Kelp DNA records destructive power of ancient earthquake
Source: University of Otago Wednesday 5 June 2019 2:14pmOtago biologists (Professor Jon Waters and PhD student Elahe Parvizi) sampling kelp on the southern New Zealand coast that was uplifted by the Akatore earthquake around 1000 years ago. The uplifted rocky bench visible in the background represents the old shore. Photo: Dave Craw.One of the most […]
Read More →Otago academics urge churches to help stop violence against women in Samoa
Source: University of Otago Tuesday 4 June 2019 12:40pm With elements in their nation’s social, cultural and religious systems stacked against them, Samoan women still experience high rates of violence.While the Government of Samoa and the Ministry for Women, Community and Social Development have led a number of important initiatives to address violence against women […]
Read More →University training and research vessel gets a major boost
Source: University of Otago Friday 31 May 2019 4:09pmThe Polaris III design concept.Plans to build a more capable and cost-effective research vessel to replace the University’s ageing Polaris II have received a major boost with a NZ$250,000 donation. The donation comes from Trammell S. Crow, a Dallas, Texas-based philanthropist and founder of EarthX, the world’s […]
Read More →Policy strengthens Otago’s stance against sexual misconduct
Source: University of Otago Thursday 30 May 2019 4:42pmVice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne.The University of Otago has added a new University-wide policy to its suite of measures designed to reinforce its zero tolerance position against sexual misconduct.The Sexual Misconduct Policy, which took effect last week, follows extensive research and consultation, including with staff and students.It aims […]
Read More →Health Research Excellence Awards announced
Source: University of Otago Thursday 30 May 2019 4:24pmDean’s Medal winner, Professor Dirk De Ridder.Neurosurgeon Professor Dirk De Ridder has been awarded the prestigious Dean’s Medal at the annual Health Research Excellence Awards, for his work on neuromodulation to treat brain conditions ranging from addiction to Parkinson’s Disease.Awarded for significant and long-standing achievement in research, […]
Read More →Otago researcher investigates novel new therapies for bipolar disorder
Source: University of Otago Tuesday 28 May 2019 11:15amProfessor Richard PorterFinding a way to help people with treatment-resistant bipolar disorder has earned University of Otago researcher Professor Richard Porter a Health Research Council grant to undertake a feasibility study into the use of novel treatments.Professor Porter will receive $241,384 over two years to investigate the […]
Read More →Simple messages encouraging students to ‘health yourself’ at Otago
Source: University of Otago Monday 27 May 2019 2:50pm A new campaign at the University of Otago is aiming to improve the overall well-being of the student population. The basic principles of the campaign were developed in collaboration with the Otago University Students’ Association (OUSA), and the University’s onsite primary health care clinic, Student Health.The […]
Read More →Dunedin stadium study highlights legacy of shady local government structures
Source: University of Otago Monday 27 May 2019 9:26amAssociate Professor Mike Sam.There was a lack of financial clarity, and potentially dangerous downstream consequences of the significant debt created, as the city built its new covered sports stadium, new Otago research has found.“Sport stadia are among the most contentious of public expenditures for local government,” says […]
Read More →High-intensity exercise may restore heart function in people with type 2 diabetes
Source: University of Otago Thursday 23 May 2019 4:43pmGenevieve Wilson.University of Otago researchers have discovered that high-intensity exercise can reduce or reverse the loss in heart function caused by type 2 diabetes.The study found that three months of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) improved heart function in adults with type 2 diabetes, without any change in […]
Read More →Cat, horse, cow allergens found in primary school classrooms
Source: University of Otago Friday 17 May 2019 9:23amCats and farm animals are making their presence felt in classrooms, with allergens rubbing off children’s clothes and on to classroom carpets, researchers from the University of Otago, Wellington have found.As part of the He Kura Asthma Study, funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand, […]
