Biogen has announced that SPINRAZA (nusinersen) – a first-of-its-kind medicine – is the first medicine funded by Pharmac for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), the number one cause of genetic death in Kiwi children under two.
SMA is a rare genetic disease that can have a devastating and life-changing impact. In its severe forms, SMA can cause paralysis and difficulty with the most basic functions of life, like breathing and swallowing,3 with babies and children possibly unable to hit major motor milestones like rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, or walking.
Joe spoke to Fiona Tolich a long-term campaigner and advocate for SMA, and a Trustee of Patient Voice Aotearoa, about how significant this is.
Another policy PM Chris Hipkins scrapped on Wednesday took out the government's planned biofuel mandate.
They planned to make a portion of all fuel used in the Aotearoa plant based through the mandate, but decided to get rid of the policy upon the government's current focus on the cost of living.
However, both motor trade groups and environmental groups are celebrating the policy being axed - one for the lower cost of fuel and the other for how it’ll actually improve Aotearoa's environment to not use biofuels.
Liam spoke to Jake Roos from Don't Burn Our Future about how the canning of the policy will actually be better for both the environment and our cost of living.
A new initiative by Koi Tū, The Centre for Informed Futures, highlights the importance of play in the cognitive, physical, and mental wellbeing of children. Koi Tū are calling for the government to ease the burden of raising children and to make it easier for children to have access to play.
Not only is play important in honing motor skills, it also helps expand the brain and prepare it for things such as numeracy and literacy.
Arno spoke with Dr Felicia Low, a research fellow at Koi Tū, to find out more about the importance of children’s play. Arno started the interview by asking how the initiative came about.
This week for Political Commentary Max Harris speaks to Rachel about the fallout of the Government's budget and the rise of protest action across Aotearoa. Lucinda Bennet provides the remedy for the winter chills as she discusses broth on Breakfast Food. And, Eli Superflyy joins the show to talk about his forthcoming album 'MOTOR' and his latest single 'Happy'. Whakarongo mai nei!
Listen back to hear Karyn talk to Beth Torrance-Hetherington about folktales on Lecture Me - thanks to Blue Hills Second Hand Books. Stella Huggins joins us for Strictly Science to discuss lab grown meat; and Finn hops on the air to answer your prayers!
💚 A special show for a special week. 100% Aotearoa music in celebration of NZ Music Week. The first hour explores quieter and calming sounds old and new.
Hour two I mix through a range of electronica from techno to down tempo to drum and bass and beyond.
The final hour we are joined by Thursday Drive and Monday Morning Glory host Milly as we cycle through some classics, talk coffee news and make some silly faux pas.
Thank you for supporting bFM / this show / local music, big big love.
As always the playlist is available here for streaming. If you do like anything you hear and have the means do consider supporting the artists directly. 💚
💚 Penultimate show of 2024 as we indulge in summer sorted super prize pack fever.
Obtuse Tune of the Week: nc. clml. - Semilir Live Before the Entertainment Guide: Django Reinhardt, Stéphane Grappelli -Minor Swing (Live in France 1937)
Playlist is also available here for streaming on spotify and updates weekly. (But if you listen and like, please consider supporting on bandcamp / otherwise <3)
See you beautiful creatures December 26th for an awards style show (?), thank you always for supporting bFM 💚
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