Podcasts about Health Research Board

Dr Suzi Lyons, Senior Researcher at the Health Research Board, discusses the increase in drug treatment numbers.

Cocaine is the main drug of concern in 40% of all treatment cases, according to the latest data from the Health Research Board with the number of women receiving treatment for cocaine use soaring by 426% since 2017. Jo-hanna Ivers, Professor in Addiction at the School of Medicine at Trinity College Dublin discussed these findings with Ciara this morning.

The number of cases of employed people in Clare treated for drug and alcohol addiction has increased by 36% in the last year. New figures from the Health Research Board show there were 122 instances in this county where people in regular employment presented for treatment over the past twelve months. Of these, 34 cases related specifically to cocaine addiction, which is up 47% in the last year. MidWest Addiction Counsellor Michael Guerin says while it's positive more people are coming forward, the growing cocaine problem is alarming.

It's claimed a new health led government strategy is needed for to tackle Clare's cocaine epidemic. It comes amid new figures from the Health Research Board which show there was a record number of drug addiction cases in this county last year. The report identified the 25-34 age group as those most affected by addiction in Clare, accounting for 50% of all cases in the county last year. Clare also saw a surge in the number of under 18s treated for drug and alcohol addiction, rising from 11 cases to 17 in the space of twelve months. A MidWest treatment centre says there are some positives to take here, including that more people are now aware of treatment services and that younger presentations are allowing for early intervention. Novas Senior Health & Recovery Manager Julie McKenna believes it's inexcusable that the recommendations of the Citizens Assembly on Drug Use haven't been implemented by government and says addiction needs to be treated as a medical issue and not a criminal one. A MidWest Addiction Counsellor insists a health-led national cocaine treatment strategy is needed and should be a priority in the next programme for Government. The drug remains the greatest problem substance in Clare, with a 26% increase in people treated for addiction last year. While, 15 of the cocaine addiction treatment cases in Clare last year involved people who had only completed their junior cert. Michael Guerin says the people dealing with the problem on the ground everyday are best placed to deliver solutions and that prevention education is needed early.

Dr. Sabina Brennan is a neuroscientist, chartered health psychologist, and bestselling author. Known for her ability to translate complex neuroscience into practical advice, Sabina empowers people to take control of their brain health and manifest their goals more effectively. Her latest book, *The Neuroscience of Manifesting*, offers a scientific framework for understanding manifestation and its real-world applications, grounded in cutting-edge brain research. Expect to learn: — What manifestation really is and the myths that need debunking. — How neuroscience can explain the power of manifestation. — The psychological processes and brain areas involved in effective manifesting. — Why self-compassion is such a vital component of the process. And more. You can learn more about Sabina's work at https://superbrain.ie. --- Sabina Brennan is currently an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the ADAPT Centre in Trinity College Dublin where she is a principal investigator in E-Health. Prior to this she was a research assistant professor at the School of Psychology and a principal investigator at the Institute of Neuroscience. She was co-director of the NEIL Research Programme and director of the NEIL Memory Research Unit which profiles cognitive function in a cohort of ~1000 Irish adults aged 50 and over. Understanding differential decline in cognitive ageing and dementia, cognitive reserve, brain health, modifiable risk and protective factors and the development of interventions to prevent or delay the onset of decline, She was a member of the applicant team that secured the biggest philanthropic grant (138 million) in Irish history She coordinated ASAPS, an FP7 Project under the 2012-HEALTH-2012 which promoted brain health and brain research outputs of this project include a website (www.hellobrain.eu) a series of films and a brain health app She is principal Investigator on a US funded 2-year project aimed at assessing the Impact of relationship-based mealtime intervention on quality of life, cognitive function, social connection, mood, BMI, and walking speed. She is also a principle investigator on a 3-year cohort study, DeStress looking at Cognitive function, caregiver stress and cortisol: Mechanisms and implications for prevention of adverse health consequences in spouse dementia caregivers. funded by the Medical Research Charities Group and the Health Research Board. She is Principle Investigator on a project that developed a series of 10 films (www.freedliving.com) aimed at addressing fears about memory loss and dementia. She has co-supervisor PhD students investigating Protective Effect of Cognitive Reserve against Cognitive Impairment (IRCHSS), a second PhD, looking at the relationship between caregiver stress and frailty and indices of cognitive decline, (IRC Enterprise Partnership scheme and third investigating the relationship between age-related hearing loss and cognitive decline. Her own PhD thesis entitled 'Neurocognitive and Electrophysiological Indices of Cognitive Performance in Ageing' explored individual differences in cognitive performance in healthy elderly and aimed to identify neurocognitive and electrophysiological markers that index cognitive decline. As part of the TCIN-GSK Neurodegeneration Programme she was responsible for a research project aimed at identifying novel cognitive, electrophysiological and behavioural endpoints in human participants that offer greater sensitivity to age-induced cognitive changes than previous endpoints. --- Interview Links: — Sabina's website - https://superbrain.ie.

Colin O'Gara, Head of Addiction Services at St John of God Hospital in Dublin and Clinical Professor of Physiatry at UCD, reacts to the latest data from the Health Research Board on drug-related deaths and gives an overview of today's current trends when it comes to drug use.

Problem alcohol use is on the increase in Ireland, according to the country's Health Research Board, Dr Suzi Lyons of the HRB explains.

A Midwest Addiction Counsllor insists that educating young people is key to ensuring they don't travel the road to alcohol addition. It comes as new figures from the Health Research Board show cases of treatment for problem alcohol use here are the highest they've been in a decade. 8,163 people received treatment last year, a 10 per cent rise on the year before, while one in four cases in 2023 also reported problem use of another drug alongside alcohol. Addiction Counsellor with Cuan Mhuire Addiction Centre, Michael Guerin insists that targeted programmes for students in secondary schools are vital to prevent alcohol and drug addition in young people.

A report released by the Health Research Board shows that the amount of people treated for problem alcohol use last year was the highest it's been in over a decade. To discuss these findings Addiction Counsellor Michael Guerin and Dr Garrett McGovern, Medical Director & Addiction Specialist at the Priority Medical Clinic in Dundrum.

Ciara was joined by Dr. Suzi Lyons, Senior Researcher at the Health Research Board, to discuss the alarming 10% increase in people being treated for problem alcohol use in 2023.

Ciara was joined by Dr. Suzi Lyons, Senior Researcher at the Health Research Board, to discuss the alarming 10% increase in people being treated for problem alcohol use in 2023.

The Health Research Board has reported the highest figures in drug treatment to date with a continued increase in cocaine use evident, particularly among females. Speaking to Shane about the research findings was Dr Anne Marie Carew, Research Officer at HRB and also Professor Colin O'Gara, Consultant addiction psychiatrist At St John of Gods Hospital & Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCD.

The Health Research Board has reported the highest figures in drug treatment to date with a continued increase in cocaine use evident, particularly among females. Speaking to Shane about the research findings was Dr Anne Marie Carew, Research Officer at HRB and also Professor Colin O'Gara, Consultant addiction psychiatrist At St John of Gods Hospital & Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCD.

Anne Doyle, research officer with the Health Research Board, discusses their latest overview on alcohol consumption.

Dr. Kathryn Lambe, report author, Health Research Board, discusses a new review looking at the efficacy and safety of medicinal cannabis for a wide range of health conditions.

Dr Suzi Lyons, senior resercher at the Health Research Board discusses homeless deaths in 2020.

