Our Changing World

RNZ

Dr Claire Concannon follows scientists into the bush, over rivers, back to their labs and many places in-between to cover the most fascinating research being done in Aotearoa New Zealand.

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#438
Yesterday · 25 min
The PINK1 clue in Parkinson's disease
A genetic form of Parkinson’s disease is found at unusually high rates in some Pasifika communities. It affects people who are much younger than the typical Parkinson's patient. Researchers are working with patients to understand PINK1 Parkinson's, raise awareness, and explore new treatments. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more. Parkinson’s New Zealand provides information on symptoms, treatments, support services and local support groups around Aotearoa. But PINK1 sometimes presents differently, so Dr Christina Buchanan says if you’re a young Pasifika person with unusual stiffness you should talk to your GP and you can reach out to her at: Christina.Buchanan@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz Learn more: In 2023, Our Changing World explored how researchers are helping families affected by inherited neurological conditions in Aotearoa. The Neurological Foundation featured more on the PINK1 Parkinson’s discovery and ongoing research in their magazine. Nine To Noon reported on hopes that Parkinson's disease could one day be slowed or prevented through a New Zealand-led breakthrough into the biology of the disease. Katie Kenny of RNZ explains the implications of proposed changes to New Zealand's genetic technologies legislation. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
#440
October 12 · 26 min
Are GLP1 drugs worth the hype?
GLP1 - RA weight loss drugs get the Our Changing World treatment! What are they? How do they work? And what does the science say about the benefits, and the risks? Plus, beyond health outcomes, how might things change as they become more widely available? Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter here for episode backstories, science analysis and more. LEARN MORE: If you’d like a deeper understanding of how drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy affect appetite and blood sugar regulation, Emile Donovan spoke to Dr Sebastian Furness about this on Nights. Obesity genetics researcher Giles Yeo joined Afternoons to explain why body weight is influenced by much more than willpower, and why biology plays such a powerful role in hunger and weight regulation. The study that Dr Andrew Reynolds contributed to on how obesity trends are changing around the world was published in Nature. You can read the paper here. Curious about how the major incretin drugs compare? This systematic review and meta-analysis examines the effectiveness of semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide and tirzepatide for blood sugar control and other outcomes. GUESTS: Dr Andrew Reynolds, Department of Medicine, University of Otago IN THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Introduction (01:12) How GLP-1 receptor agonists were developed as treatments for type 2 diabetes (03:55) The biology of incretins, insulin, glucagon and how these drugs work (07:20) The drugs available and funded in New Zealand (11:34) Weight loss benefits, side effects and questions about long-term use (20:30) Retatrutide, future incretin therapies and the emerging “Ozempic economy” Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
#439
October 5 · 26 min
Black robin: From the brink to Bird of the Year
In September, the Chatham Island black robin was crowned Bird of the Year 2026. This small, round and feisty manu has a remarkable comeback story, from just five birds in 1979 to about 400 today. They are found on just two predator-free islands in the Chatham group. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
#437
September 28 · 26 min
The science quest for a green ammonia catalyst
Over a hundred years ago Fritz Haber and Carl Bosch discovered a way to produce ammonia that revolutionised farming. It changed the world. But today this way of making ammonia uses between 1-2% of the world's global energy, and produces about the same greenhouse gas emissions as the whole airline industry. Is there a better way? A team at Earth Sciences New Zealand are on the hunt for a catalyst that could convert water and air into ammonia using renewable electricity. Their dream is to enable efficient and economical small-scale ammonia production, but to get there they must first prove the chemistry is possible. Over a hundred years ago Fritz Haber and Carl Bosch discovered a way to produce ammonia that would revolutionise farming. It changed the world. But today synthetic ammonia production uses between 1-2% of the world global energy, and produces about the same greenhouse gas emissions as the whole airline industry. Is there a better way to make it? A team at Earth Sciences New Zealand are on the hunt for a catalyst that could convert water and air into ammonia using renewable electricty. Their dream is to enable efficient and economical small-scale ammonia production, but to get there they must first prove the chemistry is possible. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
#433
September 21 · 26 min
Searching sand dunes for lizards
