2OO9 – 2O1O - Faculty of Dentistry - University of Otago

Associate Professor Awarded Lottery Health Grant
In 2010, Associate Professor Anita Nolan was awarded a Lottery Health Grant of $34,000
toward her research into Oral Crohn’s Disease.
Crohn’s Disease costs New Zealand over $58 million annually, because this country has the
second highest incidence of this disease in the world. The patients’ cost is far greater than
financial, as this chronic, incurable bowel disorder causes pain, considerable illness and disruption
to life. Early, prompt treatment is reported to significantly improve outcome. Mouth lesions
termed “Oral Crohn’s Disease” often precede intestinal Crohn’s Disease. Increasingly, evidence
suggests that Oral Crohn’s Disease is not only an early sign of future Crohn’s Disease, but it may
even predict the type and severity of future intestinal inflammation. This research will evaluate
the genetic links and benefits of screening for Oral Crohn’s Disease. Oral screening is simple
and painless, but may revolutionise future management of Crohn’s Disease by alerting clinicians
to initiate treatment at a much earlier stage of the disease.
Associate Professor Nolan said “This is an exciting research project, which is only possible
with the enormous support and expertise of the entire research team. This team includes Dr
Rebecca Roberts, Biochemistry, Associate Professors Richard Gearry and Andrew Day and Dr
Michael Schultz, Dept. of Medicine, University of Otago and Professor Murray Thomson from
the Faculty of Dentistry”.
ANZFSS 20th International Symposium:
5-9 September 2010
In September 2010, a contingent of 9 students from the Sir John Walsh Research Institute’s
forensic group presented their research at the ANZFSS (Australia and New Zealand Forensic
Science Society) 20th International Symposium on the Forensic Sciences, held in Sydney, Australia.
The group gave 2 oral and 5 poster presentations, which were well placed within a stimulating
programme that showcased research and expertise from over 950 delegates across a multitude
of disciplines. From both scientific and legal perspectives, the symposium provided much insight
into the current issues facing the field of forensic science. In addition, the networking opportunities
gained will be of great benefit to both individual students and the forensic group as a whole.
Attenders: Sam White, Sarah Weller, Gemma Dickson, Tanya Dann, Gemma Radford, Jacqui Kao,
Darnell Kennedy, Andrea Donaldson, Joy Tahere.
61