Within moments of sitting down in his office, Prof Richard Faull whips out a human brain, places it on the desk between us and announces, "Here it is," in the manner of someone displaying their most-prized possession.

Just in case you were wondering what the universe is made of, whether ET exists and if something can be done about global warming, cancer and beating bacteria, here's what scientists know ...

The ozone hole over New Zealand is closing, but it may warm up Antarctica which could then affect the West Coast and Canterbury Plains, a university researcher says.

Australian doctors have achieved a world first by helping a woman become pregnant from ovarian tissue grafted into her abdomen.

Chopping wood has always been seen as one of the more "manly"' endeavours, but now researchers may be able to prove it.

A deep-sea search for giant squid has captured the world's first video footage of the mysterious creature in its habitat.

Scientists are keen to discover what effect the hustle and bustle of downtown Auckland has on those who walk its streets every day.

There's mounting evidence that the pesticide bombardment of our crops and farms is having a devastating effect on wildlife, writes Sue Kedgley.

Reports of a strong magnitude 6.1 earthquake on the East Cape this afternoon were incorrect, and were the result of a magnitude-6 earthquake some distance from New Zealand.

There's a saying in autism circles that a worried mother does better research than the FBI.

Science writer Matt Ridley once described the human mating system as "monogamy plagued by adultery," which sounds a little judgmental.

Oops, I seem to have accidentally joined a cult. This is disturbing. I don't go to church.

The Saturn moons Mimas and Pandora remind us of how different they are when they appear together, as in this image taken by Nasa's Cassini spacecraft.

A New Zealand-born archaeologist involved in the discovery of a new species of people, known as "hobbits'', has died.

Researchers in Utah say they have discovered a new type of big-nosed, horned-faced dinosaur that lived about 76 million years ago.

Auckland neuro-scientists have made important discoveries in how Alzheimer's and Parkinson's may affect the brain.

We are not alone. Scientists have discovered a second blue planet in the Universe, although this one is decidedly inhospitable and unlikely to support life.

A prominent agricultural scientist says New Zealand deserves only a half-mark for its biosecurity efforts - and warns that new free-trade agreements and increased tourism could pose a threat at the border.

While sharks are usually feared more for their fangs, researchers have captured video footage of thresher sharks which use their tails as a weapon to stun or kill prey.

Act Party leader John Banks will make a rare vote against his coalition partner National this week to maintain his passionate defence of animal rights.

Scientist, engineer and Rocketlab founder Peter Beck wants to make reaching space as easy as buying a new car. And with many powerful international backers, he just may achieve his mission, discovers Alan Perrott.

For one of the harshest places on the planet, Antarctica in the winter does have its delights.