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Science Media Centre NZ
Our aim is to promote accurate, evidence-based reporting on science and technology by helping the media work more closely with the scientific community.
The Science Media Centre is New Zealand's only trusted, independent source of information for the media on all issues related to science. Thousands of news stories providing context from and quoting New Zealand researchers have been published as a direct result of our work.
Science Media Centre NZ - Latest News [Page 30]
New COVID-19 Cases – Expert Reaction
Tuesday, 16 June 2020, 5:16 pm | Science Media Centre
Two new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in New Zealand, both linked to international travel. The two women arrived from the UK together on the 7th of June, and were granted a compassionate exemption from isolation to travel to Wellington ... More >>
COVID-19 Testing And The Pacific Border – Expert Reaction
Friday, 12 June 2020, 1:42 pm | Science Media Centre
With no active COVID-19 cases in New Zealand, the next frontier is our borders. While the concept of a 'trans-Tasman bubble' with Australia was floated first, the Cook Islands has since suggested starting a safe travel zone with New Zealand. The ... More >>
Rheumatic Fever Recurrences - Expert Reaction
Friday, 12 June 2020, 8:38 am | Science Media Centre
Most New Zealanders who suffered a repeated bout of rheumatic fever between 2010-14 were young adults, or had stopped their medication, according to a new study.The research also found recurrences were strongly associated with severe rheumatic heart ... More >>
Antarctic Science Shrunk For COVID-19 - Expert Reaction
Tuesday, 9 June 2020, 3:48 pm | Science Media Centre
Antarctica New Zealand is limiting its activities in the world's only COVID-19-free continent, in an effort to keep it that way. This field season, the organisation will support only long-term science monitoring programmes in the vicinity of Scott ... More >>
No Active COVID-19 Cases In New Zealand - Expert Reaction
Monday, 8 June 2020, 2:01 pm | Science Media Centre
The Ministry of Health has today announced that there are no active cases of COVID-19 in New Zealand. The final coronavirus patient has been symptom free for 48 hours and is regarded as recovered. This makes New Zealand the first significantly affected ... More >>
Funding For R&D In New Zealand – Expert Reaction
Wednesday, 3 June 2020, 1:14 pm | Science Media Centre
Research, Science and Innovation Minister Dr Megan Woods has today announced $401.3 million funding for research and development through Budget 2020 and the COVID Response and Recovery Fund. The fund includes $150 million for an R&D loan scheme, ... More >>
Understanding 5G Concerns – Expert Q&A
Friday, 29 May 2020, 12:51 pm | Science Media Centre
Recent attacks on cell phone towers have brought concerns over the rollout of 5G technology into sharp relief. While scientific research has consistently shown that the technology does not adversely affect human health , public concerns about its ... More >>
UPDATED Action For Healthy Waterways Package - Expert Reaction V2
Thursday, 28 May 2020, 1:47 pm | Science Media Centre
The Government has announced new rules and regulations to clean up New Zealand’s waterways and protect them from future pollution. The Action for Healthy Waterways package sets higher standards around the cleanliness of swimming spots, includes ... More >>
Action For Healthy Waterways - Expert Reaction
Thursday, 28 May 2020, 12:39 pm | Science Media Centre
The Action for Healthy Waterways package sets higher standards around the cleanliness of swimming spots, includes a new bottom line for nitrogen toxicity, sets controls for farming practices like winter grazing and how much synthetic fertiliser ... More >>
Government Releases Contact Tracing App - Expert Reaction
Wednesday, 20 May 2020, 4:30 pm | Science Media Centre
The New Zealand Government has released a contact tracing app to help people keep a record of their movements amidst Alert Level 2. The announcement comes after weeks of uncertainty regarding when, and if, it would arrive and what technology ... More >>
Tamariki Head Back To School - Expert Reaction
Sunday, 17 May 2020, 4:50 pm | Science Media Centre
Schools and Early Learning Centres will re-open tomorrow under Alert Level 2 All children can go to school or Early Learning Services, with the exception of those who are sick, showing COVID-19 symptoms, in isolation, or awaiting for the result ... More >>
Budget 2020: Expert Reactions
Thursday, 14 May 2020, 4:48 pm | Science Media Centre
The Government has published its Budget 2020 'Rebuilding Together' this afternoon, announcing a $50 billion to deliver a COVID-19 response and economic recovery plan. Among several announcements, the Budget includes a $3 billion infrastructure investment ... More >>
Viral Mutations, Lineages, And Strains – Expert Reaction
Wednesday, 13 May 2020, 2:40 pm | Science Media Centre
A pre-print study says there is a new, quickly spreading mutation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The study – which has no t been peer reviewed – also suggests the mutations could affect vaccine or treatment development. The SMC asked experts to comment on ... More >>
Tip-toeing out of lockdown
Friday, 8 May 2020, 3:45 pm | Science Media Centre
Promising milestones and a glimpse of life at Level 2 has raised hopes - but is it too soon to ease restrictions? More >>
Science Journalism Fund COVID-19 winners awarded
Friday, 8 May 2020, 3:38 pm | Science Media Centre
Seven new projects will be funded in the special COVID-19 round of the Aotearoa New Zealand Science Journalism Fund. More >>
Tourism in a trans-Tasman bubble – Expert Reaction
Thursday, 7 May 2020, 9:16 am | Science Media Centre
The Prime Minister’s commitment to a “COVID-safe Travel Zone” between Australia and New Zealand could give our tourism industry a key opportunity to recover from the impact of the pandemic. More >>
Closing Coronavirus Clusters – Expert Reaction
Tuesday, 5 May 2020, 1:09 pm | Science Media Centre
The Ministry of Health closed two COVID-19 clusters at the weekend, meaning there have been no transmissions from them in 28 days. Thirteen of the sixteen clusters are still considered active, although many have not seen a new case in a significant ... More >>
Zero New Cases Of COVID-19 - Expert Reaction
Monday, 4 May 2020, 5:32 pm | Science Media Centre
For the first day in months, there have been no newly detected cases of COVID-19 in New Zealand. While Ministry of Health Director-General Dr Ashley Bloomfield called the figure "encouraging," he said the real test would come later ... More >>
The Latest On Potential COVID-19 Treatments - Expert Reaction
Thursday, 30 April 2020, 4:50 pm | Science Media Centre
The US is considering fast-tracking the antiviral drug remdesivir for use in treating COVID-19 patients. However, two studies announced today give conflicting results on the drug's effectiveness. Meanwhile the pool of evidence around other ... More >>
Unusual COVID-19 Symptoms - Expert Reaction
Thursday, 30 April 2020, 4:28 pm | Science Media Centre
The Ministry of Health has updated its definition of COVID-19 symptoms to include a loss of smell. New suspected symptoms continue to be reported across the world, including reports of Kawasaki disease in children with COVID-19 in the ... More >>