It's claimed the decriminalisation of drugs in Clare would strip the power from gangs ruthlessly ruling local communities. With the Citizens Assembly set to make their final recommendations this month, new figures show that 170 people in this county were treated for drug addiction last year. Following almost two-hundred hours of discussion on the impact of illicit drugs on society, the assembly of 99 random citizens is set to vote on its final recommendations to the Oireachtas at the end of the month. According to chairperson and former HSE CEO Paul Reid, the group is set to support the decriminalisation but not the legalisation of a wide array of narcotics. In the last year alone offences relating to the sale or supply of drugs in this county increased by 38%. However a North Clare man who previously suffered from addiction believes decriminalisation would be transformational for local communities. Allen McDonagh from Liscannor who is now a life coach says it would take the power away from ruthless gangs while allowing those who have suffered to have a second chance. Clare's Aontú representative believes any relaxation of laws will lead to an increase in drug use and therefore increase pressure on detox and rehabilitation services. While the Gardaí and the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Breda Smyth have been among those to raise concerns over potential legalisation leading to enhanced uptake in recent weeks. According to the Health Research Board, 171 people in Clare were treated for drug addiction in 2022, while the number of referalls relating to cocaine use increased by 25% in the last year. Additionally nine people in this county under the age of eighteen underwent treatment for drug addiction over the last twelve months. Although with the three key areas of focus for the assembly being funding, policy and services, Aontú MidWest PRO Eric Nelligan claims investment in youth diversion and recreational activities is the best way to tackle the root of the problem.

Dr Suzi Lyons, Senior researcher with the Health Research Board

Today we are talking to Aoife O'Shea, Senior Speech & Language Therapist working with Happy Talk in Cork, and the 2023 winner of the Speech and Language Therapy Service Excellence Award. Aoife was nominated as she has developed relationships, inspired confidence and skill and brought so much joy to the people that she works with, while managing to carry out research, present at conferences, deliver Happy talk training to SLTs across the country. Today we are going to talk about Aoife's career to date and her involvement with Happy Talk and also to hear about the exciting future plans for the recent Health Research Board grant to complete a randomised control trial on Happy Talk across the Country. For more on Happy Talk see https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/lho/corknorthlee/therapy/happy-talk/

Dr Anne Marie Carew, Research Officer at the Health Research Board discusses their report findings which show that cocaine has overtaken opioids to become the most common problem drug in Ireland.

New research from the Health Research Board has shown that cocaine is the most common drug for which individuals are seeking treatment. In the period from 2016 to 2022, there was a 259% increase in the number of cases where cocaine was the main problem drug Professor Colin O'Gara, Addiction Psychiatrist at St John of Gods & Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCD and James Lawless, Fianna Fail TD & Chair of the Oireachtas Justice Committee joined Shane Coleman on the show this morning.

New research from the Health Research Board has shown that cocaine is the most common drug for which individuals are seeking treatment. In the period from 2016 to 2022, there was a 259% increase in the number of cases where cocaine was the main problem drug Professor Colin O'Gara, Addiction Psychiatrist at St John of Gods & Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCD and James Lawless, Fianna Fail TD & Chair of the Oireachtas Justice Committee joined Shane Coleman on the show this morning.

jQuery(document).ready(function(){ cab.clickify(); }); Original Podcast with clickable words https://tinyurl.com/2lq5whyw Contact: irishlingos@gmail.com A ban on the sale of vapor cigarettes to young people. Cosc le cur ar ghaltoitíní a dhíol le daoine óga. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly's proposal to ban the sale of vaping to people under the age of eighteen is to be discussed at a Government meeting today. Tá moladh an Aire Sláinte Stephen Donnelly cosc a chur ar ghaltoitíní a dhíol le daoine faoi ocht mbliana déag le plé i gcruinniú Rialtais inniu. The Minister also intends to place restrictions on the advertising of vapor cigarettes. Tá sé i gceist ag an Aire freisin srianta a chur ar fhógraíocht galtoitíní. Under his proposal, advertising will be banned near schools, on public transport services and in cinemas. Faoina bhfuil beartaithe aige, coiscfear fógraíocht in aice le scoileanna, ar sheirbhísí iompair phoiblí agus i bpictiúrlanna. It was promised in the Government Program that such restrictions would be introduced. Gealladh i gClár an Rialtais go dtabharfaí isteacht srianta mar iad. There are many flavors of vapes - including those aimed at young people. Tá iliomad blasanna galtoitíní ann - blasanna neamúla atá dírithe ar dhaoine óga ina measc. According to the Health Research Board, people who smoke vapes are five times more likely than other people to start smoking. De réir an Bhoird Taighde Sláinte, is dóichí faoi chúig go dtosóidh daoine a chaitheann galtoitíní, go dtosóidh siadsan thar dhaoine eile ag caitheamh tobac. If Minister Donnelly's recommendations are accepted in the Government meeting today, it is expected that the appropriate legislation will be submitted to the Oireachtas in the new year. Má glactar le moltaí an Aire Donnelly sa chruinniú Rialtais inniu, meastar go gcuirfear an reachtaíocht chuí faoi bhráid an Oireachtais sa bhliain nua. Amendments to policing in the State are also to be discussed in the meeting. Tá leasuithe ar chúrsaí póilíneachta sa Stát le criathrú sa chruinniú chomh maith. Comprehensive proposals from Justice Minister Helen McEntee regarding closer public oversight of the Garda Síochána will be discussed. Pléifear moltaí cuimsitheacha ón Aire Dlí agus Cirt Helen McEntee maidir le maoirseacht phoiblí níos géire a dhéanamh ar an nGarda Síochána. In that section, a proposal to limit the income of electricity generation companies and to put any money they earn above that into the Exchequer will be discussed. Ina cheann sin, pléifear moladh teorainn a chur le hioncam comhlachtaí ginte leictreachais agus aon airgead a thuilleann siad os a chionn sin a chur sa Státchiste. The companies that do not benefit from gas are the ones in question, according to what is planned. Is iad na comhlachtaí nach mbaineann leas as gás atá i gceist, de réir a bhfuil beartaithe.

A lot of Irish people are in denial about their drinking habits, with many “binge drinkers” not realising they are drinking dangerous levels of alcohol. A published report from the Health Research Board, concludes that that two in three individuals fail to recognise when their consumption of alcohol is at an excessive level. Kieran was joined by Sheena Horgan, CEO of Drink Aware , to discuss...

Dr Suzi Lyons, Senior Researcher at the Health Research Board, discusses new figures showing more people seek help for cocaine than any other drug.

Anne Doyle, Research Officer with the Health Research Board, discusses the board's latest report into alcohol and drug use among adolescents.

Treatment for cocaine use among young people in Ireland has increased by 171% between 2011 and 2019, that's according to new research by the Health Research Board this morning. Anne Doyle, lead author of the report talked us through the main findings of the report and Ciara spoke to Dr. Garrett McGovern who is a GP specialising in addiction medicine and Medical Director of the Priority Medical Clinic in Dundrum.

Irish young adults have the second highest rate of cocaine use in Europe. That's according to stats released today by the Health Research Board. They also found that nearly 20% of of 15- to 24-year-olds had used illegal drugs in the last year. Michael Guerin, senior addiction therapist at the charity organization Cuan Mhuire joined Kieran to discuss some of the reasons why we are seeing such a high amount of drug use.

Young adults are drinking less but their cocaine use is increasing significantly, a report from the Health Research Board warns. Just how widespread is cocaine use among younger people in Ireland? Conor Harris, recovering drug addict and Colin O'Gara, Head of Addiction Services at John Of Gods Hospital and Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCD joined Pat to discuss.

