Weight loss and health improvements with Mediterranean, fasting and paleo diets
Friday, 24 January 2020 10:46am
There were some weight loss and health benefits for overweight adults who followed the Mediterranean, Intermittent Fasting and Paleo diets, though adherence to the diets dropped off considerably during the one-year study, new University of Otago research shows.
Dr Rachael McLean talks to The Listener about salt
Thursday, 23 January 2020 10:43am
EDOR researcher and public health physician, Dr Rachael McLean, discusses how we can reduce our salt intake in the latest edition of the NZ Listener.
Climate-friendly food choices protect the planet, promote health, and reduce healthcare costs
Thursday, 23 January 2020 9:34am
Increased uptake of plant-based diets in New Zealand could substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions while greatly improving population health and saving the healthcare system billions of dollars in the coming decades, according to a new University of Otago study.
Watch presentations from the Evidence to Everyday research symposium
Wednesday, 15 January 2020 11:49am
View recordings of the Evidence to Everyday research symposium presentations, held in Wellington on 20 September, 2019.
Otago researchers ponder selling tobacco only through liquor stores, petrol stations or pharmacies
Thursday, 9 January 2020 2:39pm
The sale of tobacco only through liquor stores, petrol stations or pharmacies would considerably reduce the overall availability of tobacco and assist the Government in achieving its 2025 smokefree goal, new University of Otago research shows.
Tragedy led young Fijian doctor to change her country
Monday, 23 December 2019 4:02pm
Sometimes things happen that are so tragic, so traumatic, there is no way to forget them.
New Professors for EDOR
Thursday, 12 December 2019 11:14am
Three EDOR researchers have been made Professor or Associate Professor in the recent University of Otago promotion round.
Prescribers be aware of fatal risks of methadone and clozapine
Tuesday, 10 December 2019 11:26am
New Zealand prescribers should be aware of the high risk of death associated with two prescription medicines, methadone and clozapine, University of Otago researchers warn.
Our Director Dr Emma Wyeth has been promoted to Associate Professor!
Monday, 9 December 2019 10:11am
We are super proud to announce that our Director Dr Emma Wyeth has been promoted to Associate Professor!
Marsden Fund success for EDOR members
Friday, 6 December 2019 12:30pm
Several EDOR members have been successful in the gaining funding from the Royal Society Te Apārangi's Marsden fund in 2019.
Fewer Kiwis will die of bowel cancer if new screening tool introduced, Otago research reveals
Thursday, 28 November 2019 11:15am
Introducing flexible sigmoidoscopy screening into the national bowel screening programme would significantly reduce both the incidence and mortality of bowel cancer in New Zealand, new University of Otago research reveals.
BEATS Team recognised for promoting physical activity amongst teenagers
Friday, 22 November 2019 12:20pm
The Built Environment and Active Transport to School (BEATS) Research Team, including EDOR member Associate Professor Kirsten Coppell, has been awarded the University of Otago 2019 Research Group Award.
See what's on for World Diabetes Awareness Month
Thursday, 14 November 2019 11:46am
World Diabetes Day is November 14 and this year is part of Diabetes Awareness month.
New funding awarded to develop a sleep toolkit for tamariki and their whānau
Thursday, 7 November 2019 1:03pm
A new strategic research project led by EDOR Director Professor Rachael Taylor, with the aim of improving sleep for pepi and their whānau, has been awarded $1.7 million over three years from A Better Start National Science Challenge.
Otago researchers recipients of inaugural $3m Marsden Fund Award
Tuesday, 5 November 2019 9:42am
University of Otago researchers are the recipients of an inaugural Marsden Fund Council Award worth $3 million to investigate genetic predisposition to metabolic diseases like diabetes and gout among Pacific people.
Otago scientist wins award for stomach cancer research
Tuesday, 29 October 2019 1:42pm
A University of Otago researcher has won a fellowship to undertake cutting-edge research on stomach cancer survival, using technology not yet available in New Zealand.
