ScienceNZ - The Value of Science Discovery
Science Value
Scion: Pathway to biofuels through forests
Energy from forests is one of New Zealand's best options for producing its own biofuels is the conclusion of Scion's second "Bioenergy Options for New Zealand" report.
The report says that forestry "slash" and other waste streams, as well as purpose-grown "energy forests" can be environmentally sustainable and can make New Zealand self-sufficient in transport biofuels.
The report says that forestry "slash" and other waste streams, as well as purpose-grown "energy forests" can be environmentally sustainable and can make New Zealand self-sufficient in transport biofuels.
New Value
Freshwater fish finder
A new NIWA study answers questions on 'what lives where?' in our freshwater habitats.
Know your beach with Coastal Explorer
Coastal Explorer is a new NIWA web tool to help people understand beaches, manage coastal hazards, and safeguard lives & property.
New measurement standards keeping shellfish safe
IRL's Measurement Standards Laboratory has developed a new metrology-based test to facilitate worldwide acceptance of a far more efficient, accurate and sensitive method of detecting toxins in shellfish.
Analysing water quality data just got easier
A new software programme for analysing water quality data, ‘Time Trends’, has been released by NIWA.
Crown Research Institute success in MacDiarmid Awards
Two Scion scientists have won recognition in the MacDiarmid Young Scientists of the Year Awards. Karen Love won the Master's Award while Dr Tripti Singh was runner-up in the Adding Value to Nature category.
Irish wasp here to stay...
But not in Northland, according to AgResearch.
Fresh produce success demands value over volume
Research and innovation will help horticulture become a $10b industry says HortResearch Acting CEO Dr Bruce Campbell.
First fruits from new collaboration
The US food industry samples the first new natural fruit flavours to emerge from collaboration between HortResearch and US-based flavour house Blue Pacific.
AgResearch snuggles into wool
AgResearch is buying a majority shareholding in Covita Ltd and a minority holding in Paraco Ltd from Wool Equities.
Test checks if vegetables are "organic"
In the expanding market for organic produce, how do you prove that only organic fertilisers have been used? New Zealand's GNS Science has developed what is believed to be the first independent test.
'Cow bidet' wins 2008 Fieldays award
A drafting and teat spraying system developed by IRL and Rotorua company Technipharm has been awarded Innovation Centre Equipment Entry of the Year at the 2008 Mystery Creek Fieldays.
Keeping the natural goodness when scaling-up production
Natural skin and health-care company The Herb Farm is now meeting client demands in New Zealand and considering export markets, following a successful scaling-up of its production line.
Exotic new mushroom crop commercially harvested
Throw together top scientists from Crop & Food Research, mix in a company prepared to invest in an exotic new crop, and you have got a recipe for a brand new export industry.
Software solution to help farmers meet Kyoto
A smart software solution developed by MAF, AgResearch and FertResearch will enable farmers across the country to accurately estimate their greenhouse gas emissions and help New Zealand comply with its obligations under the Kyoto Protocol.
Unique fabrics showcase NZ agri-science
Project Aho, the premier feature of ‘The Science of Farming’ exhibit at the National Fieldays, is a unique partnership between AgResearch, National Fieldays, University of Waikato and Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu and presents keynote research, ingenuity and clever marketing – all based on the sheep and the possum.
New Thinking
Dr Andrew West to chair Science New Zealand
Dr Andrew West, Chief Executive of AgResearch Ltd, has been elected Chairman of Science New Zealand.
Climate change - tough challenges for livestock
IRL Chief Executive Shaun Coffey says the world’s livestock industries will face a tough future as they come to grips with climate change.
New tool for better farming
Farmers have welcomed a new computer programme from Crop & Food Research. The LMI predicts the consequences of management decisions on soil quality and future productivity.
Helping Kiribati prepare for the effects of climate change
NIWA coastal specialists have recently been in Tarawa, the capital of the Republic of Kiribati, contributing to Kiribati Government initiatives to plan for the effects of climate change.
CRIs to investigate possible merger
The Boards of HortResearch and Crop & Food Research have received approval from the Minister of Research, Science & Technology Pete Hodgson to investigate merging the two organisations.
Knitting together formula for sheep farmers' prosperity
AgResearch reckons its easy-care sheep will save farmers money.
AgResearch scientists recognised for sheep research
Two Lincoln scientists have been recognised for their outstanding achievements at the AGM of the Canterbury Section of the New Zealand Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Science (NZIAHS).
Verenium and Scion awarded grant for Ethanol research
Grant will fund optimization and pilot-scale evaluation of pre-treatment and enzymatic processing technologies to make cellulosic ethanol from wood.
Fossils reveal secrets of NZ history
A new study of New Zealand's climate 42 million years ago shows a greenhouse climate with warmer seas and little or no ice in Antarctica.
NZ perspective gains audience at BIO2008
Kiwi panel asks how biotech will help NZ translate sustainability from buzzword to business.
Understanding science for smart snack choices
Nine and ten year-olds in Hamilton discovered how to match their activity levels with snack choices as part of a biotech learning experience.
Adding value is the key
Adding and capturing value in farm produce is the key to New Zealand’s future prosperity, says AgResearch.
Science or sheep?
People misheard Lord Robert Winston, says Anthony Scott. New Zealand needs more, not just reallocation, if we are to increase national productivity.