Treatment for cocaine use among young people in Ireland has increased by 171% between 2011 and 2019, that's according to new research by the Health Research Board this morning. Anne Doyle, lead author of the report talked us through the main findings of the report and Ciara spoke to Dr. Garrett McGovern who is a GP specialising in addiction medicine and Medical Director of the Priority Medical Clinic in Dundrum.

In this episode, Barry and Tony talk to Professor John O'Brennan about his research into Gambling Trends, Harms and Responses in Ireland (ROI). The research paper is available here: https://mural.maynoothuniversity.ie/14258/1/MGRG%20Gambling%20in%20Ireland%20report%20final.pdf We also discuss the recent Health Research Board survey into Gambling in the Republic of Ireland (2019-20), which is available here: https://mural.maynoothuniversity.ie/14258/1/MGRG%20Gambling%20in%20Ireland%20report%20final.pdf The podcast is proudly sponsored by Gamban. If you would like to support the podcast and the frontline work of the Project, by paying a €5 per month subscription you can do so here. (All Payments Show as 'Extern Therapy Service' on Your Bank Statement) www.problemgambling.ie www.extern.org --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theproblemgamblingpodcast/message

On this week's show, I'll be talking about cocaine addiction in Ireland. The latest figures released by the Health Research Board, shows the number of people seeking treatment for problem cocaine use has increased, with the number of crack cocaine cases increasing by 400 per cent in recent years. The HRB says last year, cocaine was the only substance where they saw an increase in those entering treatment for. To discuss cocaine use in Ireland, I'm joined by Consultant Psychiatrist, Professor Colin O'Gara. Colin is the head of addiction services at St John of God Hospital in Dublin, where they provide specialist services in substance misuse. Colin says all the indicators are pointing to a rise in cocaine use in Ireland, which he says is a result of the drug becoming normalised as well as widely available: “There's probably been two peaks [in cocaine use]. The first was around the Celtic Tiger and with the economic crash, it almost disappeared. Then as the economy improved from 2013 onwards, we saw on the clinical frontline, reports of cocaine increasing quite substantially and up to recent years it's been quite dramatic. It's really become very normalised from our point of view, and the availability is huge. So when you have normalisation and strong availability you have serious problems.” Colin says cocaine impacts all parts of the body when taken: “Cocaine is a stimulant that affects all systems of the body...the heart, the lungs, the brain, everything. All of the above is affected by cocaine. It's a very potent stimulant that initially leads to a massive release of dopamine...The problem with stimulants as opposed to opioids like heroin, is they tend to create a very edgy experience...it can create a lot of anxiety and paranoia.” We also discuss what somebody should do if they feel they need to seek help for cocaine addiction, as well as all the different types of addiction services that are available. For more episodes, tips and advice from the show just go to: www.independent.ie/podcasts/the-re…health-podcast/ And you can get in touch - I'm @KarlHenryPT on Instagram and Twitter and realhealth@independent.ie. Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe on Apple and Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts from. The Real Health podcast is in association with Laya Healthcare.

In the final episode of this series, Professor of Immunology Christine Loscher discusses the vaccine rollout and answers questions on vaccines for teens, booster shots and more. As we reach 70 percent of the population of Ireland vaccinated against COVID-19, host Dick Ahlstrom chats to immunologist Professor Christine Loscher about how Ireland has performed in terms of its vaccination programme, what we have learned about the virus and about vaccines over the last year and what's new in terms of vaccine development. She also answers questions on the vaccination of children and teens and on the start of vaccine booster shots. Christine is a Full Professor of Immunology and Associate Dean for Research in the Faculty of Science & Health at DCU. In 2020 she established the DCU Covid-19 Research & Innovation Hub which currently has 16 funded projects aimed at novel solutions in the fight against Covid-19. More information on COVID-19 vaccines The RIA's Life and Medical Sciences Committee has published a revised expert statement on vaccines. The statement is written in plain English and provides accurate information on vaccines. ‘Vaccines: a life-saving choice expert statement' by Kingston Mills MRIA, Bert Rima MRIA and Dick Ahlstrom [link to https://www.ria.ie/sites/default/files/vaccines_expert_statement_july_2021.pdf ] You can find more information on vaccines and vaccination at: http://gov.ie/covid19vaccine http://hse.ie http://immunisation.ie This series is organised by the Life and Medical Sciences Committee in partnership with the Health Research Board

HSE substance misuse lead for the South-East Lisa Robson talks to Kevin galvin following the publication of the Health Research Board 2014 - 2020 Drug Treatment Data report.

We hear from Dr Anne Marie Carew, Research Officer at the Health Research Board

Chief Bioethics Officer at the Department of Health, Dr Siobhán O'Sullivan talks about the difficult decisions officials and individuals must grapple with in this pandemic and the values and principles which underpin them. While science plays a vital role in informing decisions such as prioritisation for vaccination, these decisions are not made in a vacuum. They impact on all our lives and require assessment of legal, socio-economic factors, and judgements about what is right and wrong and what kind of society we want to live in. Siobhán explains how bioethics provides a framework that helps guide this decision making and Dick asks for her thoughts on complicated questions like should vaccination ever be mandatory, are vaccine passports fair, and are rich countries doing enough to ensure people in poorer countries have access to vaccines. If you have a question about vaccines, please email it to vaccinequestions@ria.ie along with your name and location. In some cases, your question may be asked giving your name and location as you provide it, unless you state otherwise. Your contact details will never be shared. Please ensure you have read our data privacy policy. [https://www.ria.ie/sites/default/files/royal-irish-academy-dp-policy-v2-july-2019.pdf] This series is organised by the Life and Medical Sciences Committee in partnership with the Health Research Board

