Although IVF treatments are widely accepted in New Zealand, it is ethically inconsistent that the human embryo research the treatments depend on remains prohibited, a University of Otago professor says.

Lives were put at risk from couch fires lit too close to houses in Dunedin's student quarter, Dunedin police and the Fire Service have warned.

Left leaning political commentator and academic Bryce Edwards has pulled out of Otago University's Vote Chat online politics show over concerns the programme is now dominated by National Party supporters.

Calls are being made to remove dissections from first-year courses as the killing of animals at universities comes under fresh scrutiny.

In the parks, beaches, back gardens and forests of the country, non-scientists can help with with a raft of research projects.

The Dunedin City Council received 382 noise complaints last month - the highest since February 2010. Guess the Scarfies are back in town.

The trouble in Ukraine has left NZ in a critical position as it vies for selection to the United Nations Security Council, an expert in international relations says.

Research by an Otago University geology student has uncovered a strange pre-Ice Age world where primitive porpoises and baleen whales roamed the North Pacific alongside comparatively modern marine mammals.

Firefighters in Dunedin are worried about the tempting trail of trash left on student streets in the city as Scarfies "can't help setting things on fire".

A staff member found to have been unjustifiably dismissed by the University of Otago hopes working conditions improve at the institution as a result of her case.

Student numbers are expected to increase at the University of Otago next year, turning around three years of declining enrolments at the institution.

About 13 per cent of the country's 5-year-olds have such poor oral health it affects their eating, sleeping and school work, an oral health expert says.

The director of the University of Otago's marketing and communications division has been accused of bullying, and creating a 'toxic' environment.

The University of Otago has a responsibility to help students drink responsibly and this could include building a new pub on campus, vice-chancellor Prof Harlene Hayne says.

A nicotine inhaler which could offer new hope for smokers trying to give up the habit is already showing promising results, researchers say.

A psychiatrist who treated patients with the drug ketamine for depression was not carrying out research or experimental treatment, it's been found.

A drunk man is alleged to have mistakenly smashed his way into a Dunedin flat causing 'thousands' in damage and scaring the student residents.

An Otago student who nearly died after swallowing his own vomit during a drinking game is among examples being used to put students off such practices.

The University of Otago needs to target international students more "aggressively" after having the largest decline in international numbers of any New Zealand university this year, Tertiary Education Minister Steven Joyce says.

An Otago University student who went missing after leaving a friend's flat on Monday night has been found in Alexandra.

A University of Otago building programme to the tune of more than $350 million will be "massively positive" for the Dunedin economy, Otago Chamber of Commerce president Peter McIntyre says.

Parasites that live inside humans could find life a bit tougher in future, thanks to the University of Otago and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The University of Otago boosted Dunedin's economy by $780.8 million last year, a new report shows.

Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull has apologised for his "slight" against the Dalai Lama after sparking a minor protest over comments about the spiritual leader's upcoming visit.

The University of Otago took a "very serious" look at the implications of hosting the Dalai Lama before opting to let him speak on campus during his visit to Dunedin next month.

The University of Canterbury's new high-tech security system is designed to speed up response times to critical incidents like natural disasters.