Over 80% of our coastal dune ecosystems have been lost. So, what about the native species living with them? Ayana Piper-Healion steps into Bream Bay’s sand dunes with a monitoring team to see what lizards can tell us about the health of the sand dunes. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more. Learn more: To find out more on what the local critics think about the Bream Bay Sand Extraction Project’s fast-track application, RNZ’s Peter de Graaf reported on a protest there earlier this year. Further north, Saturday Morning reported on significant damage being caused to dunes by thrill seekers driving vehicles through them. Another region dealing with threatened dunes is Waimarama, where weeds are spreading from people fly-dumping garden waste. In the Hawke’s Bay, the ‘Skink Squad’ are on a mission to save the northern spotted skinks in preparation for an infrastructure project. In 2021, Our Changing World did a deep dive into dune plants and the largest supplier of plants for dune revegetation programs. Guests: Steve Johnson, Patuharakeke Te Pou Taiao Ari Carrington, resource co-ordinator at Patuharakeke Te Pou Taiao Katrina Hansen, biodiversity specialist Northland Regional Council Laura Shaft, biodiversity manager Northland Regional Council Brooke Gray, biodiversity advisor Northland Regional Council Richard Griffiths, coastal scientist Northland Regional Council Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
#436
September 14 · 20 min
Ireland's experience of H5/N1 bird flu: A conversation with Niall Hatch
Highly pathogenic H5/N1 bird flu strain has been detected in New Zealand, but it's still early days. There are lots of unknowns about when it will start spreading here, and how our wildlife will react to the virus. But what has happened in other countries? Claire Concannon speaks to Niall Hatch of BirdWatch Ireland about what they've experienced. SHOW NOTES: Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more. LEARN MORE: The Great Ireland Vs New Zealand Bird-Off took place across two episodes in 2023, during the time when bird flu has having a huge impact on Irish seabirds. Listen to them here: Part 1, Part 2. Read this RNZ explainer about what the confirmation of H5N1 in New Zealand means for wildlife, poultry and the public. Revisit the 2025 Our Changing World episode Getting ready for H5N1 bird flu, which traced the virus’s global spread and New Zealand’s preparations for its arrival. For more on Irish birds and wildlife with Niall Hatch and Ricky Whelan, you can listen to BirdWatch Ireland’s podcast: In Your Nature. GUESTS: Niall Hatch, BirdWatch Ireland. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
#435
September 14 · 29 min
H5/N1 bird flu is here, what does this mean for our wildlife?
After years of watching it move closer, the highly pathogenic H5/N1 strain of bird flu has arrived on our shores. It has left a trail of devastation, causing mass mortality events in many birds and mammal species. What do we know about this virus and how is one high-risk site preparing to manage the impacts? Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more… Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
#434
September 7 · 47 min
OCW Recommends: All in Her Head
Our Changing World listeners might like to check out All In Her Head, a podcast by investigative journalist Anusha Bradley exploring a complex medical syndrome, and the grey areas where medicine, belief and scientific evidence collide. See photos, video and read more about Rachel's story in a special digital feature: The girl who couldn’t eat: An RNZ investigation into the controversy over a debilitating illness A special thanks to the young women and their families for sharing their stories for this series. And thank you to the doctors, surgeons and specialists in New Zealand and overseas for sharing their medical knowledge and expertise. If any of these stories affect you – you can find more information about EDS, at ehlers-danlos.org.nz - or you can look up EDS NEW ZEALAND on Facebook and Instagram. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
#431
August 31 · 27 min
Could we de-extinct the moa?
Our Changing World takes a deep dive into controversial plans by US company Colossal Biosciences, backed by filmmaker Peter Jackson, to de-extinct the Moa. In part one of a two-part series, Sharon Brettkelly looks at whether it CAN be done. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more. LEARN MORE: Colossal Biosciences claims they have de-extincted the dire wolf, from CNN. More detail on Colossal Biosciences’ artificial egg. Listen to Kathryn Ryan speaking with ‘Mr Moa’ - paleozoologist Trevor Worthy about his long career. Auckland Museum research associate Daniel Thomas talks to Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira about the discovery of million year old moa footprints. GUESTS: Dr Andrew Pask, Chief Biology Officer, Colossal Biosciences Associate Professor Nic Rawlence, Director of Otago Palaeogenetics Laboratory, University of Otago. IN THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Could we bring the moa back? (02:30) Sequencing the moa genome (06:00) DNA data (08:00) The artificial egg breakthrough (10:20) How a "moa" would actually be created (12:30) Critics challenge the science (17:20) The conservation implications (22:00) Māori consultation questions (23:51) Will we ever see moa roaming again? (26:08) Coming up in Part 2 Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
#432
August 31 · 31 min
Should we de-extinct the moa?
