Research

Report helps NZ get ready for climate change

In the coming decades, more and more New Zealand communities will be exposed to flooding and coastal erosion made worse by climate change. A new report and research by an Otago academic highlights what we need to do to prepare.

A picture is worth a thousand medical explanations

A Wellington campus Senior Lecturer and GP is beginning her PhD examining whether a health practitioner drawing a picture to help describe a medical situation impacts on a patient's health outcome.

New glucose monitoring technology under spotlight in world-first study

Otago Paediatric Endocrinologist Ben Wheeler has secured a $106,000 research grant to undertake a world-first trial to assess teenage diabetics' use of new glucose monitoring technology.

Three Otago academics awarded Explorer Grants

Studies into inflammation, brain activity analysis, and diabetic heart disease have all received a boost from the Health Research Council of New Zealand.

Toxicology grants support wide ranging research

A research project in Otago's Department of Food Science has the potential to solve the global environmental issue of plastic packaging.

Up-and-coming researcher gains major funding for TB work

Microbiology and Immunology researcher Dr Htin Lin Aung is one of the four latest Otago recipients of a prestigious Sir Charles Hercus Research Fellowship. He spoke to the Bulletin Board about his work.

Otago researcher examines the nature of trust

Dr Mariska Kappmeier has been trying to define the nature of trust, and the five dimensional model she has come up with is a global first for intergroup conflict studies.

Otago research examines #Gigatown

On 26 November 2014 Dunedin was named New Zealand's first Gigatown – winning a 13 month-long competition to receive the fastest internet in the Southern Hemisphere. Now, a Senior Lecturer from Otago's Department of Media Film and Communication has been examining the use of a competition to allocate broadband resources and digital infrastructure.

Desk dwellers sought for new study

Otago Human Nutrition researchers are seeking staff members and PhD students who spend most of their day sitting at their desk for a new study into patterns of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in people working in sedentary occupations.

Early Career Award springboard for international collaboration

Dr Ting Wang of Otago's Department of Mathematics and Statistics hopes her Early Career Award will help her build new international collaboration and strengthen the bridge between statistics and geoscience.

Otago staff invited to take part in separation research

University staff are being invited to contribute to Otago research into how separated parents make arrangements for the care of their children.

Implications of a mobile society explored

People are on the move more now than ever before, but what is the true effect of mobility on society?

Rare fatal genetic disease probed by NZ scientists

Fresh insights into a rare but lethal human genetic disorder have been gained by New Zealand scientists studying the equivalent condition in sheep.

Otago diabetes study seeks participants of different ethnicities

A University of Otago research study which will examine how well people of different body shapes and different ethnicities respond to a weight loss diet is looking for 20 men to participate.

Wii Fit consoles sought for Physio study

Otago Physiotherapy researchers are looking for people who might sell them their Wii Fit gaming consoles, so they can complete an “exergaming” intervention study.

Māori prostate cancer study gets "Movember" funding

A study of the support and treatment of Māori men with prostate cancer involving University of Otago and University of Auckland researchers has received more than $500,000.

Dunedin Dental study “most read” article

Otago research which examined social and personal characteristics, dental habits and oral health over 38 years was 2016's “most read” article in the top international publication, the Journal of Dental Research.

Die Another Day: Bond smoking research gains wide attention

Otago research which examines the smoking habits of James Bond and his associates has gained widespread media attention, and is the subject of a British Medical Journal (BMJ) podcast.

Otago PhD student “squishes” birthmarks

Final year Otago PhD student Sean Mackay has received a $25,000 grant to aid the development of 'Squish', a targeted treatment for strawberry birthmarks which affect approximately 1 in 10 infants.

Wellington's new simulation suite to aid obesity research

A new environmental simulation suite at the University's Wellington campus will help researchers test ideas such as whether modern office environments might be contributing to the world's growing obesity rates.

Rebooting information retrieval research

After nearly year and a half in the US helping fine-tune the efficiency of eBay's search engine, Computer Science's Associate Professor Andrew Trotman has just returned to Otago, rebooting his ambitious information retrieval research.

Researchers probe secrets of bacterial immune system

Scientists from the University of Otago and the Netherlands are continuing to unlock the secrets of a surprisingly flexible bacterial immune system, called CRISPR-Cas.

Winter not outdoor child's play for Aucklanders

Promoting year-round healthy levels of outdoor activity by New Zealand children will require changing social norms about playing outside in winter, new research suggests.