New study into green tea's potential to help tackle COVID-19 Swansea University, June 4, 2021 As India continues to be ravaged by the pandemic, a Swansea University academic is investigating how green tea could give rise to a drug capable of tackling Covid-19. Dr Suresh Mohankumar carried out the research with colleagues in India during his time at JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research in Ooty prior to taking up his current role at Swansea University Medical School. He said: "Nature's oldest pharmacy has always been a treasure of potential novel drugs and we questioned if any of these compounds could assist us in battling the Covid-19 pandemic?  "We screened and sorted a library of natural compounds already know to be active against other coronaviruses using an artificial intelligence-aided computer programme.  "Our findings suggested that one of the compounds in green tea could combat the coronavirus behind Covid-19." The researchers' work has now been highlighted by online journal RSC Advances and has been included in its prestigious hot articles collection chosen by editors and reviewers. Associate Professor Dr Mohankumar emphasised that the research was still in its early days and a long way from any kind of clinical application. "The compound that our model predicts to be most active is gallocatechin, which is present in green tea and could be readily available, accessible, and affordable. There now needs to be further investigation to show if it can be proven clinically effective and safe for preventing or treating Covid-19.  "This is still a preliminary step, but it could be a potential lead to tackling the devastating Covid-19 pandemic. Dr Mohankumar has worked in pharmacy education, research and administration around the world for more than 18 years and recently moved to Swansea to join its new MPharm programme. Head of Pharmacy Professor Andrew Morris said: "This is fascinating research and demonstrates that natural products remain an important source of lead compounds in the fight against infectious diseases. I'm also really pleased to see this international research collaboration continuing now that Dr Mohankumar has joined the Pharmacy team." Dr Mohankumar added he is now looking forward to seeing how the work can be developed: "There now needs to be appropriate pre-clinical and clinical studies and we would welcome potential collaborators and partners to help carry this work forward."     Turkish study finds high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in breast cancer patients Ankara Numune Research Hospital (Turkey), June 1, 2021   According to news reporting from Ankara, Turkey, research stated, “We aimed to reveal vitamin D levels in women with breast cancer. 561 women with primary breast cancer were included in the study.” The news correspondents obtained a quote from the research from Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital, “The median age was 55.86 years (between 20 - 78 years). All of the patients were treated with curative intend. None of the patients had metastatic disease. The median 25(OH)D level was 11.92ng/ml and the mean 25(OH)D level was 13.91ng/ml. Deficiency was detected in 456 patients (81.28%) and insufficiency was detected in 61 patients (10.87 %).” According to the news reporters, the research concluded: “This study points out that vitamin D levels in breast cancer patients should be measured and be corrected whenever diagnosed.” This research has been peer-reviewed.         Low levels of omega-3 associated with higher risk of psychosis, says study RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences (Ireland), June 1, 2021 New research has found that adolescents with higher levels of an omega-3 fatty acid in their blood were less likely to develop psychotic disorder in early adulthood, suggesting that it may have a potential preventative effect of reducing the risk of psychosis. The study, led by researchers from RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, is published in Translational Psychiatry. Over 3,800 individuals in Bristol's Children of the 90s health study were assessed for psychotic disorder, depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder at age 17 and at age 24. During these assessments, blood samples were collected, and the researchers measured the levels of omega-6 fatty acids, which generally increase inflammation in the body, and omega-3 fatty acids, which generally reduce inflammation. While there was little evidence that fatty acids were associated with mental disorders at age 17, the researchers found that 24-year-olds with psychotic disorder, depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder had higher levels of omega-6 than omega-3 fatty acids compared to those without these disorders. The researchers also found that 24-year-olds with psychotic disorder had lower levels of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid typically found in oily fish or dietary supplements, than 24-year-olds without psychotic disorder. In a group of over 2,700 individuals who were tracked over time, adolescents with higher levels of DHA at age 17 were 56% less likely to develop psychotic disorder seven years later at age 24. This suggests that DHA in adolescence may have a potential preventative effect of reducing the risk of psychosis in early adulthood. These results remained consistent when accounting for other factors such as sex, body mass index, tobacco smoking and socio-economic status. "The study needs to be replicated, but if the findings are consistent, these results would suggest that enhanced dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids among adolescents, such as through oily fish like mackerel, could prevent some people from developing psychosis in their early twenties," said Professor David Cotter, senior author of the study and professor molecular psychiatry at RCSI. "The results could also raise questions about the relationship between the development of mental health disorders and omega-6 fatty acids, which are typically found in vegetable oils." David Mongan, RCSI Ph.D. student and Irish Clinical Academic Training (ICAT) Fellow, analyzed the data with the supervision of Professor David Cotter and Professor Mary Cannon from the RCSI Department of Psychiatry. The ICAT program is supported by the Wellcome Trust and the Health Research Board, the Health Service Executive National Doctors Training and Planning and the Health and Social Care, Research and Development Division, Northern Ireland. "We need to do more research to learn about the mechanisms behind this effect, but it could possibly be related to reducing inflammation or decreasing inappropriate pruning of brain connections during adolescence," said Dr. David Mongan, the study's first author, who is a psychiatry trainee and Ph.D. student at RCSI.     Foods that can help protect against sun damage Blount Memorial Weight Management Center, May 31, 2021   As the summer season approaches and we all hopefully get a chance to spend more time outside, we mustn't forget how critical it is that we take steps to protect our skin. Whether you're going on a beach trip or just doing outdoor chores, it's important to remember to wear sunscreen and reapply it often. Just because you didn't get sunburned last year or last week, that doesn't mean you are immune to the sun's harmful rays. In fact, most experts recommend sunscreen use year-round, not just in the summer. The American Academy of Dermatologyrecommends using a waterproof sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of at least 30, and that protects against UVA and UVB rays. But, did you know there also are certain foods that can help protect your skin from the sun's rays, as well? “A diet rich in certain foods actually can help protect your skin from harmful UV rays,” said Heather Pierce from the Blount Memorial Weight Management Center. “They, in no way, should serve as a replacement for traditional sunscreen, but they can act as additional ways to protect your skin this spring and summer. A few foods, in particular, are high in certain minerals and nutrients that support healthy skin and can give us a little extra protection from the sun,” she said. First up, Pierce says, are tomatoes, which you may already be consuming on your burgers or salads at those backyard cookouts. “Tomatoes contain lycopene, which is a phytochemical that has been shown in research to help protect the skin against sunburns, particularly with concentrated sources such as tomato paste and carrot juice. And the good news is that they just happen to be in season. Watermelons also are good sources of lycopene, and, fortunately, they're pretty popular this time of year, too.” Pierce says you also should look to avocados and pomegranates for a little extra sun protection. “When the sun is damaging our skin, it's typically the result of oxidative stress and inflammation, so a lot of the foods we would eat for anti-inflammatory diet for a condition, such as heart disease, actually are protecting our skin, too. “Avocados contain healthy oils that work to keep your skin protected, so throw a little avocado on your sandwiches this summer, and you can easily get that added bit of protection. Pomegranates, too, contain ellagic acid, which supports glutathione production that can fight skin damage caused by free radicals. Citrus fruits, of course, contain vitamin C, but the skins of citrus fruits also contain an essential oil called limonene that offers skin protection, too. You can easily add this to your diet by putting a little lemon or orange zest in your drinks or foods.” Two more sun-protecting foods, Pierce says, are green tea and those all-important Omega 3 fats. “Green tea is, of course, high in antioxidants, which can help guard against UV radiation,” Pierce said. “It also promotes DNA repair and has anti-inflammatory compounds that are helpful for repair, as well. Omega 3 fats always are important, particularly if you're eating a heart healthy diet, but Omega 3 also has been shown to reduce the risk of a particular type of skin cancer by nearly 20%. With that in mind, look for ways to add Omega 3 sources such as salmon, chia seeds or flaxseed to your meals. If you can, try getting fish in your diet at least once per week,” she explained. “It'll taste great and your skin will get a little sun protection boost, as well.”     Seaweed could potentially help fight food allergies Mount Sinai Hospital, June 2, 2021 Seaweed has long been a staple food in many Asian countries and has recently caught on as a snack food in America as a healthful alternative to chips. The edible algae that fall in the category of seaweed are low-calorie and packed with nutrients. In addition, now scientists have found that a type of commercial red algae could help counteract food allergies. They report their findings in mice in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Food allergies are a major global health issue that can be life threatening in some cases. One study by researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital estimates that the condition affects about 8 percent of children and 5 percent of adults worldwide. In people who are allergic, certain compounds in food trigger a cascade of immune system reactions that lead to symptoms such as hives, wheezing and dizziness -- and in the worst cases, anaphylactic shock. Previous research has suggested that certain seaweed varieties contain polysaccharides with anti-asthmatic and anti-allergy effects. But no one had investigated whether similar molecules in Gracilaria lemaneiformis, a commercial variety of red algae, might have similar properties. Guang-Ming Liu and colleagues wanted to find out. The researchers isolated polysaccharides from G. lemaneiformis and fed them to a group of mice sensitive to tropomyosin, a protein that is a major shellfish allergen. Another group of mice, also sensitive to tropomyosin, did not get the polysaccharides. After both groups were given the allergen, allergy symptoms in the treated mice were reduced compared to the untreated animals. Further studying polysaccharides from G. lemaneiformis could help lead to a better understanding of food allergies and their prevention, the researchers say.        Barley lowers not one but two types of 'bad cholesterol', review suggests   St Michael's Hospital (Toronto), June 8, 2021  Eating barley or foods containing barley significantly reduced levels of two types of "bad cholesterol" associated with cardiovascular risk, a St. Michael's Hospital research paper has found. Barley reduced both low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, and non-high-density lipoprotein, or non-HDL, by seven per cent.   The review also indicated that barley had similar cholesterol-lowering effects as oats, which is often the go-to grain for health benefits.   The research review, published in The European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, included 14 studies on clinical trials conducted in seven countries, including Canada.   It is the first study to look at the effects of barley and barley products on both LDL and non-HDL cholesterol in addition to apolipoprotein B, or apoB, a lipoprotein that carries bad cholesterol through the blood. Measuring non-HDL and apoB provides a more accurate assessment for cardiovascular risk, as they account for the total 'bad cholesterol' found in the blood.   "The findings are most important for populations at high risk for cardiovascular disease, such as Type 2 diabetics, who have normal levels of LDL cholesterol, but elevated levels of non-HDL or apo B," said Dr. Vladimir Vuksan, research scientist and associate director of the Risk Factor Modification Centre of St. Michael's. "Barley has a lowering effect on the total bad cholesterol in these high-risk individuals, but can also benefit people without high cholesterol."   High cholesterol and diabetes are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke, historically treated with medications. However, Dr. Vuksan's research and work focuses on how dietary and lifestyle changes can reduce these risk factors.   "Barley's positive effect on lowering cholesterol is well-documented and has been included in the Canadian strategy for reducing cardiovascular risk," said Dr. Vuksan. "Health Canada, the FDA and several health authorities worldwide have already approved health claims that barley lowers LDL cholesterol, but this is the first review showing the effects on other harmful lipids."   Despite its benefits Dr. Vuksan said barley is not as well-established as some other health-recommended foods—such as oats. Barley consumption by humans has fallen by 35 per cent in the last 10 years. Canada is one of the top five world producers of barley—almost 10 megatonnes per year—but human consumption accounts for only two per cent of the crop yield, with livestock making up the other 98 per cent.   "After looking at the evidence, we can also say that barley is comparably effective as oats in reducing overall risk of cardiovascular disease" said Dr. Vuksan.   Barley is higher in fibre, has twice the protein and almost half the calories of oats, which are important considerations for those with weight or dietary concerns. Dr. Vuksan said barley can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. He recommends trying to incorporate barley into existing recipes, using it as a substitute for rice or even on its own—just like oatmeal.

