News and Events - Articles
Hundreds flock to Health Research Open Day in Christchurch
The annual Health Research Open Day organised by the Canterbury Medical
Research Foundation and the Christchurch campus attracted large Sunday
crowds recently with visitors keen to learn about the latest in health
research.
Minister of Research, Science and Technology visits Christchurch
The Minister of Research, Science and Technology, Dr Wayne Mapp, visited
the Christchurch campus recently and gave a clear message that the Government
will be pushing hard to “enhance the migration of science from
the laboratory to the marketplace”.
Young scientist investigates
causes of heart disease and diabetes.
15 July 2009
Dr Nicola Scott from the Christchurch Cardioendocrine Research Group
is what’s known in the scientific world as an ‘emerging researcher’.
It may sound as though she is just coming to the surface after being
buried for some years and in a metaphorical sense there is some truth
in that. After spending three or four years on a PhD and then extending
this research into a ‘post-doc’ there is a sense that as
a young scientist she is emerging into the light of day.
What really causes childhood pneumonia?
1 July 2009
Professor David Murdoch, head of Pathology at the University of Otago,
Christchurch is going to be a very busy over the next two years. Not
only has he just won an HRC grant to study Vitamin D and upper respiratory
tract infections, but he’s now been invited to be on the leadership
team of a major international study funded by the Gates’ Foundation.
Queen’s birthday honours
for well-known Christchurch surgeon
29 June 2009
Former
general surgeon at Christchurch Hospital and founder of the Cotter
Medical History Trust, Mr Pat Cotter, was recently warmly congratulated
by friends and former colleagues marking his Queen’s Birthday
honour as Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to
medicine.
Popular workshop on developing research with Maori
15 June 2009
Nearly 70 people attended a recent workshop in the Rolleston Lecture
Theatre at the Christchurch campus to learn some practical tips about
conducting health research involving Maori. The workshop was convened
convened by the UOC Maori Research Development Komiti chaired by Dr Paul
Robertson.
New light shed on heart valve infections
24 March 2009
The head of the department of pathology in Christchurch, Professor David
Murdoch, has led a ground- breaking international study redefining how
clinicians approach endocarditis or infection of heart valves.
Gold medals for research and teaching in Christchurch
4 March 2009
Four gold medals for 2008 were presented by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor
David Skegg, at the Christchurch campus’ Academic Inauguration
Ceremony last month.
Prototype colour CT scanner points way for improved diagnosis
Researchers at the Christchurch campus of the University of Otago, in
collaboration with colleagues at the University of Canterbury and Canterbury
DHB, have developed a world first prototype colour CT scanner for medical
imaging.
Top international award for longstanding health researcher
The International Society for Free Radical Research has awarded Professor
Christine Winterbourn, its highest accolade, the Trevor Slater Award,
at its recent biennial meeting in Beijing. Professor Winterbourn, is
the first recipient of this award outside the EU and USA and the first
woman.
Christchurch health researcher wins Invitrogen Award
15 September 2008
One of New Zealand’s major scientific prizes, the Invitrogen
Award for emerging excellence in molecular biology, has been won by
Dr Mark
Hampton from the University of Otago, Christchurch.
High achievers doctoral scholarship awarded
A PhD student in the Department of Pathology, Caroline Kuiper, has been
awarded a High Achievers Doctoral Scholarship from the Tertiary Education
Commission. Three scholarships have been awarded to the University of
Otago.
Early Career Award for Distinction in Research.
Senior Lecturer, Dr Lisa Whitehead, from the Centre for Postgraduate
Nursing Studies in Christchurch, has won an Early Career Award for Distinction
in Research from the University of Otago.
Christchurch PhD students win awards
Two PhD candidates from the Angiogenesis Research Group, University
of Otago Christchurch, won awards at the recent New Zealand Society of
Oncology Conference held in Christchurch from August 5-6.
