A recent study found that maternal vaping was reported in half of the SUDI cases involving direct bed sharing, while smoking and/or vaping was present in nearly three-quarters of these cases. The researchers stress that more research is needed to establish specific risks associated with vaping during pregnancy.
A new book by University of Auckland academics provides a detailed analysis of the Christchurch terror attack, including previously undiscovered online posts from the perpetrator. The authors used forensic linguistics to identify the terrorist and highlight gaps in the Royal Commission's inquiry.
A University of Auckland scientist has uncovered the fates of chimpanzees who starred in seminal psychological studies. The apes were transported to Europe after the research centre closed down, where they faced harsh conditions, inadequate diet and social upheaval, leading to their premature deaths.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding the diets of southern right whales, discovering they eat a wider variety of seafood than previously thought. Analysis of whale poo from around the world has revealed a diverse diet including crabs, shrimp, and jellyfish, which may help them adapt to climate change.
The Rousseeuw Prize in Statistics recognizes the work of R Project scientists who have contributed to the open-source language started at the University of Auckland. The $1M award is given to five laureates and a larger group of scientists, including those from New Zealand.
Researchers have identified an active fault along the Hunua Ranges in South Auckland with a high potential for a major earthquake, posing serious consequences for people living in the region. The Mangatangi Fault has ruptured within the past 10,000 years and is considered an active fault due to its movement in the past 125,000 years.
A clinical trial by University of Auckland researchers found that high-intensity therapy for patients begun within two weeks of a stroke did not improve hand and arm recovery. Despite the extra therapy, neither group did better than a cohort who received standard care alone.
A clinical trial found that high-intensity therapy for patients begun within two weeks of a stroke did not improve hand and arm recovery beyond standard care. Despite having access to extra therapy, neither group did better than a cohort who received standard care alone.
A newly discovered cellular mechanism has shown promise in treating painful lymphoedema. Researchers from the University of Auckland found that insulin-like growth factor signaling regulates zebrafish lymphatic-vessel development.
A landmark study supports the safety of paracetamol and ibuprofen in young children, finding no link to eczema or bronchiolitis. The study, which analyzed data from over 4,000 babies, confirms that both medications are safe to use in the first year of life.
Researchers at the University of Auckland have discovered a link between the lateral parafacial region of the brain and high blood pressure. This area, responsible for automatic functions such as breathing and digestion, is activated in conditions of high blood pressure, leading to increased blood vessel tension.
Scientists have created a comprehensive picture of bacterial stator evolution, revealing how these ancient proteins propelled bacteria 3.5-4 billion years ago.
A global review of 71 studies found that short-term fasting has no meaningful difference in mental performance for most adults. However, children and adolescents performed poorly, emphasizing the importance of breakfast before school. Fasting also impaired tasks involving food-related cues.
Scientists observed Hector's dolphins' subsurface behaviors, which may increase their risk of bycatch. The study sheds light on the conservation efforts for this critically endangered species.
New research finds that 86% of parents in New Zealand disclose their child's donor conception to them by age 18, with most sharing the information before age 10. Heterosexual couples are less likely to share this info, but same-sex couples and single women have higher disclosure rates.
Former male high-level rugby players in New Zealand have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's and other dementias later in life compared to men in the general population. The study found an extra 13 cases per 1,000 people over the study period, with risks greater at higher playing levels.
A study by the University of Auckland found that more than 200 processed baby foods in New Zealand feature misleading marketing and nutrition claims. Many of these claims don't stack up when examining the ingredients, with some products containing small amounts of fruit or vegetables despite featuring images of them on packaging.
A follow-up study published in Nature Communications found significant health benefits from fecal microbiota transfer in obese adolescents, including reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes. The treatment group was on average 11kg lighter than those who received a placebo, with sustained reductions in metabolic syndrome.
A study published in Global Ecology and Conservation revealed a critical feeding zone south of Australia where New Zealand's southern right whales congregate. The zone, rich in prey and converging different waters, is essential for the whales' survival and has implications for other marine species.
A study by Dr Chris Wilson and Michal Dziwulski from the University of Auckland debunks claims made in the Christchurch terrorist's manifesto, revealing it was a deliberate piece of propaganda. The authors found that the terrorist's online posts revealed a virulently racist, antisemitic, and dehumanising worldview.
A device study has shown promise in treating spinal cord injuries by harnessing naturally occurring electric fields to stimulate healing. In an animal study, rats who received daily electric field treatment showed improved movement and sensation compared to those without treatment, indicating the potential for effective recovery.
A new study suggests that women who spend more time in their reproductive phase may experience slower brain aging. Estradiol, the most potent form of estrogen during this period, may help protect the brain from age-related decline. However, further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between estradiol and brain health.
A New Zealand study supports the theory of punctuated equilibrium, which suggests that evolution occurs in short, intense periods followed by long stretches of stability. The research confirms rapid evolutionary change coincides with species branching, potentially leading to its wider acceptance.
A large-scale global study found that SARS-CoV-2 infection significantly increases the risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), while adenoviral vector vaccines, but not mRNA vaccines, were linked to GBS risk. The study, involving over 230 million people, highlights the importance of continued vaccine safety monitoring.
A breakthrough study has uncovered how daylight can boost the immune system's ability to fight infections by synchronizing neutrophil circadian clocks. The research found that light regulates the timing of neutrophil activation, leading to increased bactericidal activity and improved daytime immunity.