You don’t need to have read today’s Health Research Board report to know that the idea of prohibition in Ireland is basically unfathomable. And we would likely be inclined to label anyone that advocated it as something of a conservative zealot. But of course there was a time when prohibition was a popular idea and it wasn’t just in the US, nor was it just among a minority of conservatives. Mark Schrad is Associate professor of political science at Villanova University and author of Smashing the Liquor Machine: A Global History of Prohibition

Éilís Sheehy speaks to people in Laytown in Co. Meath about their drinking habits during the pandemic and Dr. Deirdre Mongan, Health Research Board, discusses the latest findings on alcohol consumption in Ireland.

Dr Lucy Jessop is Director of Public Health at the National Immunisation Office. In this episode she explains when, where and how people will get their vaccination shots, and answers lots of your questions around what side effects to expect. Here's the link to a factsheet on vaccination for pregnant and breastfeeding women: https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/hcpinfo/covid19vaccineinfo4hps/qaiogniac.pdf If you have a question about vaccines, please email it to vaccinequestions@ria.ie along with your name and location. In some cases, your question may be asked giving your name and location as you provide it, unless you state otherwise. Your contact details will never be shared. Please ensure you have read our data privacy policy. This series is organised by the Life and Medical Sciences Committee in partnership with the Health Research Board

Professor Philip Nolan explains the numbers we hear on the news and virologist Dr Gerald Barry answers your questions on vaccines. News coverage of the pandemic is full of numbers and statistics. Daily figures of new COVID19 cases, hospitalisations and deaths are provided alongside other numbers like 7-day average case number, incidence of disease per hundred thousand, positivity rate and growth rate. Where do these figures come from and what can they tell us? In this episode Dick talks to Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of the Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group to NPHET about the work being done behind the scenes to bring us the most accurate and up-to-date numbers and projections and Dick asks him whether mathematical models can be used to predict when vaccination will allow life to get back to normal. UCD based virologist Dr Gerald Barry answers your questions on vaccines; how well they halt transmission, how long they are effective for, and are they as affective in people with comprised immune systems. If you have a question about vaccines, please email it to vaccinequestions@ria.ie along with your name and location. In some cases, your question may be asked giving your name, age and location as you provide it, unless you state otherwise. Your contact details will never be shared. Please ensure you have read our data privacy policy. [https://www.ria.ie/sites/default/files/royal-irish-academy-dp-policy-v2-july-2019.pdf] This series is organised by the Life and Medical Sciences Committee in partnership with the Health Research Board

Researchers from NUI Galway and the University of Wyoming have received a grant of €199,720 from the Health Research Board to develop a handheld device for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The device, which they aim to have available early next year, will also test for antibodies to the virus in human samples. The test device is already being sold and the research team are currently developing a COVID test to work with it in order to produce and distribute large quantities within a short period of time. The rapid test will be capable of being administered by anyone, such as airport officials or school principals. Professor Gerard Wall, of Microbiology, College of Science and Engineering and SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices (CÚRAM) at NUI Galway, is leading the research along with Professors Patrick Johnson and Karen Wawrousek from the University of Wyoming’s Department of Chemical Engineering. Professor Wall will employ a laboratory-based technique that mimics the human immune response “in vitro”, or in a test tube, to produce antibody fragments for use in the detection of the virus. The antibody fragments will enable high sensitivity and reproducibility of the device and can be produced in large quantities in bacterial cells. Image of the diagnostic device and how the detection test works. Photo: NUI Galway Professors Johnson and Wawrousek will attach the antibody fragments to nanoparticles for incorporation into a hand-held, battery-operated device that will carry out rapid detection of the virus using a laser, in approximately 15 minutes. Professor Gerard Wall, NUI Galway, said: “Rapid detection of the virus on-site will allow potentially infectious people to be identified so that decisions on isolation and treatment can be made immediately. There are clear applications for this type of device in airports, workplaces or schools, among other locations.” Professor Patrick Johnson, University of Wyoming, said: “Our test will have higher sensitivity than other rapid tests and will not require any sample preparation. The idea is to have an accurate, portable, on-site test with results within 15-20 minutes. This will allow rapid answers while the person is still present, enabling immediate intervention and treatment.” Samples can be collected from saliva, nasal swab or blood. The samples will then be placed in glass vials and inserted into hand-held instruments, called Raman spectrometers, for analysis. The project team plans to use Raman spectrometers developed by entrepreneur Keith Carron, CEO of Metrohm Raman in Laramie, Wyoming and will work with Noah Hull, Microbiology Laboratories manager at the Wyoming Public Health Laboratory to validate the assay against known positive and negative samples.

Dr. Jean Long, Head of the Evidence Centre at the Health Research Board, discusses a report showing that teenagers who use e-cigarettes are more likely to smoke tobacco

A report by the Health Research Board has gained a huge amount of attention in the last 24 hours because of the increases in the amounts of people seeking treated. Jen spoke to addiction councillor Michael Guerin about the rise Of cocaine use in Ireland

Dr Anne Marie Carew, Research Officer at the Health Research Board, outlines the latest findings on the level of drug use in Irish society.