Diabetes-related admissions in two Southern hospitals costs $41m in one year
Friday, 25 October 2019 9:38am
The cost of diabetes-related hospital admissions to Dunedin and Southland Hospitals for the 2016/2017 financial year was $41 million, new University of Otago research reveals.
EDOR researcher Dr Lisa Te Morenga wins national award
Friday, 18 October 2019 4:05pm
EDOR researcher Dr Lisa Te Morenga wins the Royal Society Te Apārangi Hamilton Award, which was presented at the Research Honours Awards Aotearoa in Dunedin on the 17th October, 2019.
Hear a recording of the Cost of Food panel discussion
Friday, 11 October 2019 1:42pm
The Cost of Food panel discussion, held at the Evidence to Everyday symposium on 20 September, 2019, was recorded by Radio NZ and is now available on their website.
Social audit as a social accountability mechanism for strengthening governance and service delivery in Nepal
Friday, 11 October 2019 9:57am
Social audit is a mechanism used to hold frontline health service providers accountable. This study explored the role of social audit in facilitating direct accountability between service providers and community.
Prof Jim Mann comments on controversial red and processed meat research
Wednesday, 2 October 2019 10:44am
Professor Jim Mann has commented on a series of reviews suggesting that there are very few health benefits to cutting your consumption of red and processed meat.
From Evidence to Everyday: translating nutrition research for a healthy Āotearoa
Friday, 20 September 2019 12:26pm
"From Evidence to Everyday: Translating nutrition research for a healthy Aotearoa", a symposium organised by the Edgar Diabetes and Obesity Research Centre, was held on Friday 20 September, 2019, at the Nordmeyer Lecture Theatre, University of Otago, Wellington.
Director of The Dunedin Study recognised with Distinguished Research Medal
Friday, 13 September 2019 12:23pm
Having a clear goal to make people’s lives better has helped earn Professor Richie Poulton Otago's prestigious Distinguished Research Medal for 2019.
Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori
Monday, 9 September 2019 12:02pm
I tērā wiki i whakanui mātou Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori.
Young people with chronic illness find health system doesn’t meet their needs – Otago study
Tuesday, 27 August 2019 8:55am
New Zealand’s adult-centred health system appears ill-equipped to meet the needs of chronically sick young people, a University of Otago study has found.
Māori rates of subsequent injury disproportionately high
Friday, 26 July 2019 12:31pm
A ground-breaking University of Otago study has found Māori experience disproportionately higher rates of subsequent injuries within two years of their initial injury.
National Bowel Screening age limit harms Māori - Dr Sue Crengle talks to the ODT
Wednesday, 17 July 2019 8:59am
National Bowel Screening age limit harms Māori - Dr Sue Crengle talks to the ODT
EDOR researchers comment on link between mental health, diabetes and obesity
Wednesday, 17 July 2019 3:43pm
EDOR researchers comment on a mental health and life expectancy report published in The Lancet.
Māori-led research at Otago awarded more then $3m in HRC funding
Thursday, 27 June 2019 1:49pm
Māori researchers from the University of Otago have been granted more than $3 million in funding from the Health Research Council (HRC) to tackle a wide range of projects ranging from water safety to disability support access for Māori - including our very own Dr Emma Wyeth.
We hosted the wonderful Dr Donna Cormack for our Matariki seminar today
Monday, 24 June 2019 1:44pm
We were so privileged to host the fantastic Dr Donna Cormack last Monday who presented about data (in)justice and Māori data sovereignty in a datafied world.
Infant sleep and nutrition studies attract HRC funding
Wednesday, 19 June 2019 3:04pm
Infant sleep and nutrition studies, co-led by EDOR Director Professor Taylor, have gained significant funding from the Health Research Council of New Zealand
EDOR celebrates two new Professors
Friday, 14 June 2019 2:50pm
Two new EDOR Professors have delivered their inaugural professorial lectures.
Hidden cost of alcohol to workplaces estimated at $1.65 billion – Otago study
Friday, 7 June 2019 9:50am
Employees turning up to work hungover, or not turning up at all, cost New Zealand $1.65 billion per year, a University of Otago study has found.