Our Changing World takes a deep dive into controversial plans by US company Colossal Biosciences, backed by filmmaker Peter Jackson, to de-extinct the Moa. In part two of a two-part series, Sharon Brettkelly looks at whether it SHOULD be done. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more. LEARN MORE: Check out this explainer from Katie Kenny for the proposed Gene Technology changes. RNZ’s Monique Steel looks at who is backing the stalled Gene Technology Bill. Listen as Kathryn Ryan talks to Kennedy Warne about how de-extincting the moa might fit with conservation efforts. Ben Novak talks to RNZ’s Saturday Morning show about de-extincting the passenger pigeon. GUESTS: Professor Amanda Black, Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, Lincoln University and Director of Bioprotection Aotearoa. Professor Phillip Wilcox, bioethicist and quantitative geneticist, University of Otago. Andrew Pask, Chief Biology Officer, Colossal Biosciences Associate Professor Nic Rawlence, Director of Otago Palaeogenetics Laboratory, University of Otago. IN THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Should we bring moa back? (01:36) Colossal’s plan to bring back moa (03:00) Who benefits from de-extinction (07:33) Māori perspectives, consent and data sovereignty (10:55) Could New Zealand stop the project? (14:43) Considering all the aspects of de-extinction (18:30) De-extinction vortex and the ethics of breeding and consultation… Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
#430
August 24 · 26 min
Cold water swimming: panacea or peril?
Cold plunges and cold water swimming are increasingly popular, with big benefit claims being made on social media. But is submerging yourself in frigid water actually good for you? Claire Concannon joins a team of researchers at the 2026 New Zealand and Oceania Ice Swimming Championships in Alexandra as they try to get some better data about both the risks and potential benefits. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more. IN THIS EPISODE: (00:00) Introduction – the rise of cold water swimming. (01:06) The 2026 New Zealand and Oceania Ice Swimming Championships in Alexandra. (02:00) Competitor Susan Sherwen on why she ice swims. (05:10) How researchers track swimmers’ core temperature, stroke rate and perceptions of cold. (07:30) Prof Jim Cotter on cold shock, hypothermia and afterdrop. (12:00) The recovery room – Steven and Susan after their swim. (17:30) Potential benefits and what the research says. (20:30) Blood samples and looking for brain health proteins. (23:40) Potential mental health benefits… Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
#426
August 17 · 30 min
A precious piece of sediment, and what it says about our future
After years of preparation and effort an international team have succeeded in recovering over 200 metres of sediment from below the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. Claire Concannon visits the sediment core analysis team in Dunedin to find out how mud, rocks and microfossils can tell the story of ice growth and retreat across time. And as we look towards our warmer future, what will this mean for sea level rise? Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more. In this episode: (00:00) Introduction to Antarctica, the West Antarctic Ice Sheet and the SWAIS2C drilling project. (02:18) Recovering a sediment core from beneath 523 metres of ice at Crary Ice Rise. (04:00) Professor Richard Levy on the early steps of processing the core (07:50) Sedimentologist Georgia Grant explains how rocks reveal the advance and retreat of ancient ice sheets. (14:33) Dating the core using paleomagnetism and microscopic fossils such as diatoms. (22:45) Evidence for past periods of open water and warmer climates in West Antarctica. (25:40) The co-chief scientists on what the findings mean… Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
#429
August 10 · 26 min
Solar on the go and feeding the world in a catastrophe
There’s a lot of chat about solar panels for our rooftops, but where else might it make sense to put them? Claire Concannon visits the University of Canterbury’s Electric Power Engineering Centre to learn about their involvement in a big European project exploring the use of solar panels on vehicles and in car parks. Plus, she speaks to one researcher who is focused on planning for global catastrophes. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more.… Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
#428
August 3 · 25 min
High powered magnets, and making steel with hydrogen
At the Robinson Research Institute in Wellington, researchers are developing powerful superconducting magnets for space, fusion and MRI applications. Claire Concannon visits the labs to learn about a small magnet’s trip to the International Space Station, and how much bigger magnets are powering nuclear fusion research. She also meets the team working on a hydrogen-based way to make iron from New Zealand iron sand, removing carbon dioxide emissions from the first step of steelmaking. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more. Learn more: Listen back to Our Changing World’s 2023 episode on plasma rockets in space, featuring the Paihau – Robinson Research Institute team’s work on superconducting magnets for plasma thrusters. Read Our Changing World’s story on OpenStar Technologies and its New Zealand approach to nuclear fusion. Learn more about CullBeck’s demonstration site plans for the hydrogen-based ironmaking technology. The New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology now has a website. Guests: Professor Nick Long, Director of the Robinson Research Institute, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Dr Nick Strickland, Principal Scientist, Robinson Research Institute, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Professor Chris Bumby, Robinson Research Institute, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Ben Rumsey, Senior Research Engineer / Specialist, Robinson Research Institute, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. In this episode: (00:00) Professor Nick Long on watching the Hēki magnet arrive at the International Space Station (04:20) Dr Nick Strickland on making superconducting magnets robust and useful (08:38) Fusion magnets and future research questions for Open Star Technologies… Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
