A recent paper by University of Auckland academics explores why losing politicians fight back, highlighting the role of electoral integrity in ensuring power transitions. Protests, election results clarity, and transparent processes interact to determine an incumbent's decision to step down.
A proof-of-concept study reveals that 'forever chemicals' in soil from firefighting foam can be degraded through a simple and cost-effective method called ball milling. This innovative technique has the potential to revolutionize the cleanup of contaminated sites worldwide, addressing a significant environmental concern.
New Zealand research reveals that males who lost at least one leg during development were more likely to grow up to be the smaller gamma males. This is because losing a leg impeded their hunting ability and may have led them to prioritize other traits like sperm count over investing in large fighting weapons.
A new study from the University of Auckland highlights the critical role of the first five years in determining successful refugee settlement outcomes. The research finds disparities in income and job status among quota refugees, convention refugees, asylum seekers, and those arriving under family reunification schemes. Extending suppo...
A study in Auckland, New Zealand has detected methamphetamine and other substances in the air for the first time in Oceania. The largest concentration of methamphetamine was found to be 104 picograms per cubic meter, highlighting the need for better air quality monitoring.
A novel drug, AF-130, has been shown to improve heart function and prevent sleep apnoea in heart failure patients. This breakthrough could lead to improved life expectancy and wellness for nearly 200,000 people in New Zealand affected by heart disease.
A study analyzing centuries-old whaling records reveals Southern right whales are adjusting their feeding grounds in response to climate change. The whales increased use of mid-latitude foraging grounds and slightly shifted towards high latitude areas, affecting their prey availability.
Researchers at University of Auckland discover a cancer drug that extends the lifespan of mice by an average of 10%, with improved coordination and strength in old age, while also identifying potential mechanisms for healthier ageing.
A study by University of Auckland researchers found that the average stress level of homeowners is significantly higher than renters. Individuals dealing with high stress levels are predisposed to move house, while social housing tenants have much higher baseline stress levels than both homeowners and renters.
Researchers calculated 74 metric tonnes of microplastics drop onto Auckland annually, equivalent to over 3 million plastic bottles. The smallest particles are highly toxic and can enter cells, cross the blood-brain barrier, and accumulate in organs.
Researchers in New Zealand and Australia created metallic nanocrystals by experimenting with gallium, a soft metal that liquifies at room temperature. The resulting 'metallic snowflakes' exhibit six-branched symmetry and self-assemble using atoms, offering a novel bottom-up approach to nanostructure formation.
A study found online alcohol retailers in NZ under-provide mandatory health information and warnings, while UK retailers do better despite not being required to. This lack of visibility impacts consumers' ability to make informed purchase decisions.
In a rare piece of good news for the marine world, reef manta rays have been found to be increasing significantly in population in Raja Ampat archipelago. The study highlights the importance of well-enforced Marine Protected Areas and fisheries regulations in their recovery.
Researchers at the University of Auckland have found that combining older drugs can greatly enhance effectiveness in treating bowel cancer. The study identifies two existing drugs, axitinib and pyrvinium, which target different pathways involved in cancer development.
Researchers at University of Auckland developed a non-invasive surface mapping tool to detect gastric slow wave activity, identifying two distinct disease subgroups in chronic nausea and vomiting syndromes. The technology has proven reliable for recording bio-electrical activity on the gut's surface and detecting changes in electromagn...
A new study found that treating brain injury with anti-inflammatory medication as early as three days after birth may prevent severe cerebral palsy. The research showed that giving Etanercept to foetal sheep after oxygen deprivation reduced cystic white matter injury.
A new study reveals how Airbnb listings affect different areas, with increases in listings raising rents in apartment-heavy areas but reducing prices in low-density neighborhoods. The research highlights the need for designated zoning laws to manage short-term rental accommodation.
A large study found that tighter gestational diabetes control reduced serious health problems and deaths in newborns, while increasing health risks for mothers. However, the exact causes of these increased risks remain unexplained, highlighting the need for further research.
Researchers found that Māui dolphins' diets became less diverse between 2008 and 2020, mainly due to the establishment of a marine sanctuary that restricted fishing in their habitat, leading to an increase in preferred prey.
A study of over 4,000 pregnant women in New Zealand found that lowering the blood-sugar threshold for diagnosis can improve health outcomes for mothers and babies. Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes using a lower threshold were more likely to receive treatment and use healthcare services.
A new mobile-phone-based therapy has shown clinically significant improvements in patients with tinnitus, offering a promising alternative to existing treatments. The therapy involves a personalized approach combining digital tools and audiologist assessment, with 65% of participants reporting an improvement in just 12 weeks.
A study published in Ocean & Coastal Management reveals that southern right whales are slower than expected at re-establishing a habitat in mainland waters. Social media posts and citizen scientist reports played a crucial role in assessing the species' population demographics, aiding conservation efforts.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that children conceived through IVF have small differences in growth and weight compared to naturally conceived peers. The study of over 6000 children showed that these differences were negligible by late adolescence and unlikely to have health implications.
Researchers have confirmed a globally rare manta ray nursery in the Raja Ampat islands in Indonesia, providing critical insights into juvenile reef manta rays' behavior and habitat. The discovery is expected to inform conservation efforts and protect this endangered species.
A new study suggests that wild animal populations can adapt more rapidly than scientists previously thought, thanks to a higher genetic contribution to differences in individual survival and reproduction. This rapid adaptation could aid species' odds of survival, but may be hindered by habitat loss and climate change.