EDOR staff recognised at Health Research Excellence Awards
Thursday, 30 May 2019 10:03am
EDOR staff have featured at Health Research Excellence Awards.
Health and the environment - how can we turn the tide?
Thursday, 23 May 2019 10:51am
EDOR co-director Kirsten Coppell is concerned about the effect of the environment on health, and has co-authored a report listing key policy recommendations to increase active transport in New Zealand.
High-intensity exercise may restore heart function in people with type 2 diabetes
Thursday, 23 May 2019 4:43pm
University of Otago researchers have discovered that high-intensity exercise can reduce or reverse the loss in heart function caused by type 2 diabetes.
Sir Eion Edgar walking the talk to raise funds for diabetes
Friday, 17 May 2019 11:59am
EDOR benefactor and advisory board chair, Sir Eion Edgar, is busy raising funds to support those with diabetes in New Zealand.
Number of HIV cases continue to decline in New Zealand
Thursday, 16 May 2019 2:42pm
For the second year in a row there has been a reduction in the number of confirmed cases of HIV in New Zealand.
Students present at Otago Medical School Research Society
Friday, 10 May 2019 10:52am
Joyce Guo and Noeline Venter were among 10 University of Otago students who were selected to present their research at the 248th scientific meeting of the Otago Medical School Research Society.
Our two ARFs attend the Qualitative Methods Conference in Brisbane
Wednesday, 8 May 2019 2:14pm
Our two assistant research fellows Vicky Nelson and Georgia McCarty flew the ditch last week to go the the 17th Qualitative Methods Conference in Brisbane.
EDOR Director Rachael Taylor gives her Inaugural Professorial Lecture
Thursday, 2 May 2019 9:42am
EDOR Director Professor Rachael Taylor delivered her Inaugural Professorial Lecture on the 30 April, 2019.
2019 Departmental Awards
Friday, 5 April 2019 11:41am
We held our inaugural Annual Departmental Awards Dinner in February. At this event, seven members of staff were acknowledged for their contributions within the Department to improving and protecting public health, locally and globally, through excellence in teaching, research, or service.
Watch presentations from the Focus on Fibre and Food Monitoring symposium
Wednesday, 27 March 2019 3:23pm
Watch the presentations from the Focus on Fibre and Food Monitoring symposium, held on 11-12 February, 2019, in Dunedin, NZ.
Otago research shows alcohol consultation failing Māori communities
Tuesday, 26 March 2019 12:28pm
Local governments are failing to consult meaningfully with Māori when it comes to liquor licensing legislation, new research from the University of Otago has found.
Vicky Nelson presented her research at the In-house Convention
Monday, 25 March 2019 9:14am
NTMHRU Assistant Research Fellow - Māori health, Ms Vicky Nelson (Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Ruanui), presented at the In-house Convention. Vicky presented on a research project that herself and Associate Professor Sue Crengle (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha) are conducting this year, titled 'Rangatahi Primary Mental Health - A Kaupapa Māori Approach to Identifying the Gaps and Needs'
International flavour to NZ whole grains in diabetes study
Thursday, 14 March 2019 11:22am
EDOR researchers Dr Andrew Reynolds and Professor Jim Mann are leading a study on whole grains and health in type 2 diabetes, assisted by visiting Swedish postgraduate student Sebastian Åberg.
We hosted the fantastic Dr Rawiri Jansen today
Tuesday, 12 March 2019 10:46am
We hosted the fantastic Dr Rawiri Jansen today who gave a talk to our PUBH304 tauira on the hauora kaupapa Waitangi Tribunal Claim.
Seminar recording now available on the MOST strategy for running intervention studies
Wednesday, 6 March 2019 3:27pm
EDOR hosted Distinguished Professor Linda M. Collins from Pennsylvania State University, to give a seminar and run a workshop on the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST), an alternative way of running interventions.
Our Director attends the Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga Principal Investigators' Wānanga
Monday, 18 February 2019 10:40am
Last week, our director, Dr Emma Wyeth, was fortunate enough to attend the Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga Principal Investigators' Wānanga at the beautiful Rānana up the Whanganui River.
