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For most of us, mushrooms are the most familiar type of fungi, but not all fungi produce mushrooms. Of the estimated 5 million species of fungi, about 14,000 produce mushrooms. New Zealand has a fascinating mix of native, endemic and introduced fungi. With a bit of practice, patience, and a sharp eye, these species are only a foray away.

This Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori | Māori Language Week 2019, Taryn Hale showcases the importance of traditional kai in Te Whare Tapa Whā, the Māori wellbeing model.

There has been a small explosion in research using nutrients for the treatment of mental illness over the last decade. The general premise is that our brains need nutrients to function and chemicals that are essential for good mental health, like dopamine and serotonin, require micronutrients, like vitamins and minerals. Preliminary clinical trials are putting micronutrients and good nutrition on...

Since 2019, a colony of Tarāpuka|black-billed gulls  – not only critically endangered, but the most endangered gulls in the world -  have taken up residence in the broken remains of an Armagh St. building left to ruins in the Christchurch CBD post-earthquakes. Current plans for the site are to develop a new Catholic Cathedral, and as such, the gulls...

If you want to get an academic talking, just bring up the topic of academic freedom. We all have opinions about what it is, but almost none of us have ever researched it or thought for very long about why societies provide this liberty to a select few. Academic freedom is as old as the university. It arose in the...

Written by: Nurina Katta Long-term stress can increase the risk of all kinds of adverse physical and mental health conditions, such as strokes, cardiovascular disease, emotional distress, anxiety, and depression. In addition, stress can lead to poorer lifestyle choices, including smoking, drinking, and overeating1-6. There are high rates of stress among university students7; however, only a small number of students receive...

UC Arts and UC Science once again joined forces to run our Art of Science competition. Students from Year 5 to 13 were invited to submit their original artwork, and we were treated over 100 fantastic entries. Winning entries 2022 The competition was held under three school year categories: Apprentices (Year 5-7), Interns (Year 8-10) and Masters (Year 11-13). Check out...

Dr. Spider, aka Fiona Cross, made an appearance on More FM, opening up about her journey into the world of spiders and why you have seen more of them in your home recently 🎙️🕸️ Did you know spiders slow down in colder conditions? She discusses how as the temperature drops, spiders seek refuge indoors, searching for dark spots to escape...

The UC Science photography competition provides a chance to share insights through the power of photography. Breath-taking, bewildering, thought-provoking, illuminating… We received a ton of amazing images across six categories: astronomy, behaviour, earth science and climatology, ecology and environmental science, microimaging, and people. Check out the finalists below! Astronomy Behaviour Earth Science and Climatology Ecology and Environmental Science Microimaging People

The strange parasitic plant genus Rafflesia faces a number of conservation challenges, including habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation. Learning more about these rare species is a crucial step in informing the conservation management of Rafflesia.