The Wire with Caeden

Microplastics have been found in human blood for the first time. With these particles entering every part of our enviornment, and even our blood, how can we regulate this pollution? Olga Pantos from the Institute of Encironmental Science and Research talks to Charlie about the composition of microplastics, her monitorisation study, and how these particles find thier way into our bodies.

Welcome back to another Monday Wire, on today's show:

Isla and Stella bring you "Tomorrow's World". They look at AI and machine learning with Krithik Ramesh, who won the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair at 16.

Charlie speaks to Olga Pantos from the Institute of Environmental Science and Research about how microplastics affect our lives, and how they're monitored. She also speaks to Oska Rego from the New Zealand Animal Law Association about the current state of New Zealand's cattle laws and what can be done to improve them.

Sam speaks to Dr Paul Winton about the 1.5 Project, how you can reduce your carbon emissions, and further climate action. He also speaks to Wendy Johns from Friends of Oakley Creek about the restoration of Te Auaunga Oakley Creek.

A recent international study has found that New Zealand had the highest death rate from melanoma in 2020.

High amounts of UV exposure, as well as traditionally outdoors lifestyles, especially in childhood, lead to an increased risk for melanoma.

Casper spoke to the medical director of the Cancer Foundation, George Laking, about New Zealand’s high rates of melanoma and how they can be addressed by prevention and early recognition. Casper began by asking him why melanoma poses a great risk to New Zealanders in particular.

Solar power cells currently are made of silicon, but Justin Hodgkiss, who is co-director of the MacDairmid institute for advanced materials and nanotechnology, is undertaking research to find alternative materials. He  talked about the future of solar power.