In this episode, Louise sits down with Real Mum Ranae von Meding and Clinical Midwife Manage Susan Hogan, who co-manages the Parent Education Programme at the Rotunda Hospital with Margaret Merrigan, to talk about the role partners play on the pregnancy journey. “Real Talk with Real Mums” is an expert-advised and mum-approved ten-episode podcast series, presented by Louise McSharry, looking at the issues of everyday pregnancy with medical professionals and the real women who have gone through the pregnancy journey. Each episode will tackle a different topic, from diet in pregnancy (with a dietician), to mental health issues in pregnancy (with a mental health midwife). The aim of each podcast is to provide mums with expert insight into the issue but also to offer a practical, realistic, everyday take on the pregnancy journey. 'Real Talk with Real Mums' is an initiative by the HRB Mother and Baby Clinical Trial Network, a network of obstetricians, neonatologists, midwives and related professionals brought together to carry out research on women’s and children’s health, This podcast is supported by the Health Research Board through their Knowledge Exchange and Dissemination Award, which aims to maximize the uptake of research findings into policy and practice.

Ted Dinan is Professor of Psychiatry at University College Cork. He was previously Chair of Clinical Neurosciences and Professor of Psychological Medicine at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, London. Prior to that, he was a Senior Lecturer in Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin. He has worked in research laboratories on both sides of the Atlantic and has a PhD in Pharmacology from the University of London. He is a Fellow of the Royal Colleges of Physicians and Psychiatrists and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. His main research interest is on the role of the gut microbiota in influencing brain function and development. He has made significant contributions to the literature on the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in situations of stress. In 1995 was awarded the Melvin Ramsey Prize for this research into the biology of stress. His current research is funded by Science Foundation Ireland, the Health Research Board and the European Union through FP7. He has published over 400 papers and numerous books on the pharmacology and neurobiology of affective disorders.

In episode 3 Louise talks to three people with different perspectives on hospital life. Rosemary Murphy, mother of ten who says every pregnancy is different, Dr Niamh Murphy, who speaks in a personal and professional capacity as an Obstetrician and a Mum, and Dr Mike Boyle, a neonatologist who looks after the most vulnerable babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. “Real Talk with Real Mums” is an expert advised and mum approved 10 episode podcast series, presented by Louise McSharry, looking at the issues of everyday pregnancy with medical professionals and the real women who have gone through the pregnancy journey. Each episode will tackle a different topic, from diet in pregnancy (with a Dietician), to mental health issues in pregnancy (with a Mental Health Midwife.). The aim of each podcast is to provide mums with expert insight into the issue but also to offer a practical, realistic, everyday take on the pregnancy journey. 'Real Talk with Real Mums' is an initiative by the HRB Mother and Baby Clinical Trial Network, a network of obstetricians, neonatologists, midwives and related professionals brought together to carry out research on women’s and children’s health, This podcast is supported by the Health Research Board through their Knowledge Exchange and Dissemination Award which aims to maximize the uptake of research findings into policy and practice.

In episode 2 Louise talks to Alwyn Lyes, our Real Mum this episode about her pregnancy experience, and Jo Woods, a midwife in The Rotunda Hospital, about the pregnancy journey in the hospital, from your first visit, to your due date. “Real Talk with Real Mums” is an expert advised and mum approved 10 episode podcast series, presented by Louise McSharry, looking at the issues of everyday pregnancy with medical professionals and the real women who have gone through the pregnancy journey. Each episode will tackle a different topic, from diet in pregnancy (with a Dietician), to mental health issues in pregnancy (with a Mental Health Midwife.). The aim of each podcast is to provide mums with expert insight into the issue but also to offer a practical, realistic, everyday take on the pregnancy journey. 'Real Talk with Real Mums' is an initiative by the HRB Mother and Baby Clinical Trial Network, a network of obstetricians, neonatologists, midwives and related professionals brought together to carry out research on women’s and children’s health, This podcast is supported by the Health Research Board through their Knowledge Exchange and Dissemination Award which aims to maximize the uptake of research findings into policy and practice.

“Real Talk with Real Mums” is an expert advised and mum approved 10 episode podcast series, presented by Louise McSharry, looking at the issues of everyday pregnancy with medical professionals and the real women who have gone through the pregnancy journey. Each episode will tackle a different topic, from diet in pregnancy (with a Dietician), to mental health issues in pregnancy (with a Mental Health Midwife.). The aim of each podcast is to provide mums with expert insight into the issue but also to offer a practical, realistic, everyday take on the pregnancy journey. In episode 1 we discuss diet in pregnancy with Sinead Curran, the Dietician Manager in the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street and Suzie Lewis, who is the proud mum of son Harry and almost 38 weeks pregnant with her second baby. 'Real Talk with Real Mums' is an initiative by the HRB Mother and Baby Clinical Trial Network, a network of obstetricians, neonatologists, midwives and related professionals brought together to carry out research on women’s and children’s health, This podcast is supported by the Health Research Board through their Knowledge Exchange and Dissemination Award which aims to maximize the uptake of research findings into policy and practice.

