Health news

Study with data from nearly a million young people reveals link between environmental factors and youth mental health.

New Zealanders are back in their bubbles after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced a three day alert level 4 lockdown for the entire country, and a seven day period for Auckland, following the confirmation of a community case — most likely infected with the Delta variant.

Wanting people to live healthier and happier lives is a big motivation for public health researcher Dr Matt Hobbs, who has been recognised for outstanding work in his field.

Designing a redress system for survivors of abuse in care is of utmost importance to achieve healing, new co-chair says.

The University of Canterbury (UC) has created a new doctoral degree specifically designed to suit working professionals with a background in health.

With the trans-Tasman travel bubble burst, now is the time to upgrade our Covid response against the threat of a Delta variant outbreak. Read more from University of Canterbury's Dr Matt Hobbs in a new article on The Conversation.

A culture of complacency, new variants and vulnerability at the border - we are more susceptible to a Covid-19 outbreak than ever before. Less than an hour after Wellington's precautionary move to alert level 2, University of Canterbury academics Matthew Hobbs, Malcolm Campbell and University of Otago's Lesley Gray published an article to The Conversation, explaining the current risks to our community.

UC's Professor Michael Plank, UoA's Professor Shaun Hendy and UoA's Nicholas Steyn argue that Aotearoa New Zealand needs to reach population immunity before any blanket border reopening. Find out more in their new article on The Conversation.

In a new article on The Conversation, UC's Professor Michael Plank writes that vaccinating young people is key to ensuring our community is protected from Covid-19.

Noticing inequalities in access to dental care, oral health therapist, Joanne Lee was inspired to complete her Masters.

Rainbow community members in Aotearoa could soon be able to jump online to find doctors who are friendly and well-informed when it comes to meeting their health needs.

People living with endometriosis may soon be able to use natural products to manage symptoms, thanks to a University of Canterbury (UC) student.

A new online platform aims to bridge the gaps in sexuality education for young New Zealanders.

Canterbury tertiary students have come up with innovative ideas to reimagine New Zealand’s healthcare system.

What are the biggest influences on youth mental health and how does experiencing climate change-related events, such as floods and bushfires, affect young people?

Congratulations to the six UC Health Sciences students who joined 15 other enthusiastic final-year health students and took part in the Future Leaders Programme recently! Four Masters of Health Science Professional Practice (Nursing) students and two Bachelor of Health Science students (majoring in Public Health and Policy) proudly represented the university.

Each month, at least 500 University of Canterbury (UC) students and staff visit Te Rua Makerspace in the central library, where Kairuruku Wāhi-auaha | Engagement and Learning Librarian Jessica Saul enthusiastically caters to different interests, skill levels, and needs.

#IWD #BreakTheBias Seeing people get better is the main driver in University of Canterbury Professor of Clinical Psychology Julia Rucklidge’s pursuit to change the treatment of mental illness.

A new, more efficient way of testing illicit drugs could protect people’s safety and reduce the $1.8 billion cost of drug-related harm in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Leading professor and Walking Summit presenter Professor Simon Kingham says we need to change the way our streets function if we’re going to look after our health and the health of our planet.

He’s been a literal ‘posterboy’ for the University of Canterbury (UC), Les Mills, ChristchurchNZ, All Right? and Covid-19 vaccination campaigns – now UC doctoral student Suli Tuitaupe’s passion for wellbeing and health equity has earned him a research fellowship to improve health outcomes for Pacific people.

The University of Canterbury is bringing an innovative sexuality education theatre show to the campus, giving educators and parents an insight into the cutting edge of how teenagers are being better helped to navigate relationships and sexuality.

In a new article on The Conversation, UC's Associate Professor Arindam Basu examines how Aotearoa New Zealand has so far avoided a Covid-19 community outbreak.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has released a “roadmap” for a phased process of border reopenings that could begin during the first quarter of next year — as long as New Zealand completes its vaccination rollout by the end of this year.

The government has announced sweeping changes to the health system. University of Canterbury public health expert, epidemiologist Associate Professor Arindam Basu comments on this major shake-up.

In an article on The Conversation, University of Canterbury Professor Michael Plank and University of Auckland Professor Shaun Hendy take a look on the latest Covid-19 community case numbers and the related R number, and explain what it takes to move Auckland down to Alert Level 3.

In a new article on The Conversation, UC's Professor Michael Plank, UoA's Professor Shaun Hendy, Associate Professor Siouxsie Wiles and Manaaki Whenua researcher Rachelle Binny explain we must stay the course to ensure we can eliminate the Covid-19 outbreak.

Higher levels of screen time in early childhood have been linked to poorer developmental outcomes for Kiwi kids.

A University of Canterbury (UC) student has identified worrying social media trends, impacting weight perception among young people in our Pacific communities.

What does it mean to be a Māori or Polynesian male in Aotearoa New Zealand today? How is that shaped?

When imagining the stereotypical surfer, skateboarder or snowboarder, we likely picture a young, fit, reckless male.

