Unprecedented success for Otago at the NZ Research Honours Awards
Thursday, 18 October 2018
The University has had unprecedented success at the New Zealand Research Honours Awards this year, taking home one quarter of the awards on offer.
Karere
Six Otago researchers recognised in NZ research honours
Thursday, 18 October 2018
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.
Otago research aims to explain high testicular cancer rates in Māori
Friday, 12 October 2018
A new University of Otago study is aiming to tackle why Māori men have abnormally higher rates of testicular cancer compared to their non-Māori counterparts.
Researchers call for end to fat stigma
Thursday, 11 October 2018
Researchers are using World Obesity Day today to call for an end to the stigma which fat people experience in their daily lives.
Education and support for menstrual periods needed at primary school
Wednesday, 3 October 2018
Primary school is the correct place to educate girls about periods and provide sanitary bins and pads, say University of Otago researchers.
Otago scientists secure almost $1.6 million for heart research
Monday, 17 September 2018
Otago scientists secure almost $1.6 million for heart research
Tackling diet-related disease in New Zealand
Monday, 3 September 2018
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.
Otago scientist urges NZ to lead the way in eliminating top infectious disease killer
Wednesday, 29 August 2018
A University of Otago doctor and scientist is calling on New Zealand to be the first country in the world to eliminate tuberculosis (TB), the top infectious disease killer in the world.
Otago experts question use of consultants who worked for tobacco industry in NZ tobacco review
Friday, 24 August 2018
University of Otago researchers believe Government actions may be inconsistent with its tobacco treaty obligations by employing a consulting firm that has worked globally for the tobacco industry, to advise on tobacco taxation.
Honing in on the key ingredients for successful self-management of chronic pain
Friday, 24 August 2018
The outlook for the one in five New Zealanders with persistent or chronic pain has the potential to be more positive according to an extensive study review by researchers from the School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, Wellington (UOW) and Pain Management Service, Capital Coast District Health Board.
Researching the impact of drops in the oxygen levels of preterm babies
Monday, 13 August 2018
Friends of international PhD student, Dr Conway Niu, joke that his current research project – monitoring the oxygen levels of preterm babies – is taking him back to the comfort zone of his early days.
Closing NZ’s border in severe pandemics cost-effective – New study
Thursday, 9 August 2018
Closing the border may make sense for New Zealand in some extreme pandemic situations, according to a newly published study of the costs and benefits of taking this step.
3MT finals showcase up-and-coming talent
Wednesday, 8 August 2018
A PhD candidate who is investigating the emotional responses of clinicians who deal with suicidal patients has won the PhD category of Otago’s 2018 Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition.
Opinion: Healthy environment the foundation of suicide prevention
Friday, 3 August 2018
Dr John Adams and Professor Sunny Collings take a look at student mental health and suicide prevention.
Otago researcher secures funding for therapy to help prevent disorders in preterm babies
Wednesday, 1 August 2018
A University of Otago researcher has received funding from the Neurological Foundation of New Zealand to investigate a new therapy which could potentially prevent disorders developing in children born prematurely.
Anywhere, anytime: New Zealand children’s exposure to alcohol marketing
Tuesday, 31 July 2018
Innovative camera research has revealed New Zealand children are exposed to alcohol marketing on average 4.5 times per day.
He Kete Kōrero – Winter 2018
Thursday, 26 July 2018
The Winter 2018 edition of the University of Otago, Wellington newsletter
Opinion: Smokefree 2025 - An opportunity for Government
Wednesday, 18 July 2018
Bold Government action is needed to achieve the Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 goal writes a group of staff from the Wellington campus and the Cancer Society.
Major fundamental changes required to achieve health equity
Monday, 9 July 2018
In comparing efforts to address health inequities, researchers in Aotearoa/New Zealand (NZ) and the United States (US) have found that both countries are failing to align policy with evidence-based approaches that could help achieve equity.
Junk food dominates NZ sport
Monday, 9 July 2018
Junk food dominates New Zealand sport venues, according to new research led by the University of Otago, Wellington.
