All University of Otago articles
-
NewsStill standing but mostly dead: Recovery of dying coral reef in Moorea stalls
In 2019, a marine heat wave struck a coral reef on the island of Moorea in French Polynesia, killing much of the coral and the beneficial algae that colonized it. A long-term study of the area is challenging scientists’ understanding of the cycles of destruction and repair that can occur on a coral reef.
-
NewsExperts propose fibre as first new essential nutrient in 50 years - as gut microbiome research gathers pace
Nutrition experts are calling for dietary fibre to be officially recognised internationally as an essential nutrient - the first ‘new’ essential nutrient in more than 50 years. They point out that the gut microbiome exists almost exclusively on the dietary fibre we eat.
-
NewsBacteriophage characterization provides platform for rational design
Researchers have described the bacteriophage Bas63 in unprecedented detail, supporting new mechanistic understanding of how these viruses function.
-
NewsResearchers discover novel phage DNA modifications that offer new hope against antibiotic-resistant superbugs
A groundbreaking discovery reveals a unique way phages modify their DNA with arabinose sugars to protect themselves from bacterial defence systems. Natural DNA phage modifications occur at a higher rate than previously predicted, the study revealed.
-
NewsStudy identifies ‘Achilles heel’ of drug-resistant pathogens
A study has found a highly vulnerable weakness in drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis, using a genetic platform to identify biological pathways in a drug-resistant strain of the bacterium that are highly sensitive to inhibition.
-
NewsStrong links found between long COVID and ME/CFS
People suffering from long COVID or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis /Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) could benefit from a coordinated treatment strategy, a new study has found.
-
NewsRNA trickery disarms the antiviral CRISPR defenses of bacteria
Bacteria-attacking viruses, known as bacteriophages, use small RNAs to disarm the CRISPR-Cas immune systems of bacteria.
-
NewsScientists uncover new way viruses fight back against bacteria
Researchers have published a study revealing a new way in which viruses suppress the CRISPR-Cas immune systems of bacteria.
-
NewsScientists use non-virulent strain to expose weaknesses in drug-resistant TB
Researchers have discovered new ways to treat antibiotic-resistant strains of tuberculosis (TB), opening the door to new approaches for tackling the disease that kills about 4,000 people a day.
-
NewsPhytoplankton blooms offer insight into impacts of climate change
The first study into the biological response of the upper ocean in the wake of South Pacific cyclones could help predict the impact of warming ocean temperatures, New Zealand researchers believe.