People with ADHD often fidget more than those without. Why might this be? Does it help them focus? Or distract them further? An Auckland Bioengineering Institute researcher has teamed up with the Mātai Medical Institute in Gisborne to investigate this using advanced MRI techniques. And at Waikereru ecosanctuary, local birds are being enlisted in a trial to help speed up the regeneration of native bush.

Guests:

• Professor Justin Fernandez, Auckland Bioengineering Institute
• Dr Gil Newburn, Mātai Medical Institute
• Professor Dame Anne Salmond, Waikereru Ecosanctuary

Learn more:

• Read the accompanying articles: Recruiting the birds to bring back the bush and Why fidgeting might be a good idea.
• In 2017 Alison Ballance did a story about The 1769 Gardenwhere she spoke to the garden designer, curator and local botany expert.
• To learn about the Mātai Medical Institute, listen to The advances in MRI coming out of Gisborne from November 2024.
• The Mātai Medical Institute is also involved in research into recovery post meth addiction, concussion in teenage rugby players, and muscle development in children with cerebral palsy.

Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more.

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details