Science Media Centre

The latest report from the The Growing up in New Zealand longitudinal study has revealed a wealth of information about the first months of life for kiwi kids. The report Now we are born, to be released today, details the findings from interviews and data collected from 6790 children born in the northern North Island [...]

A recent New Zealand study has examined the effects of playing ‘active’ video games, finding that the exercise component of such games can be beneficial for overweight kids. Writing for the New Zealand Herald, Martin Johnston covers the study, carried out but the University of Auckland in conjunction with Sony. An excerpt (read in full [...]

A recent Australian study has validated what what mothers around the world have been saying for decades: ‘stop watching TV – go outside and play!’ The study, published this week in the American Heart Association journal, Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, found that the more time a child spends watching television, the narrower the arteries [...]

Tuesday’s devastating earthquake in Christchurch will have far-reaching (and long term) psychological effects on both adults and children. Psychologist Neil Latta talks about the long-term psychological impact of the quake on children (and some of its other effects), while child psychologist Ian Lambie discusses what info parents should give their children regarding the quake, and [...]

A newly published paper has drawn a link between regular mobile phone use by pregnant women before and after their child is born, and later behavioural problems shown by the child, particularly if they begin using mobile phones early, too. The paper, “Cell phone use and behavioural problems in young children”,  was published in the [...]

Research from the University of Otago shows that it’s not just what children are eating at school that is of concern. A study has revealed that children are eating as, or more, unhealthily outside of school than in school itself. An excerpt: (read in full here) “”Children are more likely to have hot chips and [...]

In response to concerns over the safety and effectiveness of some drugs aimed at children, the Ministry of Health has said that cough and cold medicines for children are only to be sold in pharmacies. If available in supermarkets, the drugs will carry warnings that they are for adults only. An excerpt: (read in full [...]

AusSMC: New research from Europe suggests eating three or more burgers a week may boost a child’s risk of asthma and wheeze – at least in developed nations. Conversely, a Mediterranean diet, rich in fruit, vegetables, and fish seems to stave off the risk, the research shows. The research team base their findings on data [...]

Nearly a year ago, Education Minster Anne Tolley announced the scrapping of a mandate for healthy foods in schools: “As part of the National Government’s commitment to reducing compliance for schools, I have decided to remove the clause in National Administration Guideline (5) which states ‘where food and beverages are sold on schools’ premises, to [...]

Controversy has met release onto the market of several brands of ultra-high caffeine ‘energy shot’ drinks. The shots contain as much and in some cases more than 3,300 mg (milligrams) caffeine per litre, despite the mandated maximum level allowed being 320 mg per litre. Reclassifying the drinks as ‘dietary supplements’, however, has meant that they [...]