Ōtautahi’s food sustainability organisations, researchers and the public will gather to share kai, ideas and resources for a Community Feast on 28 April.

Inspiring experts and business leaders, including former Director-General of Health Sir Ashley Bloomfield, are sharing their knowledge in a new series of video interviews.

In an article on The Conversation UC Professor Michael Plank and Professor Shaun Hendy from the University of Auckland assess the risks that come with moving Auckland to Alert Level 3 and describe the potential worst case scenario, comparing it to the outbreaks in Australia.

UC's Dr Kaaren Mathias writes about the lack of investment in India's public sector, which has led to an unaffordable, failing healthcare system, in a new article on The Conversation.

A group of New Zealand academics, including University of Canterbury's Professor Michael Plank and PhD student Giorgia Vattiato, explain why this might be the most serious moment in the Covid-19 pandemic this year.

We can all help to take the pressure off Aotearoa New Zealand’s overloaded mental health system by upskilling and optimising our own wellbeing, psychology Professor Julia Rucklidge says.

A University of Canterbury-led research team is determined to create more accessible pipelines of support for autistic Kiwi kids and their caregivers.

Students at the University of Canterbury are getting valuable, real-life experience working for one of the country’s leading rugby teams, the Crusaders.

A newly published UC study may help town planners and policymakers design better services for their communities.

Senior Lecturer in Public Health Dr Matt Hobbs outlines the case for both changing the appeals process and restricting alcohol sponsorship of broadcast sports, in a collaborative article on The Conversation.

A study led by a University of Canterbury geospatial and population health expert has uncovered gaps in nationwide data that tracks maternal immunisation rates.

Dr Jonathan Tonkin has won the 2022 Te Puiaki Kaipūtaiao Maea, Prime Minister’s MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist Prize, it was announced last night.

A new article on The Conversation from Adjunct Professor Paul Schofield and UC Fellow Vanesa De Pietri sheds light on the 200 year old mystery surrounding where the first kiwi specimen was collected, and the repercussions this could have for kiwi conservation.

The University of Canterbury is Raising the Bar, with 20 talks in 10 bars on 1 night in Christchurch, Lyttelton and Lincoln on topics that matter.

Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) student could help identify eye problems and 50 other diseases, including diabetes and cancer.

The grants will fund research into crisis health messaging, wearable ultrasonic devices, Parkinson’s disease biomarkers, and mutations in myeloid leukaemia.

What if we’re looking for solutions to mental health problems in some of the wrong places? What if we changed what we eat and how we feed our brains?

Heart attacks and strokes should not happen according to a University of Canterbury scientist, whose research into these diseases has won a $155,000 grant.

In a new article on The Conversation, UC's Associate Professor Bernard Walker says the government may have to intervene if the Canterbury vaccination programme continues to fall behind.

#Philanthropy@UC Successfully beating breast cancer can be a challenging journey, yet methods of treatment can lead to another condition called lymphoedema. Former lymphoedema sufferer, Karen Koed, has generously supported research that has successfully treated women with lymphoedema, helping them to move forward successfully with life.

Part of 150th – and 140th – anniversary celebration events, University of Canterbury Rugby Club’s day of games against Lincoln University were all won by UC.

This year, University of Canterbury (UC) staff volunteers made welfare calls, distributed care packs and delivered groceries to students isolating with Covid-19 in a project that was recognised with one of UC’s new values award this week.

University of Canterbury Professor Michael Plank says at least half of New Zealanders have been infected with Covid-19, while those who haven't are a "significant minority".

Isolating and recovering from Covid-19 at home is extremely difficult without heating and ventilation. University of Canterbury students isolating at home due to Covid-19 can keep warmer for longer, thanks to a new grant helping pay power bills during the winter months.

A University of Canterbury (UC)-led project aims to reduce type 2 diabetes in local Pacific communities by bringing people together to grow vegetable gardens at home.

Pioneering a new model of community transformation to create a more environmentally sustainable, prosperous and inclusive region, the Waikato Wellbeing project is coming to the first online hui of the2020 – 2021 Aotearoa New Zealand Sustainable Development Goals Summit Series on 19 November.

UC Professor Michael Plank discusses NZ's COVID-19 contact tracing system, potential travel bubbles and pre-departure quarantines with RNZ.

A flexible, 3D-printed device that could help physiotherapy patients exercise more effectively is being refined and tested at the University of Canterbury.

Canterbury researchers at UC’s HIT Lab NZ are exploring how virtual reality could be used as a tool during remote medical assessments.

New research using digital imaging could transform the field of cancer diagnosis in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Breaking down barriers to equitable healthcare using technology and innovation has become the mission of Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) engineering researchers.

The death of a respected psychiatrist in Seoul motivated UC postdoctoral fellow Dr Sungchul Jung to improve the safety of psychiatry appointments by bringing them into the virtual world.

A ground-breaking new study exploring perceptions of Muslim Kiwis is being led by a former refugee turned research scientist.

