innovation

We all need protein to live and stay healthy. However, many protein sources are becoming an increasingly expensive way to meet our needs – both economically...

RNA interference (RNAi) is a biological process in which RNA inhibits gene expression. It is a natural process in cells. As a biotechnology tool, RNA interference...

RNA interference (RNAi) is a natural process that occurs in cells where small RNA molecules ‘silence’ or decrease the activity of specific genes by preventing them...

We hear a lot about data, but what is it? In simple terms, data is a collection of unorganised numbers, symbols or text that, when analysed,...

Genetic modification has been used in Aotearoa New Zealand since the 1970s. It is used in research laboratories and in contained field tests, in some medicines...

RNA interference is both a natural process and a novel biotechnology tool in which small RNA molecules ‘silence’ or decrease the activity of specific genes by...

All living things shed genetic material like hair, scales, skin and faeces into their local environment. This is known as environmental DNA (eDNA). For example, an...

New Zealand Algae Innovations Ltd currently operates the only spirulina farm in New Zealand. Under the brand name Tahi Spirulina, it sells a range of spirulina...

Although Aotearoa New Zealand is a relative newcomer to the international space industry, a deep knowledge of space enabled early Polynesians to navigate to these islands...

CubeSats are tiny box-shaped satellites that are mainly launched into low Earth orbit to observe the Earth, test new communications technology or perform miniature experiments. In...

In the continuous drive to improve farm animal genetics and meat quality, agricultural researchers and farmers have often adapted medical imaging and diagnostic tools used in...

Dr Sarah Kessans is a scientist with big dreams and the skills to make them happen. Sarah is a biochemist and works in the field of...

Aotearoa New Zealand’s remote location and unique geography have made its residents innovative by necessity. From inventing pōhā to preserve nga tītī to initiating refrigerated meat...

Mātauranga Māori and science are helping to solve a few questions in Ōhiwa Harbour: What has caused the mussel beds to disappear? Can we restore the...

Food preservation is something that most people take for granted. Our cupboards contain tins, jars, sealed bags and boxes. Refrigerators and freezers store perishable foods. We...

We all know that single-use plastics are a problem for our environment, but many single-use products can be convenient and more economic than less-problematic alternatives. So...

From the middle of spring until early winter thousands of unwanted newborn kittens are handed into the SPCA. This Connected article covers how students at Sir...

The dairy sector is big business in Aotearoa New Zealand. The first refrigerated exports began in 1882 with a 98-day journey to ship milk and butter...

Watching the Weather is a Connected journal that explores multiple aspects of weather in New Zealand. In addition to weather, the issue has a focus on...

A visitor to the seismic engineering laboratories and test centres at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, is likely to meet researchers and students of many nationalities....

Plastics have changed the way we live. They’ve revolutionised how we preserve food and store liquids, how we move and even how we dress. Plastic products...

The Kiwi Innovation Network (KiwiNet) is a network of public research organisations who collaborate to commercialise science to grow the New Zealand economy. Commercialising science can...

Hunting, trapping and poisons are the three most commonly used methods of mammalian pest control in New Zealand. Each method has benefits and limitations. Extensive research...

Where can a question take you? For Sue Fergus and her students at Taranaki’s Toko School, questions about candle scents and what to do with lavender...