Sociable Science Wins Top Prize

Sociable Science Wins Top Prize

Students break down information barriers to natural health

The winning Comvita Science Challenge YouTube video entry announced last night, Rust Proof Your Health, did what some would find surprising - it made an entertaining link between antioxidants, which foods contain them and why they're so important, particularly with the stresses of modern living.

Challenged with creating a short video that explains the science behind some of Nature's healthiest foods, the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic team of Anthony Kordi, Vicky Smith, Mark Shingleton and Barry Nickless took out the $5,000 prize. They successfully showed how antioxidants work and which foods are a natural source of antioxidants, in a fun clip relevant to all viewers - not just those in lab coats.

Click here to see the winning clip (followed by second and third place clips): www.comvitasciencechallenge.co.nz

"One of the barriers to natural health is that the science is not understood. Unfortunately, this means that people don't benefit from the health enhancing properties of foods right at their fingertips," said Dr. Ralf Schlothauer, Chief Technology Officer at Comvita.

"That's why we challenged University and tertiary students from throughout New Zealand to present a short clip that makes the science behind the wellness properties of natural foods relevant to general consumers."

Announced last night, 'Rust Proof Your Health' was the clear winner with a six point margin. Tapping into the common causes of stress on our bodies, such as lack of sleep, lack of exercise and a poor diet, the Rust Proof Your Health clip highlighted the importance of obtaining antioxidants from our diet.

"We were really impressed with the Rust Proof Your Health clip. It was professional, had a very clear message that was easy to understand and it grabs your attention. It was snappy, catchy and cool," said the judges.

The winner, second year nursing student Anthony Kordi and his team were looking for an opportunity like the challenge when calls for entries went out: "We really enjoyed simplifying a scientifically complex subject and presenting it in a way that everyone can grasp it. With Rust Proof Your Health we learnt a lot during the process and coped with the numerous late nights while we created the clip, by using what we had learnt - lots of fresh fruit to keep our energy levels up!"

The $2,000 prize for runner-up was won by a University of Auckland team with 'The Marvels of Grape and Grape Seed Extracts'. Avantika Gupta, studying a post graduate diploma in BioScience Enterprise, said her team were thrilled with the prize and that their creativity with Lego pieces had paid off.

Dr Schlothauer said the competition for runner-up was so close that Comvita decided to create a third prize of $500. This was won by Tom McFadden, a Masters student in Science Communication from the University of Otago. Tom dressed in a bee suit and rapped a song called 'Hip-Hop-A-Propolis'.

About the Comvita Science Challenge The Comvita Science Challenge is an annual event and this year, was judged by Dr. Joanna McMillan (author and well known Australian media spokesperson on nutritional science, www.drjoanna.com.au ); Dr. Libby Weaver (holistic nutrition specialist and author of recent bestseller, 'Accidentally Overweight', www.drlibby.com) ; Dr. Robert Lawrence (Professor in Environmental Health Sciences, The Center for a Livable Future, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, John Hopkins Website: here ) and Dr. Chris Boalch (Director, Strategic Initiatives, NZTE, www.nzte.govt.nz ).

Students could choose from Honey, Olive Leaf, Propolis, Broccoli, Grapes and Kiwifruit as the Natural food subject for their clip. About Comvita Ltd. www.comvita.com Comvita enjoys a reputation as a premium global natural health brand and is committed to the development of innovative natural health and wellbeing products backed by credible scientific research. With a proud 30-year heritage in therapeutic bee-based products, Comvita is the world's largest manufacturer and marketer of Manuka (Leptospermum) honey, however in more recent times the Company has developed its range of ingredient platforms, unique IP and products that meet global consumer preferences in natural health. Comvita offers products in the categories of Woundcare, Healthcare, Skincare and Functional Foods. The Company sells its products in over 14 countries with offices in New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Korea and the UK.

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