Latest news with #GraduateSchoolofMedicine
1News
21-07-2025
- Health
- 1News
Govt gives green light and $83m for Waikato medical school
The Government has approved a business case and $83m in funding for a new Waikato University medical school, as part of a plan to strengthen the health workforce. The New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine will receive more than $150 million from the university — supported by philanthropy — according to the Government, bringing total funding to more than $200 million. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the third medical school for New Zealand would not just be a "significant investment" for the health system but for Hamilton and the Waikato region. "New Zealand simply isn't training enough doctors to meet the future needs of our growing aging population or to replace those doctors retiring, and that has to change." The new school was a "practical step" to change that by boosting the medical workforce, creating new educational opportunities in the Waikato and helping deliver better care closer to home, he said. ADVERTISEMENT "It's certainly a big win for the future of our health workforce; it's a big win for the Waikato; and, most importantly, for patients." Health Minister Simeon Brown said the school would focus on primary care and rural health. "Today's decision will enable the University of Waikato to begin construction on new teaching facilities later this year and start planning for clinical placements, while giving more students the opportunity to study medicine in New Zealand," he said. Experts have warned that the initial proposal for the facility was likely to be unaffordable. (Source: 1News) The medical school would add 120 doctor training places annually from 2028, offering a graduate-entry programme "providing a flexible new pathway into medicine that helps attract a broader range of students and build a stronger, more diverse workforce". "It's an innovative model that supports our focus on strengthening primary care, making it easier for people to see their doctor, helping Kiwis stay well and out of hospital." The Government approved precisely $82.85 million in direct funding for the project. ADVERTISEMENT Brown's office said a full cost-benefit analysis was presented to Cabinet before any proposal was finalised. ACT had negotiated for the analysis to be completed before any binding funding decision could be approved, in its coalition agreement with National. Universities Minister Shane Reti said the funding decision represented a "real boost for tertiary education in the Waikato". "By expanding access to medical training, we're creating new opportunities for students from across the region and beyond, while also helping to future-proof the local workforce," he said. "This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking initiative this Government wants to see from our universities – investing in regional growth, building local capability, and delivering on the needs of rural communities." The Health Minister added the new places were "on top of the 100 additional medical training places that are being added over the term of this Government across the University of Auckland and University of Otago". Report found more cost effective training could be delivered by the two existing schools and both universities could increase intakes quicker with increased funding. (Source: 1News) ADVERTISEMENT Auckland and Otago universities had previously offered to train more medical students if that could be supported by the Government. Pro-Vice-Chancellor Health Sciences at Otago, Associate Professor Megan Gibbons, acknowledged today's announcement of a third medical school as part of the Government's strategy to address New Zealand's healthcare workforce needs. "We are disappointed that Government did not follow the alternative and more cost-effective option of further increasing the intakes into the country's existing medical schools," she said. "However, any investment that supports growing and sustaining the health workforce is a step toward strengthening care for our communities — particularly in rural and underserved regions." Four-year programme to begin in 2028, first graduates by 2032 University of Waikato vice-chancellor Professor Neil Quigley called the announcement a "landmark moment" for New Zealand. "We will be offering a programme that selects and trains doctors in a fundamentally different way and will complement New Zealand's two existing medical schools. ADVERTISEMENT "It will be designed to produce more graduates who choose to become GPs and who want to work in regional and rural communities." Quigley said the four-year programme would begin in 2028, with first cohort graduating and entering the workforce in 2032. Pro vice-chancellor of health Professor Jo Lane said the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine curriculum would train "the doctors New Zealand needs". "Our curriculum will prioritise clinical placements in regional and rural health settings, allowing graduates to experience working with diverse populations while building deep connections in the communities they serve."
