ScienceNZ - The Value of Science Discovery
Science Value
Apple genome reveals unexpected results
Analysis of the complete DNA sequence of apple suggests that a major step in evolution of the fruit was caused by a catastrophic environmental event, possibly the same one that killed the dinosaurs.
An international consortium, including scientists at Plant & Food Research, has sequenced the more than 600 million base pairs of DNA which make up the apple genome and will open the way to understanding characteristics of importance to consumers, such as crispness, juiciness and flavour, or to producers, such as harvest time.
The research is published in the prestigious journal Nature Genetics.
An international consortium, including scientists at Plant & Food Research, has sequenced the more than 600 million base pairs of DNA which make up the apple genome and will open the way to understanding characteristics of importance to consumers, such as crispness, juiciness and flavour, or to producers, such as harvest time.
The research is published in the prestigious journal Nature Genetics.
New Value
Free Forestry Conference Puts GIS on the Map
On 6 October, Crown Research Institute Scion is hosting a free conference to raise awareness of how GIS technology can be used to best advantage within the forestry sector.
Top scoring technology taps healing power of play
A computer game-based arm rehabilitation device developed by IRL has won first prize in the prototype category of the 2010 Engineers Australia, College of Biomedical Engineering Better Technology Awards.
Download the seabed!
Highly detailed maps of New Zealand’s seabed are now freely available on NIWA’s website. The high-resolution maps show the hidden seabed of the deep sea around the country in incredible digital detail, making them a treasure for all New Zealanders.
NZ’s leading greenhouse gas certification scheme available in Australia
Landcare Research has signed an exciting licensing partnership with Bureau Veritas, the world's leading independent certification body, to provide the highly successful CEMARS® (Certified Emissions Measurement And Reduction Scheme) certification to selected clients in Australia.
South Island to get quake sensors
From next year, GeoNet, a collaboration between the Earthquake Commission (EQC) and GNS Science, will roll out a monitoring station network across the upper South Island as part of a $45 million, five-year programme.
Predicting success with NIWA supercomputer
Kiwis will have better warnings of floods, droughts and storms now a new supercomputer has been switched on – but don't expect the daily weather forecast to improve.
Setting the scene for a 3D revolution
The most recent developments to the IRL scene-scanner mean it now has the potential to fill a significant gap in 3D scanner technology worldwide, according to IRL project leader Dr Robert Valkenburg.
The sound of science
A lifelong obsession with guitar playing, sound reproduction and acoustics led IRL scientist Dr Mark Poletti to develop a system that can transform a venue with less-than-perfect acoustics into a world-class concert hall.
Government investment recognises wine industry success
The Sauvignon Blanc Programme - the world’s most comprehensive research investigation into Sauvignon blanc grapes and wine - is set to build upon the discoveries of recent years and offer new tools to New Zealand’s wine industry thanks to $12 million of new funding.
Dynamic duo
A collaboration between IRL and itsTaiwanese counterpart, the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), has resulted in the joint development of a unique product that is nearing market entry.
King of the Crabs
A major study of the king crabs from the New Zealand, Australian, and Ross Sea regions has just been completed, finding a total of 23 species and almost doubling the number of previously known species from the area. Dr Ahyong has described five exclusively from New Zealand, five from Australia, and four common to both regions.
Three new kiwifruit cultivars to be commercialised
Plant & Food Research welcomes the decision by ZESPRI Group Limited announced today of the advancement of three new kiwifruit cultivars into commercial production.
Earnings from NZ's horticultural industries exceed $6 billion
Figures from Plant & Food Research show fruit, vegetables, wine and flowers were worth more than $6 billion exports and domestic spend in the year to 30 June 2009, up around $470m on 2008.
New Thinking
A deeper connection – sonar gets smarter
Electronic Navigation Ltd (ENL) and Industrial Research Ltd (IRL) have signed a long-term co-funding agreement that promises to underpin next-generation innovation at New Zealand’s premier marine electronics company and strengthen the country’s advanced sonar systems capability.
Mont Liggins: NZ hero and mentor
Sir Graham ‘Mont’ Liggins who died on 24 August was an outstanding medical scientist, with a global reputation, says PMCSA.
Volcano collapse underlines threat of tsunami
NIWA scientists have found that a volcanic cone on Rumble III, 200km northeast of Auckland, has crumbled. Marine geologist Richard Wysoczanski said there's no doubt some of these slips can cause tsunami.
The Singing Scientist's new song
Dr Matthew Barnett, Senior Scientist in AgResearch’s Agri-Foods & Health Section who featured on TV and radio last year with his Epigenome Song, has written a second song based on his scientific work, this time about fibre. Click here to view YouTube track.
