Science Media Centre

New Zealand has the highest rates of melanoma in the world but the underlying genetic changes behind these cancers vary considerably between the North and South islands, finds a new study. Researchers from the University of Otago analysed the DNA in tumour samples from 529 patients with metastatic melanoma, looking for genes linked to the […]

A new study from the University of Otago, Christchurch, has ended speculation that vitamin D supplements may help prevent people from catching the common cold. The research, published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association, was part of a large scale study of vitamin D (called the Vitamin D and Acute Respiratory Infection […]

A UK study has found that, while vitamin D is essential for good bone health, there is no evidence for for claims of some of its other benefits, including combating heart disease and cancer. Vitamin D is made by the body when skin is exposed to UV, and can also be found in some forms […]

Earlier today, UK health charities launched a consensus position paper on vitamin D covering issues of sun exposure, cancer risk and dietary supplementation, recommending some exposure to midday sun. The paper also emphasised that evidence for additional health benefits for vitamin D beyond bone health (such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, etc) remain inconclusive, and […]

Scientists battle bacterial disease A week on from the discovery of the PSA bacterial disease in an orchard in the Bay of Plenty, scientists are completing tests that will determine what strain of the disease is present. The results will yield important information that will help determine the best way to limit and eradicate the […]

New research shows that using sunbeds has more risks than benefits. The research, conducted by NIWA, showed that sunbed use exposes people to more UV radiation than natural sunlight, while at the same time not producing the same amounts of Vitamin D in users. An excerpt: (read in full here) “Researchers found the average UV […]

The NZ Herald reports on why sunscreens may not be as beneficial, and protective, as generally thought. The article points out that many sunscreens do not block UVA, which (like the UVB they do block) causes genetic damage and sometimes cancer. In addition, high SPF sunscreens can block the body’s ability to make vitamin D […]