New Zealand will replace its traditional nationwide census with a new data collection approach from 2030. Statistics Minister Dr Shane Reti said the new approach will use existing administrative records alongside a smaller annual survey and targeted studies. The Science Media Centre asked exper| www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz
The Environmental Protection Authority is being taken to court over its decision not to re-assess the pesticide glyphosate. The Environmental Law Initiative is arguing that there is enough new evidence around the human health and environmental effects of glyphosate, or Roundup, to warrant a reasses| www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz
A five-year plan aiming to tackle New Zealand's "stubbornly high suicide rates" has been released today. The plan includes new strategies like peer support roles for mental health patients in emergency departments, and crisis recovery cafés so people don't have to resort to a hospital and can recei| www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz
A 787 Dreamliner aircraft carrying 242 people crashed last night (NZ time) shortly after taking off in the city of Ahmedabad in western India. The airline, Air India, said 229 passengers and 12 crew members were killed in the crash; it has confirmed there is one survivor. The flight was bound for L| www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz
