In each episode, Dr Michelle Dickinson – aka Nanogirl – will explore the scientific facts behind a story that’s been in the news in New Zealand or around the world, speaking with experts and those who need answers to clarify the facts and debunk the myths. <br><br>We’ll sort through the academic jargon and go behind the headlines to break down complicated scientific data and terminology, and help the general public better understanding issues that could be misinterpreted or form the basis of debate.
Podcast Overview
In each episode, Dr Michelle Dickinson – aka Nanogirl – will explore the scientific facts behind a story that’s been in the news in New Zealand or around the world, speaking with experts and those who need answers to clarify the facts and debunk the myths. <br><br>We’ll sort through the academic jargon and go behind the headlines to break down complicated scientific data and terminology, and help the general public better understanding issues that could be misinterpreted or form the basis of debate.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
9/2/2021
1 verified contact email on file for Science Digest
Pitch yourself as a guest, propose sponsorships, or reach out directly to the host.
Recent Episodes
November 21, 2022
Recycling: The popular brands that aren't as recyclable as you'd think
<p>So many things are made from plastic these days, and while plastics are cheap and can make life convenient, they have been getting some pretty bad publicity recently as we come to terms not only with how they are made, but what happens to them afterwards.</p> <p>Luckily we are living in a world where recycling bins are easy to find, and many of us now consciously wash and sort our plastic waste, but where does it go from here and how much of this plastic actually gets recycled?</p> <p>Today, Michelle is joined by Rachel Barker, CEO of Plastics NZ, and Damien Venuto, host of The Front Page and a new dad, to discuss the realities of recycling plastics in New Zealand. </p> <p>Read more on the subject <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/science-digest-the-truth-about-plastics-and-recycling-and-the-common-products-you-cant-recycle/H4KEGYCLBNADZAOEBTJ6LZ6JNM/">here. </a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>
October 16, 2022
Genetic modification: Does New Zealand need to rethink its stance?
<p>Genetic modification is a scientific term that can conjure up fear as scientists are let loose tampering with nature. </p> <p>But putting genetic engineering is actively being used all over the world today, most commonly in crops to help them to become more resilient to a changing climate, but also in clinical trials and medical treatment to help cure human diseases such as cancer, cystic fibrosis and diabetes.</p> <p>While the world moves forwards with genetic modification, it is heavily regulated in New Zealand, and has been since the passing of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act in 1996. </p> <p>So what exactly is genetic modification, what are the positives and negatives of it, and should New Zealand be reconsidering its current laws to help more scientists here to carry out cutting edge research?</p> <p>For today’s episode, Michelle is joined by New Zealand Herald science reporter Jamie Morton, to discuss his recent reporting in this area, and University of Otago Geneticist and Director of Genomics Aotearoa Professor Peter Dearden to discuss the science.</p> <p><a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/science-digest-is-it-time-new-zealand-re-examined-its-relationship-with-genetic-modification/XDPFIQBCAJL73ZQWJKWCZ2367Y/">Read more on Jamie's reporting here</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>
August 22, 2022
Vaping: Is it really any healthier than smoking?
<p>Over the last decade, we’ve seen a number of policies put in place in New Zealand that have made smoking a very expensive habit, while more and more evidence-based data has confirmed the health risks of the practice.</p> <p>However, as smoking has declined, e-cigarettes or vaping has drastically risen in popularity marketed as a supposedly healthier alternative to tobacco-based products. </p> <p>Initially e-cigarettes were seen as a way to help current smokers quit their habit, but instead what we’ve seen is more and more people - particularly teenagers who never were tobacco smokers - take up the vaping habit.</p> <p>So is it safe for teenagers to vape, are e-cigarettes a healthier alternative and how much research has been done in this space to date?</p> <p>For today’s episode, Michelle is joined by Dr Kelly Burrowes, an associate professor at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute, and current vaper Will Toogood, a digital producer at NZME who will talk to his experiences with vaping. </p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>
8 total episodes available
Deep-dive analytics for Science Digest
Frequently asked questions
Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our support team by sending us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
- What is Science Digest?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
Legal Disclaimer
Pod Engine is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected with any of the podcasts displayed on this platform. We operate independently as a podcast discovery and analytics service.
All podcast artwork, thumbnails, and content displayed on this page are the property of their respective owners and are protected by applicable copyright laws. This includes, but is not limited to, podcast cover art, episode artwork, show descriptions, episode titles, transcripts, audio snippets, and any other content originating from the podcast creators or their licensors.
We display this content under fair use principles and/or implied license for the purpose of podcast discovery, information, and commentary. We make no claim of ownership over any podcast content, artwork, or related materials shown on this platform. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
While we strive to ensure all content usage is properly authorized, if you are a rights holder and believe your content is being used inappropriately or without proper authorization, please contact us immediately at hey@podengine.ai for prompt review and appropriate action, which may include content removal or proper attribution.
By accessing and using this platform, you acknowledge and agree to respect all applicable copyright laws and intellectual property rights of content owners. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or commercial use of the content displayed on this platform is strictly prohibited.