Read More →Otago research links civic engagement to resilience
Source: University of Otago Thursday 16 May 2019 2:07pmDr Jill Hayhurst.Flowers, home-cooked meals and time were among the items donated in the aftermath of the Christchurch terror attacks. A new University of Otago study has found these simple acts of kindness not only benefited victims, but strengthened the well-being and resilience of those giving them.Lead […]
Read More →Animal welfare system provides poor protection – Otago academic calls for change
Source: University of Otago Thursday 16 May 2019 1:46pmMarcelo Rodriguez Ferrere.New research from the University of Otago’s Faculty of Law, funded by the New Zealand Law Foundation, questions whether New Zealand’s “world-leading” animal welfare system adequately protects our furry friends, and argues the agencies charged with protecting animals need more funding.In the recently released report […]
Read More →Otago’s emerging researchers secure more than $1.7 million in HRC funding
Source: University of Otago Thursday 16 May 2019 12:56pmAn occupational therapist who aims to improve the quality of life for children with disabilities is one of several University of Otago early-stage researchers who have together been awarded more than NZ$1.7 million in Health Research Council funding.The council announced today that seven University of Otago researchers […]
Read More →Number of HIV cases continue to decline in New Zealand
Source: University of Otago Thursday 16 May 2019 12:02pmDr Sue McAllister.For the second year in a row there has been a reduction in the number of confirmed cases of HIV in New Zealand.In 2018, 178 cases were reported – a decrease from the 198 reported in 2017 and 251 in 2016, figures released today by […]
Read More →Quantum physicists shining new light on cave art
Source: University of Otago Wednesday 15 May 2019 5:38pmLeslie Van Gelder, a well-known American-born archeologist has been working with Dr Harald Schwefel, and other physicists at Otago University to develop a lamp that mimics the flickering torch light that paleolithic cave artists worked by many thousands of years ago. The lamps will help Leslie and […]
Read More →Loneliness and isolation are pushing healthy elderly into aged care facilities
Source: University of Otago Wednesday 15 May 2019 4:32pmLoneliness, social isolation and burnt-out carers are pushing physically and mentally well elderly into aged care facilities, a University of Otago, Christchurch, study has found.Dr Hamish Jamieson.The research, led by geriatrician and University of Otago, Christchurch researcher Dr Hamish Jamieson, found negative social factors were often more […]
Read More →University provides NZ$1 billion economic impact to Dunedin last year.
Source: University of Otago Wednesday 15 May 2019 2:28pmThe University of Otago’s total value added to the Dunedin economy exceeded one billion dollars in a year for the first time, and the total economic impact of the University nationally is now estimated at just over $2 billion.These are two of the key findings of the […]
Read More →Four Honorary Doctorates to mark sesquicentennial
Source: University of Otago Wednesday 15 May 2019 12:08pmFour University of Otago Alumni will be recognised for their life’s work and their contribution to the University, New Zealand and the world during a special graduation ceremony on 1 June.Former Prime Minister Bill English, the first female medical graduate of Pacific descent, Papalii Dr Viopapa Annandale-Atherton, […]
Read More →Otago ethicist shines light on lack of discussion about body donation after euthanasia
Source: University of Otago Wednesday 8 May 2019 10:01amAs New Zealand considers a bill looking to legalise euthanasia, an Otago University ethicist considers it’s time to shine the light on the ethical complications surrounding body donation and assisted dying.Dr Jon Cornwall.Bioethicist Dr Jon Cornwall and his Canadian colleague Professor Bruce Wainman, director of the Pathology […]
Read More →Otago bioarchaeologist’s 1,000-year-old discovery unravels clues about use of psychoactive plants for ritual purposes
Source: University of Otago Tuesday 7 May 2019 10:00amDr Melanie J. Miller at the Cueva del Chileno (Bolivia) excavation in 2010.An Otago bioarchaeologist was among a group of international archaeologists who made an exciting discovery of a “ritual bundle” in Bolivia and using chemical analysis helped unravel clues about the use of psychoactive plants for […]
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