Are New Zealand’s giant birds of prey just exiled Aussies?
Wednesday, 20 February 2019 11:24am
An international team of researchers including scientists from the University of Otago and Canterbury Museum has brought new knowledge around how the world’s largest eagle came to live in New Zealand. The study published this week in “Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution” traces the Haast’s eagle back to Australia, but it was only after more than two million years of evolution in New Zealand that the bird became a global giant.
Clues in Otago research as to changes in babies’ brain formation in obese mothers
Monday, 18 February 2019 9:54am
University of Otago researchers have discovered a clue as to why there are changes in the way babies’ brains are formed in mothers who are obese during pregnancy, which can potentially lead to an elevated risk of mental illness, including autism spectrum disorders.
New heads to lead Ageing Well National Science Challenge
Wednesday, 13 February 2019 10:25am
Two women, both from the University of Otago, have been appointed to lead the Ageing Well National Science Challenge (AWNSC) in a year when it moves into the second phase of its allocation of funding.
Innovative research aids stroke recovery
Wednesday, 30 January 2019 9:30am
Research undertaken by Professor John Reynolds and colleagues at the University of Otago has found an exciting new treatment to help people recover from the effects of a stroke.
Students get hands-on
Monday, 28 January 2019 11:11am
The Department recent hosted ten budding young anatomists as part of the University's Hands-On at Otago programme for Year 12 and 13 students. The students completed a research project on the knee, as well as other organised programme activities throughout the week.
Sustained contribution to teaching recognised
Wednesday, 19 December 2018 2:03pm
A passion and drive to enhance the student learning experience in the W.D. Trotter Anatomy Museum and transform the Museum into a world class teaching facility has seen Mr Chris Smith receive the School of Biomedical Sciences Teaching Support Sustained Contribution award for 2018.
Otago study forces a rethink on population history of Ibiza
Thursday, 6 December 2018 11:17am
Otago researchers have discovered a rare case of genetic population discontinuity on the Mediterranean Island of Ibiza. Essentially, the original genetic signature of the founding female population, handed down through centuries on Ibiza has been replaced, prompting a change in understanding of the island’s genetic history.
Mo-tivation for fundraiser
Monday, 3 December 2018 11:29am
The death from cancer of a fellow student was a big motivation behind the group Monatomy which has been raising money to improve men’s health.
Pain common and increasing in prevalence in New Zealand
Friday, 30 November 2018 9:19am
Pain is an extremely common condition and increasing in prevalence in New Zealand, University of Otago researchers say.
Otago health researchers share more than $3.5m in Career Development Awards
Tuesday, 20 November 2018 9:19am
A University of Otago Christchurch engineer is developing a ‘lego’ system to 3D-bioprint bone; a solution that could one day replace the billions-of-dollars-worth of ceramic and titanium implants required by New Zealand patients annually.
Otago scientists’ contributions recognised nationally
Friday, 16 November 2018 9:18am
Three University of Otago scientists have been recognised for their significant contributions to New Zealand’s science community with awards from the New Zealand Association of Scientists.
Masters research wins paper prize
Friday, 16 November 2018 11:52am
A journal article published by postgraduate student Ashim Maharjan on the potential effects of different frequencies of non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation in humans, has seen him awarded the Department of Anatomy Postgraduate Paper Prize.
Marsden Medal carries special significance for Tate
Thursday, 15 November 2018 9:44pm
Receiving the Marsden Medal at this year’s New Zealand Association of Scientists Awards is especially poignant for Professor Warren Tate.
Division celebrates rise in Fast-Start Marsden funding
Tuesday, 13 November 2018 2:37pm
There has been a rise in the number of Division of Health Sciences’ early career researchers being successful in the Marsden Fund round this year, an increase being welcomed by the Division’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Brunton.
University of Otago celebrates Marsden Fund success
Thursday, 8 November 2018 9:20am
University of Otago researchers are celebrating their most successful Marsden Fund round ever, securing $28.5 million (excluding GST) for 41 world-class research projects.
Scientists recognised in research honours awards
Tuesday, 6 November 2018 3:24pm
Two Anatomy researchers have been honoured by the Royal Society Te Apārangi of New Zealand for their work in advancing science communication and relationships in their chosen fields of research.
Siân Halcrow wins 2018 Carl Smith Research Medal
Tuesday, 30 October 2018 8:05pm
This year’s winner of the University’s Rowheath Trust Award and Carl Smith Research Medal, Associate Professor Siân Halcrow, says she was drawn into her research area through her experience as a third-year student taking Biological Anthropology at Otago.
Fellowships and Scholarships support Otago scientists
Thursday, 25 October 2018 12:47pm
A University of Otago scientist recognised for his sustained research excellence and two highly promising researchers at the early stages of their careers have been awarded fellowships and scholarships today by the Royal Society Te Apārangi.