High intake of dietary fibre and whole grain foods reduces risk of non-communicable diseases
Friday, 11 January 2019 12:39pm
University of Otago researchers have found a link between higher intakes of dietary fibre and whole grain foods and a reduction in the risk of a wide range of non-communicable diseases and their risk factors.
Samuel Carrington is underway with his MPH
Thursday, 6 December 2018 4:34pm
Samuel Carrington is currently underway with his masters project exploring Māori understandings of antimicrobial resistance using a One Health approach.
Too many dementia patients prescribed potentially inappropriate drugs – Otago finds
Thursday, 29 November 2018 9:45am
Older adults diagnosed with dementia are frequently being prescribed potentially inappropriate medications, which leaves them at risk of delirium, worsening cognitive impairment, and increased mortality, a University of Otago study has found.
True burden of rheumatic fever in NZ currently underestimated, new research reveals
Thursday, 22 November 2018 5:05pm
The true burden of rheumatic fever in New Zealand may be underestimated because serology cut-off guidelines are too high resulting in undercounting about 16 cases annually, new collaborative research has found.
Focus on Fibre and Food Monitoring symposium, Dunedin, 11-12 February, 2019
Tuesday, 20 November 2018 3:30pm
The Focus on Fibre and Food Monitoring symposium was held on 11-12 February, 2019, in Dunedin.
It's World Diabetes Day, Wednesday 14 November
Wednesday, 14 November 2018 2:29pm
The Edgar Diabetes and Obesity Research Centre released an infographic for World Diabetes Day 2018
Otago research highlights need for spirituality to be integrated into the health system
Wednesday, 14 November 2018 4:11pm
Spiritual care must be integrated into health system care plans, policies and training in order to reflect national guidelines and strategies more effectively, according to University of Otago researchers.
He ora te whakapiri: Unleashing the potential of NZ life course research
Friday, 19 October 2018 12:25pm
Edgar Diabetes and Obesity Researchers have chaired sessions at He ora te whakapiri: Unleashing the potential of New Zealand life course research.
Research reveals diagnosis delays and at risk populations for bowel cancer in NZ
Friday, 5 October 2018 12:44pm
There are often delays in diagnosis for New Zealanders with bowel cancer with people aged under 60, Māori and those with less formal education most at risk, new research reveals.
No increased risk of lung infections among infants using popular anti-reflux medicines
Tuesday, 18 September 2018 10:16am
New University of Otago research shows infants using popular anti-reflux medicines like omeprazole are not at increased risk of pneumonia or other lower respiratory tract infections, contrary to findings from other international studies.
Otago scientists secure almost $1.6 million for heart research
Monday, 17 September 2018 12:20pm
Otago scientists secure almost $1.6 million for heart research
Serving sizes have increased in NZ fast food outlets
Friday, 14 September 2018 12:08pm
Professor Jim Mann, Co-Director of EDOR, has commented on a study showing that serving sizes have increased in New Zealand fast food outlets.
Nutrition textbook receives international accolade
Thursday, 13 September 2018 9:53am
A nutrition textbook co-edited by EDOR Co-Director Professor Jim Mann, was highly commended in the recent British Medical Association medical book awards.
Congratulations to Dr Emma Wyeth on her promotion
Thursday, 13 September 2018 9:38am
Congratulations to our Director Emma Wyeth who has been promoted to Senior Lecturer above the bar in Hauora Māori.
Ngāi Tahu Māori Health Research Unit’s new space
Thursday, 13 September 2018 4:41pm
Earlier this week the Ngāi Tahu Māori Health Research Unit’s new space was officially opened.
Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori!
Friday, 7 September 2018 11:56am
We are so excited that this week is te reo o te wiki (te reo Māori language week). The week runs from September 10th – 16th and we are all challenging each other and you to kōrero te reo Māori (speak te reo Māori) as much as possible not only this week but all year!
Māori Injury and Disability Poster
Friday, 7 September 2018 11:57am
A poster summarising the longitudinal studies of Māori Injury and Disability.
