Ahead of the 2015 UN climate change conference in Paris, the Herald's science reporter Jamie Morton talks to the author of a new book about climate change

A research agenda focused on tackling the biggest issues facing New Zealand has been praised by the visiting head of one of France's largest research institutes.

About half the 15,000 tree species in the Amazon - the world's most diverse forest - are threatened by deforestation, an international study says.

Women are less likely to get top jobs in companies that already have women in senior positions, according to analysis of 20 years of data.

Smoking cannabis during pregnancy produces infants who score better on one measure of brain development, according to a study of NZ children.

Scientists in Australia have replicated a sticky brown prehistoric "goo", believed to be the source of life on Earth, and discovered it has significant health benefits.

Drinking three to five cups of coffee a day might help you live longer.

Dr Craig Stevens is part of a team camping at McMurdo Sound to investigate why Antarctic sea ice is not shrinking at the same rate as Arctic sea ice.

The spuds Matt Damon's stranded astronaut Mark Watney grew in The Martian may be closer to science fact than science fiction, say Kiwi and Australian researchers.

It's been called the "Genghis Khan" of the ant world, and for good reason.

The biggest threat to Auckland's environment continues to come from its own population, according to a stocktake presented to city councillors today.

The teeth of a dog may provide new insight into how humans migrated across the world's largest ocean to New Zealand, and where they came from.

Kiwi scientists have uncovered another secret of a wonder-protein that's already been shown to play a hand in reproduction and early brain development.

The Herald's science writer Jamie Morton on this week's scientific breakthroughs.

Not one student at Gloriavale school has gone beyond Year 11 in the past three years sparking fresh calls for an investigation.

If the vast East Antarctic Ice Sheet melted, oceans would rise by 50 metres. This week, new scientific evidence will be presented that shows it's at risk.

With Herald science writer Jamie Morton @jamienzherald.

What goes on beneath Earth's crust is one of the biggest mysteries facing geophysicists.

Scientist's challenge: work out if asexual returning expat stick insects still need male suitors.

Two of New Zealand's most renowned marine scientists have argued for more "no-take" marine reserves, where fishing of any kind is banned.

Our picture-postcard hot springs aren't just natural treasures - they're also treasure chests laden with silver and gold, scientists say.

People are being warned to stay clear of the crater lake at Mt Ruapehu as scientists check the safety of the vent systems.

A new study out of the US has shown women who have just one drink a day are at a heightened risk of alcohol-related cancer.

History tells us how Bavarians innovated what now makes up 94 per cent of the world's beer market after noticing how beer stored in caves over the winter continued to ferment, creating a lighter and smoother drop.

Mt Tongariro - long considered a peaceful neighbour to the rowdy Ruapehu - is much more fiery than we ever realised, says a scientist sharing new findings today.

New Zealand's postcard glaciers will by 2100 bear little resemblance to how they appear today - and climate change will be to blame.

Nearly all submitters who suggested emissions reduction goals in the Government's climate consultation wanted a target that was much more ambitious.

Vegetarians rejoice! Researchers at Oregon State University have patented a new strain of succulent red marine algae that tastes like bacon when it's cooked.

What have drones got to do with native plants? Quite a lot actually. And science reporter Jamie Morton will tell us why.

A scientist who has just overseen a sprawling nationwide bird count is keen to find out exactly why a chilly early winter has brought more feathered visitors into our back gardens.