New Zealand researchers have uncovered a new mechanism that controls the release of the hormone insulin in the body, providing hope for those with a genetic susceptibility to type 2 diabetes. The findings, published today in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, show for the first time that a protein known as beta catenin is crucial…

A century-old antiseptic made from coal tar and used to treat wounds and sleeping sickness in World War I Australian soldiers has been found to help the body fight off viral infections, including the common cold. Acriflavine antiseptic is a brown or orange powder that is mixed with water to wash out wounds and treat…

Kiwi researchers will be the forefront of developing a new cancer treatment thanks to a new deal with their Chinese counterparts. Wellington’s Malaghan Institute of Medical Research has teamed up with Chinese researchers to develop and trial new immunotherapies in this country, to be initially targeted at leukaemia patients. “We already know this is extremely effective in acute…

A Wellington man has been awarded a prestigious science medal for his medical research. His work has helped reduce asthma-related deaths and could help open up a new multibillion-dollar opportunity. New Zealand has one of the world’s highest rates of asthma, which can be deadly. Four people died in Melbourne from the disease following a…

A new, in depth study of children and teenagers struggling with weight issues highlights that their eating habits were poor, and sugary drink consumption was at concerning volumes on a daily basis in many. Eating habits such as comfort eating and eating large amounts of food were worryingly common, and the study revealed clear differences…

Malaghan Institute’s Research Professor Mike Berridge awarded the 2016 Liley Medal for major discovery in Cancer Research. The Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, New Zealand’s independent biomedical research institute, based in Wellington, announced today that Professor Mike Berridge has been awarded the distinguished Liley Medal from the Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC) for…

For the first time a psychologist has won New Zealand’s top award for excellence in science, social science and technology. University of Auckland Emeritus Professor Michael Corballis was presented the Rutherford medal last night at the Royal Society of New Zealand’s annual research honours dinner in Christchurch. Prof Corballis, 80, was the brain behind mental…

University of Auckland academic Michael Corballis has won New Zealand’s top science prize. The Rutherford Medal, named in honour of the country’s famed Nobel Prize-winning physicist Ernest Rutherford, was awarded to emeritus professor Corballis, a psychologist, for his research into the human mind. “His work includes understanding the differences in the two hemispheres of the brain, the evolution…

Queensland’s Dr Rebecca Coll has been recognised by Australia’s peak medical research body for breakthrough research that could help treat incurable diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Research Australia has recognised Dr Coll, a researcher at The University of Queensland’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience, for her role in discovering promising anti-inflammatory compounds that block the NLRP3…

After extensive public consultation with consumers, researchers, healthcare providers and managers, the government last week released two reports from the Australian Medical Research Advisory Board: the Australian Medical Research and Innovation Strategy 2016-2021, and the accompanying Australian Medical Research and Innovation Priorities 2016-2018. The response to the two documents from prominent researchers and peak research bodies…