Latest from Natural Science

Huge Tongan volcano reveals special atmospheric wave
The atmospheric wave, theorised but never proven, has eluded detection for 85 years.

The extreme 'atmospheric river' behind this week's heavy rain
Meteorologist says weather event is in-line with the expected effects of climate change.

Solved: Mystery of wattle bird evolution
Why kokako and tieke split from their South Island kin about three million years ago.

Focus: Fog blankets Auckland while winter blast brings big chill
Fog continues to blanket Auckland while heavy snow warnings have been put in place across the South Island as a cold blast sweeps up Aotearoa. Video / George Heard / NZ Herald

Want to see the world's tallest tree? It will cost you $8000
Natural wonders don't come cheap in America.

Focus Morning Bulletin: 4 August, 2022
The big question around our plan to tackle climate change, friendly fire at parliament and brazen building site thieves risking lives in the latest New Zealand Herald headlines. Video / NZ Herald

Japan's Sakurajima volcano erupts, triggering evacuation
The Meteorological Agency has raised the eruption alert to the highest level.

Quake early warning system: Would Kiwis use it properly?
Quake early warning systems give crucial seconds to prepare. Would we do the right thing?

Monarch butterflies listed as endangered
Regal insect hit by loss of habitat, herbicides and pesticides, as well as climate change.

Focus: NZ hit with a week of wild weather
Wild weather has battered most of the country this week from rain, wind to even snow, but as NIWA meteorologist Ben Noll explains it might not be a sign of what’s to come. Video / George Heard / Supplied

How communities will prepare for Alpine Fault line earthquake
How communities will prepare for Alpine Fault line earthquake. Made with Funding from NZ On Air. Video / North and South

Rare 'Smeagol' slug found
Discovery of slimy gravel maggot, named after Tolkein's Gollum, delights researchers.

'Makes them feel safer': Schoolkids using CO2 monitors to fight Covid, learn science
Experts say keeping rooms well ventilated is one of the best ways to lower Covid risk.

Alien species 'hitchhiking' to Antarctica on tourist ships, study warns
Antarctica is now more connected than ever which is bad news for its fragile ecosystem.

'Heartbreaking' Madagascar is wake-up call to climate crisis
Drought-stricken island nation a 'wake up call' to what the world can expect: UN agency.

Whakaari eruption: Volcanologist reflects as a science organisation faces charges
It will never be 100 per cent safe to visit an active volcano.

Premium: Outgoing Director General of the Department of Conservation, Lou Sanson
DOC’s Lou Sanson on loving nature. Video / NZ Herald

Opinion: Let's choose our words more carefully when discussing mātauranga Māori and science
There is no single answer to the question "what is science?".

Why disease killing our kauri might not be a new invader
Study suggesting kauri-killing scourge has been here for centuries should prompt rethink.

Woman finds 'mystical' item in second-hand bag
There were various suggestions from social media users about what the item was.