Neural engineer and
scientist receives prestigious appointments
31 March 2008
Research Associate Professor Richard Jones in the Department of Medicine, University
of Otago, Christchurch has been appointed to two prestigious international
positions related to neural engineering.
Improving diagnosis
of breast cancer by genetics
27 March 2008
Breast cancer is not one disease explains Associate Professor Christine Morris
head of the Cancer Genetics Research Group at the University of Otago, Christchurch.
It is now recognised as a complex class of biologically different tumours.
Christchurch medical researchers
receive $25,000 donation from Rotary
26 March 2008
Medical research in Christchurch has received a boost in its to efforts to
determine genetic links to heart disease and cancer and how genes affect the
way people respond to drugs.
Early Career Award for Distinction
in Research
1 August 2007
Research Fellow, Dr Rebecca Roberts, has received an Early Career Award for
Distinction in Research from the University of Otago. Five Awards are granted
each year ($5000 each) to be used for research purposes. She currently also
holds a NZ Science and Technology Postdoctoral Fellowship.
Microscope Collection - Cotter
Medical History Trust
The Cotter Medical History Trust is bringing a truly remarkable microscope
collection for display at the University of Otago, Christchurch. The Trust
is currently looking for funding and will appreciate whatever support may be
given.
Grant awarded for Alzheimer's
research
11 July 2007
Professor Tim Anderson and colleagues from the Van der Veer Institute for Parkinson's
and Brain Research have been awarded $68,000 by the Neurological Foundation
of NZ.
Research into kidney and
heart disease caused by diabetes
11 July 2007
It is well known that New Zealand, like many developed countries, is in the
middle of an escalating diabetes epidemic, largely caused by lifestyle factors
such as dietary choice, and lack of physical exercise.
New integrative learning
week in medicine
24 May 2007
Undergraduate medical education at the Christchurch, Wellington and Dunedin
Schools in the Faculty of Medicine is undertaking a new initiative, with further
integration of the curriculum during the coming year.
International
collaboration benefits NZ cancer research
24 May 2007
Deep space is where the Cancer Genetics Research Group is travelling in Christchurch.
Not literally but figuratively, as it reveals new and undiscovered genetic
changes associated with leukaemia and other cancers.
Emeritus Professor
Alan Maxwell Clarke
13 February 2007
On Sunday 21 January, Professor Alan Clarke died following surgery in Christchurch.
Don't plague me now. I have
the gout sir!
11 December 2006
It may be thought that gout is generally an affliction of the past. Not so
according to Rheumatologist, Dr Lisa Stamp at the Christchurch School of Medicine
and Health Sciences. Gout still strikes thousands of New Zealanders of all
ages, but particularly Maori and Pacific Islanders who have rates as high as
14%.
Drink and depression:
Is simultaneous therapy the answer?
11 December 2006
If you drink too much, and you are dependent on alcohol, you are very likely
to be also depressed according to recent figures. Some 30-40% of people with
drink problems also have major depression, and with 100,000 people battling
alcohol dependence in New Zealand, this is a major and growing mental health
issue.
HRC research
fellowships awarded to Christchurch
23 November 2006
More than a century has passed since TB physician Dr Edward Trudeau used these
words to guide his practice. Yet they are still central to the philosophy of
addiction specialist, Professor Doug Sellman from Otago University’s
Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, who will deliver his Inaugural
Professorial Lecture on Thursday September 28.
Fellowships
awarded to Christchurch Professor
23 November 2006
Professor David Fergusson from the Christchurch School of Medicine and Health
Sciences has recently been honoured with two prestigious fellowships.
Why are Maori dying
ten years earlier from heart disease?
25 October 2006
“Four of my family died in their forties in one year from cardiac problems,” says
Suzanne Pitama from the Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences. “Many
others have died before they're 60, so it really hits home, and it just goes
on and on. In our graveyard, which goes back generations, only two didn't die
of cardiovascular disease.”