Kriben Govender (Honours Degree in Food Science & Technology) and James Shadrach (Honours Degree in Psychology) interview the father of Psychobiotics, Professor Ted Dinan.  We discuss how the gut and brain is connected, and the future of probiotics, prebiotics and food as a treatment option for IBS, anxiety, depression, stress and mood management.   Bio: Ted Dinan is Professor of Psychiatry at University College Cork. He was previously Chair of Clinical Neurosciences and Professor of Psychological Medicine at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, London.  Prior to that, he was a Senior Lecturer in Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin.   He has worked in research laboratories on both sides of the Atlantic and has a PhD in Pharmacology from the University of London.  He is a Fellow of the Royal Colleges of Physicians and Psychiatrists and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.  His main research interest is on the role of the gut microbiota in influencing brain function and development.  Within this context he has focused on depression and irritable bowel syndrome. He has made significant contributions to the literature on the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in situations of stress.  In 1995 was awarded the Melvin Ramsey Prize for this research into the biology of stress. His current research is funded by Science Foundation Ireland, the Health Research Board and the European Union through FP7.  He has published over 400 papers and numerous books on the pharmacology and neurobiology of affective disorders.   Research interests:   The “Brain-Gut-Microbe Axis” research  addresses the communication between the brain and gut and how it can be influenced by the gastrointestinal microbiota. This is an area of significance in infancy, where important links between diet, microbes and cognition are established. The influence of the microbiota on obesity and metabolic syndrome are also increasingly recognised. A better understanding of the role of this axis in the stress response, and its links with other debilitating psychiatric conditions, will help provide new treatment and management strategies – these will represent opportunities for both the food ingredients business and the pharmaceutical industry. Within this context papers Prof. Dinan’s group  have promoted the concept of Psychobiotics, probiotics that have a mental health benefit.   Professional activities: Prof. Dinan runs a clinic for treatment refractory depression at Cork University Hospital.  The research focus at this clinic is on biomarkers of response and the development of new therapies.   Publications: Please see  http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2316-7220   Topics discussed:   Brain Gut - Microbiome Axis What are Psychobiotics? Modulating the gut Microbiome to treat psychological disease and improve mental health Species of Psychobiotic bacteria Probiotic health claims  European Food Safety Standard for claiming health benefits of probiotic  Food industry issues on probiotic health claims Convergence of Food and Pharma Treatment options for Mental health issues How the Gut and Brains are connected? Bi- directional Vagus communication Bacterial communication via the vagus nerve Importance of short chain fatty acids via Fibre Tryptophan metabolism  Synthesis of Tryptophan by gut microbiota Immune system cytokines and brain activity Decline of Bifidobacteria with age The effect of Bifidobacterium longum 1714 on tryptophan levels and mood https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27801892 Mechanism of tryptophan and stress The impact of elevated and sustained Cortisol  Reduction of Cortisol by Bifidobacteria Cushing’s disease Cortisol and Depression Future prospect of improving cardiovascular health with Psychobiotics The impact Birth Method on asthma, allergies, antibiotics, obesity and stress response Antibiotics and Depression Early life Antibiotics use and Obesity Risk Impact of Anti- Depressants on gut microbiota Lithium and gut microbiota alteration Antidepressants and weight gain Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes ratio, weight gain and Antidepressants Bariactric surgery and alteration of the gut microbiota composition Faecal Matter Transplants and the risk of depression transfer Transferring the Blues Study https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27491067 The Psychobiotic Revolution: Mood, Food, and the New Science of the Gut-Brain Connection by Scott C. Anderson (Author), John F. Cryan (Author), Ted Dinan (Author) https://www.amazon.com/Psychobiotic-Revolution-Science-Gut-Brain-Connection/dp/142621846X The discovery of lactic bacteria as a treatment for depression in 1910 Opportunity for the development of food based mood enhancers (Prebiotics or Probiotics) Benefits of the Mediterranean diet for mental health Processed Foods, Trans fats and Mental Heath  Benefits of Aerobic Exercise Anti anxiety effect of Prebiotics- Fructose Oligosaccharides (FOS Inulin)  and Galactooligosaccharides (GOS)  Good Food and Mood Bifidogenic effects of Prebiotics What is the potential Road Map for Psychobiotic use in a clinical setting? Nutritional Psychiatry- Diet and Exercise Education of Health Care Professionals  Fibre intake and Mental Health  Is there any link between Stress and IBS? Anxiety + IBS link Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 and IBS https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28166427 “A good diet is the best way to deliver nutrients to the brain" Ted’s No 1 recommendation for mental health Ted’s Diet and Lifestyle habits       Brought to you by:   Nourishmeorganics- Gut Health Super Store- Shine from the Inside https://www.nourishmeorganics.com.au/   Shop Prebiotic Products here (10% off using code Ted):   FOS Inulin   https://www.nourishmeorganics.com.au/products/organic-fos-inulin-powder-200g   GOS   https://www.nourishmeorganics.com.au/products/bimuno-daily-prebiotic-30-x-3-65-sachets    Allele Microbiome- Gut Microbiome Testing   Shop Microbiome Stool testing (10% off Gut Explorer Pro using code: gutlove)    https://www.allele.com.au/collections/frontpage/products/gut-microbiome-analysis         Connect with Professor Ted Dinan:   Twitter: https://twitter.com/teddinan Website- http://apc.ucc.ie/ted_dinan/    Connect with Kriben Govender:  Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/kribengee/ Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/kribengovender/ Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/c/Nourishmeorganics?sub_confirmation=1 Gut Health Gurus Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nourishmeorganics/     Download links                 If you enjoyed this episode and would like to show your support:   1) Please subscribe on Itunes and leave a positive review     Instructions:   - Click this link  https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/gut-health-gurus-podcast/id1433882512?mt=2   - Click "View in Itunes" button on the left hand side - This will open Itunes app - Click "Subscribe" button - Click on "Ratings and Reviews" tab - Click on "Write a Review" button     2) Subscribe, like and leave a positive comment on Youtube   https://www.youtube.com/c/Nourishmeorganics?sub_confirmation=1   3) Share your favourite episode on Facebook, Instagram, and Stories 4) Let your friends and family know about this Podcast by email, text, messenger etc   5) Support us on Patreon for as little as $5 per month and get same day, early access to our latest podcasts (typically around 4 to 6 weeks earlier than the general public) https://www.patreon.com/nourishmeorganics   Thank you so much for your support. It means the world to us.

On Thursday 26 April 2018, the Royal Irish Academy Life and Medical Sciences Committee presented a one-day conference addressing the wide-ranging implications of gene editing techniques for all of life and medical science. Gene editing is a ground-breaking technology that is affording opportunities to make precise, small changes to an organism's DNA. Using a series of proteins that act in effect as a molecular scissors, the potential of gene editing to address many challenges in biological systems is being realised across human, animal and crop research programmes around the world. Not surprisingly, public interest in the impact of gene editing has grown steadily in recent years as emerging developments continue to appear in the scientific literature. Offering a unique opportunity for an open, impartial societal discussion on the impact of gene editing technologies, the Royal Irish Academy was delighted to present a conference that highlighted the advances that gene editing can make in tackling societal challenges and also the need for a rational debate driven by science-based reasoning. The keynote address was delivered by Professor Robin Lovell-Badge, one of the key experts who help society navigate the increasingly complex terrain of the new gene editing technologies. Lovell-Badge was first thrust into the public limelight in the early 1990s when he co-discovered the Y-chromosome gene that orchestrates male development. He then used this gene to make a genetically female mouse develop as a male. As stem-cell sciences took off at the turn of the century, the British Parliament called upon him for advice in revising the Human Fertilisation and Embryonic Act. Since then he has regularly given scientific counsel in areas of public engagement and policy. Ahead of the event, Lovell-Badge commented on the importance of properly regulating clinical use of gene editing technologies, “it could only be a matter of a few years before we actually see people who have had genetic ‘corrections'. However, it certainly should not be just a free-for-all because that would be horrible”. He is Head of the Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics at the Francis Crick Institute, United Kingdom. He is an author of almost 200 publications cited more than 20,000 times Speaking at the event, Dr Ewen Mullins, member of the RIA Life and Medical Science committee stated, “given the rapid developments in plant breeding the conference was timely. Recent studies have detailed the impact gene editing can make in regards to developing mildew resistant tomato and wheat, merely by editing one single gene. With the technology applicable to all major crop and horticultural species, ‘gene editing' is in itself an umbrella term. In its simplest form, it is in effect a more precise way to breed a crop that does not require the insertion of artificial DNA. As our cropping systems face significant legislative and environmental challenges, this new breeding process could be key to delivering low input crops to satisfy consumer and policy demands.” On behalf of the Royal Irish Academy, Professor Michael Peter Kennedy, the president of the Royal Irish Academy RIA's, remarked, “this conference on gene editing is specifically designed to be thought-provoking, enhance debate and to facilitate a societal discussion around the parameters in which gene editing should be applied.” He concluded by thanking the Health Research Board for generously sponsoring the event and providing delegates with an opportunity to hear from major national and international figures, as they offer their views on the advantages and challenges facing emerging gene editing technologies both at home and abroad.

Sugar molecules could act as a smoke screen for multiple myeloma cells, essentially hiding them from the immune system.  The surface sugars, called sialic acids, can mark the cancer cells as “self” cells, giving the immune system the signal to ignore them.  Dr. Michael O'Dwyer is Director of the Blood Cancer Network Ireland and Professor of Hematology at the National University of Ireland Galway. Dr. O'Dwyer has expertise in the glycosylation process as it relates to multiple myeloma. The glycosylation process (or the reaction when carbohydrates is attached to other molecules) is a process that produces DNA, RNA and proteins. This normal process is altered in multiple myeloma and could cause changes in cell signaling, adhesion and drug resistance. In this show we will explore how this affects multiple myeloma, if food intake is related to the presence of sugar molecules and how it is tested for in myeloma. In 2015, Dr. O'Dwyer received a Clinician Scientist Award worth €1.7m from the Health Research Board to establish a translational research programme in multiple myeloma at NUI Galway. This helped lead to the Blood Cancer Network, Ireland, a Science Foundation Ireland/Irish Cancer Society funded network focusing on delivery of early phase clinical trials to blood cancer patients along with establishment of a biobank and registry.  Thanks to our episode sponsor, Takeda Oncology

 Dr Carole L. Banka  Carole L. Banka, Ph.D., Board Co-Chair Dr. Carole Banka has held faculty positions at The Scripps Research Institute and The La Jolla Institute for Molecular Medicine. In 2008, Dr. Banka joined the Department of Medicine at UCSD where she is an Associate Project Scientist.  Dr. Banka has served on the Doris A. Howell Foundation for Women's Health Research Board of Directors since 2008.and she will be returning to edge to bring us up -to- date cutting edge information on the reseach currently be done around women's health. She is dedicating her life to  helping women better understand and combat heart disease, how to reconigize the symptons and not ignore the signs. Also Dr. Banks will share with our Brains what's the "New Research in Women's Health. We are going bless your heart.  