New research reveals oceans are heating at the world's fastest pace in two distinct bands near 40 degrees latitude in both hemispheres. This pattern is linked to poleward shifts in the jet stream and ocean currents, upending marine ecosystems and fueling extreme weather.
A study by University of Auckland researchers found that electric vehicle (EV) adoption is linked to increased carbon dioxide emissions unless countries clean up their electricity grids. Only when renewable energy sources account for approximately 48% of global electricity generation will EVs contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions.
Researchers in New Zealand are shedding light on the prevalence of dementia in multicultural communities, revealing up to half of those affected are unaware they have the condition. Early diagnosis can be life-changing, providing access to social support and improving quality of life for both individuals and caregivers.
Researchers developed an AI algorithm to help surgeons position knee components in a way that better matches each patient's natural anatomy. Patients with naturally bowed legs responded well to the 'functionally aligned' knee surgery, reporting better outcomes.
A report by the University of Auckland highlights that six out of ten people globally lack safe medical oxygen access, resulting in hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths. The lack of access is particularly severe in low and middle-income countries, with five billion people affected.
The University of Auckland Business School has successfully gained triple crown accreditation, recognized by only one percent of business schools globally. The school's commitment to teaching, research, and industry engagement has impressed international accrediting bodies.
Researchers are studying individuals with a silent mind, known as anauralia, to understand its effects on attention and creativity. The University of Auckland is hosting a global conference to share insights from scientists, philosophers, musicians, and writers.
A researcher has defined kindness in healthcare as a set of actions to help others flourish, informed by empathy or proactively chosen. This definition aims to improve patient safety, experiences, and outcome measures by enhancing communication within healthcare teams and with patients.
A new study from the University of Auckland finds that mandating social and environmental disclosures doesn't necessarily improve businesses' performance. The researchers analyzed a cross-country sample of companies under the EU Directive 2014/95/EU and found no meaningful improvement in environmental outcomes.
Researchers have discovered that gallium's bonds disappear at melting point but reappear at higher temperatures, leading to a new explanation for its low melting point. This breakthrough has important implications for advances in nanotechnology and materials science.
A survey of 1150 EV drivers in New Zealand shows that 93% are optimistic about dynamic wireless charging technology and would like to try it in the future. The most compelling advantage is its usefulness, offering ease and convenience for EV users. However, concerns over data privacy, electromagnetic radiation, and costs hinder adoption.
A new study led by archaeologists at the University of Auckland has made connections between a rise in population, land demarcation, and social status in Sāmoan society. The discovery of ancient structures reveals insights into the origins of hierarchical societies in Polynesia.
Scientists studying the rifleman bird found that its vocal signatures are similar when birds live near each other, suggesting they may learn their sounds. This challenges the traditional view of birds as either vocal learners or non-learners, and raises the possibility that many bird species possess rudimentary learning abilities.
Researchers at the University of Auckland have developed a new metric to measure global cerebrovascular pulsatility transmission using 4D flow MRI technology. This innovation provides a comprehensive measure of small vessel pulsatility risk, linking it to brain conditions like Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Seventy-five researchers from 46 countries recorded traditional music and speech to analyze pitch, timbre, and rhythm. The study found songs and instrumental melodies are slower, higher, and more stable than speech, suggesting synchronization and social bonding facilitate musical performance.
A new study has found that corticosteroid injections given to pregnant women at risk of early birth do not lead to long-term cardiovascular health consequences. The analysis of 424 infants born in the 1960s and 1970s found no evidence of adverse consequences for pre-diabetes, diabetes, or cardiovascular health.
A novel device developed by University of Auckland researchers has successfully measured faulty gut electrical signals in a human clinical trial. The endoscopic sensor device aims to provide clinicians with a clearer picture of exactly where the electrical signals are misfiring, improving diagnosis and treatment for stomach complaints.
A global vaccine safety study involving 99 million people found potential risks of myocarditis, pericarditis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis after mRNA and viral vector COVID-19 vaccinations. The study's findings were made possible by the Global Vaccine Data Network.
Scientists have developed a method to convert waste carbon dioxide into formic acid, a colorless and pungent liquid with potential as a transportation fuel and petrochemical industry enhancer. The new method efficiently converted CO2 for over 5,000 hours, suggesting cost-effective scalability.
A breakthrough gene-editing therapy has been successfully treated over ten patients with hereditary angioedema, reducing symptoms by up to 95% and potentially providing a permanent cure. The therapy targets the KLKB1 gene responsible for producing plasma prekallikrein.
A team of scientists suggests that coral atoll islands can adapt to sea level rise through local ecological restoration. Restoring the natural process of island growth could significantly improve the health of surrounding coral reef habitats. Funding for restoration work could empower communities to take back ownership of their futures.
A study investigated how algorithms compare to human judgment in music plagiarism disputes, with mixed results. While algorithms matched human decisions in 83% of cases, they struggled with non-musical factors and controversy surrounding high-profile cases.
A University of Auckland study suggests a link between sexism and poorer parenting, with parents exhibiting less responsive behavior towards their children when holding hostile sexist attitudes. The research found that both mothers and fathers who believe in male authority and power tend to be less engaged with their kids.
A new study reveals the vagus nerve increases activity during exercise to enhance coronary blood flow and improve heart function, challenging existing ideas about the nervous system's role in physical activity.
A large-scale study analyzing data from 197 million people has generated background incidence rates on conditions such as myocarditis, pulmonary embolism, and Guillain-Barré syndrome for COVID-19 vaccine safety monitoring. The findings provide important data for investigating reports of medical events following vaccination.