For many of us, achieving something we’ve been told we can’t do is satisfaction enough. Kenny Ardouin was inspired to build a career around it.

University of Canterbury researchers are leading innovative studies to research and improve child health in Aotearoa New Zealand.

New research led by the University of Canterbury (UC) takes a closer look at Aotearoa New Zealand’s COVID-19 response to determine whether our one-size-fits-all ‘lockdown’ policy is fit for purpose.

Her first encounter with biomechanics was training humanoid robots to perform human-like motion – and since then Nina Pernus hasn’t looked back. The University of Canterbury (UC) Biomechanics in Sports Coaching teaching assistant, and Bioengineering PhD student, now wants to show young people - and especially young women - the many opportunities available in the multidisciplinary field of biomechanics.

From quality sleep to developing language, experts will share their expertise on many aspects of child well-being at a symposium at the University of Canterbury (UC) this week.

A therapeutic prevention service for adults sexually attracted to children

Making sure translations of healthcare information make sense to linguistically diverse audiences has become more important than ever during Covid-19 outbreaks.

University of Canterbury-led research has shown teachers experience significant barriers teaching Relationship and Sexuality Education, including lack of time and the subject not being prioritised in New Zealand schools.

New relationships and sexuality education (RSE) guidelines are out – and teachers and leaders are getting support to bring the guidelines to life in their schools.

Canterbury researchers are exploring how web-based support could benefit children on the autism spectrum and their families as demand for services grows.

Assessing the threat of invasive species is an important tool to reducing carbon emissions, as researchers from the University of Canterbury, the University of Queensland and University of Canberra explain on The Conversation.

One in four children on the autism spectrum in Aotearoa New Zealand are given melatonin to help them sleep, a new University of Canterbury (UC) study has found.

University of Canterbury (UC) researchers are tackling the knock-on effects of playing rugby by engineering a better way to protect young players’ brains from concussion.

University of Canterbury mathematical modeller Professor Michael Plank looks at what the Government’s upcoming Budget announcement may mean for future pandemic response.

Two internationally renowned academics at the University of Canterbury have been named as finalists in the Westpac Women of Influence Awards 2021, recognising women making a difference in the work they do, and paving the way for others to follow.

Students are vaping more since nicotine-containing e-cigarettes became legal in New Zealand in 2018, a research team led by University of Canterbury Health Sciences Adjunct Fellow Dr Ben Wamamili has found.

The Ngāi Tahu Research Centre has appointed its first Professor, Dr Shaun Ogilvie, Te Arawa (Ngāti Whakahemo), Ngāti Awa (Ngāti Pūkeko) and Pākehā, as Professor of Ecology and the Environment, a co-appointment with the College of Science, at the University of Canterbury.

From volcanic hazards to student engagement in performing arts, the UC’s fast-paced Research Student Showcase highlighted a range of outstanding research topics.

Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) saved the most carbon emissions of any organisation during this year’s national Aotearoa Bike Challenge in February.

Professor Michael Plank takes a look at the most recent Covid-19 wave and shares key findings in an collaborative multi-author article on The Conversation.

You might not think you’re good with numbers, but UC researchers believe people use instinctive mathematics to navigate.

After seven years’ study, McLeod Robertson is graduating from UC with distinction, thrilled his clinical psychology education will be helping others

Misleading research findings in Clinical Psychology can perpetuate social myths and create social inequities, according to UC PhD graduate, Nadia Summers.

UC Associate Professor Debbie Munro has invented prototype technology to reduce the risk in spinal fusion surgery.

Two University of Canterbury researchers have received Canterbury Medical Research Foundation’s Major Projects Grants worth $220,000 in total.

A debilitating condition that affects about 10% of females in Aotearoa New Zealand, endometriosis remains virtually unknown or mysterious condition to most people. Can we engineer a solution to end endometriosis?

Croquet may bring to mind lazy summer afternoons on the lawn or Alice in Wonderland’s flamingo mallets, however University of Canterbury (UC) Sport Coaching academic Dr Jenny Clarke takes it far more seriously. The world’s top-ranked female player and New Zealand’s 2019 Player of the Year, she is also one of the top international researchers on croquet coaching and performance techniques.

The 6-7% of children and adults who use natural toothpaste may not realise that using these fluoride-free products is contributing to NZ’s ‘neglected epidemic’ of tooth decay, says UC's Dr Matt Hobbs in The Conversation.

The 2021 symposium brought together world-renown researchers across fields of education, children's language development, psychology, Pasifika, nutrition, quality sleep, pre-term baby support, public health, and speech-language therapy, and highlighted the exciting interdisciplinary developments in facilitating young children’s success and well-being. Hon Judge Andrew Becroft, Children’s Commissioner, inspired the audience in his keynote address on Day 1 of the symposium.

A Canterbury researcher hopes her newly-funded research will lead to better ways of managing endometriosis, a disease that affects over 100,000 Kiwi women.

Exploring the link between our environment and Māori health has become a driving force for University of Canterbury graduate Sophie Thrupp (Ngāti Tūwharetoa).