ScienceNZ - The Value of Science Discovery
Science Value
Prime Minister’s Science Prizes
Nominations for the Prime Minister's Science Prizes close on the 4th of August. The five prizes recognise the impact of science on New Zealanders' lives, celebrate the contribution of current scientists and encourage those of the future. To find out
New Value
Investment in bioplastics research pays off
Bioplastics are a small but rapidly growing niche that currently represents about 1% of the global plastics market. Their use is expected to grow by over 10% per year, with the estimated global market expected to be more than 12 million tonnes per year by 2020.
Is wood quality still relevant?
Planting forests is a long term commitment. Choosing the right trees and management regime requires good site knowledge and a long term perspective about the future value of wood. It also requires a better understanding of what constitutes quality from a consumer’s perspective.
Doubling forest productivity sustainably
A multi-disciplinary team of scientists at Scion and other research organisations is embarking on a six year research programme aimed at raising the profitability of current and future commercial forestry
How onions recognise when to bulb
Onions, the third largest vegetable crop in the world, form a bulb in response to lengthening days
Natural compounds that keep the gut healthy
Research suggests that compounds in fruits and vegetables help us stay healthy by supporting the natural beneficial microorganisms in our gut
Revolutionary new sustainable fishing technology
Imagine if every fish landed on a trawler was alive, in perfect condition and small fish, sharks and other species could be safely released underwater before a catch was lifted on-board.
Summer pasture pest numbers on the rise
AgResearch scientists are predicting larger than normal numbers of the pasture pests porina and black beetle this summer.
New Thinking
Choosing the right tree for the job
Forest growers are becoming increasingly aware of the ecosystem services and non-market values that forests provide.
Ginseng adds a layer of possibilities for forestry
Neat rows of netting cloches lined up beneath well pruned radiata pine trees are in sharp contrast to the usual vision of a commercial planted forest block.
Report finds little risk to infants
A report released by the ESR has found that exposure to PBDEs used in the upholstery of car seats as a flame retardant, is unlikely to cause adverse health effects in infants and toddlers
Molecular motors drive energy technologies
Scion may, at first glance, seem an unlikely place to house a team of theoretical physicists.
Mars to Manawatu for robotic rover project
An AgResearch team has taken some extra-terrestrial inspiration to help take the pain out of intensive pasture management.
Inspired by NASA’s Mars rover project, the team at AgResearch in Palmerston North and Lincoln have built a paddock robot they’ve named the Agri-Rover.
Building community resilience to climate change
Erosion, low incomes, poor infrastructure and population migration leave many rural communities in New Zealand vulnerable to climate related impacts, and unable to take advantage of opportunities for a better future.
New Science
Exciting new possibilities for eucalypts
Eucalypts are a promising commercial plantation species. With their strength, hardness and attractive appearance, and in some species, durability, they provide timber for a range of markets from furniture and outdoor uses, to fibre for high quality papers.
Science discovery already returning millions to New Zealand sheep farming
An enormous international effort to map the sheep genome has already had very valuable spin-offs for New Zealand agriculture
Soil bacteria may promote tree growth and mitigate climate change
Research into how a group of growth promoting bacteria help plants cope with environmental stress may have major implications for scientists worldwide trying to piece together the full picture of global warming.
Nematode name 50 years in the making
Advances in technology and international expertise have finally enabled the formal description and naming of a New Zealand nematode, more than 50 years after its original discovery.
New technologies for improved forest safety
Three new forest harvesting technologies developed by Scion, in conjunction with industry, will help improve workplace safety in forestry.
Cardboard boxes given aerospace treatment
New Zealand’s export industry is heavily reliant on cardboard boxes, and understanding how boxes fail under heavy loads is crucial. Until now, scientists have only been able to observe how boxes look before and after failure.