A University of Auckland research team analyzed the legal documents of Spotify and Tinder to understand their algorithmic recommendations. The study found that both platforms collect and use personal data without transparency, influencing users' choices in various ways.
Researchers have shown ablation therapy can correct stomach dysrhythmias, eliminating abnormal electrical activity and restoring normal function. The technique may now be able to treat patients suffering from gastrointestinal disorders.
Researchers uncovered over 100 distinct taxa, including extinct species and vulnerable native species, at Ho‘oumi Beach on Nuku Hiva. The team's analysis suggests the strong possibility of human presence in the island around the mid-12th century AD.
Two papers from the Liggins Institute have been published in JAMA, providing important new data on managing babies at risk of low blood sugar levels. The research found that regular screening and treatment can help achieve similar outcomes for children affected by hypoglycaemia compared to those not exposed.
Researchers studied draughtsboard sharks and found they sleep with eyes open, a trait shared by humans and other animals. Sleep in sharks is linked to lying flat and reduced metabolic rate, aiding energy conservation.
The study identifies nine key pathways that seem to be crucial in developing Parkinson's disease, some of which have not been linked before. The findings improve scientists' understanding of genetic risk factors for developing the disease and pave the way for personalized medicine.
A pandemic survey conducted by University of Auckland psychologist Dr Lixin Jiang found that only about 27 percent of workers trusted both federal and state governments. People with high levels of trust in government felt more secure in their jobs, had higher employer loyalty, and were more likely to help co-workers.
A study of 1.7 million New Zealanders found that those with mental health issues had three and a half times the risk of developing dementia than those without. The link holds true for both early and late onset dementia, as well as Alzheimer's and non-Alzheimer's forms.
A new 'bionic' pacemaker is being developed to restore the natural variability of the heartbeat, which has been found to improve cardiac output by 20%. This innovation could revolutionize the treatment of heart failure in New Zealand patients.
A new study by the University of Auckland found that mothers working from home and experiencing psychological distress were more likely to increase alcohol consumption during lockdown. The research, which analyzed data from over 37,000 adults across 38 countries, suggests that increased psychological distress led to increased alcohol c...
Researchers at the University of Auckland have developed a shipping container-based unit to disinfect N95 masks and other PPE, allowing for potential reuse and recycling. The method uses dry heat, which is effective in killing SARS-CoV-2 and bacteria, while minimizing environmental harm.
A new study reveals that unstructured proteins can break down tightly packed genes by forming a three-way complex with histones and DNA. This finding challenges the long-standing view of protein function and has significant implications for our understanding of biology and disease.
A new international study found that older age, pre-existing chronic conditions, and symptom duration are key risk factors for severe COVID-19 outcomes in children. The study also revealed that healthy-looking children rarely deteriorate significantly after their initial emergency department visit.
Researchers have identified a common genetic component among speakers of Transeurasian languages, tracing their origin to the beginning of millet cultivation. The 'Farming Hypothesis' suggests that early farmers spread these languages across Northeast Asia, with speakers later admixing with other populations.
A study found that whales near big cities in Auckland's Hauraki Gulf ingest around 3 million microplastics per day. Researchers estimated this amount by analyzing whale scat and food consumption patterns.
Auckland Bioengineering Institute researchers have demonstrated that a jet injector can release enough blood for glucose concentration measurement without pricking the skin. The study, published in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, showed that most participants found the procedure less painful than a standard lancet prick.
Research from the University of Auckland finds that people who experienced four or more adverse childhood events have almost three times more poor mental health than those with none. The study also links specific types of adversity to increased risks of chronic physical health problems and health issues like heart disease and asthma.
A new beaked whale species has been discovered and named after Māori whale expert Ramari Stewart, highlighting the importance of Indigenous knowledge in scientific discovery. The species, Mesoplodon eueu, was found in South Africa and features a unique name that reflects its Indigenous roots.
Researchers found that genes in the lung are associated with the largest impact on type-1 diabetes risk, potentially linking respiratory viral infections to disease onset. The study suggests a new target for drug development and could lead to a vaccine to prevent the condition.
Researchers find only 1.5 million named species out of an estimated 5 million, making conservation efforts more hopeful than previously thought. Increased global involvement in taxonomy and exploration can help discover and protect species from extinction.
New research suggests most Pacific populations originated in Taiwan around 5,200 years ago, tracing the settlement of the Pacific through vocabulary from Austronesian languages. The study reveals expansion pulses and pauses, linked to technological advances such as better canoes.
The world's coral reefs are left vulnerable by insufficiently managed marine protected areas (MPAs), according to a new global analysis. The study found that many MPAs are too small and far apart, leaving them susceptible to poaching and external human threats such as pollution and overfishing.
The study found that 40% of marine protected areas are smaller than 1-2km2, an insufficient size to protect large fish and other animals. To effectively conserve coral reefs, each Marine Protected Area should be at least 10-20 km in diameter.
Claire French, a PhD student, has developed an easy-to-use test to distinguish between skin, vaginal, and mouth cells, with potential applications in forensic science. Andrew Graham and Hayley Reynolds have also been recognized for their research in medical robotics and melanoma detection, respectively.
The University of Auckland is launching a new Pinot noir research program to better understand the grape variety and its qualities. The program aims to enhance New Zealand's wine making reputation by analyzing grape varieties, wine making processes, and reactions.