Potential for less smoking with new tobacco retailer restrictions, Otago research shows
Thursday, 6 September 2018 4:02pm
Changing the way tobacco is sold is a crucial step in achieving the Government’s 2025 smokefree goal, new University of Otago research suggests.
Tackling diet-related disease in New Zealand
Monday, 3 September 2018 9:54am
Unhealthy diet is the leading preventable risk for poor health in New Zealand. Diet-related diseases (and how we manage them) is becoming a pressing issue for the country.
Brief sleep intervention works long-term to prevent child obesity – Otago discovers
Monday, 3 September 2018 9:39am
When it comes to obesity prevention, sleep is not usually something that springs to mind, but a University of Otago research team has found we should not underestimate its importance.
Mongrel Mob open up to Otago researchers for the good of their health
Wednesday, 29 August 2018 10:02am
Studying the liver health of a high-risk, hard-to-reach gang population certainly came with challenges and a few surprises, a University of Otago academic says.
Experts agree - benefits of folic acid fortification outweigh risks
Wednesday, 8 August 2018 9:04am
EDOR Co-director Professor Jim Mann has commented on a report that found that mandatory folic acid fortification is linked to lower rates of birth defects, and that taking folic acid supplements at the recommended doses in pregnancy has no adverse effects on pregnancy outcome or the child’s health.
Otago researcher claims new study a step forward in fight to eliminate tuberculosis
Thursday, 2 August 2018 9:36am
The McAuley Professor of International Health at the University of Otago is labelling the findings of new international collaborative research a step forward in the fight to eliminate the world’s top infectious disease killer, tuberculosis.
Otago researchers signal time for Government action on reducing alcohol-related harm
Friday, 27 July 2018 9:40am
University of Otago experts in addiction medicine and the health effects of alcohol are questioning what the barriers are to Government action on reducing alcohol-related harm and calling for change.
Junk food is the norm at NZ sporting venues
Friday, 20 July 2018 9:45am
New research by EDOR member Louise Signal has found that two thirds of foods sold at New Zealand sporting venues are classed as junk food.
Two million New Zealanders predicted to be obese by 2038
Thursday, 5 July 2018 12:06pm
Professor Jim Mann has commented on a University of Otago study on obesity in New Zealand, that predicts that two million Kiwis will be obese by 2038.
DSM's palliative care education in the spotlight
Tuesday, 3 July 2018 2:48pm
Lis Latta
EDOR Director Rachael Taylor comments on new UK strategies to prevent childhood obesity
Thursday, 28 June 2018 3:38pm
Edgar Diabetes and Obesity Research (EDOR) Director, Professor Rachael Taylor, has commented on the new UK strategies for preventing childhood obesity.
Funding success for EDOR researchers
Thursday, 21 June 2018 2:06pm
Several members of the Edgar Diabetes and Obesity Research Centre have enjoyed recent funding success.
Primary Care Exhibition
Thursday, 21 June 2018 11:46am
The Primary Care Exhibition was showcased at the Hocken Library this month focusing on "different areas such as health promotion, disease prevention, disgnosis, treatment, deinstitutionalisation - thinking about hospitals like Seacliff - mental health, community health and Māori health".
Reduction in HIV diagnoses in New Zealand
Wednesday, 20 June 2018 10:03am
There has been a significant reduction in the number of people diagnosed with HIV in New Zealand over the past year.
Fran Kewene joins the NTMHRU
Friday, 15 June 2018 11:48am
We are pleased to welcome Fran to the NTMHRU team as a Professional Practice Fellow.
Expert Advisory Rōpū Hui
Monday, 11 June 2018 11:49am
The Expert Advisory Rōpū met for the first time today.
Kids'Cam team wins award for innovative research paper
Tuesday, 5 June 2018 1:21pm
The Kids'Cam team has been featured in the latest issue of the Otago Magazine, and their seminal paper published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition & Physical Activity last year has just been awarded best publication for 2017.
PhD candidate receives award
Thursday, 31 May 2018 12:07pm
Sarah Donald has received a prize in the 2018 Dunedin School of Medicine postgraduate poster competition for a poster which outlines the process of generating a pregnancy cohort for medicine utilisation and safety studies in New Zealand.