Otago scientist receives prestigious Fellowship to further gout research
Thursday, 25 October 2018 9:11am
One of the country’s leading scientists in the area of gout and metabolic disease, University of Otago Professor Tony Merriman, is one of three researchers nationally to receive a prestigious James Cook Fellowship.
Irish Famine victims’ heavy smoking led to dental decay, new research reveals
Wednesday, 24 October 2018 9:16am
Irish Famine victims were heavy smokers which caused badly rotten teeth, researchers from the University of Otago and Queen’s University Belfast, in Ireland, have discovered.
Researchers receive Early Career Awards
Friday, 19 October 2018 12:18pm
Dr Rosie Brown and Dr Michael Pankhurst have been awarded University of Otago Early Career Awards for Distinction in Research. They are two of just six rising researchers in the University to receive this award in 2018.
Unprecedented success for Otago at the NZ Research Honours Awards
Thursday, 18 October 2018 10:22pm
The University has had unprecedented success at the New Zealand Research Honours Awards this year, taking home one quarter of the awards on offer.
Six Otago researchers recognised in NZ research honours
Thursday, 18 October 2018 9:12am
University of Otago Research Fellow Helen Taylor’s science communication around conservation genetics and threatened species has earned her recognition at this year’s New Zealand Research Honours.
Poster day a celebration of postgraduate research
Thursday, 18 October 2018 11:13am
This years Poster Day was a huge occasion for all our students who presented the results of their 400-level research to staff and fellow students of the department. Ten students took part in the event, which also doubled as an assessment component for those taking the ANAT 458 paper.
Otago researcher takes genomic sequencing to the farm to help transform lives
Tuesday, 16 October 2018 11:22am
In a world first, international scientists including a University of Otago researcher, have used whole genome sequencing to help diagnose a plant pathogen destroying crops on African farms, potentially paving the way for preventing crop failures, vital to the African economy.
Recognition for rising research stars
Monday, 15 October 2018 9:27pm
Six rising research stars at the University of Otago have been recognised through the University’s annual Early Career Awards for Distinction in Research announced today.
Kakī for Bird of the Year, urges Otago postgraduate
Wednesday, 19 September 2018 2:40pm
An Otago PhD student is putting her weight behind a campaign to make the one of the rarest birds in the world, the Kakī, or Black Stilt, New Zealand’s 2018 Bird of the Year.
University of Otago academic scoops top teaching award
Friday, 14 September 2018 9:56am
For the sixth time in seven years, the University of Otago has the top tertiary teacher in New Zealand.
Otago scientists have challenging but rewarding role in repatriation mission
Wednesday, 22 August 2018 1:32pm
The remains of 27 New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel and one child have been reunited with their families, thanks to a team which included University of Otago archaeologists, bioarchaeologists and forensic odontologists.
Researchers receive prestigious awards
Monday, 20 August 2018 2:42pm
Two young researchers from the Grattan research lab have both won prestigious awards at recent international meetings.
Otago-led research cites faulty science and ethics in DNA analyses of ‘Ata’
Wednesday, 18 July 2018 9:15am
University of Otago-led international collaborative research calls into question the ethics and skeletal and genomic analysis surrounding research into the much publicised alien-like “Atacama mummy”.
Researcher part of advertising campaign
Thursday, 12 July 2018 12:25pm
If Dr Louise Parr-Brownlie’s face seems familiar to you, it’s probably because you’ve seen her on TV, or in the newspaper, or on the back of a bus.
Forming a broader picture of New Zealand’s lost world through fossil bone DNA
Tuesday, 10 July 2018 7:07am
New Zealand’s unique and relatively short history coupled with new and revealing techniques examining ancient DNA from fossil bone fragments has provided insights around the impact of humans on the environment.
Opinion: From Otago to Loch Ness
Tuesday, 26 June 2018 2:02pm
The tale has got it all – cutting edge technology, a mysterious creature, international participants, and the media spotlight. Otago's Professor Neil Gemmell reflects on his now famous investigation, two years in the making; the Loch Ness eDNA project.
$5 million boost for Otago team’s quest to restore fertility in women with disabling ovary disorder
Friday, 22 June 2018 9:58am
A University of Otago research team whose ultimate goal is to restore fertility in women suffering Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), has received a significant boost with an almost $5 million grant from the Health Research Council.
TEXpo an opportunity to showcase technology
Wednesday, 20 June 2018 12:00am
Dr Yusuf Cakmak and Ms Marlene Black recently took part in TEXpo, an event run as part of the national Techweek festival promoting New Zealand’s unique and inspiring innovations to the world.