New courses on mental
health during pregnancy
25 October 2006
"Mental illness during and after pregnancy is common and often serious,”says
Dr Deborah Wilson from the Mother and Baby Unit at Princess Margaret Hospital. “It
can have devastating effects on, not only women, but all members of a family.”
Search your heart (.pdf)
28 October 2006
Heart hormone blood tests could become as routine an indicator as blood sugar
or cholestrol test.
Medical scientist
wins top international award
24 July 2006
Professor Steve Brennan from the Christchurch School of Medicine and Health
Sciences has won the 'Outstanding Investigator Award' from the International
Fibrinogen Research Society. Prof Brennan was presented with the award at the
recent International Fibrinogen Workshop at the University of Surrey in the
UK.
Anatomical
Pathologists to move with School of Medicine redevelopment
Anatomical Pathologists at Christchurch Hospital will be on the move
at the end of the year when they shift into the first floor of the new
Clip-on' being constructed on the west side of the Christchurch School
of Medicine and Health Sciences, adjacent to the Hospital's main entrance.
The Pathologists are now located on the east side of the ground floor
of the School.
Associate Dean
new president of ANZAME
Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Associate Professor Tim
Wilkinson, has been elected President of the Australasian Association for Health
Professional Education (ANZAME).
Cancer researchers
win award
Dr Margaret Currie from the Angiogenesis Research Group and Helen Morrin, Cancer
Society Tissue Bank Curator, at the Christchurch School of Medicine and Health
Sciences recently won two Pfizer Awards ($2500 each) at the NZ Society for
Oncology Conference in Hamilton.
Suicide researcher receives
top international award
17 May 2006
Suicide is not everyone’s cup of tea as serious scientific research,
but Associate Professor Annette Beautrais from the Christchurch School of Medicine
and Health Sciences has carved out an international reputation in this sensitive
and emotional area over the last fifteen years.
Suicide rates declining in
New Zealand
The 'good news' about suicide rates in New Zealand
Associate Professor Annette Beautrais is this country’s leading researcher
into suicide, and the Canterbury Suicide Project at the Christchurch School
of Medicine and Health Sciences has been tracking suicide and our progress
in this difficult area over the last 15 years. But at present she is feeling
particularly frustrated about outdated public perceptions regarding suicide
in New Zealand.
New
medical students warmly welcomed in Christchurch
11 April 2006
The Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences recently welcomed new
clinical students at its annual Academic Inauguration Ceremony, and presented
prizes to last year’s fourth and fifth year medical students, and also
2005/2006 Summer Studentship.
Inaugral ceremony for disposal of
Maori research samples
12 September 2005
Recently the first ceremony for the disposal of Maori body samples used in
research was held in the chapel at Christchurch Hospital. The ceremony initiated
by Elizabeth Cunningham, Research Manager-Maori at the Christchurch School
of Medicine and Health Sciences, was following recently established guidelines
in this sensitive area.
Tracing links between stomach
bacteria, ulcers and cancer
The answer to this question is what fascinates researcher Heather Parker at
the Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and is the subject
of her PhD thesis.
Canterbury health researchers
showcase their work
Health research plays an important role in enhancing health care in Canterbury,
and last month for the first time seventy researchers from local institutions
gathered at the Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences to present
papers on their areas of interest.
The hunt for a cure for inflammatory
bowel disease
20 October 2004
It is estimated that up to 10,000 people in this country suffer from Inflammatory
Bowel Disease (IBD), for which medical science has unfortunately found no cure.
In many ways it remains one of our most common, but mysterious illnesses. Gastroenterologist,
Dr Richard Gearry, from the Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences
is now engaged in a challenging research project to try to change that, to
throw more light on factors behind this at times painful condition.
Health researchers of New Zealand
launch website
Health researchers have launched a website (www.heronz.org.nz)
to inform their colleagues and the wider scientific community about the current
state of health research funding in New Zealand.
