Birds around the world are singing for nearly an hour longer on average due to light pollution, a global study finds. Millions of birdsong recordings including some from NZ's North Island were used in the study, just published in the journal Science. The researchers found that light pollution had| www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz
Negotiators have failed to agree on a legally-binding global plastics treaty at the UN. The treaty was an attempt to curb the effects of the 450 megatonnes of plastic produced every year. Of that plastic, just 10% will be recycled, a significant chunk will end up in landfill, and some of it will be| www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz
This week, the US Health Department announced the cancellation of several mRNA vaccine development contracts. The cuts and restructuring of collaborations affect 22 projects worth about half a billion US dollars, and no new mRNA projects will be funded. The US Secretary of Health, Robert F. Ke| www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz
Surveys of over 20,000 UK adults show that childhood verbal abuse is associated with similar risks of poor adult mental health to physical abuse. While experience of childhood physical abuse has halved over recent decades, down to 10% of respondents born after 2000, verbal abuse has increased. Ro| www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz
Details of new changes to research funding under sweeping science sector reforms have been released today. The briefing confirms that set up of the NZ Institute for Advanced Technology will be paid for through reallocated science funding, including long-term reductions to specific public research f| www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz
An analysis of over 6.5 million cardiovascular disease hospitalisations in six countries, including NZ, finds a persistent increased risk of hospitalisations after tropical cyclones. The rate of hospitalisations for six types of cardiovascular disease, like heart disease and stroke, tended to peak| www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz
A new proposal would replace NCEA Level 1 with a foundational award, and change the assessment system for Levels 2 & 3. The proposal has a focus on structured learning, with compulsory language and mathematics subjects at Year 11. For the Year 12 and 13 qualifications, students would receive su| www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz
NZ's four major electricity generators are establishing a "strategic energy reserve" – a ten-year stockpile of fuel. The government says this will improve energy security and result in lower power prices, particularly during high winter electricity demand and when renewable generation is low.| www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz
