Latest news with #K9MD
Otago Daily Times
19-06-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Canine cancer detection forges ahead
A world-leading cancer detection programme based in Mosgiel could make the world of difference to the multitudes of New Zealand residents who are are diagnosed with cancer every day. K9 Medical Detection NZ (K9MD) research nurse and Southland Hospital colorectal nurse specialist Kim Snoep said cancer did not discriminate and the numbers told a sobering story. Early detection was key with silent-killer cancers like ovarian, she said. "By the time 85% of women are diagnosed there's limited treatment because it's quite advanced." Growing evidence suggested cancers had a scent which dogs could detect in urine samples. While the K9MD unit's achievements had shown promising results in non-invasive detection of ovarian, bowel, breast and prostate in early stages, she did not see dogs replacing current tests. "We are just giving another option and opportunity to give more information to the specialists. "We are committed to transforming medical diagnostics through an innovative science-backed approach involving the use of highly trained dogs to detect disease at the earliest stages. "So I call it another tool in the toolkit for early detection of cancer." Dogs were selected by their genetic heritage, either from a hunting line or a dog breed used for police or search and rescue. "They're not pets . . . so they have a very strong desire to work." "As they get older, they learn to find a signature smell of a particular odour or a cancer odour." Detection results were based on known positive or negative diagnosis. "That's how we know that the dogs are doing it correctly". While training was still in its trial stages, many dogs were showing 98%-100% correct detection rates. A dog had an average of 250 million receptors in their nose and mouth and a bloodhound had 300 million compared to a human that had six million receptors. Unique like a human fingerprint, their noses were able to detect a teaspoon of sugar in two Olympic sized swimming pools of water, she said. Dogs could isolate one odour or volatile organic compounds (VOC) among many others. "If we all walk into a kitchen and go, 'that's a nice casserole', a dog will walk into that kitchen and go, 'that's nice onions, that's nice carrots, that's nice peas'." The Mosgiel-based training unit had several dogs training since they they were 8 weeks old, starting with a personal rope toy, lots of organised puppy-play, lots of praise, and lots of food. At 10-12 months they advanced to searching for a single strand from their rope toy in a row of VOC scent canisters Each K9MD dog lived with a foster family or one of its trainers and had frequent community outings. "They enjoy family life, so they're not kept in kennels.' Pauline Blomfield started the medical detection unit in 2018, after envisioning dogs' micro-scent detecting abilities being used to detect cancer. It started in Dunedin and Invercargill and the team was now expanding to include medical staff in Christchurch, Wellington and Hamilton. Mrs Snoep said the K9 unit did not receive government funding but relied on public donations to meet its $1.5 million operational costs. "We need visionaries, advocates and investors who are willing to stand with us in redefining what is possible in early cancer detection." The unit were seeking women who had undergone a total hysterectomy or had both ovaries removed to provide guaranteed ovarian cancernegative samples for their trials.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Major US airport announces partnership with Chinese brand that could transform travel experience: 'Showcases a forward-thinking approach'
Global electric vehicle champion BYD is introducing battery-electric shuttle buses to Oakland International Airport in Alameda, California. As the fourth-largest airport in the state, serving around 11 million passengers annually, OAK's incorporation of EVs is sure to make an impact. It is introducing five new K9MD shuttles, each of which seats 42, for passengers and employees. Powered by long-lasting lithium-ion phosphate batteries, these climate-friendly buses release zero tailpipe pollution and are thus a step up from conventional airport shuttles. "This step paves the way for the eventual electrification of the airport's remaining shuttle buses, which are currently powered by renewable natural gas," the airport reported in a May news release. "Fleet electrification will continue over the next decade until OAK reaches a 100% zero-emission shuttle bus fleet." OAK is no stranger to taking eco-conscious initiatives. Both RNG-based vehicles and electric vehicles have significantly less planet-warming impact than those powered by traditional fuels; RNG vehicles achieve this by capturing methane from waste, and EVs do so by cutting reliance on combustion altogether. The electric shuttles align with OAK's mission of long-term sustainability as well as the airport's commitment to smooth, quiet, and comfortable rides for its passengers, per Electrek. By setting a goal of reaching zero emissions sometime in the future, OAK is cutting down on its carbon pollution and the reverberations of the overheating planet, from intensified weather events to global food and public health insecurities. With this latest order, it looks like the Chinese brand BYD — responsible for these new electric shuttles as well as other automobiles worldwide — will soon find itself among leading EV developers in California. "Another lost opportunity for EV makers here in the U.S.," one user commented on Electrek. "This ambitious project showcases a forward-thinking approach to environmental stewardship without compromising on efficiency," the airport noted. Would you buy an EV if it only took 5 minutes to charge? Sign me up No way Depends on the cost Depends how much range it has Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Otago Daily Times
14-05-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Project hopes to aid women's health
