Latest from Natural Science

Explorer above and below waves

The final portion has been raised to build oceanographer Jacques Rougerie's gigantic, solar-powered, floating aquatic observation vessel.

Warming climate likely to increase tropical weed threat

Field trials have demonstrated for the first time how the threat of invasive tropical weeds is likely to increase as our climate warms.

Dog-gone king tides drag out

Motorists and beach-goers are again being urged to keep an eye on a king tide that has caused issues in recent days.

Cavers discover our deepest secret

It's taken more than 50 years but the deepest cave system in the Southern Hemisphere has been found - in New Zealand.

Mysterious light columns come from ice

Light show after solar flare

Scientists monitoring solar activity believe a mass ejection of particles from the sun could mean people in some parts of Britain and North America are treated to a rare glimpse of the Aurora Borealis over the next few hours.

Sea floor map stuns experts

Revelations from 3D imaging study may prompt rethink on origins of vast underwater ridge east of Auckland.

NZ's warming up - expert

Last year was New Zealand's second warmest on record and more above-average temperatures are in store this year, says climate scientist Dr Jim Salinger.

Scientists blast reform plan for waterways

A national body representing freshwater scientists has joined other experts in hitting out at shortcomings in new government reforms to improve the controversial state of our waterways.

NZ grants awarded to study robins, gut bacteria and matter physics

Scientists studying North Island robins, bowel bacteria and condensed matter physics are among the winners of prestigious research fellowships announced this morning.

Fatal Philippines typhoon

One of the strongest storms on record slammed into the central Philippines, killing at least four people, forcing hundreds of thousands from their homes.

Chris de Freitas: Our humble cows help make the world a cooler place

A recent discovery that agricultural practices help form clouds could change the way we see New Zealand's environmental performance.

Giant waves pose huge risks

New report which rewrites danger level across the country requires big changes to civil defence readiness.

Andrew Hammond: Tide turning on climate change

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has released the most comprehensive ever study on global warming, prepared by more than 200 scientists over two years.

NZ coast exposed to greater tsunami risk

A large tsunami generated very close to the coast of New Zealand would arrive before warning sirens could be activated, a new report has found.

Sunpower plan to cut gases

Two of Britain's leading scientists have urged the setting up of a world programme to generate solar electricity that is cheaper than fossil fuel power by 2025.