Multimorbidity impacts on employment and financial wellbeing, Otago report shows
Monday, 25 June 2018
Multimorbidity has a substantial impact on sufferers who report not only poorer health but also adverse impacts on their employment and financial wellbeing compared to the general population, new University of Otago research reveals.
Preparing for increased stroke volumes in New Zealand
Friday, 22 June 2018
Although the incidence of stroke and mortality are declining due to better management strategies, stroke volumes are going up in New Zealand due to a growing and ageing population.
Smokefree 2025: An opportunity for big scores by the Government
Friday, 22 June 2018
A group of tobacco control experts today published an open letter in the New Zealand Medical Journal calling for bold new actions from the New Zealand Government to achieve the Smokefree 2025 goal.
Almost $19 million awarded to Otago researchers in Health Research Council funding
Monday, 18 June 2018
A new study investigating for the first time the health of occupants of leaky homes in New Zealand is one of many University of Otago-led projects being funded this year by the Health Research Council to the tune of almost $19 million.
New Zealand leads call to improve health for indigenous people globally
Friday, 1 June 2018
An open letter published today in a leading international medical journal, Lancet Oncology, calls on the World Health Organization (WHO) and Governments to prioritise health improvements for Indigenous peoples worldwide.
Cold New Zealand council housing getting an upgrade
Wednesday, 30 May 2018
University of Otago, Wellington researchers are advocating for standards to bring all New Zealand housing up to the World Health Organization minimum standard which recommends indoor temperature of 18 degrees celcius.
Warning labels on alcohol containers highly deficient, new research shows
Monday, 21 May 2018
Current health warning labels on alcohol beverage containers in New Zealand are highly deficient, new research from the University of Otago, Wellington shows.
Obesity a tough topic for GPs, Otago research reveals
Friday, 18 May 2018
New University of Otago research highlights the difficulties for GPs of discussing obesity with patients who are overweight and signals the need for resources to support them and other community health providers in this role.
New ideas for detecting cancer get go-ahead from HRC
Thursday, 17 May 2018
A University of Otago researcher focused on the earlier detection of cancer has just secured her first significant grant from the Health Research Council, valued at $249,984, for her novel proposal for diagnosing bowel cancer.
HRC funding enables Otago researcher to investigate early detection test for bowel cancer
Thursday, 17 May 2018
A researcher aiming to develop an early-detection genetic-based test for bowel cancer is one of several University of Otago researchers who have been awarded almost $1.5 million in Health Research Council funding.
Radical new framework for trade and investment treaties
Monday, 14 May 2018
A team from the University of Otago, Wellington has just published a radical new framework for designing international trade and investment treaties.
Gaps in patient care pathway may perpetuate high rates of sexually transmitted infections
Wednesday, 9 May 2018
There are gaps between best practice and documented management of patients diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections in primary care, which may contribute to high rates of infection, new University of Otago research shows.
Study aiming to improve New Zealand’s low breastfeeding rates
Thursday, 3 May 2018
University of Otago, Wellington (UOW) researchers are leading a new collaborative study to find out why New Zealand breastfeeding rates are so low and even dropping.
Genetic research reveals new insights into severe childhood epilepsy
Tuesday, 1 May 2018
In a new study on children with severe forms of epilepsy, researchers have found the genetic copying mistake that causes the severe epilepsy in children can be found in their parents who do not have epilepsy.
Otago researchers claim inaugural Māori researcher fellowships
Monday, 30 April 2018
Two University of Otago researchers of Ngāpuhi descent are being rewarded with new prestigious four-year fellowships aimed at providing better health and well-being for Māori.
International agreement provides Otago opportunity to help shape global cancer agenda
Friday, 20 April 2018
In a New Zealand first, the University of Otago has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
Safety warning labels needed on fresh chicken, say researchers
Tuesday, 17 April 2018
New research has found that many New Zealand consumers are unaware of the high levels of Campylobacter contamination of fresh chicken and most want safety labelling about the risks on poultry products.
He Kete Kōrero – Autumn 2018
Tuesday, 17 April 2018
The Autumn 2018 edition of the University of Otago, Wellington newsletter
A picture is worth a thousand medical explanations
Monday, 16 April 2018
A Wellington campus Senior Lecturer and GP is beginning her PhD examining whether a health practitioner drawing a picture to help describe a medical situation impacts on a patient’s health outcome.
