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.
A review of 25 research papers reveals that attending a suicide event has a significant impact on the mental health of healthcare workers and first responders. The study highlights the need for more research into the effects of trauma on these professionals.
A new study dating the Purākaunui pits to 1430-1460 CE provides evidence for rua kumara storage in southern New Zealand, connecting local Māori traditions with archaeology. The discovery sheds light on how scientific evidence complements mātauranga Maori knowledge around taonga storage.
A University of Otago survey found 64% of New Zealanders experienced positive aspects during the lockdown, including pride in the country's response and increased time for family and hobbies. The study suggests that these silver linings can help people survive and thrive under adverse circumstances.
Researchers found evidence of malaria in ancient hunter-gatherer skeletons in Vietnam dated to approximately 7000 years ago. This discovery changes the entire understanding of the relationship between humans and malaria, suggesting that the disease was a threat to human groups long before farming.
Researchers found that impaired microRNAs, particularly miR-30c, are responsible for the ineffective function of stem cells in diabetic hearts. Increasing miR-30c levels in the heart improves stem cell survival and growth, offering a novel therapy for treating type-2 diabetic heart disease
Research reveals that worker bees can detect varroa-related compounds in brood cells, triggering a strong behavioral response to defend against the parasite. This finding has implications for breeding programs aimed at developing stronger resistance to Varroa destructor in honey bee colonies.
A University of Otago study found that while 74% of Americans are concerned about climate change, only 29% discuss lower carbon options when asked to describe future travel. The study suggests actively envisioning a sustainable future could lead to increased adoption of low-carbon systems and mitigate efforts.
A new study found that messages presenting e-cigarettes as a lower risk alternative to smoking can encourage about a third of smokers to try them. Meanwhile, messages highlighting the increased health risks of vaping strongly discourage non-smokers from taking up the habit.
University of Otago researchers found that confining barking geckos in a pen for three months before releasing them to Mana Island helps establish a breeding population. The method has potential to aid conservation efforts for other species, reducing detrimental initial dispersal.
A University of Otago study found that quality sleep, rather than quantity, was the strongest predictor of mental health and well-being in young adults. The three pillars of good mental health identified in the study are sleep quality, exercising, and eating more raw fruits and vegetables.
A study published in Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences reveals wide variations in mechanical restraint use across Pacific countries, with Japan having the highest rate at 98.9 events per million population per day.
The study found almost a third of participants experienced mental distress during the lockdown, but many also reported positive outcomes. Notably, younger adults were more likely to experience significant psychological distress, while older people may have felt safer in New Zealand.
Taiwan and New Zealand eliminated community transmission of COVID-19 through early action, robust surveillance, and strong public health infrastructure. Effective measures included mask mandates, contact tracing, and quarantine, with Taiwan's response being particularly effective due to its well-planned pandemic preparedness.
A study suggests that a national biennial lung cancer screening program could be cost-effective for Māori in New Zealand. The program aims to reduce population inequities relating to lung cancer among Māori. Early-stage lung cancer can be curable, and screening may help save lives by identifying the disease at an early stage.
A study found that Instagram users posting self-harm content use ambiguous hashtags to avoid detection, creating online communities for those seeking support. The prevalence and impact of such content remain unknown, with some research suggesting potential benefits from supportive interactions and others highlighting risks of normaliza...
Researchers have discovered evidence of the ancient disease yaws in skeletal remains from Vietnam, dating back 4000 years. The study suggests that yaws was introduced to hunter-gatherers by agricultural populations moving south from modern-day China.
A New Zealand survey found that e-cigarette use is increasing among smokers and recent quitters, with most common reasons being to help quit or cut down on smoking. The study suggests e-cigarettes are contributing to reducing smoking prevalence, but more work is needed to achieve the goal of becoming smokefree by 2025.
A high fructose diet in pregnant women can alter the metabolism of their offspring, researchers found. The study, published in Frontiers in Endocrinology, showed that fructose intake before and during pregnancy led to significant changes in maternal metabolic function and milk composition.
Researchers from the University of Otago have discovered that viruses can use a 'decoy' strategy to evade the immune system. By acquiring a membrane inside the nucleus of infected cells, these viruses can travel through different environments and avoid detection by the immune system.
A study by University of Otago researchers found that media coverage of the Christchurch mosque shootings contributed to an increase in public support for gun control. The decision not to name the shooter and focus on the issue's broader implications reduced the risk of copycat events and generated bipartisan support for reform.
A new study by Otago economists shows New Zealand's exports to China increased by 200% due to the 2008 FTA, contributing strongly to NZ's export growth. However, the research found no significant or robust impact on NZ's GDP per capita.
A recent study found that most New Zealanders have large quantities of paracetamol stored at home, contributing to a significant number of calls to the National Poisons Centre. The study's results highlight the need for public initiatives to encourage safe disposal of unused medicines and prevent unnecessary accumulation.
