A University of Otago researcher is set to work with scientists from around the world to combat a deadly superbug. Biochemist Prof Iain Lamont has received a $1.15million Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC) grant to uncover genetic mutations leading to antibiotic resistance in one of the world’s most problematic superbugs. Read more

A $24million cash injection will allow University of Otago researchers to search for solutions to some of the big health challenges facing New Zealand. The money from the Government’s Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC) will allow researchers to look at issues ranging from the rise of superbugs to whether certain types of inhalers…

New Zealand researchers will carry out a multi-million dollar, world-first study to prove whether there is a link between babies being given paracetamol and the development of asthma. Auckland paediatric emergency medicine specialist at Starship Children’s Hospital Dr Stuart Dalziel has received $4.99 million from the Health Research Council of New Zealand to carry out…

Two health researchers from Massey University’s College of Health have been awarded more than $6 million in the latest round of funding from the Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC), targeting occupational disease in New Zealand as well as international alcohol policy and its impact. Five research programmes have been awarded a total of…

Poison, radiation or surgery. For decades now, these have been the only weapons available in the war against cancer. But everyone who has known cancer up close – patients, their loved ones and physicians – has longed for a better way. Immunotherapy is emerging as the so-called fourth pillar of cancer therapy, alongside chemotherapy, radiation…

A new study of non-diabetic women with ovarian cancer reveals a potential correlation and area for further study regarding the expression of the GLUT1 glucose transporter receptor at the cancer tissue level. GLUT1 is a receptor protein involved in the absorption of glucose, or sugar, in the bloodstream and across membranes in the body. Physiologically,…

Some of Australia’s foremost ophthalmic experts gathered for the annual Macular Degeneration Awareness Week Research Symposium in Sydney last week. More than 100 people attended the symposium, which focused on macular degeneration research, specifically recent breakthroughs and potential future discoveries. Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA) patron Ms Ita Buttrose discussed her experiences with the condition,…

NPS MedicineWise says the announcement of additional funding is much needed considering antibiotic prescribing rates in some areas of practice remain particularly high. Health Minister Greg Hunt has announced the Federal government will invest $5.9 million from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) into tackling the threat of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses or parasites…

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease associated with abnormally high levels of glucose in the blood. Besides being a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, diabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness and  visual impairment in the working age group. A person with diabetes has 25 times the risk of blindness…

Emerging Australian medtech success story Global Kinetics is raising $20-30 million to keep commercialising its smartwatch-style Parkinson’s treatment device. The company is also working on an expansion into telehealth in partnership with French hospitals and developing an app to give Parkinson’s patients more control over their own treatment. Read more