'Unusual unrest' on Ruapehu
Crater lake temperatures and gas on Mt Ruapehu remain stubbornly high, nine months after its last eruption, GNS Science says.
New chairman appointed to AgResearch board of directors
AgResearch Chief Executive Dr Andrew West today announced that Sam Robinson had been appointed as Chairman of the Crown Research Institute’s Board of Directors.
The future of agriculture: value or volume?
Dr Andrew West, Chief Executive, AgResearch Ltd 'sows the seeds' for an important discussion – should the agriculture sector’s emphasis be on value or on volume?
Newsletter takes cutting-edge science to the classroom
AgResearch has created a Science by Email newsletter to keep secondary school science teachers informed of the cutting-edge scientific advances made at New Zealand’s largest Crown Research Institute.
Volcano risk must be stressed, says scientist
Despite massive media coverage and a climber losing his leg, only a half of Ruapehu's visitors are aware of the mountain's eruption last year, a survey has found.
Bone find shows largest dinosaur lived in NZ
A fossil hunter has discovered that one of the largest known dinosaurs, a titanosaurid, almost certainly roamed New Zealand about 80 million years ago.
AgResearch and Ancare Scientific announce collaboration
Ancare Scientific and AgResearch have combined to fund the further development of a technology that has the potential to increase milk production in dairy cattle.
New dairy R&D farm in the Waikato
AgResearch has committed $6 million with the intent to create a new dairy research and development farm in the Waikato, at Tokanui just south of Te Awamutu.
AgResearch Chairman announces departure
Rick Christie has announced that after two three-year terms as AgResearch Chairman he would step down from the role on June 30.
AgResearch to support agritechnology cluster
AgResearch Chief Executive Dr Andrew West has announced that the country’s largest Crown Research Institute supported the creation of an international-quality, agritechnology cluster in the Waikato.
Science key to unlocking primary sector potential
Speaking at the opening of the 40th National Agricultural Fieldays at Mystery Creek, AgResearch Chief Executive Dr Andrew West said that scientific research was essential to the future of all New Zealanders.
NZ research leading to better foods, health
A collaboration between international quality researchers at AgResearch and the Liggins Institute has the potential to bring about major improvements in agriculture, such as lamb growth, disease resistance and milk production, and human health.
Science top of agenda at Fieldays
Tens of thousands of people descended on Mystery Creek in Hamilton on Wednesday to celebrate the farming community's biggest week of the year, Fieldays.
New Science
Gorse a potential water pollutant
It's been a thorn in the side of landowners for many years, but now new research from Scion has uncovered another reason to view gorse as a problem weed.
Invasive fanworm discovered
A new, and definitely unwanted, fanworm species has been found in Lyttleton waters.
Earthquake faulting research helps assess seismic risk
NIWA scientists have discovered there is no connection between major fault lines in the North and South islands through central Cook Strait – meaning that an earthquake fault rupture may be contained to one island if it occurred.
Scientists try new Tb-control ideas
Landcare Research scientists will trial new pest-control methods in Marlborough this spring which may pave the way for a dramatic reduction in 1080-poison use in New Zealand.
IRL partner in cancer vaccine initiative
Science and business experts in Wellington are joining forces to develop a lucrative vaccine against cancer.
Groping for a new sea harvest
As jobs go, they don't get much better than this. NIWA marine scientist Phil Heath gets paid to go fishing for monster groper.
Coloured kiwifruit just the start
Kiwifruit lovers will be like kids in a chinese gooseberry store as DNA research is released for breeding fruit with new colours, flavours and health properties.
Genetic data promises new future for kiwifruit
Kiwifruit lovers can look forward to new, novel forms of their favourite fruit thanks to the release this week of crucial genetic data which fruit breeders say will help them naturally breed new varieties with increased health properties and exciting colours and flavours.
Researchers find sustainable varroa solution
New Zealand scientists searching for sustainable, chemical free ways to combat the varroa bee mite say a naturally occurring fungus may be the best solution yet to protecting bees from the destructive pest.
Sumptuous Summerfruit targets European market niche
A $4m dollar investment in HortResearch science hopes to open a new export market for New Zealand apricots worth $15m each year.
International wine genomics project launched
HortResearch has joined researchers from NZ and Canada in a $6.5m programme that will investigate molecular aspects of key winemaking processes.
Seafood sector attracts R&D dollars
Crop & Food Research has attracted over $13 million in new funding for its well regarded and innovative seafood research programmes.
What makes Alpine Fault tick?
A group of New Zealand and international scientists are to drill into the Alpine Fault on the West Coast of the South Island, to learn about earthquakes and how the fault operates.
Paying the organic price
A world-first 10-year trial by agricultural science institute AgResearch shows hill-country sheep and beef farmers can make the change to organics without harming animal health.
Making waves work
A uniquely ‘Kiwi’ wave energy generator developed by WET-NZ – a partnership between Industrial Research Limited (IRL), and NIWA, and the Wellington power consultancy Power Projects Limited (PPL) is harnessing the power of waves in Evans Bay, Wellington.
Push for wider use of low temperature geothermal energy
Energy from 'low temperature' geothermal sources is a huge and largely untapped resource. A new research programme led by GNS Science is designed to make this form of energy more accessible.
GE trees felled but the science continues
Fifty-five genetically modified Pinus radiata were cut down today by Scion at the conclusion of their live field trial. However, environmental impacts research will continue at the site in Rotorua.