Researchers have found that a history of rape is associated with dysfunctional breathing and late-onset asthma diagnosis, particularly in women. Nearly 20% of women reported being raped, and those who experienced trauma were more likely to develop respiratory problems at 38 years old.
A new study found that mothers who receive help from their congregation have higher fertility rates and better child cognitive development. The research suggests that religion supports cooperative breeding strategies, allowing women to have more children without sacrificing their children's success.
Researchers estimate that a food tax on saturated fat, salt, and sugar would save the health system NZ$14.7 billion over time. This scheme would also lead to notable reductions in chronic disease rates, including a one quarter to one third reduction in diabetes incidence.
A new University of Otago study found that mating with sterile males early in life increases female growth but reduces lifespan. Mating with fertile males later in life has the opposite effect, increasing reproductive output. The findings suggest long-term consequences of social interactions between males and females.
New Zealand centenarians exhibit low rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes, depression, and hypertension. Socially active participants showed similar patterns across age groups, while exercise improved health without significant effects on ageing.
New research reveals that guinea pigs were originally domesticated in the Andes region of Peru around AD500, and later introduced to the Caribbean through trade networks. The study used ancient DNA analysis to clarify the origins of guinea pigs found on islands in the Caribbean, contradicting previous theories.
A new study led by Dr Melyssa Roy found that later bedtimes for children between the ages of 2 and 5 years old aren't directly linked to an increased risk of obesity. The study revealed that these children slept for a longer duration, which may limit eating opportunities and reduce overall caloric intake.
A new study estimates that producing food to fuel walking and cycling leads to non-negligible greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers suggest reducing meat consumption and shifting towards plant-based diets can significantly lower these emissions, with potential reductions of up to 80%.
A New Zealand study of almost 50,000 people found that women use more diverse modes of travel and emit lower greenhouse gases. Women take shorter trips, walk more, and are more likely to use public transport than men.
New research at the 'Joe's Garden' site in Papua New Guinea reveals insights into past subsistence patterns, including the consumption of starchy plants like tree nuts and tubers. The findings confirm the long-term survival of these microfossils in an equatorial context.
A collaboration between Otago University and ESR has received a grant to sequence all of New Zealand's positive COVID-19 cases. The team will create a web browser application to track the virus's evolution, epidemiology, and transmission chains in NZ.
Researchers found that Māori and Pacific people who struggle to quit smoking may find it easier to switch to vaping if they find it satisfying and are exposed to fewer smoking cues. The study provides valuable insights into the uptake of electronic nicotine delivery systems among these communities.
A New Zealand study found that teenagers were shocked by the graphic detail of a suicide scene in the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why. The researchers interviewed 25 young people between 13-18 and discovered they viewed the show as an 'over-dramatic' fictional TV show, not a realistic depiction of adolescent suicide.
Two studies from University of Otago researchers found that a higher fibre intake can reduce premature mortality by 35% in adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. However, food processing may dilute the health benefits of whole grains, leading to increased blood glucose levels and weight.
Researchers in Papua New Guinea have found evidence of early agriculture and trade routes dating back to 5050-4200 years ago. This discovery challenges previous assumptions of the Neolithic period and sheds light on the development of cultural diversity in the region.
A new review of international research on food taxes highlights the strong evidence showing such taxes work in reducing sugary drinks consumption. A 20% tax on sugar-sweetened beverages could raise NZ$40 million annually, which could be recycled back into the community to fund healthy initiatives.
Research by University of Otago found significant levels of negative information about vaccines available online, including on Google, Facebook, and YouTube. Health professionals can help inform parents by referring them to credible websites containing well-validated information.
A recent study published in Nature found that CRISPR anti-viral immunity is often a disadvantage to bacteria when infected by certain viruses. The research suggests that triggering the powerful defense systems can be risky for a bacterium, leading to significant implications for treatment design.
Researchers at the University of Otago have successfully trapped and cooled three individual atoms, allowing them to observe previously unseen complex atomic interactions. This breakthrough has significant implications for future quantum technologies, including the potential to build and control single molecules of particular chemicals.
A New Zealand study found that people who cycle to work have a 13% lower risk of mortality compared to those who walk or take public transport. The research, which analyzed data from over 3.5 million New Zealanders, suggests that increasing cycling for commuting may lead to health benefits and reduce the environmental impact.
Overweight adults who followed the Mediterranean, Intermittent Fasting and Paleo diets experienced modest weight loss (2-4kg) and clinically significant improvements in blood pressure. The Mediterranean diet also improved blood sugar levels, while the fasting diet led to slightly more weight loss.
A study found that adopting a plant-based diet in New Zealand could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 4-42% annually, improve population health, and save the healthcare system NZD $14 to $20 billion over time. The research also highlights the importance of reducing food waste and promoting climate-friendly eating patterns.
Media reports on chronic pain focus on opioid-based treatments and cannabis, overlooking evidence-based non-pharmaceutical options. Research analysis reveals limited attention to adverse effects of medicinal cannabis and inadequate resources for pain management.