Four alcoholic patients fitted with brain microchips as part of NZ research into addiction have seen their cravings for alcohol dramatically reduce.

One of the country's foremost concussion experts has called the publication of research linking rugby concussion and long-term difficulties a "game-changer".

Scientists are excited about the possibility a new planet orbiting around our sun's closest neighbour may have an atmosphere.

Eduardo Rodriguez, a surgeon at NYU Langone who led the team, said the recovery "surpassed all of our expectations".

Humans have been driving global warming for nearly two centuries, finds a new study showing climate change isn't just a 20th century phenomenon.

The European Southern Observatory's Director General on Wednesday announced the discovery of an Earth-like planet orbiting the Sun's closest stellar neighbor.

What we know about diseases as common as cancer, diabetes and dementia could be transformed in the wake of ground-breaking findings by a team of Kiwi researchers.

Experts answer questions around the aquifers that provide our drinking water and how they can become contaminated.

An intrepid Kiwi photojournalist has been given a rare glimpse inside the illegal world of mining and selling woolly mammoth tusks.

When Otzi the Iceman was discovered in 1991, his 5300-year-old body had been remarkably well preserved by his glacial tomb.

COMMENT: As the Olympics come to a close this weekend, you may be surprised to know that this year's gold medals actually contain very little gold.

What does the 1960s Beatles hit Girl have in common with Astor Piazolla's tango composition Libertango?

New theory explains how an asteroid wiped out most of life on earth.

A Kiwi scientist is just one small step away from becoming a Nasa astronaut after being invited for an interview.

Canterbury University's Dr Sarah Kessans, who has made it to the final round of interviews for Nasa's astronaut programme, sits down for a quick Q&A.

Cutting-edge software trialled by Auckand University researchers could help achieve New Zealand's bold goal of becoming predator-free by 2050.

A little google eyed sea creature is so cute it looks like a child's toy,

From vitamin C and echinacea to warm clothes and antibacterial soap, there's no shortage of ideas about how to prevent and manage colds and flu.

This company can help humans win the race against artificial intelligence by putting a chip in their heads.

Scientific proof that Americans basically eat dessert for breakfast

A medical trial to discover whether it is possible to extend the lifespan of pet dogs has shown early signs of success.

Weight-loss surgery is an effective option for obese patients with type-2 diabetes, a New Zealand study has found.

A 30-year study has found European and Polynesian gene pools are different and should be treated separately when matching tissues for transplants or prescribing medicines.

A rice cooker that runs on manure is among the inventions a group of Kiwi innovators are using to improve the lives of villagers in developing countries.

Researchers find a new way to reveal tiny traces of cancer in the body, in a study that could allow clinicians to treat tumours while still barely detectable.

If you worry that people today are using social media as a crutch for a real social life, a new study will set you at ease.

COMMENT: As bigger becomes the new "normal", people are less likely to recognise health problems associated with their weight.

Have flippers, will travel. Kiwi scientists tracking two species of penguin were astounded to find some swam 15,000km in just six months.

Can tales of fantasy provide real, useful coping mechanisms to kids muddling through difficult times?

COMMENT: The Auckland University researchers behind a controversial fish oil study published last month outline five key facts about it.