Research Award highlights success of PASS

An international award to Associate Professor Jacques van der Meer, Associate Dean of the College of Education, reiterates the value of Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) programmes.

Pursuing controlled drug release through gels

A Department of Chemistry researcher has been awarded more than $80,000 to develop an innovative technology for controlled drug release based on mechanically-sensitive gels.

Otago heart researchers gain funding

University of Otago scientists have been awarded nearly $572,000 in research funding in the National Heart Foundation's latest funding round.

Beach work benefits community

Experimental work to improve the resilience of vulnerable sand dunes at South Dunedin's St Kilda Beach fulfils Otago Geography Master's student Tom Simons-Smith's desire for his research to directly benefit people.

Kids'Cam in Tonga

Researchers from the University's Wellington campus have started working with camera and GPS-wearing children in Tonga.

Pacific interests land plum positions in Germany

Two Otago Anatomy PhD bioarchaeologists have been accepted for coveted postdoctorate positions at the new Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History in Germany.

Otago scientist awarded emerging innovator grant for nano-webs

School of Pharmacy Senior Lecturer Dr Greg Walker has received a $25,000 grant from the KiwiNet Emerging Innovator Fund to aid his mission to protect our crops from pests without using harmful chemicals.

University joins Australia's largest life science venture fund

The University has signed up to become a member of the Medical Research Commercialisation Fund, Australia's largest life science venture fund.

University of Otago honours research leader

Professor Lisa Matisoo-Smith, an internationally renowned biological anthropologist who pioneered the use of evolutionary genetics to trace Pacific migrations, is the latest recipient of the Distinguished Research Medal, the University of Otago's highest distinction.

Profound impact of Otago research into WWII Pacific babies

Anyone who grew up without knowing their father cannot help but be touched by the final outcome of one of the most heartrending Marsden-funded research projects undertaken in recent years at the University of Otago.

Web camera will show construction of new home for Dunedin Study

A web camera will show the progress on a new home for University of Otago's world-renowned longitudinal Dunedin Study to people at the Slice of Life exhibition about the project, at the Toitū Otago Settlers Museum.

Collaborative approach to heart research in the elderly

The Christchurch Heart Institute has joined forces with Ryman Healthcare and the Heart Foundation in a three¬-year clinical research study to identify the prevalence of heart disease in Ryman Healthcare retirement villages.

New home for the world-renowned Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study

Work is starting on a new purpose-built home for the world-renowned Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study, on the University of Otago's campus in Dunedin.

Otago academic wins national award

An Otago academic has won the annual Emerging Innovator Award at the KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards, for her work harnessing silver nanoparticles to treat and prevent dental disease.

Greener power, smarter use

A major study is examining how domestic power use may change with future technology, and how that will affect power supply and prices.

Rural multidisciplinary health course a win-win

A new study shows an interprofessional rural health programme the University runs on the East Coast near Gisborne is highly successful for students, patients and the local community.

2016 Proof of Concept grant winners announced

An engineered enzyme with the potential to create a simple method of testing for DNA mutations in the field — rather than in a lab — has won the 2016 Otago Innovation Limited Proof of Concept Grant competition.

Otago research attracts substantial funding

University of Otago researchers have figured strongly in the latest Health Research Council of New Zealand funding round, attracting about $43.8 million in new health research funding.

Changing attitudes to alcohol?

“In the space of a few decades, Government-led reform has brought about a drop in rates of people smoking and a turn-around in society's attitude. Now is the time that similar reforms occur with alcohol to reduce the enormous harm alcohol is causing New Zealand.” Professor Doug Sellman.

Weight loss programme easing joint pain

A programme to help obese hip and knee patients lose weight before surgery has led to some of them avoiding surgery all together, better post-surgical outcomes, and improvements in people's overall health.

University welcomes extra health research funding

The Government's announcement of $97M in extra funding for health research over the next four years has been warmly welcomed by the University.

Health Research Excellence Awards winners

Professor Robert Walker has been awarded the prestigious Dunedin School of Medicine Dean's Medal for Research Excellence.

Otago innovators finalists in commercialisation awards

Two innovative Otago researchers have been selected as finalists in the fourth annual KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards, which celebrate commercialisation success within New Zealand's universities and Crown Research Institutes.

New Research Support Facility will future-proof University

Construction of a new $49.8M facility to support Otago's animal-based research and teaching is set to begin in August.