Understanding neurological
diseases through the eyes
In Elizabethan poetry, the eyes were the window to the soul, but in modern
medical science they are also the portal to unraveling the mysteries of neurological
disorders such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis. The Eye
Movement Research Group at the Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences
is doing just that; using high speed digital recordings of eye movements which
far surpass traditional bedside examination techniques.
Addiction treatment a major challenge
for clilnicians
Alcohol and drug addiction is a significant health problem affecting thousands
of people in New Zealand and a new study in this country from the Christchurch
School of Medicine and Health Sciences shows the significant challenges for
health professionals in this area.
An 'epidemic' of depression
or the medicalisation of unhappiness?
According to a recent report by the Word Health Organisation, depression is
the number one cause of ‘disability’ internationally. In fact,
one in ten New Zealanders are expected to have an episode of depression at
some stage in their lives. But there is also ongoing debate amongst mental
health professionals and advocacy groups about the actual numbers affected,
and whether all those who are diagnosed as depressed, really have the disorder.
Hui on health research
Local Maori were recently hosted by the School to introduce for the first time
our research programme. The hui, which took place in the Rolleston Lecture
Theatre on April 20 was organised by the Dean and Research Manager-Maori,
Elizabeth Cunningham.
Over 200 attend inaugral memorial
service
The first ever Memorial Service for families of those people who have bequeathed
their bodies for medical teaching and science was held recently at the Christchurch
School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Improving clinical decision
making in childhood cancer
Neuroblastoma is one of the most common cancers which affects young children
under the age of three, but for paediatric oncologists it is still a major
challenge in terms of diagnosis and treatment. In many cases the development
of these tumours of the nervous system varies greatly, despite early biopsy
and similar pathological profiles, and this makes deciding on the best treatment
much more difficult.
Why are some people socially phobic?
Imagine that every time you had to do something in public like write a cheque,
eat in a restaurant, talk with people you don’t know, or be the centre
of attention for just a few moments that you broke out into a sweat, blushed,
started shaking and found it absolutely unbearable.
This article
was published in The Press newspaper, Christchurch, (6.12.03)
and is a summary of a series of papers on Cannabis use by Professor David Fergusson
from the Department of Psychoglogical Medicine
Eyes a window into the secrets
of neurological disease
3 December 2003
To poets and star-crossed lovers, the eyes are the window to the soul. To scientists
and clinicians, however, they are also a key to the complicated workings of
the brain.
Improving the use of
anti-depressants
29 October 2003
Depression is a significant health problem in New Zealand, as in many other
western countries. The big challenge for clinicians, is to treat it accurately
and quickly, partly through the use of anti-depressants. However, at present
that is not always so easily achieved.
Otago research fellow raises
$24K in Afghanistan walk
Dr Mark Davis from the Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences
took a break from routine last month, donning tramping boots to undertake a
ten day trek through Afghanistan to raise money for orthopeadic supports for
war victims.
Heart disease research benefits
patients world-wide.
Over the last decade the Christchurch Cardioendocrine Research Group (CCERG)
at the Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences has established
a reputation as this country’s leading scientific group investigating
heart disease and heart failure. The CCERG has also achieved considerable international
recognition through the publication of over 100 (200 over the last 20 years)
studies, which have significantly advanced understanding of why people have
heart failure and how to improve treatment.
A great start to a research
career
Over the last thirty years the Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences,
part of the University of Otago, has established itself not only as a leading
clinical school but also a powerhouse of medical research. The School now has
over 100 research scientists in modern laboratories and attracts over $12 million
dollars a year in research funding to Christchurch.
Scientific
research careers open up in renal medicine
With the current explosion in diabetes
in the developed world there are huge opportunities in renal medicine
research according to Professor Zoltan Endre from the Christchurch
School of Medicine and Health Sciences. The number of people on kidney
dialysis is expected to treble in the next decade and up to 40% of
those are likely to suffering from diabetes.
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