Science Media Centre

4 days ago | sciencemediacentre.co.nz | Claire Kaplan

Other Pacific nations including Sāmoa, Tonga, and Fiji are also experiencing outbreaks. The SMC asked experts about the current situation in the Pacific. Dr Gregor Devine, Senior Director, Field Entomology at the World Mosquito Program, comments:What is the immediate threat posed by dengue in the wider Pacific region, and how is this changing? “Dengue fever is the world’s most prevalent disease spread by mosquitoes.

2 weeks ago | sciencemediacentre.co.nz | Daniel Walker

Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti announced that the Budget was reprioritising existing funding towards “new growth-promoting investments.”The SMC asked experts to comment. Professor Nicola Gaston, Director of the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, comments:“My nana always used to say that if you don’t have anything positive to say, it is best to say nothing at all.

3 weeks ago | sciencemediacentre.co.nz | Daniel Walker

The draft bill is modelled on Australian laws and would force digital platforms to verify the age of users or face heavy fines. The SMC asked experts to comment. Dr Andre Mason, Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, University of Waikato, comments:How might a social media ban for under 16s affect young people in Aotearoa? “Online communication via social media platforms has emerged as a primary means of communication for many young people throughout the world.

3 weeks ago | sciencemediacentre.co.nz | Daniel Walker

A global pandemic treaty is expected to be adopted by the World Health Assembly, which starts next week. Governments from across the globe agreed to the draft accord on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response last month, after three years of intense negotiations—though the US dropped out in January. Once adopted by the Assembly, member states will have 18 months to notify the WHO Director General on whether they intend to accept the agreement.

3 weeks ago | sciencemediacentre.co.nz | Daniel Walker

Alerts have been issued after an Auckland ferry worker tested positive for measles last week. The worker was infectious while on board a number of Fullers360 sailings on 5 May, at a Kelston supermarket, and Downtown car park. Potential contacts have been asked to contact healthline. The SMC asked experts to comment. Please feel free to use these comments in your reporting or follow up with the contact details provided.