Changes in Earth's orbit have influenced evolution - and extinction - over 450m years.

Group of scientists studying dark energy believe alien life may exist in other universes.

The famous thinker discusses black holes - those in space, and those in cyber-space.

Boston Dynamics will start selling the robots next year.

The late cosmologist Stephen Hawking's final theory on the universe has been published.

Suntan or sunburn – we all respond differently to exposure to the sun.

Does the five-second rule work? And is that medium-rare burger okay?

A whale relative of today's gentle giants of the ocean wasn't so placid, study suggests.

What conditions cause them to form? How long do they take to grow?

Renowned chemist humbled to be joining a fellowship that includes her childhood heroes.

Scientists have just detected a record, seven-storey-high wave in the Southern Ocean.

Auckland's volcano field is quiet now - but it could be even more explosive than Kilauea.

Making materials from tiny amounts of our natural resources could combat climate change.

A jumping spider named Kim could help scientists create micro-robots.

More exposure to our natural environment could help asthmatic kids like Zarika Lutske.

Abstinence is the key to old age. At least if you're a female smooth stick insect.

Niwa is about to attempt one of the most challenging underwater experiments ever.

Danish researchers have found a way to keep weight off eating chips, pizza and burgers.

Kiwis among big effort to drill deep into a huge underwater volcano 400km northeast of NZ.

Scientists have analysed hundreds of harmful microplastics found on Wellington's shores.

COMMENT: Scientists have created the first complete genetic blueprint of the rose.

Sharing music with your kids when they're young can help you get along when they're older.

An overwhelming majority of doctors are confident in childhood immunisation, study finds.

NZ scientists believe they've picked up the sounds of rarely sighted beaked whales.

Even in the cold and dark of an Antarctic winter, melting can still happen. Here's how.

A Mt Taranaki eruption could see fast-moving, hot ash flows spreading kilometres around.

One of NZ's most endangered seabirds may be under greater threat than previously thought.

NZ experts question new US study on Taupo suggesting "super-eruptions" are well signalled.

Following EU's ban on neonicotinoid pesticides would cause headaches for NZ, experts say.

NZ will now be an "associate member" in the global SKA project. What does that mean?