A University of Otago study found that retrofitting insulation can lower the onset of chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma. Homes with retrofitted insulation showed a 10% reduction in chronic respiratory disease incidence, while children under 15 were 15% less likely to develop asthma symptoms.
Researchers found that adolescents with faster dental biorhythms (5-6 day cycle) weighed less and gained less weight over 14 months. Those with slower biorhythms (7-8 day cycle) produced the greatest weight gain, suggesting a link between tooth growth patterns and metabolic rate.
Researchers at the University of Otago are closer to treating heart disease in people with type 2 diabetes. Their new treatment uses microRNA therapy to restore heart function and reduce cell death, showing promise for improving health outcomes.
A new DNA extraction technique has enabled researchers to analyze genetically diverse mollusc species from museum collections, shedding light on their evolutionary history and informing conservation management. The method's success opens up novel research avenues, particularly for endangered or never-before-seen-alive molluscs.
A New Zealand study found that emergency services working together to attend mental health emergencies results in faster resolution and better outcomes. The co-response team model improved the likelihood of receiving community support and reduced wait times in emergency departments.
A virtual reality app called oVRcome has been shown to reduce symptoms of five common phobias, including fear of flying and needles, by 75% in a six-week trial. The app uses exposure therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to help patients build up their tolerance to their phobias.
New research models how post-viral fatigue syndromes like ME/CFS and Long COVID become life-changing diseases due to neuroinflammation. The study proposes a brain-body connection sustained through chronic neuroinflammation, leading to relapse recovery cycles.
A study by University of Otago's Department of Tourism found that the reduced number of event-related personnel attending the Olympics due to Covid-19 resulted in lower CO2 emissions. The study estimates a reduction of 129,686 tCO2 from expected levels.
Research led by the University of Otago found a strong association between skin infection and rheumatic fever, highlighting the importance of treating skin infections in young children to prevent rheumatic fever. The studies also revealed barriers to accessing primary health care and a family history of rheumatic fever as risk factors.
A new study found that the cognitive function of Cantabrian earthquake survivors who were initially resilient to trauma has recovered over time. The research, conducted eight years after the initial trauma, showed no significant differences in performance between the earthquake-exposed group and non-exposed participants.
New Zealand military veterans experience high levels of anxiety and depression, but also struggle with pain and mobility. Factors such as age, deployment, psychological flexibility, and sleep quality are associated with better health outcomes.
A University of Otago-led study used genomic analysis to track the origins of kelp found on southeastern New Zealand beaches, revealing connections to South Georgia and Marion Island. Kelp rafts carry a variety of organisms across vast distances, influencing ecosystem dynamics.
A University of Otago study analyzed ancient DNA from the eastern moa, finding that the species altered its distribution as the climate warmed and cooled. The research highlights how past climate change impacted different species in unique ways, challenging a 'one size fits all' model.
The University of Otago has created the first strontium isoscape for Aotearoa New Zealand, allowing researchers to pinpoint biological material to distinct geographical regions. This innovation enables better prediction of unknown materials' origin, benefiting industries and research
A new study using 50 years of data from the University of Otago's Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health & Development Study found that vaccine resistance is linked to adverse childhood experiences. The research suggests that individuals who develop a history of mistrust during childhood are more likely to become resistant to vaccinations.
A University of Otago study found altering an existing assessment tool could double the capture rate of elder abuse sufferers. By adding an 'unable to determine' category, tens of thousands of older New Zealanders may be identified as victims of abuse.
Researchers at the University of Otago have developed a new method for obtaining ancient genomic data from small vertebrate remains, causing no visible damage to the underlying bone. The study presents a breakthrough in analyzing materials in museum collections and rare, valuable specimens.
Researchers have solved a key part of the coronal heating problem by merging two previous theories into one. The study used six-dimensional supercomputer simulations to show how turbulence creates magnetic waves that heat the gas in the Sun's atmosphere.
A study by the University of Otago found that 15-year-olds who had conversed with their mothers about everyday past events reported fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety. These adolescents also narrated difficult events from their lives with more insight.
A recent study of wild Japanese macaques has found atypical tooth wear patterns that challenge our understanding of human evolution. The research suggests that the 'toothpick' grooves and large uniform scratches observed in fossil humans may have been caused by eating shellfish and accidentally chewing grit and sand, rather than tool use.
Researchers from University of Otago hope to identify Alzheimer's risk in middle age with a simple eye test. Thinner retinal nerve fibre layer and ganglion cell layer are linked to cognitive decline, suggesting optical scans could aid diagnosis.
Research from the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study finds that prolonged cannabis use leads to over-inflated lungs and increased airway resistance, impairing oxygen extraction. This effect is distinct from tobacco use and may reflect early signs of a severe form of emphysema.
A study by University of Otago researchers has found that young Autistic people in Aotearoa have significantly lower rates of criminal justice system interactions compared to those without Autism. However, if charged, Autistic young people were more likely to face serious and violent offence charges.
A global systematic review found serious complications and a 15% fatality ratio among patients with non-typhoidal Salmonella invasive disease. The study highlights the need for urgent investment in vaccine development and research into prevention methods to tackle this emerging neglected infectious disease.
A new study from the University of Otago found that children are exposed to 554 brands per 10-hour day, or nearly a brand a minute. The majority of these exposures occurred in school, at home, and in-store, with most coming from brand labels, product packaging, and commercial signage.
