Monkey malaria breakthrough offers cure for relapsing malaria
Thursday, 15 August 2019
A breakthrough in monkey malaria research by two University of Otago scientists could help scientists diagnose and treat a relapsing form of human malaria.
Professor Peter Dearden talks to Q+A about new genetic technologies
Tuesday, 13 August 2019
In an interview with Jack Tame on TVNZ's Q + A programme last night, Professor Peter Dearden clearly explained why it is time for New Zealand to re-think genetic technologies.
Study finds fish preserve DNA 'memories' far better than humans
Friday, 9 August 2019
We are all familiar with the common myth that fish have poor memory, but it turns that their DNA has the capacity to hold much more memory than that of humans.
A 20-year service to science recognised by Royal Society
Tuesday, 30 July 2019
When Dr Judith Bateup recognised New Zealand school leavers had an alarming lack of microbiology knowledge she decided to do something about it.
Understanding cardiovascular disease in Pasifika peoples
Wednesday, 24 July 2019
A new line of research is proposed at Otago to discover whether there are physiological reasons for higher instances of cardiovascular disease in Pasifika peoples.
Dr Andrew Bahn awarded Arthritis NZ Project Grant
Tuesday, 16 July 2019
Congratulations to Dr Bahn who has been awarded a $60K grant for his project "Identification of oxypurinol transporters to decipher drug-drug interactions in gout treatment”
Otago study unlocks secrets of sex change in fish
Thursday, 11 July 2019
A University of Otago-led study is heralding advances in our understanding of one of the most startling transformations in the natural world – the complete reversal of sex that occurs in about 500 species of fish.
Scientists discover processes to lower methane emissions from animals
Tuesday, 2 July 2019
University of Otago scientists are part of an international research collaboration which has made an important discovery in the quest to lower global agricultural methane emissions.
Cycle Challenge to help Heart Foundation
Friday, 28 June 2019
Cycling at the end of July may not be everybody's cup of tea but when you are raising money for the Heart Foundation and doing it indoors, anyone can join in – and you don't even have to wear lycra!
Otago Biochemistry receives $3.6 million for research into gout, neurodegenerative disease, and new antibiotics
Thursday, 27 June 2019
Three projects lead by principal investigators based in Otago Biochemistry have been awarded funding of about $1.2 million each, which will push forward exciting research at the molecular level that will one day underpin improved treatments for a diverse range of diseases.
Central Otago cemetery might be next for archaeological research
Wednesday, 26 June 2019
With successful operations in the small Otago towns of Milton and Lawrence complete, the University of Otago’s Otago Historic Cemeteries Bioarchaeology Project is now looking to partner with the historic Drybread Cemetery, deep in the heart of Central Otago.
Beautiful biochem dress highlights deep connection between science and design
Thursday, 6 June 2019
Emma Muir graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry in May, wearing a beautiful dress that she painstakingly hand-embroidered herself.
Celebration of research at the School of Biomedical Sciences Symposium
Tuesday, 4 June 2019
Researchers from the Department of Biochemistry had a great time sharing their research with the rest of the Otago School of Biomedical Sciences last week at the annual BMS Postgraduate Symposium held at the Otago Museum.
Otago enhances its relations with Jinan University
Tuesday, 21 May 2019
The University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with one of China’s oldest universities last week, formalising a working relationship between researchers at the two institutions.
Biochemistry celebrates graduate achievements and speaks out for critical thinking
Tuesday, 14 May 2019
Congratulations to everyone who graduated with a degree from the Otago Biochemistry Department on Saturday.
Otago bioarchaeologist’s 1,000-year-old discovery unravels clues about use of psychoactive plants for ritual purposes
Tuesday, 7 May 2019
An Otago bioarchaeologist was among a group of international archaeologists who made an exciting discovery of a “ritual bundle” in Bolivia and using chemical analysis helped unravel clues about the use of psychoactive plants for ritual purposes in the South American country a thousand years ago.
Otago scientists urge caution in creating a new class of medicine to cater for cannabis
Friday, 3 May 2019
Following the Government’s move to increase access to medicinal cannabis, two University of Otago scientists are cautioning that in any future changes cannabis products should be held to the same standards as other medicines.
Olivia Kelly wins 2019 Joan Mary Anderson Award
Friday, 5 April 2019
Plant Biotechnology BSc(Hons) student Olivia Kelly has been awarded the 2019 Joan Mary Anderson Award in plant science.
Study helps explain why some of our famous flightless birds can’t fly
Friday, 5 April 2019
University of Otago researchers in association with colleagues from Harvard University have discovered new evidence of what made some of New Zealand’s iconic birds such as the kiwi and extinct moa, flightless.
Otago expert explores device with potential to transform cancer survival
Monday, 1 April 2019
Cancer genetics and biology expert Professor Parry Guilford has received a New Zealand Health Research Council Explorer Grant to further investigate a novel device that could routinely detect early-stage cancer, potentially transforming cancer survival.
Webster Family Chair in Pathogenesis appointment
Friday, 22 March 2019
Following an extensive international search, Professor Miguel Quiñones-Mateu has been appointed as the second holder of the Webster Family Chair in Viral Pathogenesis in the University of Otago’s Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences.