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
5 reasons why you should replace your everyday coffee with Matcha; health expert shares unbelievable benefits
Matcha is an increasingly popular coffee alternative, especially among Gen Z. It is a concentrated form of green tea that involves grinding the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant into a fine powder. Since the entire tea leaf is consumed rather than steeped, the drink has a higher concentration of caffeine and antioxidants as compared to a typical green tea. But have you ever imagined what happens if you replace your everyday coffee with matcha? Let's find out. According to a study published in PubMed, the plants used for matcha are grown in the shade, which boosts their amino acid content. Hence, due to its purported benefits, many members of Gen Z are swapping out their morning coffee for matcha. In research conducted by the Department of Environmental Medicine and Population Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, there is a link between drinking more than 120 millilitres of green tea and a decreased risk of gallbladder and bile duct cancer. Apart from this, it helps in: Supporting cognitive function Preventing certain diseases, such as cancer Supporting weight loss Why should you replace your everyday coffee with matcha? Many of us use coffee to jump-start our day in today's fast-paced day and age. But replacing your usual coffee habit with matcha might give you a milder, protracted boost, minus the jittery comedown. Health experts claim that the ultra-fine ground powder of specially grown green tea leaves known as matcha is a nutritional powerhouse. Matchas can be a delicious switch from plain coffee, but it's important to be mindful of how they're made. "Café-style mochas are often high in sugar, cream, and syrups, so I recommend enjoying them occasionally. For a healthier option, ask for low-fat or plant-based milk, skip the whipped cream, and reduce added syrups. Better still, a homemade mocha using unsweetened cocoa and minimal sweetener offers antioxidants from cocoa and a steady caffeine boost, without unnecessary calories. It's a smarter, more balanced way to indulge daily," says Dr. Swati Sharma, dietitian and nutritionist, PRB Healthcare. 5 reasons why you should replace your everyday coffee with matcha Unlike coffee, which releases caffeine all at once and can lead to energy highs and lows, matcha offers a calm, focused energy. Cognitive health: 'Matcha has a very special amino acid called L-theanine that awakens you for learning but provides a state of relaxation without causing you to feel tired. When combined with caffeine, it increases alertness and mental clarity without the usual coffee crash,' says Jeevan Kasara, Director and CEO, Steris Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. Metabolism: "Matcha is high in antioxidants, especially catechins such as EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which I hear are good for increasing the efficiency of metabolism, promoting heart health, and decreasing inflammation. Its detoxifiers also help keep the body clean naturally." Cooling effect: The vibrant green colour and subtly sweet, earthy flavour taste good hot or cold and make for a healthful, "cooler" alternative. Alleviates acidity problems: Being that matcha is a more alkaline substance, it's much gentler and may alleviate some problems such as acidity or bloating,' the expert adds. Mental health: Match offers a calming effect to the brain and helps to reduce stress and anxiety. Changes in the body when you shift from coffee to matcha The transition to matcha might be gentler on the stomach. 'Coffee is acidic and can irritate the digestive system, especially in some people who already have sensitive GI tracts.' 'If you're after a stable source of energy, mental clarity, and good health, matcha is a cool and healthy alternative to your daily coffee. It's more than a trend; it's a science-supported lifestyle upgrade.
Yomiuri Shimbun
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Japanese Universities Eye U.S. Researchers Amid Trump's Science Budget Cuts; Money Earmarked for Recruitment
Yomiuri Shimbun file photo Tohoku University In response to cuts to scientific research by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, Japanese universities have strengthened efforts to acquire researchers who are finding difficult to continue their work at U.S. universities and other institutions. The University of Osaka has earmarked ¥600 million to ¥1 billion for accepting up to 100 U.S. postdoctoral researchers at its Graduate School of Medicine. The university will call for international applications in a few months and expects to receive some from young researchers in the medical field. 'We would like to see excellent researchers from the United States fully demonstrate their abilities at the University of Osaka,' said Masaru Ishii, dean of the Graduate School of Medicine, at a press conference Thursday. 'This would help boost Japan's national strength, too.' The initial employment period is expected to be one year, with continuation beyond that undecided. In order to make this a permanent initiative, Ishii said, 'We hope for support from the government.' Kyoto University has also begun its own preparations to accept U.S. researchers. The Institute of Science Tokyo will soon set up a contact point for inquiries from foreign researchers belonging to U.S. universities. Tohoku University held recruitment events for young researchers and others in the United States from May 19 to May 23. About 180 people participated in the events at institutions including Stanford University and hospitals affiliated with Harvard Medical School. At the events, the university provided consultation regarding research and the living environment. 'The difference in salary levels between the United States [and Japan] is significant. We will also need to provide support for researchers' families,' a Tohoku University official said. The university is said to be earmarking several billions of yen to attract excellent researchers. Tohoku University is an accredited 'University for International Research Excellence,' and aims to become a world-class research institution. It received ¥15.4 billion in government subsidies this fiscal year. 'We would like to strengthen our research capabilities by continuously attracting outstanding researchers from leading universities, including Harvard University,' said Hideo Harigae, executive vice president of Tohoku University.
