Science Media Centre

New research, published in the New Zealand Medical Journal, has highlighted the increasing prevalence of diabetes in New Zealand, and found that the numbers are likely to rise further in the future. The University of Otago study, based on survey and blood sample data from the 2008/2009 NZ Adult Nutrition Survey, estimated that 7% of [...]

Scientists have mapped the genome of the bacteria responsible for virulent kiwifruit vine disease Psa, providing evidence for the origins and future biosecurity implications of the ongoing outbreak.  The University of Otago team’s study, preliminary results of which were released last year, are published in final form today in the open access journal PLOS ONE. The researchers analysed [...]

University of Otago scientists have uncovered how a key protein is involved in the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells. Research into the protein PAX8, undertaken by Prof Mike Eccles and his team, has just been published in an high-ranking international journal. Reporting for the Otago Daily Times, John Gibb explains the implications of the research. [...]

Isaac Davison writes in the New Zealand Herald about advice from a geologist saying that the faults underlying the Canterbury Plains need to be understood and mapped before the rebuilding of Christchurch begins. Other unknown faults such as those which caused the Darfield and Christchurch earthquakes could lie under the city, but an ultrasound-like image [...]

Research published in Gut has shown that dogs are able to detect colon cancer from stool or breath samples, even when the disease is in its early stages. The findings suggest that cancerous cells release specific chemicals, for which highly sensitive, non-ininvasive screening tests could be devised. Dogs are also able to detect a number [...]

Rebecca Todd writes in Stuff about new statistics out from the World Cancer Research Fund showing that New Zealand has the fourth highest rate of cancer in world: kiwi women are ranked second highest for cancer rates, and kiwi men eighth. However, health experts say a third of kiwi cancer could be prevented by healthier [...]

Research spearheaded by University of Otago researchers has found that the extent of a child’s self-control can predict their health, wealth and criminal activity as adults, irrespective of their IQ or social background. Self-control includes such traits as perseverance, self discipline and conscientiousness, and the study’s authors suggest that children and teenagers be encouraged in [...]

Rebecca Todd writes in The Press about calls by the Secondary Principal’s Association of New Zealand to restric what dairies near schools can sell during school hours. Research from the University of Otago has shown that dairies are far more numerous in poorer areas, and areas which include schools. An excerpt: (read in full here) [...]

An ethics panel has granted approval for New Zealand’s first clinical trial of adult stem cell treatment for spinal cord injuries. The stem cells, harvested from their noses, will be injected into the spinal injury sites of 6 wheelchair-bound people. An excerpt: (read in full here) “”We will be contacting GPs … asking if they [...]

Following research published in Nature GeoScience which has suggested that New Zealand stands to lose over 75% or more of its glaciers by 2100, local climatologist Nicolas Cullen says the rate of deglaciation could depend on whether it rains or snows. An excerpt: (read in full here) “Mr Cullen says New Zealand’s glaciers are prone [...]