Otago University-led Citizens’ Jury highlights complexity around euthanasia debate
Thursday, 24 May 2018 10:59am
A University of Otago-led Citizens’ Jury on euthanasia could not reach agreement about whether it should be legalised, highlighting complexities around the debate.
Toi Tū Te Whānau, Toi Tū Te Kāwai Whakapapa
Monday, 14 May 2018 11:58am
Emma Wyeth and Georgia McCarty recently attended the Toi Tū Te Whānau, Toi Tū Te Kāwai Whakapapa: A Workshop on Whānau and Whakapapa for Public Policy.
Congratulations to Shawnee Brausch
Saturday, 12 May 2018 11:50am
Congratulations to Shawnee for graduating with a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health.
Prescribing guidelines not always followed for patients on cholesterol-lowering drug
Friday, 4 May 2018 10:40am
New Zealand prescribers do not always follow guidelines when prescribing other medicines to patients taking simvastatin, according to University of Otago researchers from the Pharmacoepidemiology Research Network.
Carbohydrates in our diet - it's the quality that matters
Thursday, 3 May 2018 10:28am
EDOR researchers have two back-to-back letters published in The Lancet, commenting on the PURE study that was published in August 2017.
EDOR member Dr Reremoana Theodore awarded prestigious Māori fellowship
Tuesday, 1 May 2018 11:52am
EDOR member Dr Moana Theodore has been awarded a prestigious four-year fellowship aimed at providing better health and well-being for Māori.
Older, injured workers lose up to one-third of income, Otago research reveals
Tuesday, 1 May 2018 9:21am
Injuries impact on the financial well-being of older workers with substantial lost earnings of between 20 and 30 per cent of their work income, new University of Otago research reveals.
EDOR members speak at metabolic disease conference
Thursday, 5 April 2018 4:36pm
EDOR researchers speak at Tātai Oranga: Joining forces to tackle metabolic conditions, held at Iritekura Marae in Waipiro Bay and in Gisborne, 4-6 April 2018.
Importance of physical activity in preschoolers highlighted by Otago researcher
Wednesday, 28 March 2018 12:47pm
The journey to obesity can start as young as age one so increased physical activity should be established and encouraged early, University of Otago researchers say.
Prediabetes and primary care: making a difference
Wednesday, 21 March 2018 10:26am
EDOR researcher Dr Kirsten Coppell has been interviewed by NZ Doctor about her successful prediabetes intervention study in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand.
Lowering our sugar intake is likely to reduce both obesity and type 2 diabetes
Thursday, 15 March 2018 10:13pm
Professor Jim Mann comments on the close links between obesity and type 2 diabetes. If sugar is reduced, rates of both obesity and type 2 diabetes are likely to be reduced.
View the talks from "The global effort to tackle obesity and diabetes" public lecture
Tuesday, 13 March 2018 1:16pm
"The global effort to tackle obesity and diabetes" public lecture presentations, held on Friday 23 February 2018, are now available to watch online.
Otago researchers part of $18M project to reveal causes of fever in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia
Friday, 9 March 2018 11:05am
Otago researchers are helping lead a major international project to determine what the main causes of fever in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia are and how they should be treated.
‘Ubiquity’ of cancer highlighted by Cancer Research Unit’s new Co-Directors
Wednesday, 7 March 2018 9:41pm
The new Co-Directors of the Cancer Society Social & Behavioural Research Unit, Dr Richard Egan and Dr Louise Marsh, are keen to ensure they make a real difference to the wellbeing of New Zealanders through high-quality research.
Teachers suffer post-traumatic stress following ‘quakes – Otago research highlights
Thursday, 1 March 2018 2:56pm
School teachers were among the majority of frontline workers with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the Christchurch earthquakes, new University of Otago research shows.
Switching to vaping not always straightforward: Otago research
Thursday, 8 February 2018 2:48pm
Smokers attempting to quit the habit by vaping or using e-cigarettes do not always find the process plain sailing, according to new University of Otago research published in the international journal, Tobacco Control.
