How many companies are developing new antibiotics in order to tackle antibiotic-resistant infections? Not enough. Many medical breakthroughs in the last century could ultimately be labelled as worthless or lost through the spread of antimicrobial resistance. New resistance mechanisms have emerged and are spreading globally, threatening the pharmaceuticals industries ability to treat infectious illnesses and…

Plans to produce next-generation hip replacements by 3D-bioprinting bone were among many University of Otago research projects supported by more than $3.5 million in career development awards. ”It seems futuristic, but it’s also realistic,” Dr Khoon Lim, an Otago University bioengineer, said of the new approach. He is developing a Lego-like system to 3D-bioprint bone;…

Dr Susan Jack The true burden of rheumatic fever in New Zealand may be underestimated because serology cut-off guidelines are too high resulting in undercounting about 16 cases annually, new collaborative research has found. The joint study by researchers from the University of Otago, ESR, University of Auckland and the Menzies School of Health Research,…

The head of a health research programme under the government’s National Science Challenges says progress is being made. The government has released another $420 million for the 11 studies underway. The project was launched in 2014, to fund research into the biggest science-based issues and opportunities facing the country. Healthier Lives is looking at major…

The Healthier Lives – He Oranga Hauora National Science Challenge welcomes the announcement from the Minister of Research, Science and Innovation Hon Megan Woods, which confirms funding for its 2019-2024 research strategy. Director Professor Jim Mann says the new Healthier Lives five-year strategy puts equitable health outcomes at its very heart. “We have forged new…

Funding boost for health projectGaininge a further $17.6 million will help Healthier Lives researchers, hosted by the University of Otago, to improve health research and counter the obesity epidemic, Prof Jim Mann says. Prof Mann was “delighted” that initial funding for the first five years of the Healthier Lives-Oranga Hauora National Science Challenge had now…

Does engaging patients in research projects improve health? A comprehensive collection of 17 innovative demonstration projects — from youth involvement in mental health services to suicide prevention, Indigenous health, children with complex medical needs and more — highlights the value of patient engagement in research. Engaging Patients in Health Research: the Ontario Experience, a special…

A top of the South Island iwi wants to use storytelling as the basis for its health and wellness strategy. Kaikaiawaro Charitable Trust, the charitable arm of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Kuia, has received Health Research Council funding to capture pūrākau and turn them into action. Rūnanga general manager David Johnston says iwi researchers will…

Having worms in your gut may sound unpleasant, but New Zealand scientists have good reason to believe they could benefit your health. The research, published in Mucosal Immunology, found that the presence of intestinal parasites provides long-lasting protection against infection from other species of parasites in other organs. The Malaghan Institute of Medical Research’s Dr…