Specialists in animal and human infectious diseases could meet more regularly

The high level of interest in building links between human and animal health research sectors in New Zealand was so obvious during a recent infectious diseases symposium that it could become a regular event.

New report details how NZ can tackle climate change threat

An Otago researcher is a co-author of a major new report on the many actions New Zealand can and should take now to reduce the threat of climate change and transition to a low-carbon economy.

Otago research examines life for “mumpreneurs”

Female entrepreneurs juggling their children, households and their growing businesses do not necessarily need more access to childcare, but many would like more help around the house¸ an Otago study has discovered.

Q & A on University's Research Themes

Have you ever wondered how and why the University selects the Research Themes it formally recognises and supports?

Proof of Concept competition a winner

A company created from revolutionary University research - that aims to tap into a global market worth about $1.5 billion - says having won Proof of Concept competition funding helped make the research package an attractive proposition for commercialisation.

Research highlights health issues for NZ Vietnam Veterans

Otago research into the health of Kiwi Vietnam War veterans is sparking hope it will help them get better treatment.

Atmospheric scientist to do glacier-focused research at German university

Geography's Dr Nicolas Cullen has been awarded two grants to do a research project in Germany aimed at teasing out the key atmospheric processes controlling both glacier advance and retreat in the Southern Alps.

More funding opportunities on offer

Thousands more funding possibilities are available for University staff and students.

Otago-Korea collaboration pursuing innovative solar cells

A Department of Chemistry researcher has received Government funding for an international research collaboration working on third-generation solar cells that produce clean, low-cost energy.

New treatment for painful osteoarthritis studied

A Christchurch campus researcher is trialling a drug used for depression as a possible treatment for patients suffering chronic osteoarthritic pain.

More work needed to get kids connecting with nature

Interdisciplinary research involving University of Otago geographers and zoologists has highlighted the great biodiversity of New Zealand neighbourhoods and the opportunities they provide city-dwelling children, but it has also pinpointed hindrances they face in connecting with nature in their neighbourhood.

Creating manageable goals to halt decline of Te Reo Māori

Becoming more specific about the numbers of new Te Reo Māori speakers needed to turn around a decline of the language is at the heart of new University of Otago research.

Otago anaesthetist develops unique monitoring software

An anaesthetist at the University's Wellington campus has created a state-of-the-art monitoring system that warns of potential patient issues in plain spoken English.

Superconductor magnet a boon for Otago quantum computing research

A new state-of-the-art electromagnet is set to boost Otago research working towards creating components for futuristic quantum computers.

On board laboratory keeps Otago at top of field

The University of Otago/NIWA Research Centre for Oceanography has had a brand new shipping container turned into a clean laboratory for use on board research vessels – keeping New Zealand on the map internationally for research on marine biogeochemical cycles of trace elements.

Study to examine New Zealanders' expectations of death

Participants are being sought for a University of Otago study looking at New Zealanders' expectations of how long they will live and what they will die from, and how that might impact their health behaviours.

Attitudes matter when it comes to sustainable fashion

New research from Otago's Department of Marketing could have you thinking twice about how you buy your clothes.

Unlocking the secrets of meiosis

Novel Otago-led research, published in the journal Nature Communications, has brought new understanding of the cellular mechanisms that help plants maintain their chromosome content following sexual reproduction. And this understanding may lead to better forms of plant and crop breeding in the future.

“Show and tell” apps aid maths teaching

Apps that record pupils' step-by-step working and reasoning on maths problems are proving to be effective teaching tools, with the potential for wider uses.

“Social jetlag” linked to obesity

Social jetlag, which is basically defined as the difference in sleep pattern between work days and weekend, has been linked to metabolic dysfunction and obesity in recently published research from Otago's Dunedin Longitudinal Study.

Managing emotion key to small group teaching

Managing student and teacher emotion is key to developing thinking in small groups, Otago research suggests.

Top 10 movies for study of mental health

A new study from the University's Wellington campus identifies a top 10 list of movies that medical students can view for self-directed learning around mental health conditions.

Study highlights secondhand smoke drift issue

A study from the University's Wellington campus suggests that tighter restrictions around outdoor smoking at restaurants may be needed to protect the health of both patrons and staff members.

Simple sentences more honest

Those who speak in short simple sentences are perceived to be more honest, Otago research has discovered.

New way of thinking about learning to read

Latest research from the College of Education could lead to a new way of thinking about how children learn to read.