#427
July 27 · 25 min
Electric motors for future flight
To get electric passenger planes in the skies requires powerful electric motors, but they must also be small and light. Some kiwi scientists think they could have a solution. Claire Concannon heads to a warehouse in Petone to learn about the promise of high temperature superconducting magnets to make electric motors for airplanes. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more. In this episode: 00:00 - Where are our electric planes? 01:00 - The challenge of aviation electrification. 02:48 - The history of the Robinson Research Institute and useful properties of superconductors. 07:00 - The establishment of the New Zealand Institute of Advanced Technology 08:30 - The advantage of superconducting motors for aviation. 11:15 - Airbus’ plans for a future electric plane 12:05 - Warehouse tour and levitation bearings for future motors 14:04 - Basic motor design and characterising AC losses in superconductors. 21:26 - Testing a superconducting generator with Air New Zealand… Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
#424
July 20 · 26 min
An Antarctic adventure, and a book return
Join a group of young explorers as they journey to Antarctica to return a copy of The Count of Monte Cristo to Discovery Hut. Along the way they visit other historic huts to learn about triumphs and tragedies of the 'Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration'. This is an edit of the Antarctic Heritage Trust's '77 Degrees South' podcast. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more. Learn more: The full Antarctic Heritage Trust 77 Degrees South podcast can be found on their website. The AHT also previously made a podcast about restoring Scott's Terra Nova Hut, and an edit of that was also aired on Our Changing World. Guests: Producer: Maia Ingoe Narrator: Jake Bailey Sound design and music: Calum Turner Inspiring explorers: Kitiona Pelasio, Louise Piggin, Lucy Hayes-Stevenson, Ngaiwai Clendon, Daniel Bornstein Guest contributor: Al Fastier Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
#425
July 13 · 25 min
New tech aimed at improving heart health at home
Every 90 minutes a New Zealander dies from heart disease. Liz Garton meets the team at the Institute of Biomedical Technologies is developing new products to help monitor heart health in the home to try to change those terrible statistics. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more. Learn more: The Detail recently looked into the deadly heart disease that creeps up on you. In March, Guyon Espiner spoke with Dr Philip Shirely about how an annual flu vaccine can reduce the risk of heart issues. Kate Green’s investigation into health insurance in May, showed heart disease is one of the biggest drivers of claims. Dr Claire Concannon visited the CoRE Pūtahi Manawa to find out what they’re doing to address heart health inequities, in 2022. Guests: Professor Andrew Lowe, Dr Tet Chuan Lee, Matin Khalili, Institute of Biomedical Technologies, Auckland University of Technology. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
#423
July 6 · 26 min
Building a nation-wide model of landslide risk
Out of all of New Zealand’s natural hazards, landslides have resulted in the greatest loss of life since written records began. Pulling in data from decades of landslide research, a team at Earth Sciences New Zealand are now developing national models of landslide risk for both slow- and fast-moving landslides, to help New Zealand plan for, and respond to, major landslide events. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more. Learn more: Other researchers at Earth Sciences New Zealand are also investigating underwater landslides, which have the potential to cause tsunami hazards. In January In-Depth reporter Kirsty Johnston investigated the gap between what New Zealand spends on disaster recovery and climate preparation. Jesse Mulligan revisited the Abbotsford disaster in 2019 with Sarah Johnston from Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision. Landslides are one of the threats that are monitored 24/7 by the National Geohazard Monitoring Centre. Guests: Dr Chris Massey, Dr Saskia deVilder, Dr Sam McColl, Earth Sciences New Zealand. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
#422
June 30 · 27 min
Meet the Prime Minister's science prize winners
A team that developed a brain cooling treatment for oxygen-deprived babies, a young scientist who created a helpful backseat driver app, a Māori kaiako encouraging her students to weave traditional design and contemporary materials, a paleobiologist communicating about the issues around de-extinction and a researcher investigating how much climate change contributes to extreme weather events: We meet the 2025 Prime Minister's Science Prize winners! Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more.… Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
#421
June 22 · 27 min
Analysing ash, and Vanuatu's volcanoes
New Zealand is a land formed by volcanoes, including some still active. Claire Concannon meets a researcher analysing ash deposits to determine if a future eruption might have dangerous levels of hazardous chemicals. Plus, she learns about a voyage to Vanuatu and the Solomen Islands to study the gases and ash of an active volcanic chain there. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more. Learn more: Researchers continue to study New Zealand’s active volcanoes like Whakaari and Ruapehu to try to understand their patterns of eruptions. When Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha‘apai, just north of Tonga’s main island, erupted in 2022 it caused a worldwide tsunami. Ellen Rykers dug into the science behind the phenomenon. The work of the National Geohazard Monitoring Centre is to keep on eye on earthquake, volcano, landslide and tsunami hazards 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Auckland is built on a network of volcanoes, and underground lava caves. Guests: Dr Jenni Hopkins, Victoria University of Wellington Dr Ian Schipper, Volcano Waka Lab Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

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