Podcasts about Science Foundation Ireland

Dr Ruth Freeman from Science Foundation Ireland joins The Pat Kenny Show to explore seawater cement technology and how pharmaceutical pollution is affecting Atlantic salmon.Listen here.

Today on Green Scene, evolution in flies, and the unusual circumstances of how a baby shark was born with no dad. All to discuss with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland.All with thanks to Repak.

Does Veganuary put people off meat for life and the running abilities of modern humans, and how we compare to our ancestors? All up for discussion on this week's 'Green Scene' with Dr Ruth Freeman, Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland.All with thanks to AIB Ireland.

Today on Green Scene we hear how birds are surviving the cold weather and how conservation really works. All to discuss with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland.

Today on Green Scene how human children are better than great apes at anticipating others' food choices, and rats that love to drive. All to discuss with Dr Ruth Freeman, Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland.All with thanks to AIB Ireland.

Pat was joined by Dr. Ruth Freeman, Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland, for this week's Green Scene. They discussed the alarming decline in wildlife populations and explored the surprising role jet trails play in both climate warming and cooling.

Maynooth University computer scientist Professor Damien Woods has been awarded €4 million in funding under the European Innovation Council Pathfinder Challenge programme, with his proposal for a DNA-based computing and information storage system. Prof Woods' team was the only Irish-led group to receive the prestigious award in the 2023 funding round. After a recent patent filing, the team are now positioned to announce the details of this award. The usage of artificially-synthesised DNA to store large amounts of data could reduce the current high energy demands of digital storage across the world. Horizon Europe, the EU's research funding program, sought expert solutions as current data storage technologies face energy limits. In Ireland, data centres consumed 21% of total energy in 2023, up from 5% in 2015. Prof Woods and his team at Maynooth University's Hamilton Institute will investigate how computers of the future could run on DNA. The new EU grant will build on the work already achieved by the team to enable DNA to store data, then read, write, and carry out computations. This molecular 'library' that Woods' team is developing will include DNA-based algorithms, that can be triggered to modify data stored in DNA, so that the nanoscale DNA-based computers will have both a memory bank as well as the ability to carry out future computations. Describing the research, Prof Woods commented: "Each of the cells in your body has more than a gigabyte worth of DNA in it. By taking inspiration from biology, and storing data in DNA we might use less space and energy than currently needed to store digital data, freeing up valuable resources. This nanoscale storage capacity could one day be used for chemical computers that retain and interact with large amounts of data in microscopic amounts of space." Traditionally, DNA forms a winding double helix consisting of two long DNA strands bound together. However, Prof Woods and his team will design short DNA strands that interact with a single long DNA strand to encode both data and programs in DNA. DNA interactions are well-understood, and the resulting nanoscale structures are highly predictable from their DNA base sequences, similar to Lego pieces sticking together. To carry out a DNA computation, the team will mix carefully designed synthetic DNA strands that code for specific data and algorithms together into a test tube. The results of computations can be read out using a light-based detection method, or even by using a special microscope to see a folded nanoscale structure. Prof Woods explained: "DNA in a droplet of liquid can run precise computations. The advantage of this technology compared to digital laptops is that one day we might have a huge amount of data stored in DNA, potentially in much smaller space than current technology. By running computations directly on DNA in the droplet, there is no need to use a laptop and expensive lab equipment to read the data. This has the potential to save on energy costs, but perhaps, more importantly opens up new forms of algorithmic molecular control at the nanoscale." The EU's flagship science and research innovation funding programme, Horizon Europe, sought expert solutions to tackle the challenge of DNA data storage to help combat the growing concerns around energy usage for digital data storage. Prof Woods previously won a European Research Council grant as well as Science Foundation Ireland funding to develop DNA-based computers, and the work conducted under this new grant will build on that. His team includes Dr Abeer Eshra, Dr Kim Reilly, Dr Constantine Evans, as well as PhD students Ahmed Shalaby and Cai Wood, undergraduates Janet Adio, Angel Cervera Roldan and visiting academic Dr Sergiu Ivanov. Two SME partners are collaborating on the project: Major Groove by prgm.net, is providing scientific input and lab automation software led by former Maynooth PhD student Dr Tristan Stérin, and tilibit who will synthesise long DNA strand...