Associate Editor of Archives of Disease in Childhood Fetal and Neonatal edition Jonathan Davis is joined by two authors included in the May 2017's issue of the journal: Deirdre Murray and Louise Kenny (both from the Irish Centre for Fetal and Neonatal Translational Research, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Ireland). They are two of the authors of ‘Thin-for-gestational age infants are at increased risk of neurodevelopmental delay at 2 years’. Read the full article: http://fn.bmj.com/content/102/3/F197. The Cork BASELINE Birth Cohort Study was funded by the National Children's Research Centre. The SCOPE study was funded by the Health Research Board, Ireland. More from the ADC FN May 2017's edition here: http://fn.bmj.com/content/102/3.

In this episode Laura Rooney Ferris talks to Louise Farragher, Information Specialist with the Health Research Board's Evidence Generation & Knowledge Brokering Unit. The interview covers the role of information professionals as embedded members of evidence generation and research teams, the art of learning on the job and evolving opportunities for information professionals in supporting research and evidence gathering. Links from this episode; Health Research Board; http://www.hrb.ie/home/ HRB National Drugs Library: http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/ International Congress of Medical Librarianship (ICML) & European Association for Health Information and Libraries (EAHIL) conference 2017 : http://eahil2017.net/

Johnny Connolly outlines current research and policy on the broad areas of crime and drugs, and also discusses crime statistics and recent trends in drug consumption. Recorded in front of a live audience in the Central Library on 8 September 2011 as part of its 'Crime and the City' series. Johnny Connolly is a criminologist in the Alcohol and Drugs Research Unit of the Health Research Board. He has researched and written on community policing, drugs and crime and alternatives to imprisonment. He is a Board member of the Irish Penal Reform Trust. Johnny outlines current research and policy on the broad areas of crime and drugs. He explains where the statistics in use come from, what they explain and what they may conceal. He also goes through recent trends in drug consumption (rise in the Celtic tiger years, subsequent fall and the ‘headshop’ phenomena) and the official response to this. His talk was followed by questions and answers.

Una de la medidas sanitarias más notables de los últimos años en varios países ha sido la prohibición de fumar en lugares públicos como restaurantes. Una revisión Cochrane actualizada en febrero de 2016 examina los efectos sobre la salud de estas prohibiciones. Su autora principal, Kate Frazer, trabaja en el University College Dublin en Irlanda, primer país del mundo en introducir una de estas leyes nacionales. Además, le fue asignada una Beca de Formación Cochrane y recibió financiación del Health Research Board de Irlanda para actualizar esta revisión.Este podcast ha sido traducido del inglés por Andrea Cervera del Centro Cochrane Iberoamericano.

Una de la medidas sanitarias más notables de los últimos años en varios países ha sido la prohibición de fumar en lugares públicos como restaurantes. Una revisión Cochrane actualizada en febrero de 2016 examina los efectos sobre la salud de estas prohibiciones. Su autora principal, Kate Frazer, trabaja en el University College Dublin en Irlanda, primer país del mundo en introducir una de estas leyes nacionales. Además, le fue asignada una Beca de Formación Cochrane y recibió financiación del Health Research Board de Irlanda para actualizar esta revisión.Este podcast ha sido traducido del inglés por Andrea Cervera del Centro Cochrane Iberoamericano.

Johnny Connolly discussing drugs and crime in Ireland, followed by questions and answers.

Marilyn S. Sommers, PhD, RN, FAAN, is the Lillian S. Brunner Professor of Medical-Surgical Nursing, and Associate Director, Center for Health Disparities Research at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. Dr. Sommers has developed a program of research focused on human response to injury in general, with particular emphasis on risk-taking behaviors that lead to injury, as well as on the physical consequences of injury. She has systematically built the science of injury through a number of productive research programs that have led to sustained funding from federal agencies. Through a series of randomized controlled trials she has tested the effectiveness of screening and brief intervention to reduce health-compromising behaviors such as problem drinking and risky driving. The overall scientific significance of this work is the insight that injury risk comes from a cluster of risk-taking behaviors that need to be addressed by health care providers, and that these behaviors are amenable to interventions that promote health and safety. She has forged a new area of inquiry by developing innovative techniques for the forensic rape exam that will quantify injury by digital image analysis. This important work has the potential to reduce health disparities by providing sensitive and specific techniques to detect injury regardless of the skin color of rape survivors. Through systemic inquiry and extensive publications, Dr. Sommers has raised important questions about risk-taking, the consequences physical injury, and strategies to reduce injury. Her work has enhanced injury science and led to promoting health. Dr. Sommers is a superb disseminator of findings, with more than 80 published articles, abstracts, reviews, and reports; 10 books or editorships; and 12 chapters in books. She has an extraordinary publication record in clinical as well as research journals. She has consulted nationally and internationally and has been on numerous review panels and study sections for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and Ireland’s Health Research Board. In addition, Dr. Sommers serves as Chair of the Steering Committee for the Council for the Advancement of Nursing Sciences (CANS) and serves as Chair of the Research Committee of the Society of Critical Care Medicine, the first nurse scientist to do so.

Marilyn S. Sommers, PhD, RN, FAAN, is the Lillian S. Brunner Professor of Medical-Surgical Nursing, and Associate Director, Center for Health Disparities Research at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. Dr. Sommers has developed a program of research focused on human response to injury in general, with particular emphasis on risk-taking behaviors that lead to injury, as well as on the physical consequences of injury. She has systematically built the science of injury through a number of productive research programs that have led to sustained funding from federal agencies. Through a series of randomized controlled trials she has tested the effectiveness of screening and brief intervention to reduce health-compromising behaviors such as problem drinking and risky driving. The overall scientific significance of this work is the insight that injury risk comes from a cluster of risk-taking behaviors that need to be addressed by health care providers, and that these behaviors are amenable to interventions that promote health and safety. She has forged a new area of inquiry by developing innovative techniques for the forensic rape exam that will quantify injury by digital image analysis. This important work has the potential to reduce health disparities by providing sensitive and specific techniques to detect injury regardless of the skin color of rape survivors. Through systemic inquiry and extensive publications, Dr. Sommers has raised important questions about risk-taking, the consequences physical injury, and strategies to reduce injury. Her work has enhanced injury science and led to promoting health. Dr. Sommers is a superb disseminator of findings, with more than 80 published articles, abstracts, reviews, and reports; 10 books or editorships; and 12 chapters in books. She has an extraordinary publication record in clinical as well as research journals. She has consulted nationally and internationally and has been on numerous review panels and study sections for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and Ireland’s Health Research Board. In addition, Dr. Sommers serves as Chair of the Steering Committee for the Council for the Advancement of Nursing Sciences (CANS) and serves as Chair of the Research Committee of the Society of Critical Care Medicine, the first nurse scientist to do so.