Blood
Winter illnesses and COVID causing blood donor problems
Donations of blood and plasma is being severely impacted by winter illness, with over 30% of donors cancelling and rescheduling their appointments. New Zealand Blood Service's Asuka Burge talks to… Audio
Why our bones are a lot more than just scaffolding
As part of the musculoskeletal system, our bones work with muscles and joints to hold our body together and support movement. But our bones do so much more than provide support for our body. Professor… Audio
How biometrics can be a force for good and ill
Leading forensic anthropologist Professor Dame Sue Black steadfastly refuses to use her fingerprints to open things like her phone, but she is supportive of a future where biometrics can unlock… Audio
How biometrics can be a force for good and ill
Leading forensic anthropologist Professor Dame Sue Black steadfastly refuses to use her fingerprints to open things like her phone, but she is supportive of a future where biometrics can unlock… Audio
Blood Service urges NZers - roll up sleeves if you can
The squeeze could go on blood donors under peak Omicron, with thousands of people catching the virus or having to isolate as contacts.
The Blood Service is keen to get stockpiles above usual levels… Video, Audio
How to manage pain better through diet
Rowena Field is a PhD student in the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney whose just-completed thesis investigated the effects of a low-carb ketogenic diet on chronic pain. Audio
Shortage of pulse oximeters demonstrates wider issues: GPs
The College of GPs says a nationwide shortage of pulseoximeters is an example of the need for a clear pathway on how community covid cases should be managed. Pulseoximeters measure the amount of… Audio
Why some people need less sleep than others
Ever wondered how some people are able to function optimally on just a few hours' sleep, while others still find themselves feeling a lot less than ideal after a solid eight hour shift? Those lucky… Audio
Testosterone's link to men's success questioned in new study
It's a commonly-held belief that your testosterone can affect where you end up in life. However, a new study claims that higher levels of testosterone in men doesn't give them an edge. Study author… Audio
How fruit and veg may reduce risk of cognitive decline
A new study that followed 80,000 middle-aged people for more than 20 years has found that those who consumed the most flavonoids significantly reduce the risk of experiencing early signs of cognitive… Audio
NZ Blood Service desperate for blood, plasma
It's a code red for the NZ blood Service. About 30,000 people a year need the life saving gift of blood and plasma.
And the service needs more people to put their hands up and arms out to keep up… Video, Audio
Why we should embrace our fidgeting tendencies
The fidget spinner craze has come and gone, and now bubble poppers are doing the rounds, but it's not just kids who are doing the fidgeting. Children and adults alike use fidget devices of some sort… Audio
Professor Gary McLean on the longevity of Covid-19 immunity
New Zealand Professor Gary McLean is with us to look at all of the latest news relating to the Covid-19 pandemic, including what the longevity of immunity is likely to be and how Covid-19 has become a… Audio
Unearthing the strangest books ever written
Edward Brooke-Hitching has rare books running through his veins. His new book The Madman's Library delves into the world of unusual tomes, from a Koran written in the blood of Saddam Hussein to a book… Audio, Gallery
The ban on blood donations by gay men
New Zealand is making inroads to change the rules regarding blood donation by gay and bisexual men.Dr Peter Saxton from Auckland University's School of Population Health talks to Emile about the… Audio
Covid-19 update with Professor Gary McLean
New research suggests that people with blood type O could be less likely to get sick with Covid-19. New Zealand professor Gary McLean joins the show to discuss the topic of blood group susceptibility.
…Breastfeeding hormone makes new fathers better dads
A major new study out of the University of Otago shows that fathers of newborn babies can be forgiven for feeling a little hormonal. It turns out that they are being flooded by the same chemical as a… Audio
The 'daunting process' of creating a Covid-19 vaccine
A vaccine for Covid-19 could be developed in the next 18 months, but it could be longer depending on how the virus mutates, the head of the Human Vaccines Project says Audio
Professor Gary McLean: 'No age group is immune from Covid-19'
Gary McLean is a professor in molecular immunology and infectious diseases specialist. He says things are being done well here in relation to the spread of Covid-19, but offers a stark warning that it… Audio
Why older people should be able to change their age
Should people who look and act younger than they are be legally allowed to change their age in order to avoid ageism and discrimination? Joona Räsänen is a bioethicist at the University of Oslo in… Audio