Threats from tobacco industry stalled New Zealand plain packs legislation
Friday, 13 April 2018
Threats of lawsuits by the tobacco industry helped delay the New Zealand legislation for plain tobacco packs by at least three years, new University of Otago research suggests.
Taxing sugary drinks a no-brainer for New Zealand
Wednesday, 4 April 2018
On 1 April 2018, the United Kingdom introduced a sugary drinks tax, an important public health measure that University of Otago, Wellington, public health researchers believe should be happening in New Zealand too.
Yoghurt may reduce eczema and allergy in infancy
Wednesday, 28 March 2018
Yoghurt given to infants in the first year of life may protect them from developing eczema and allergy, researchers from the University of Otago, Wellington, and the University of Auckland have found.
Evidence from 100 years ago of socio-economic position and shorter lifespans in New Zealand men
Monday, 26 March 2018
For the first time, Otago researchers have identified evidence of socio-economic inequalities resulting in different death rates in New Zealand men from 100 years ago.
Summer Studentship programme 2017/2018
Monday, 26 March 2018
University of Otago, Wellington hosts the Summer Studentship Programme each year. The Department of Medicine has had a number of students this summer participating in 10 week research projects.
More sustainable transport for better health in New Zealand cities
Friday, 23 March 2018
Can your local council stop you getting heart disease or cancer? Yes, say researchers in a new study led by the University of Otago, Wellington.
Research suggests promoting smokefree homes may help reduce teen smoking
Thursday, 22 March 2018
New Zealand children and teens growing up in smokefree homes are less likely to take up smoking, even if their parents are smokers, a University of Otago, Wellington, study has found.
Study of smoking among doctors and nurses shows very low smoking prevalence and Smokefree 2025 goal can be achieved
Friday, 9 March 2018
A new study on smoking trends among doctors and nurses in New Zealand finds smoking has declined steadily within these healthcare professions. Researchers say this shows that very low smoking rates can be achieved in large occupational groups, suggesting that New Zealand’s Smokefree 2025 goal is reachable.
New Chair for research foundation’s advisory committee
Wednesday, 7 March 2018
Dr Rebecca Grainger from the Department of Medicine at the University of Otago, Wellington has been appointed Chair of the Research for Life’s Research Advisory Committee.
Out of prison and back to smoking?
Friday, 23 February 2018
A lack of support means many prisoners relapse back to smoking on release, despite many wanting to stay smokefree, a new study has found.
Third vaccine dose needed to protect young New Zealanders from mumps outbreak
Tuesday, 13 February 2018
Urgent and proactive action is needed to protect young people from the current mumps outbreak in New Zealand, says Dr Ayesha Verrall, an infectious diseases physician and researcher at the University of Otago, Wellington.
Award-winning Biomedical Scientist appointed to Associate Dean (Pacific) at University of Otago Wellington
Friday, 9 February 2018
Dr Dianne Sika-Paotonu has been appointed to the role of Associate Dean (Pacific) at the University of Otago, Wellington (UOW). Dr Sika-Paotonu is the first Tongan, Pacific biomedical scientist to be appointed to this role within the Division of Health Sciences at Otago.
New Associate Dean (Pacific) at the Wellington campus
Thursday, 8 February 2018
Dr Dianne Sika-Paotonu has been appointed to the role of Associate Dean (Pacific) at the University’s Wellington campus.
First human trial of potentially game-changing diabetes treatment set to commence
Wednesday, 7 February 2018
University of Otago researchers are ready to take a significant step in the development of a new natural product that could potentially prevent diabetes.
Considering public health issues- the 22nd Public Health Summer School
Monday, 5 February 2018
Leading international and New Zealand health experts will be in Wellington to participate in the 22nd Public Health Summer School run by the University of Otago, Wellington in February. The Public Health Summer School will be officially opened by the Minister of Health, Hon Dr David Clark on 7 February.