Drivers of electric vehicles (EVs) are more likely to be involved in at-fault road traffic accidents than drivers of petrol and diesel cars, a study by researchers at Lero, the Research Ireland Centre for Software, and University of Limerick reveals. In a paper to be published in November in the journal Accident Analysis & Prevention, the Lero researchers analysed insurance claims and data from onboard sensors and revealed a number of key findings: Electric and hybrid drivers exhibit different behaviours than drivers of traditional vehicles. Electric vehicles record more at-fault claims than traditional vehicles. Electric vehicles are 6.7% more expensive to repair than traditional vehicles. Lero researcher and co-director of the Centre of Emerging Risk Studies at the Kemmy Business School, Dr Barry Sheehan, said EV drivers have a higher chance of experiencing an at-fault claim than drivers of cars with internal combustion engines (ICE). "Our research finds that despite their lower average mileage than internal combustion engines, lower road exposure for EV drivers does not reduce their risk of experiencing an at-fault insurance claim. When analysing at-fault claims, we find a 4 % increase in crashes from EVs and a 6 % increase for hybrids (HYBs) compared to internal combustion engines. "However, when tested with statistical models, hybrids do not display any further concerns of increased at-fault claim risk. These results indicate that EVs have a higher risk profile than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. "Our research shows drivers' driving behaviour changes significantly when switching to hybrids or EVs. These results mean EVs are more likely to experience an at-fault claim than internal combustion engines," added Dr Sheehan, Associate Professor in Risk and Finance at UL. Lero researcher and lead author Kevin McDonnell said their analysis of each fuel type shows that EVs and hybrids have lower average mileages than internal combustion engines. "This suggests that internal combustion engines should have a higher probability of incurring an at-fault claim than alternate energy fuel-type vehicles. However, the claims data contradicts this assumption by providing evidence of increased at-fault claim occurrences in EVs through predictive modelling and risk analysis," he added. Lero's Professor Finbarr Murphy, Executive Dean of the Kemmy Business School at UL and co-author, said that, given the increased likelihood of incurring an at-fault insurance claim with less mileage, significant first-party damages, and battery costs, alternative energy vehicles are riskier and have a higher financial burden than petrol and diesel cars. The study used telematic data from 125 million commercial fleet vehicle trips involving 14,642 vehicles recorded from January 2022 to October 2022 in the Netherlands. It also used an insurance claims dataset during the same period. Lero, the Research Ireland Centre for Software, is based at University of Limerick and funded by Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland, formerly Science Foundation Ireland. The paper is co-authored by Lero and UL's Kevin McDonnell, Dr Barry Sheehan and Professor Finbarr Murphy, as well as Professor Montserrat Guillen of Universitat de Barcelona and is available to read in full at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001457524003063?via%3Dihub.

The ADAPT Research Ireland Centre for AI-Driven Digital Content Technology released its latest impact report today, showcasing the Centre's significant contributions to the Irish economy and society valued at over €1.1 billion. Minister for Finance, Jack Chambers, officially launched the report, praising ADAPT for its groundbreaking research and collaboration across diverse sectors and acknowledged the Centre's role as a key player in defending democracy in a digital age. ADAPT has become a key player in addressing societal challenges, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth in Ireland through its multidisciplinary research platform. Leveraging €42 million in Government investment, ADAPT has delivered a 27.5-fold return, translating into over €1.1 billion in economic impact, solidifying its position as a leading global hub for AI research. Headquartered at Trinity College Dublin, ADAPT is one of Ireland's flagship research centres funded by the Irish Government through Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland, and formerly funded under Science Foundation Ireland. Launching the report, Minister for Finance, Jack Chambers TD, said: "This report clearly demonstrates ADAPT's remarkable impact to the Irish economy and society more generally, in less than a decade. In a time where misinformation spreads rapidly, ADAPT's work on AI and digital content is vital in combating this challenge. By advancing AI literacy and developing tools to detect deep fakes and misleading content, ADAPT ensures that technology strengthens trust and transparency in society. Their research equips individuals and institutions with the means to critically assess information, making them a key player in defending democracy in a digital world." Celine Fitzgerald, CEO of Research Ireland, welcomed the report, saying: "In a competitive global landscape, research centres must show their value across a wide range of areas. This internationally peer-reviewed Centre Network has had a transformative economic and societal impact on Ireland. ADAPT exemplifies this by combining world-class research with a strong commitment to societal good, as demonstrated by award winning engaged research and their public engagement programme, which has connected with over 507,000 people." ADAPT has made a global impact through collaborations with 260 partners across 38 countries, positioning Ireland as a leader in AI research and innovation. The Centre has hosted 64 international conferences, which attracted nearly 24,000 delegates from around the world to Ireland. These conferences showcased cutting edge AI research and generated €38 million in economic activity through delegate spending on accommodation, dining, transport, and local services. The Centre employs over 300 highly skilled professionals and has supported the creation of 1,039 new research jobs in Ireland. It has nurtured 22 high-potential startups such as MoovAhead, SoapBox Labs, and Biologit, which have collectively generated more than 144 jobs and attracted over €340 million in multinational investment. These companies are boosting Ireland's tech ecosystem and are at the forefront of fields such as immersive learning, digital mental health support, and voice AI. Professor John D Kelleher, Director of the ADAPT Centre at Trinity College Dublin, said: "The potential of generative AI to reshape our world is limitless, but the path it takes depends on the choices we make now. At ADAPT, we're fortunate to have a diverse community of researchers examining both the opportunities and risks of this technology. By drawing on world-class Irish-based researchers from a range of disciplines such as data science, AI, clinical sciences, and the humanities, our research focuses on how AI will shape critical areas such as work, education, culture, and healthcare." Key highlights of the report published today include: Total Economic Impact: ADAPT's activities from 2015 to 2023 generated an economic impact of over €1.1 billion, r...