Exploring benefits of the bioplastics boom
More than 50 people from around the country with an interest in bioplastics are gathering in Rotorua for a day-long workshop at Crown Research Institute Scion on 13 August.
Farmers embrace healthy Bee campaign
An ongoing Landcare Research programme that highlights the importance of bees to agriculture and offers practical ways to encourage better bee health on New Zealand farms is proving highly popular.
The weighting game
IRL’s metrologists are taking a novel approach to bringing the kilogram — the last measurement to be based on a physical object — into the 21st century.
Clean and green - NIWA harnesses Nelson’s sunshine
They are silent, produce no emissions when operating and create electricity - they are photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. NIWA Nelson has just installed 56 Jiawei 185W solar modules onto its rooftop to generate electricity.
Scientists, take heart, says IRL CEO
Shaun Coffey says it is heartening that despite a tight fiscal environment, the current government has prioritised science in the 2010 budget.
Rain a gauge of building needs
Years of research by NIWA into extreme weather patterns has led to the development of a database that will assist engineers to know how much rain they should allow for, when designing structures across New Zealand.
CEO sought for Science Ministry
An outstanding leadership opportunity, with Science and Innovation at heart of Government’s economic growth strategy, says Minister Mapp.
A cool $15M for Antarctic research
NIWA, Landcare Research and GNS Science receive over $15M to do further outstanding science research in Antarctica over the next four years.
Scientist honoured for animal health and parasite management
AgResearch parasitologist Dr Dave Leathwick has received the 2010 McMeekan Memorial Award for his work in parasite management and drenching practices in the New Zealand sheep industry.
New-look boards will get the best from CRIs
New appointees on Crown Research Institutes boards will place the CRIs at the forefront of innovation and economic growth, Minister of Research, Science and Technology Wayne Mapp said recently.
Scottish College honours AgResearch scientist
AgResearch Principal Scientist Dr Liz Wedderburn has been honoured by the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) with a five year visiting fellowship.
Dr Tom Richardson appointed AgResearch CEO
The current head of the Rotorua-based CRI, New Zealand Forest Research Institute Ltd, trading as Scion, Dr Tom Richardson, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of AgResearch Ltd, after the resignation of Dr Andrew West.
New Science
Two quakes caused Samoan tsunami
GNS Scientists report that a rare combination of two massive earthquakes happening almost simultaneously triggered the tsunami that devastated parts of Samoa and Tonga.
NIWA scientists alleviate concern over 1080
NIWA scientists have found little cause for concern about the possibility of 1080 contamination in streams. This finding was part of a detailed investigation on the West Coast, during August last year.
Ocean dwellers miss the census
New Zealand seas are teeming with unidentified creatures which may have properties ranging from combating pollution to fighting cancer, say NIWA scientists involved in a project to catalogue marine life.
Divergent trends in land and ocean temperature in the Southern Ocean
Landcare Research scientists believe climate variations thousands of years ago over Campbell Island may shed light on the future climate of New Zealand.
Bayer Animal Health and Paraco agree on access to lead molecules
Bayer Animal Health GmbH and Paraco Technology Limited, a 100% owned subsidiary of AgResearch, have signed an option agreement allowing Bayer exclusive access to Paraco’s current lead molecules for testing and development in animal health.
Scientists plan to drill deep into Alpine Fault
GNS Science says that top international scientists are eyeing up a scrubby West Coast stream bed to carry out multimillion-dollar research into New Zealand's major "earthquake machine".
Work at Tokanui Dairy Research Farm progressing well
Research at AgResearch’s Tokanui Dairy Research Farm in dairy cow productivity is further examining the role and interrelationships that environmental and genetic influences play in milk production.
No gout about it
A potential treatment for gout co-invented by IRL is showing promising results in human trials being conducted in the US.
Rare seafloor chimney cut up for science
GNS Scientists have sliced up a rare 2.5m-tall seafloor chimney to find out its age and the concentrations of the metallic minerals it contains. It is thought to be one of the largest chimneys recovered from the seafloor.
GE discovery promises higher farm productivity and improved environment
AgResearch scientists and the team from subsidiary company, Grasslanz Technology Ltd, believe they can improve white clover (Trifolium repens) to give grazing animals a higher intake of protein, while at the same time reducing methane emissions.
Creatures from the deep
New Zealand could have up to 50,000 marine species waiting to be discovered, say scientists who have spent 10 years exploring the marine life in our waters.