Ovarian cancer detection dog K9MD Hogan at work in the laboratory. PHOTO: SUPPLIED Supporting important causes for women is a major focus for local women's service organisation Soroptimist International Dunedin. Nationally, Soroptimist clubs in New Zealand are running a two-year awareness and fundraising project around the leading cause of gynaecological cancer deaths in the country, ovarian cancer. The national project is titled "Heal the Teal" and has the goal of helping women to be diagnosed earlier, feel supported through their cancer journey, receive better treatments and fund research to find a cure. Soroptimist International Dunedin president Adrienne Crawford said the local group had held several successful events in support of efforts to improve ovarian cancer detection and treatment. They will continue those efforts by hosting a fundraising quiz night next Thursday, from 6pm at The Kensington Tavern, with all proceeds going to Ovarian Cancer Foundation NZ and K9 Medical Detection NZ (K9MD). "We are so fortunate to have K9MD in the Dunedin area, continuing to develop amazing cancer detection techniques," Ms Crawford said. "They are now training dogs to sniff out ovarian cancer, which is very exciting." Preparations were well under way for the fundraising event, with "fantastic support" from local businesses sponsoring raffle prizes. "We invite everyone to come along and join us for a fun night in support of a very good cause," she said. Ms Crawford said Soroptimist International was a global volunteer organisation that worked to help provide women and girls with access to education and training. Projects also raised awareness on issues affecting women, such as domestic violence, gender equality and women's health. Founded more than 100 years ago in the United States, the organisation has about 20 clubs throughout New Zealand, including in Dunedin. Soroptimist International Dunedin was founded in 2020, and had a small membership of friendly women "passionate about making a difference in the lives of women and girls". "We are looking to expand, so if you share our passion, do come and join us." For more information, email sidunedin@ or visit • For quiz night tickets, contact Cynthea on 022400-2959
Otago Daily Times
29-04-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Harcourts Dunedin: Community focused and trusted
A genuine community focus and family values are driving forces behind the team in the Harcourts Dunedin office. Part of the oldest and biggest real estate group in New Zealand, the 25-strong team across offices in Dunedin and Balclutha includes experienced managers, sales consultants and property management professionals. They provide optimum results and outstanding service for buyers, sellers, owners and tenants. As a result of a New Zealand wide survey asking people to describe their experience with Harcourts, the three words topping the list were trust, expertise, and reliability. Harcourts Dunedin branch manager Ange Copson says the words mean so much 'because they're New Zealanders' words, not ours'. 'Us saying we're amazing is one thing, other people saying it is everything,' she says. Community heart Giving back to the community in which they live and work is a key element of how the Harcourts Dunedin team does business. Most recently they organised a quiz and auction for K9MD, a Dunedin-based charitable trust that trains dogs in early cancer detection scent work. Dogs can detect cancer in urine from as early as Stage 1. 'We were thrilled to raise $6300 just from that one event,' says Ange. Harcourts is a long-time supporter of the Otago Community Hospice, supports local schools and sports teams, and the Harcourts Foundation has gifted over $9million to charities throughout NZ. 'We think of ourselves as professionals with heart,' Ange says. Property management grows Harcourts Dunedin business development manager Brya Tulloch runs the property management business, working alongside Ange and making them the only female-led real estate company in Dunedin. The six-strong property management team offers a five-star service, identifying and delivering on opportunities and efficiencies for owners, supporting tenants and developing customer loyalty through clear communication channels. The property management portfolio is growing, and prospective new owners are always welcome. Global reach Harcourts is New Zealand's oldest real estate group, launching in 1888 in Wellington. John (JB) Harcourt realised there was a gap in the market to service a fast-growing population and established Harcourt & Co working with a wide range of properties. Even in those early days, it had a strong auction focus and published and circulated 4000 copies monthly of The Register and Property Investors Guide, the precursor to today's BlueBook. Today Harcourts is New Zealand's largest real estate group with 200 offices across New Zealand and has global reach with offices across Australia, Indonesia, China/Hong Kong, the USA, Canada and South Africa. 'Wherever you are in the country, everyone in our network is there to help you because nationally we work as one team,' Ange says. 'If you're based in Dunedin but find yourself somewhere else needing a hand with some paperwork or advice, pop into any Harcourts office anywhere and they'll help you. 'Our wide reach also means we access potential buyers from around the world.' In-house specialists Independent mortgage broker Ken Cochrane is based in the Harcourts office, a very experienced, supportive and friendly professional who adds financial advice and seamless support to buyers. Jim Packer is a specialist in commercial sales and leasing with many prominent sales successes notched up in his 23-year career. Now and into the future 'We've sold everything from a 'rare-as-hens' teeth' boatshed to hotels and everything in between, from two-bedroom city centre flats to sections, lifestyle blocks and premium homes. 'People feel nurtured and cared for because they know they can trust and rely on us to get the best results.' The team is growing, so Ange encourages focused, people-centric team players to get in touch. 'The right people are always welcome to join us,' she says. 16 Queens Gardens, Dunedin, 9016 03 477 5334