Women sharing health and fitness content on social media are generally unconcerned about data privacy and are unaware personal information may be monetised without consent, researchers at Lero, Ireland's research centre for software, have found. A Lero research team from University College Cork (UCC), deploying a systematic method for reviewing published research, selected 21 relevant academic papers from thousands of international researchers to clarify the benefits and challenges facing women interacting with fitness content on social media. Doireann Peelo Dennehy, lead author of the paper Keeping Fit & Staying Safe: A Systematic Review of Women's Use of Social Media for Fitness, said users seemed generally unconcerned about their data safety and privacy. "Our review found women social media users presumed their data was not worthwhile or exciting, saying, for instance, 'I don't think they'll have very much interest in my information.' "This blasé attitude may stem from a deficit of understanding of the extent to which their data are being used or a perception that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks," added Doireann, whose project, supervised by Dr Kellie Morrissey, Dr Sarah Foley and Professor John McCarthy is based in the School of Applied Psychology, UCC, Ireland. Co-author of the research Stephanie Murphy said social media has transformed how users create, share, and consume health and fitness content. "Research to date demonstrates that despite positive sharing opportunities, women are subject to misinformation, gendered harassment, and economic surveillance. Social media usage for fitness is growing, and the industry is expanding. However, there are risks when engaging with fitness content online. Specifically, issues regarding body image issues, exposure to misinformation and the privacy risks associated with being online," she added. Researcher Dr Sarah Foley said support is vital for women's engagement in physical activity, as they are less likely to exercise than men and more likely to report barriers to engagement. "Women find support through engagement with fitness influencers, while men are more likely to view athletes' content than fitness influencers. Creating and sharing fitness content online can encourage more women to learn about health and fitness habits and should be possible without exposing their data to exploitation," she added. The researchers, whose review found that the majority of research so far has focused on women in the Western world, have developed an analytic framework they hope will help future researchers, policymakers, developers, and designers better understand users' engagement with fitness content on social media. Lero, headquartered at University of Limerick, is funded by Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland, which was formerly funded by Science Foundation Ireland. See more stories here. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

Nearly 180,000 gorillas, chimpanzees and bonobos (more than a third of the entire great ape population in Africa) could be directly or indirectly threatened by mining now and in the near future, according to a recent study in the journal Science Advances.Also Scientist have found that in the next 50 years humans will have moved further into wildlife habitats - across more than half of Earth's land – which will threaten biodiversity and increase the chance of future pandemics. All up for discuss on this week's Green Scene with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland.All with thanks to AIB Ireland.

Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland discusses the second largest diamond ever found. Also an AI analysis of climate policies over the last 20 years. All up for discussion in this week's Green Scene.All with thanks to AIB Ireland.

In this week's 'Green Scene, we hear about wearables for marine creatures that mean we can track what they are up to. Also we ask what is the status of the Great Barrier Reef. All to discuss with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland.All with thanks to AIB Ireland.

The microbes lurking in our microwaves, and tiny wasps that are helping to protect museum collections from moths. All up for discussion in this week's Green Scene with Dr Ruth Freeman, Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland.All with thanks to AIB Ireland.

More fascinating behaviour from the insect world has been revealed in a study of tiger beetles and how they try to avoid bats, which see them as a hearty meal. Sounding like a toxic moth might keep some beetles safe from hungry bats. All to discuss with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland.All with thanks to AIB Ireland.

