Category: University of Otago

Source: University of Otago

Headline: University signs MOU to continue successful volunteer scheme

An initiative that has enabled more than 100 mostly geography students from Otago University to carry out voluntary work abroad since 2006 has been given a new lease on life, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne in Wellington this week.

Source: University of Otago

Headline: Cannabis: What’s the harm?

A researcher of the effects of cannabis says any law change to free up the drug’s availability needs to take account of scientifically-robust data showing regular use in young people is associated with a higher risk of mental health issues, use of other substances, and lower levels of achievement.

Source: University of Otago

Headline: Pelvic pain a major issue for women nearing mid-life, Otago research reveals

Many women nearing mid-life suffer some form of pelvic pain like period pain, or pain with sex however, pregnancy and childbirth appears to offer some protection, latest findings from the University of Otago’s Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study reveal.

Source: University of Otago

Headline: Primary schools to study the worm that once held up State Highway One

Researchers from Catchments Otago – a University of Otago Research Theme – are embarking on a year-long study with three Dunedin primary schools into the mysterious ancient velvet worm – peripatus – thanks to a $20,000 grant from the Unlocking Curious Minds Fund from the Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

Source: University of Otago

Headline: New Zealand school children revealing the power of mānuka

Schools and pupils from all over New Zealand are working with the University of Otago and Plant & Food Research to discover what secrets are locked within the wide variety of mānuka around the country – including whether the native plant’s leaf chemistry could provide a natural weed killer.

Source: University of Otago

Headline: Otago scientist involved in new tool to classify severity of Salmonella

A University of Otago expert is part of an international collaboration that has created a new machine learning tool that can detect whether emerging strains of the bacterium Salmonella are more likely to cause life-threatening bloodstream infections rather than only food poisoning.

Source: University of Otago

Headline: Now is the time to consider a regulatory body on AI predictive analytics

With Immigration New Zealand recently joining ACC and The Ministry for Social Development on the list of Government departments courting controversy over the use of predictive analytics systems, leading University of Otago researchers say now is the time to consider a regulatory body to oversee the rising use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems in New Zealand Government departments.

Source: University of Otago

Headline: Study of smoking among doctors and nurses shows very low smoking prevalence and Smokefree 2025 goal can be achieved

A new study on smoking trends among doctors and nurses in New Zealand finds smoking has declined steadily within these healthcare professions. Researchers say this shows that very low smoking rates can be achieved in large occupational groups, suggesting that New Zealand’s Smokefree 2025 goal is reachable.