There was nothing unusual about the late-night 5.1 quake that shook Marlborough and the lower North Island on Wednesday, says a scientist.

Kiwi scientists have reconstructed more than 34 million years of our climate - including a period when New Zealand was up to 8C warmer - using 2000 samples of fossilised tree pollen.

The dramatic, kilometres-deep canyons that lie hidden beneath our waves need protection from human pollution and damage, scientists say.

The Mangateretere pond was the most likely pathway by which contaminated water entered the Brookvale Rd borehead 1, the Havelock North

Scientists have developed mind-reading technology that can understand people's thoughts.

International scientists have claimed the 7.8 Kaikoura quake has raised the potential threat of another large NZ event - but a Kiwi scientist says that's unlikely.

Mining on the moon has moved a step closer and billionaire Peter Thiel, along with Kiwi firm Rocket Labs, are at the forefront of making history.

COMMENT: What are the big five applications that explain the proliferation of drones over this period?

A new fellowship has been launched to attract global "visionary entrepreneurs" to New Zealand with up to 400 spaces available.

Top researchers team up with police, drawing on analytical skills to detect, prevent and disrupt unlawful acts.

A new report warns a parasite commonly found in cat faeces alters the chemistry of the human brain, making it fertile ground for Alzheimer's to take hold.

Experts have revealed the 10 surprising traits that might show people are more intelligent than their peers.

Anti-GM campaigners have launched a video on social media urging the Māori party to condemn Government's proposed changes to the Resource Management Act, which would remove their right to remain GM Free. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Scientists just back from an annual white-capped albatross census in the remote and windswept subantarctic islands are hopeful for the welfare of the iconic endemic seabirds.

The number of unprovoked shark attacks across the world fell last year, in the wake of a record figure in 2015 that scientists partly put down to warmers waters created by a strong El Nino system.

Is there a cure for fake news? New research has found that misinformation on climate change can psychologically cancel out the influence of accurate statements.

Ground-breaking science cured a baby who doctors said had only weeks to live. But are we saving lives or designing children? Madhumita Murgia reports.

Scientists have called for a crackdown on doping in chess after it emerged players may be taking performance-enhancing substances.

An Auckland-based doctor's ground-breaking research - involving lab-cultivated, living, beating heart cells - could land a blow against a major killer of Kiwi children.

Dr Annika Winbo from Auckland Hospital who is doing research into cardiac inherited diseases

Five of the most germ-infested surfaces we come in to contact with each day have been revealed - and some of the worst offenders might surprise you.

Photos taken by a new satellite launched last November have been released by NASA and the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Source: CNBC

Today marks six months since the Government announced an ambitious plan to rid New Zealand of pest predators by 2050. Is the concept possible, or even safe?

Scientists create a prototype for a 3D bio-printer that is capable of printing functional human skins.

Scientists have found an intriguing new way to peer into the fiery belly of New Zealand's hottest island.

Kiwi scientists have helped gauge the power of a promising new drug to treat a rare, fatal disease in children.

The state of our rivers and lakes has predictably come under intensified focus this summer, as Kiwis head to their favourite watering holes.

Carrie Fisher's iconic character held special resonance for many protesters.

New movie Hidden Figures tells the story of African-American women who played a crucial role in NASA's early space missions. Does NZ science have its own diversity problem?

COMMENT: Storms, high winds, heavy rain and even ice... What has happened to summer and will it improve. WeatherWatch head analyst Phil Duncan explains.