Researchers confirm that skin infections, not just throat infections, trigger acute rheumatic fever, with Māori and Pacific children at highest risk. The study's findings have huge implications for prevention, suggesting a new focus on addressing skin infections to reduce the risk of rheumatic fever in New Zealand and internationally.
University of Otago researchers suggest kurī have significant ecological impact on New Zealand's biodiversity, predating kiore and humans. Kurī may have contributed to extinctions of moa chicks, takahē, kākāpō, kiwi, and marine mammals.
A University of Otago study finds caries in wild primates occur at low frequencies but vary among groups, with distinct tooth patterns compared to fossil humans. The research provides a new perspective on human evolution and living primate behaviour.
A University of Otago study surveyed 529 students to investigate factors influencing the switch from illicit to lawful cannabis sources. The main facilitator identified was perceived safety, with 63% of respondents citing this as a primary reason for sourcing cannabis through legal channels.
Researchers found that specifying a shorter deadline increases response rates, while long deadlines allow people to procrastinate and forget. No deadline led to the most responses, suggesting that removing urgency leads to inaction.
A new study from the University of Otago has found that the 'egg-beater' technique is the most effective water treading method for preventing drowning. The technique, which involves alternating breaststroke kicks, was deemed more energetically and cognitively efficient than other methods.
Research found that individuals with higher anxiety levels have altered perceptions of their breathing, reduced sensitivity to changes, and altered brain activity. This can lead to a negative cycle of emotions, creating even more anxiety. The study aims to improve treatment strategies by understanding how body perception affects anxiety.
A new species of frog, Bishop's frog Leiopelma bishopi, has been discovered from fossils in North Canterbury and named in honor of late Professor Phil Bishop. The finding provides significant insights into the evolution of New Zealand's frogs and highlights the impact of climate change on isolated island ecosystems.
Researchers at the University of Otago have identified a brain signal that can improve diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders. The 'theta' rhythm in the right frontal lobe was found to be associated with specific types of anxiety disorders, offering new insights into their causes and potential treatments.
Researchers ranked diseases based on technical, socio-political, and economic factors. COVID-19 has an average score of 1.6 for eradication feasibility, making it theoretically possible. Vaccination programs, public health measures, and global interest contribute to its possibility.
A University of Otago study found that crawling experience significantly influences a baby's ability to avoid falling into water. The research, published in Infancy and Developmental Psychobiology, suggests that caregivers should promote crawling opportunities for their infants to develop safe perception and behavior.
A University of Otago study found that women with postpartum depression experience different intensity and hedonic perception of smells compared to healthy women. The research adds evidence to the argument that postpartum depression should be studied separately from major depression.
Researchers from the University of Otago debunked a long-held belief about Paranthropus' eating habits, finding no evidence to support regular consumption of hard foods. Instead, they found similar tooth fracture patterns in fossil humans and living primates that eat soft fruits or leaves.
A University of Otago study found that people attempting to switch from cigarettes to vaping reported highly varied smoking and ENDS use patterns. The researchers recommend that individuals persist in their attempts to transition away from smoking, even if progress feels slow and uncertain.
A recent study published in the New Zealand Journal of Ecology found that alpine-based hedgehogs hibernate in the same areas they used in summer and do not migrate to lower elevations. This discovery suggests that hedgehogs are residents in these zones, rather than just visitors.
A University of Otago study reveals that high proportions of renewable generation coupled with energy storage is technically and economically viable for Samoa's electricity system. The results show that setting targets below 100% and considering biomass options can make renewable energy more attractive and affordable.
Researchers at the University of Otago have created a new animal model that can accurately simulate psychosis in rats. This breakthrough finding opens up new possibilities for understanding brain mechanisms and developing more effective treatments for schizophrenia.
A new study suggests that collective battery storage can significantly reduce the cost of providing load smoothing and peak shaving services to households. By sharing batteries or having one per 20 houses, households can provide essential grid services while reducing individual costs, a key finding published in Energy & Buildings.
An Indigenous Māori framework offers a new perspective on managing and conserving Antarctica, focusing on responsibilities rather than rights. This approach acknowledges the intrinsic link between human well-being and the environment, promoting reciprocal and sustainable relationships with the continent.
A University of Otago study found the kea is not an alpine specialist but rather adapted to open habitats due to human disturbance. The research also reconstructed demographic histories of kākā and kea species, suggesting the kea may struggle in a warming climate.
Tiny charged electrons and protons have been studied by University of Otago scientists in a Geophysical Research Letters publication. By analyzing data from GPS satellites, the researchers found that EMIC waves can cause changes in the number of particles in Earth's radiation belts, affecting satellite orbits and atmospheric chemistry.
A University of Otago study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that transitioning into PhD study in New Zealand does not lead to a significant drop in mental health. The research used data from the Graduate Longitudinal Study New Zealand, tracking students before and after entering a PhD program.
A University of Otago study found that anxiety enhances recall of supernatural agents, leading to the formation of religious beliefs. The research suggests that anxious individuals are initially attracted to the scary traits of gods and other supernatural concepts due to their alarming effects on our expectations.
A University of Otago study found that the 1855 Wairarapa earthquake created an ecological opportunity for a previously South Island restricted seaweed species to colonize and establish itself in the North Island. This discovery highlights the potential of tectonic disturbance to shape biodiversity, including marine environments.
A University of Otago study found that people with anti-abortion views tend to believe a fetus can feel pain before the 23rd week of pregnancy. Women are more likely than men to hold this belief, which may be due to targeted disinformation campaigns.