Guest Author • Apr 22, 2020 •
Associate Professor Leah Watkins and Associate Professor Rob Aitken Living in lockdown is a rare phenomenon, and one that provides a unique opportunity to examine our spending habits. NZ lifestyles under the microscope Researchers at the University of Otago have been conducting an ongoing research programme designed to provide insights into the lifestyles, consumption patterns and behavioural … Read More
Jean Balchin • Apr 13, 2018 •
A recent study in Scientific Reports suggests that being in the presence of peers (such as friends, coworkers or acquaintances) who engage in risky behaviours may have an influence on individual choices. In a laboratory task led by Livia Tomova and Luiz Pessoa, participants who knew of riskier behaviour taken by their peers, tended to make riskier choices themselves. However, observing safe … Read More
Jean Balchin • Feb 21, 2018 •
A recent study has revealed that even short bursts of exercise, including those of light intensity, is linked to a lower risk of death in older men. Published online in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, researchers found that providing the recommended 150 minute weekly tally of moderate to physical activity is reached, total volume, rather than activity in 10 … Read More
Guest Author • Jul 05, 2017 •
Amy Loughman, Associate Lecturer, Industry Fellow, RMIT University and Tarsh Bates, PhD candidate, University of Western Australia We have long believed that “good” immune cells recognise and defend against “bad” invaders. That’s why a large proportion of medicine has been directed at killing microbial enemies and conquering microbial infections. This militaristic understanding of immunity reflected the … Read More
Jean Balchin • Mar 09, 2017 •
Ancient DNA found on Neandertal teeth has revealed fascinating new insights into the behaviour, diet, use of plant-based medicine and the evolutionary history of our nearest extinct relatives. “Dental plaque traps microorganisms that lived in the mouth and pathogens found in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract, as well as bits of food stuck in the teeth—preserving the DNA for … Read More