Science Media Centre

DNA Pioneer in SMC briefing As New Zealand forensic scientists prepare to mark 20 years of DNA testing in New Zealand the Science Media Centre is pleased to host an online briefing for journalists featuring one of the founding fathers of DNA forensics, Dr Peter Gill. As this Times article explains, Dr Gill was part [...]

Research published in the Journal of Applied Physiology suggests that the benefits of aerobic exercise are not universal, and that our genes may have a great deal to do with whether exercise benefits us or not. The research looked at over 500 people undertaking aerobic exercise, and found that approximately 20% of these people showed [...]

The first patient to have pig islet cells transplanted as part of LCT’s Diabacell clinical trials, has been able to reduce the amount of insulin he has to take daily. An excerpt: (read in full here) “The clinical trials of the Living Cell Technologies product – pig islet cells wrapped in a seaweed-based gelatine to [...]

John Lewis of the Otago Daily Times reports that new, low-GI sugar is not the answer to New Zealand’s problems with obesity and diabetes, according to a leading expert. Professor Jim Mann, of the University of Otago, has said that while the science behind the new low glycemic-index (GI) sugar is interesting, its makers’ claims [...]

Ian Steward of The Press reports that Sir Don Beaven, a renowned Christchurch medical professor, is feared dead following a fire at his back in Little Akaloa last night. It appears that Sir Beaven, who was particularly well-known as an expert on diabetes, its prevention and treatment, attempted to fight the fire, but instead succumbed [...]

UPDATE: Living Cell Technologies, a New Zealand-based biotech firm, has just announced that it is commencing trials on a potentially revolutionary diabetes treatment. The treatment will be based on xenotransplantation – the transplantation of animal cells, tissues or organs into human patients. In this case, LCT has been granted approval to transplant pig islet cells [...]

A new paper has just been published in Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy, which reviews the use of encapsulated porcine cells in the treatment of insulin dependent (type 1) diabetes. The paper is co-authored by Professor Bob Elliott, Medical Director from Living Cell Technologies in new Zealand. Encapsulated xenotransplantation for diabetes represents a treatment approach [...]

A study published in the New Zealand Medical Journal today shows that one in five Maori with diabetes or pre-diabetes are undiagnosed. Researchers Professor David Simmons (Cambridge, England) Professor Elaine Rush (Auckland University of Technology) and Nic Crook (Lakes DHB, Rotorua), as part of the Te Wai o Rona Diabetes Prevention Strategy, invited Maori aged [...]

TV3′s weight loss series, Downsize Me ended recently amid controversy over the accuracy of some of the nutritional information, and the approach taken by the presenters in promoting the weight loss. The New Zealand Dietetic Association, who recently met with presenter Damian Kristof to outline their concerns, currently have several complaints pending with the Broadcasting [...]

Next week is National Diabetes Awareness Week 2008 (18 to 24 November). Diabetes is a serious health issue in New Zealand with those at greatest risk including obese people, those over 40, people who do little exercise and people with a family history of diabetes. Prevalence amongst Maori and Pacific populations is around three times [...]