Otago research could reduce drowning rates

New University of Otago research has found that many drowning deaths could be prevented if people learned to wait out the body's initial shock response to cold water.

Ecosystem management – were the old ways best?

Otago research suggests those managing scarce resources could learn a lot from pre-colonial Ngāi Tahu.

Anti-cancer vaccine proves cost effective: NZ study of HPV vaccination

The New Zealand Government's investment in HPV vaccination for girls is a “good value-for-money” way to protect health, a just-published study by the University of Otago Wellington shows.

Talking therapy

Mental health problems are common in New Zealand, and GPs are often the first port of call for help. Those severely affected will be offered treatment in secondary care, but for the many more whose stress is mild or moderate, access to psychological therapies can be limited. An exciting University of Otago Wellington initiative is responding to GPs' need for resources to ensure such people don't fall through the cracks.

Research Centre Series: The Jack Dodd Centre for Quantum Technology

In late 2012, the University formally recognised 14 Research Centres. Designation as a Research Centre signals the excellence and coherence of the research group's endeavours. Continuing our Research Centre Series, the Bulletin takes a look at The Jack Dodd Centre for Quantum Technology.

Otago biochemistry research highlighted in Marsden 20th celebrations

Biochemistry's Professor Catherine Day was amongst several researchers whose groundbreaking work was highlighted as part of celebrations of the twentieth anniversary of the Marsden Fund this week.

Otago expedition to Subantarctic to track climate change

The University of Otago's research vessel the RV Polaris has sailed to the Auckland Islands on an expedition to track climate indicators recorded in sediment deposited on the floor of the Fiords and lakes within the eastern margin of the Islands.

Skin reactions during radiation therapy preventable: new finding

Severe skin reactions during radiation therapy could be prevented by applying a thin transparent silicone dressing to the skin from the first day of treatment, a clinical trial shows.

Otago archaeologists excavate first school and mission

The site of New Zealand's first mission station and its first classroom has been revealed during two years of fieldwork and research led by University of Otago archaeologists, uncovering plentiful details about the daily lives of our first permanent European settlers.

Central African Republic atrocities predicted

Researchers at the Universities of Otago and Sydney predicted the current atrocities in the Central African Republic, based on their own forecasting model.

Easing kidney data confusion

Dr Suetonia Palmer's work to rationalise the multitudes of kidney disease data assists decision-making for patients and doctors.

Lightening surgery load for the obese

A Christchurch professor is researching ways to reduce the impact of obesity on surgical waiting lists by helping individuals with weight issues.

Otago-led study revises height of Aoraki/Mt Cook

The official height of New Zealand's tallest peak, Aoraki/Mt Cook, is set to fall by 30 metres, following new measurements by University of Otago researchers.

Treating obesity without surgery

Christchurch Professor Doug Sellman and his team are trialling a new, non-surgical treatment for those with obesity called Kia Akina.

Racial blends - easy on the eyes until you categorise

New light has been shed on the brain processes involved in judging multi-racial individuals thanks to a collaborative research project between the University of Otago and the University of California, San Diego.

Camaraderie key to success of Wellington research team

For University of Otago Wellington's Dr Tristram Ingham and his team of research assistants working to understand the causes of acute respiratory infection in childhood, camaraderie and a sense of fun have helped them deal with the heartbreaking seriousness of the study.

Research Centre Series: Genetics Otago

Late last year, the University formally recognised 14 Research Centres. Designation as a Research Centre signals the excellence and coherence of the research group's endeavours. Continuing our Research Centre Series, the Bulletin takes a look at Genetics Otago.

Researchers walk the talk for diabetes control

Dr Coppell, Professor Jim Mann and colleagues from the University's Edgar National Centre for Diabetes and Obesity Research have found that by following a better diet, people with pre-diabetes are much less likely to go on to develop the disease, and people who already have diabetes will have better control of their disease, preventing the onset and progression of complications.

Breakthrough for diagnosis and outcome prediction for kidney cancers

University of Otago Wellington Professor Brett Delahunt led a team of international researchers who have changed the WHO classification of renal tumours.

Research Centre Series: The Edgar National Centre for Diabetes and Obesity Research

Late last year, the University formally recognised 14 Research Centres. Designation as a Research Centre signals the excellence and coherence of the research group's endeavours. Continuing our Research Centre Series, the Bulletin takes a look at The Edgar National Centre for Diabetes and Obesity Research.

