News

School of Natural Sciences News

Storm Éowyn: 

Dr Darius Ceburnis, a research fellow at University of Galway, discusses the record-breaking wind speed recorded at Mace Head atmospheric research station during Storm Éowyn on Friday 24th January 2025 on Radio 1’s The Claire Byrne Show @10.37 

Red squirrel: 

Dr Colin Lawton (School of Natural Sciences) joined RTÉ’s Today (Tuesday 28th January 2025 @58.24) to discuss the resurgence of the red squirrel in Ireland, and its relationship with grey squirrels and pine martens. 

Zombie Spiders: 

Scientists have found fungus-infected “zombie spiders” in Ireland. The fungus, named Gibellula attenboroughii, manipulates the behaviour of cave spiders, forcing them out of their lairs before ultimately killing them. This phenomenon was first observed in the Whitefathers’ Caves on the Fermanagh/Cavan border and has since been found in other cave systems across the island.   Zoologist at the School of Natural Sciences at the University of Galway Doctor Michel Dugon told Moncrieff on Friday 31st January 2025 that this fungus is a part of a fungi family that often take control of bugs read more here  https://www.newstalk.com/news/fungus-infected-zombie-spiders-found-in-ireland-2132362 

Research Ally Award –Congratulations Miriam 

The School of Natural Sciences is delighted to announce that Dr. Miriam Byrne from the Physics has been awarded a Taighde Éireann Research Ally Award as part of the IRC Legacy Awards. This honour recognizes her outstanding support and mentorship to researchers at all career levels, highlighting her significant contributions to the academic research community. Dr. Byrne’s dedication and positive influence have been instrumental in fostering a supportive research environment, making her a highly respected and valued member of the School. Congratulations to Dr. Byrne on this well-deserved recognition! Researcher of the Year 2024 (IRC legacy) Awards - Research Ireland 

New year, new discoveries! 🎉  
Postdoctoral researcher Richard Lalor from the Molecular Parasitology Lab explores how peptides derived from Fasciola hepatica, a parasitic worm, could offer a groundbreaking biotherapeutic approach to treating sepsis. 
Learn more about this exciting research from the Molecular Parasitology Lab! 👇  
https://lnkd.in/eeDSe-JP 
Taighde Éireann Research Ireland funded this research. 🌟  
 

Arachnid spread:  

Dr Michel Dugon (Natural Sciences) spoke to The Daily Telegraph about the rise in false widow spider bites as the arachnid spreads across the UK.