The Wire with Manny

A new study using biological evolution models to trace the origins of the English language has made some remarkable discoveries. 

The study used a list of known words in different languages to find a common ancestor for these languages, and incorporated divergence dating so that researchers could estimate when each language diverged from the root language. 

The ancient language in which English has its origins is called Proto-Indo-European and dates back 8,000 years ago. It has been geographically isolated, and found to be the root of many modern day languages as well as English. 

Arno spoke with Professor Quentin Atkinson, a Professor in Psychology at the University of Auckland, to find out more about the study. Arno started our interview by asking about the methodology of the study.

The results of a new survey out of Massey University has shown that there’s been a 18.2% decrease in the number of Kiwis considering quitting their jobs since November 2021. This survey is a part of Professor Jarrod Haar’s Wellbeing at Work research. 

Nicholas spoke to Professor Haar about what the survey results mean, including possible measures businesses need to take to ensure staff

Researchers from the University of Cantebury have launched the new online app and social media campaign Te Puа̄waitanga: Beyond the Birds and Bees, aimed at creating widely accessible and accurate information online for young people regarding relationship and sexuality education. 

Wire producer Rosetta spoke with Tracy Clelland, lecturer at the University of Cantebury and project director of Te Puа̄waitanga, about how the platform opperates and why such resources are important.

Welcome to the Tuesday Wire! This week on the show:

• For Dear Science, Allan Blackman joins Milly and Rosetta in the studio to talk uncertainty, Superconductors and one worm in particular 
• For our weekly catch up with the National Party, Milly chat to Dr Shane Reti about the Breast Cancer Screening Bill and removing GST on fresh fruit and vegetables  
• Milly also speaks to Carina Walters from the University of Auckland about Opioid use in New Zealand 
• Rosetta speaks to Tracy Clelland, lecturer from the University of Canterbury and project director of Te Puāwaitanga: Beyond the Birds and Bees, about improving Relationship and Sexuality education in Aotearoa.
• Rosetta also spoke to Ella Shepherd, President of Abortion Law Reform Association New Zealand, about the newly implemented safe areas across different clinics in Aotearoa.