The Wire with Castor

For this week's episode of Dear Science Marcus Jones joined Casper and Emily over the phone to discuss prior Omicron infections protecting against BA.4 and BA.5 variants, Ear fossils revealing the origin of warm-blooded mammals and how cleaner air can contribute to global warming.

This week on The Wire for Rāhina Monday!

Joe speaks to Dr Michele Bannister, a Senior Lecturer from the University of Canterbury about scientists seeking meteorite footage. He also chats to Paul Scofield, a Senior Curator of Natural History and Adjunct Professor in Palaeontology in the Geology Department at the University of Canterbury about the ancient waterfowl recently found at St Bathans in Central Otago. 

Trishil speaks to Professor Lara Greaves about the Green Party Leadership Vote and Professor Stephen Hoadley about the Grain Crisis in Ukraine and Russia’s disinformation campaign against the West on the matter.

Isla and Stella discuss how Mātauranga Māori can aid science in the management of kauri dieback. They talk with Dr Amanda Black and Dr Nick Waipara about the cultural significance of kauri and the scope of biosecurity in Aotearoa.

That's us for this weeks Monday Wire!

A meteor’s sonic boom was heard across South Canterbury at around 8:00pm on Thursday night. It didn’t take long for reports to come through on social media by people from across the South Island. The arrival was caught by at least four specialised meteorite detection cameras, as well as on CCTV and by at least one lucky astrophotographer.

This is New Zealand’s second meteorite this month. On July 7th, a meteor crashed near Wellington during the day with a force equivalent to 1,800 tonnes of TNT, creating a sonic boom heard across New Zealand. Two weeks on, Canterbury experienced its own meteor strike.

Joe spoke to Dr Michele Bannister, a Senior Lecturer from the University of Canterbury, on the matter

James Shaw was ejected from his role as Green Party co-leader on Saturday following a leadership vote during the Green Party annual general meeting.

The decision came down by a minority vote, with 30% of the party choosing to vote against him. Thirty-two out of 107 delegates voted at the party's online annual general meeting more than the 25 percent threshold necessary under the Greens' rules.

Marama Davidson is to remain the sole leader during this time. At this stage, prospective candidates will have a week to put their name forward, followed by 4 weeks of voting. James Shaw has an opportunity to put his name back into the ballot, and if he is the only candidate, he will need to regain the support of 75% of the party.

James Shaw has confirmed his bid to contest the co-leadership following his ousting, after consultation with party members, and family.

I spoke to Professor Lara Greaves about James Shaw’s ousting as Green Party co-leader, and whether there could be next steps.