Prof Parry Guilford hosts Wanaka gastric cancer summit
Wednesday, 20 March 2019
Wanaka shared its best scenery with a special group of national and international visitors in March. The 2019 Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer Consensus Clinical Guidelines Meeting had a wide variety of attendees, including scientists, doctors, genetic counsellors, and family members directly affected by hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC).
Otago discovery paves way for precision medicine in future
Wednesday, 20 March 2019
University of Otago scientists have discovered a way to view the immune cell 'landscape' of bowel cancer tumours, paving the way towards more individualised medicine and treatment for many other diseases in future.
Dr Jillian Evans, pharmaceutical development legend, visits Otago Biochemistry
Wednesday, 13 March 2019
Recently, the Department hosted one of New Zealand’s most successful expat scientists, Dr Jillian Evans.
Among her many achievements, she has helped to develop three drugs for the treatment of diseases such as cystic fibrosis and asthma, and co-found several successful pharmaceutical companies.
Are New Zealand’s giant birds of prey just exiled Aussies?
Wednesday, 20 February 2019
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
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
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.
Lottery Health research equipment grant for Associate Professor Alan Carne
Tuesday, 12 February 2019
Associate Professor Alan Carne’s investigations into new health-promoting biomolecules received a boost with $100,000 from Lottery Health Research recently.
Otago Biochemistry academic promotions
Thursday, 7 February 2019
Congratulations to Otago Biochemistry academic staff who were promoted on the first of February.
Innovative research aids stroke recovery
Wednesday, 30 January 2019
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
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.
Pipettes, soy sauce, and bleeding for the cause: Hands-on at Otago 2019
Wednesday, 23 January 2019
21 eager high school students joined the Department of Biochemistry last week for a taste of life studying biochemistry at the University of Otago.
Potential biotech and health applications with new knowledge on bacteria and viruses
Monday, 21 January 2019
University of Otago research to better understand how bacteria and their viruses interact and evolve will enable future studies to exploit the use of bacteria and their viruses for potential biotechnology and health applications.
Student academic awards for 2018 announced
Wednesday, 16 January 2019
The Department of Biochemistry is pleased to announce the winners of the 2018 student academic awards are Sarah MacKie (Mervyn Smith Prize, Joshua McCluskey (Petersen Prize), Cameron Reddington (400-level Edson Prize, Emily Rhoades and Helena Cooper (joint winners, 300-level Edson Prize).
Sustained contribution to teaching recognised
Wednesday, 19 December 2018
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.
Biochemistry staff feature in BMS awards
Wednesday, 19 December 2018
Five members of the Department of Biochemistry's staff won awards at the School of Biomedical Sciences Christmas and prizegiving function on Monday afternoon.
University’s 150th year kicks off with Hands-On Otago’s 30th Anniversary
Tuesday, 18 December 2018
Most teenagers would prefer to spend their summer holidays on the beach, but nearly 400 Year 12 and 13 students are dedicating a week of their break to travel to Dunedin for a taste of student life.
Record number of Biochemistry PhD graduations in December
Tuesday, 18 December 2018
A record number of ten Biochemistry students graduated with PhD degrees in the December ceremonies.
Two winning teams from TRG competition
Thursday, 13 December 2018
Two winning teams have emerged from this year’s University of Otago Translational Research Grant (TRG) competition – one in Dunedin and one in Christchurch.
Neuroscientist awarded Neurological Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship
Monday, 10 December 2018
Department of Physiology researcher, Dr Joon Kim, was recently awarded a Wrightson Postdoctoral Fellowship from the Neurological Foundation of New Zealand.
Otago study forces a rethink on population history of Ibiza
Thursday, 6 December 2018
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.
Drawings of scientists delight Otago Biochemistry staff
Wednesday, 5 December 2018
Pupils of Portobello School recently sent Otago Biochemistry some fantastic portraits of scientists as thanks for sharing some biochemistry fun with the school.
Otago researchers discover a promising therapy for improving heart attack survivorship
Tuesday, 4 December 2018
In pre-clinical trials, University of Otago researchers have discovered a promising new therapy that has the potential to be used clinically for improving survival rates for people who suffer a heart attack.
Mo-tivation for fundraiser
Monday, 3 December 2018
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.
Student research recognised internationally
Wednesday, 28 November 2018
Lorna Daniels was last night awarded the PhD Student Research Publication Prize at the AUPS annual meeting 2018 in Sydney.
Research by Otago graduate highlights magnitude of gender disparity in cardiology
Wednesday, 28 November 2018
While increasing numbers of medical graduates are female, new research led by an Otago Medical School graduate highlights the magnitude of gender disparity in cardiology.
Otago Microbiologist wins UK’s Fleming Prize
Tuesday, 27 November 2018
Associate Professor Peter Fineran – winner of the UK's Fleming Prize – spoke to the Otago Bulletin Board about the award and his work.
Biochemistry and Plant Biotechnology student awarded University of Otago’s top undergraduate prize
Thursday, 8 February 2018
Biochemistry and Plant Biotechnology student Bridget Thomas has won the prestigious Prince of Wales Prize, University of Otago’s premier undergraduate award, awarded to the most outstanding student completing an undergraduate or honours degree.