New York Post
04-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Gonna hurl? ‘Sound spice' cures motion sickness through your ears: study
It's music to your inner ear — literally. A study out of Japan recently found sound waves could potentially help you lose weight. Now, another study courtesy of Japanese scientists has unveiled a type of sound therapy that could soon have motion sickness sufferers singing a different tune. 3 zinkevych – Advertisement Dubbed 'sound spice,' this innovative treatment involves a unique sound wave that stimulates the inner ear, effectively reducing symptoms like nausea and dizziness. In the study — published in the journal Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine and conducted by researchers at Nagoya University's Graduate School of Medicine — participants exposed to this specific 100 Hz frequency experienced significant relief from motion-induced discomfort. Advertisement The sound targets the otolithic organs in the inner ear, which are responsible for detecting linear acceleration and gravity, thereby enhancing balance and stability. 'Our study demonstrated that short-term stimulation using a unique sound called 'sound spice' alleviates symptoms of motion sickness,' said lead researcher Takumi Kagawa. 'The effective sound level falls within the range of everyday environmental noise exposure, suggesting that the sound technology is both effective and safe.' Participants were subjected to motion sickness-inducing scenarios, such as reading in a moving vehicle or using a driving simulator, after receiving the sound therapy. Advertisement 3 The sound targets the otolithic organs in the inner ear, which are responsible for detecting linear acceleration and gravity, thereby enhancing balance and stability. Dmitrij – Assessments showed a marked reduction in symptoms, indicating the potential of this non-invasive treatment. While traditional remedies for motion sickness include medications and behavioral strategies like controlled breathing and listening to music, this new approach offers a promising alternative. Advertisement Previous studies have explored the benefits of music and auditory cues in mitigating motion sickness, but the targeted stimulation of the vestibular system using specific sound frequencies marks a significant advancement. As the demand for effective, non-pharmacological treatments for motion sickness grows, especially with the rise of virtual reality and autonomous vehicles, 'sound spice' could become a game-changer. 3 'Our study demonstrated that short-term stimulation using a unique sound called 'sound spice' alleviates symptoms of motion sickness,' said lead researcher Takumi Kagawa. Patrick – Further research and development are underway to bring this therapy to practical applications across various modes of transportation. 'The health risk of short-term exposure to our unique sound is minimal,' Kagawa said. 'Given that the stimulus level is well below workplace noise safety standards, this stimulation is expected to be safe when used properly.' So if you've tried everything from ginger candies to acupressure bands without success, this auditory intervention might just be the harmonious solution you've been seeking.
India Today
22-04-2025
- Health
- India Today
Colder temperatures increase stomach issues in Rohingya refugee camps: Study
Colder temperatures have shown to be linked to a rise in gastroenteritis cases among Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, according to a is when your stomach and intestines get irritated or inflamed, usually leading to diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting. People often call it the "stomach flu," but that name is misleading because it's not caused by the flu virus. It can happen due to viruses, bacteria, parasites, or even from certain spreads rapidly in overcrowded areas with poor sanitation, contaminated shallow wells, and limited access to clean water, particularly during the dry season. The research published in JAMA Network Open shows that even small changes in temperature can lead to a rise in diarrhoea cases in some of the world's most crowded refugee from Hokkaido University, Japan, looked at more than 64,000 cases of gastroenteritis reported between 2019 and 2021 in two major Rohingya camps, Kutupalong and Nayapara in Bangladesh. Gastroenteritis is when your stomach and intestines get irritated or inflamed. () In Kutupalong camp, cases of gastroenteritis rose whenever temperatures dropped below or exceeded 26 degress Celsius. In Nayapara, the risk of infection increased steadily as temperatures fell, without a clear temperature threshold or turning both camps, cases didn't spike right away. People usually started getting sick about 18 days after the cold weather hit, showing that low temperatures had a delayed impact on the spread of the than 9,18,000 Rohingya currently live in 34 camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, following decades of displacement. Some areas within these camps have population densities exceeding 60,000 people per square kilometre, significantly increasing the risk of infectious disease outbreaks."Viral gastroenteritis, such as that caused by norovirus and rotavirus, tends to be more prevalent in colder months and can last for up to two weeks," said Xerxes Seposo of the Department of Hygiene, Graduate School of Medicine at Hokkaido University. Children pose for a photo in the camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. More than a million Rohingyas, who were displaced due to the long-standing oppression in Myanmar, continue to live in the makeshift camps. () "In contrast, warmer temperatures create favourable conditions for bacterial infections like Salmonella and Campylobacter, which typically cause illness for a few days to a week," Seposo co-author, Takuya Takata, highlighted that health systems in refugee settings must prepare for climate-sensitive challenges. "Temperature extremes, especially cold spells, are not typically factored into disease surveillance in camps, but they should be," he stressed the urgency of strengthening sanitation, water access, and surveillance in climate-vulnerable regions, especially in displaced global temperatures continue to shift, health systems must adapt quickly to protect those already at heightened risk.