Few drinking fountains in New Zealand playgrounds – New study
Friday, 2 February 2018
New research has found that only a fifth (20 per cent) of childrens’ playgrounds in the lower North Island of New Zealand had drinking fountains (11 out of 54 playgrounds).
Talking about diabetes – improving health, one sentence at a time
Wednesday, 17 January 2018
Primary care physicians can improve their communication to newly-diagnosed diabetes patients by offering more information specific to the patient’s experience, new research from Otago, Auckland and Victoria universities shows.
Predator Free 2050 has major benefits for human health
Monday, 15 January 2018
The Predator Free 2050 campaign to rid New Zealand of rats and possums will have major benefits for human health as well as for native plants and animals, says University of Otago, Wellington public health researcher Dr Mary McIntyre.
Shade shortage in Wellington playgrounds: Otago research highlights the need to ‘slip, slop, slap and wrap’ this summer
Tuesday, 9 January 2018
Children visiting playgrounds this summer may be at high risk of sunburn, according to a new study from the University of Otago, Wellington.
Revelations on International Pathology Day at the Wellington campus
Tuesday, 19 December 2017
Wellington campus systems engineer Ricardo Batista, took time out from investigating the innards of computers to find out more about what made him tick from colleagues in that campus’ Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine on International Pathology Day.
University of Otago announces academic promotions
Friday, 15 December 2017
The University of Otago will this year promote 23 academics to the position of Professor across its Dunedin, Christchurch, and Wellington campuses.
Sex advice and Siri? To Google or not to Google? These are the questions
Thursday, 14 December 2017
In an article published today in the Christmas issue of the British Medical Journal, New Zealand researchers found that Google laptop searches performed better at finding online sexual health advice than the digital assistants on smartphones.
How do firearms, floods and flu impact public health?
Wednesday, 13 December 2017
Firearms and public health, impacts of New Zealand’s most common natural hazard - flooding, and lessons from the 1918 flu pandemic are just some of the courses and seminar talks being offered by the University of Otago, Wellington’s Public Health Summer School.
Students scoop awards in Wellington ceremony
Monday, 11 December 2017
Top-ranking medical and radiation therapy students enjoyed their own version of the red carpet at the University’s Wellington campus 2017 Awards Ceremony at the Roxy Theatre last month.
No hat, no play? Not always: Otago research
Thursday, 7 December 2017
Many children may not be sun-safe during school lunch breaks, research from the University of Otago, Wellington, reveals.
Giving cash without strings attached can improve health
Thursday, 23 November 2017
New research has shown governments can help improve health in low and middle income countries, simply by providing cash to people living in poverty.
Kids in Space Study: Where do our children go?
Thursday, 9 November 2017
New Zealand children stick close to home, innovative research from Otago, Auckland and Harvard Universities has revealed.
He Kete Kōrero – Spring 2017
Tuesday, 7 November 2017
The Spring 2017 edition of the University of Otago, Wellington newsletter
Small changes can make big differences for tenants, study finds
Friday, 3 November 2017
Even minor improvements to new buildings can make a significant difference to tenants’ comfort, new research from the University of Otago, Wellington, has found.
Marsden Fund backs Otago’s research in best ever round
Friday, 3 November 2017
University of Otago researchers have gained around $24m for 33 world-class research projects in the latest Marsden Fund annual round – the University’s most successful round ever.
Study shows NZers who cycle and walk for transport are more physically active
Tuesday, 31 October 2017
New Zealanders who walk and cycle for transport are much more likely to have adequate levels of physical activity than those who drive cars.
Otago health researchers gain career development awards
Tuesday, 31 October 2017
Four up–and–coming University of Otago researchers have each been awarded around $500,000 from the Health Research Council (HRC) to pursue world-class projects aimed at improving New Zealander’s health and wellbeing and contributing to international progress in these areas.
No smokefree signs at New Zealand racecourses, study shows
Friday, 27 October 2017
A survey of New Zealand racecourses and sports grounds with stands has found no smokefree signs at the racecourses and signage at less than half the sports grounds.
Provide more water fountains at playgrounds, say researchers
Thursday, 19 October 2017
A new study from the University of Otago, Wellington, has found that only six per cent of Wellington City children’s playgrounds have drinking water fountains.