Research Centre Series: Centre for Society, Governance & Science

Late last year, the University formally recognised 14 Research Centres. Designation as a Research Centre signals the excellence and coherence of the research group's endeavours. Continuing our Research Centre Series, the Bulletin takes a look at the Centre for Society, Governance & Science.

Research Centre Series: Centre for Sustainability / Kā Rakahau o Te Ao Tūroa

Late last year, the University formally recognised 14 Research Centres. Designation as a Research Centre signals the excellence and coherence of the research group's endeavours. Continuing our Research Centre Series, the Bulletin takes a look at the Centre for Sustainability.

Research Centre Series: Centre for Translational Cancer Research

Late last year, the University formally recognised 14 Research Centres. Designation as a Research Centre signals the excellence and coherence of the research group's endeavours. Continuing our Research Centre Series, the Bulletin takes a look at the Centre for Translational Cancer Research.

Studying New Zealand's genetic heritage

On Sunday, members of the Dunedin community did their bit for Otago research seeking to improve our understanding of New Zealand's genetic history.

Rising IQ levels examined in TED Talk

Earlier this year, Professor James Flynn delivered his TED2013 talk titled "Why our IQ levels are higher than our grandparents".

Research Centre Series: Sir John Walsh Research Institute

Late last year the University formally recognised 14 research centres. Designation as a Research Centre signals the excellence and coherence of the research group's endeavours. Continuing our Research Centre Series, the Bulletin takes a look at the Sir John Walsh Research Institute.

The trials and tribulations of gender and food

Are peaches, Caesar salad and chocolate masculine or feminine foods? These and other issues around gender, food and sex stereotyping have recently been investigated by Dr Shelagh Ferguson of Marketing.

Kiwi cribs have never been the norm

Many see a owning a “crib” as a retreat from the stresses of city life, research by PhD candidate Trudie Walters has found.

Research Centre Series: Brain Health Research Centre

Scientists at the Brain Health Research Centre at the University of Otago are undertaking cutting-edge international research into the workings of the brain, brain disease, and developing new treatments for neurological disorders.

Toilet standards down the loo

The state of New Zealand's public toilet facilities caught the imagination of journalists around the country recently – prompted by Wellington campus research.

Kiwifruit daily can improve mood and energy

Eating two kiwifruit a day can improve a person's mood and give them extra energy, new research from the Christchurch campus shows.

Cold bedrooms harm children's lungs

New findings from the Housing and Health Research Programme show even small changes in indoor temperatures affect children's lungs.

Tougher laws no silver bullet for accidents

A policy brief by the Director of the Injury Prevention Research Unit at Otago has discouraged the need for increased penalties as the answer to motorists convicted of careless driving causing injury to vulnerable road users (VRU) such as cyclists and pedestrians.

Otago study shows legacy of pesticides difficult to avoid

An Otago study shows that the tell-tale legacy in rural South Island areas of pesticides banned many years ago remains, regardless of the type of sheep and beef farming now taking place on the land.

Going “walkies” good for well being

University of Otago researchers are using a novel technique to find out how walking a dog influences a person's well being – hitting the pavements with their participants and their dogs.

Otago cancer researcher gains HRC Explorer Grant

Otago's Professor Michael Eccles has gained Health Research Council (HRC) funding to investigate a new way to measure the aggressiveness of cancer cells using circular polarised light.

Emerging researchers recognised by HRC

Two University of Otago scientists have been awarded Emerging Researcher First Grants by the Health Research Council (HRC) of New Zealand.

Paper highlights temperate reef vulnerability

The journal Marine Biology has highlighted an Otago Marine Science research paper about tube worms for the matters it raises about ocean acidification.

Health risks study for VSA and police overseas

A new study looks to reduce health risks for VSA and police volunteers overseas.

Pre-test services no help to prospective students

An Otago father and son research team have determined that companies charging up to $2000 to help prospective medical students pass a selection test do not deliver on their promises.

Demystifying Addiction – an online educational resource

A new, free, online educational resource has been developed by health researchers from the Department of Primary Health Care and General Practice in Wellington for learning about addiction directly from people who have experienced it.

'Marine Metre Squared' launched

Otago's New Zealand Marine Studies Centre is launching 'Marine Metre Squared' - a nationwide project to bring scientists and the community together in monitoring the animals and plants found on the nation's rocky shores.

Specialist smoking clinics could boost quit rates

Researchers from Otago's Wellington Asthma Research Group investigating new methods to help people stop smoking say that New Zealand urgently needs new approaches.