A research team led by University of Galway is investigating whether climate change is reducing the impact that some of tiniest organisms in the oceans have on CO2 levels in the atmosphere. The researchers spent several weeks at sea on board the Marine Institute's Celtic Explorer in the Labrador Sea between Canada and Greenland, to record levels of phytoplankton. Climate change's impact on oceans The expedition team are assessing the role of these tiny plants in carbon absorption from the atmosphere in the context of the threat from climate change on the seas from freshwater and meltwater in the Arctic regions. Water samples and atmospheric measurements gathered by the researchers will help to assess how phytoplankton living on the sunlit ocean surface absorbs CO2 and nutrients, and in turn produces organic carbon, some of which sinks into the deep ocean, locking in the greenhouse gas for centuries. The outstanding question is to quantify how much carbon is exported to the deep ocean. This process of carbon transfer is known as the Biological Carbon Pump (BCP) and it plays a critical role in global climate regulation. Professor Brian Ward, Professor of Oceanography at University of Galway, said: "The interplay between the physics and biology of phytoplankton and their role in the carbon cycle, and how climate change is affecting this, is not well understood. Our current ability to predict changes in the Biological Carbon Pump in the face of ongoing and future climate change is weak at best." The research expedition was funded by the Marine Institute, and led by Professor Brian Ward, School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway and involved researchers from Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada and the Ocean Frontier Institute; Memorial University Newfoundland; and the Science Foundation Ireland research centre for applied geosciences - iCRAG. The Labrador Sea in the North Atlantic is home to the largest sustained phytoplankton bloom annually, but it is believed that rapid changes are occurring in this region, and there are very few assessments of the Biological Carbon Pump. Current estimates suggest that the BCP removes 5-12 gigatonnes of carbon from the atmosphere per year, roughly equal to anthropogenic CO2 emissions - the environmental change caused or influenced by people, either directly or indirectly. The research project - Biological Carbon Export in the Labrador Sea (BELAS) - used a 10m mast on the bow of the Marine Institute research vessel Celtic Explorer to directly measure how much CO2 is being transferred from the atmosphere to the ocean. Preliminary analysis indicates that an enormous flux of CO2 transfer occurred during the research expedition, driven by the abundance of phytoplankton photosynthesising in the surface waters. The University of Galway team also measured the turbulence in the ocean down to 100m with their unique profiling instrument, as turbulence is a critical process for controlling phytoplankton behaviour, which is just gaining recognition within the international community. This places UGAL at the cutting edge of the interaction between ocean physics and biology. The Canadian scientists involved in the research project took water samples during the two week expedition, with the aim that their analysis will bridge the knowledge gap over the role of phytoplantkon in the carbon cycle. Professor Ward said: "Building on the successful international research expedition in 2022, our aim is to assess the functioning of the biological carbon pump in the Labrador Sea and improve our understanding of the mechanisms behind it so that we can make better predictions about its impact in the face of climate change. "By transferring carbon into the deeper ocean, the BCP effectively removes CO2 from the atmosphere for centuries, slowing global warming. However, there is mounting evidence that climate warming is affecting the BCP, especially in higher latitudes, via increasing freshwater inputs, altere...

The impact of street lights on insects and sustainability at the Olympics. All up for discussion on this week's Green Scene with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland.All with thanks to AIB Ireland.

In this week's Green Scene, Dr. Ruth Freeman, Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland, joined Pat to discuss how to stop thieving seagulls and the latest progress in elephant vaccinations.

To this week's Green Scene with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland discusses how to dealing with extreme heat and we hear all about surgeon ants. All with thanks to AIB Ireland.

Today we hear how cane toads could be used to immunise wildlife, and how frog saunas could help tackle a critical amphibian pandemic. Dr Ruth Freeman, Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland discusses all with Jonathan this morning on this week's Green Scene. All with thanks to AIB Ireland.

At the second annual Microsoft Dream Space Showcase held in Dublin to mark the end of the school year, Microsoft announced that it has engaged 300,000 young people and teachers in its immersive Microsoft Dream Space STEM experience, which has been designed to help young people pursue their interest in STEM and shift their perceptions about the role technology can play in their future career choices. This important milestone comes just 18 months after the company pledged to provide almost 1,000,000 students and their teachers across the island of Ireland with the opportunity to develop their digital and AI skills. Over the past year, the company has introduced a suite of new programmes, which has helped to broaden the reach of Microsoft Dream Space. The company joined forces with RTÉ Learn to present Microsoft Dream Space TV: brAIn_waves - a series exploring the evolution of AI, which enabled primary and post-primary students to develop their AI literacy. The Microsoft Dream Space hub in Leopardstown also hosted the largest 'Capture the Flag' cybersecurity event for post-primary school students in Ireland, which sought to inspire the next generation of cybersecurity leaders. To address inequalities in accessing STEM careers among post-primary students in socially disadvantaged communities, Microsoft Ireland, together with Maynooth University, Science Foundation Ireland, and the Department of Education, expanded the STEM Passport for Inclusion initiative nationwide with the ambition to engage a further 5,000 students. The second annual Microsoft Dream Space Showcase held at One Microsoft Place this week brought together over 400 students from rural areas to demonstrate the many ways in which their digital skills can help to solve some of today's sustainability challenges. Other Microsoft Dream Space innovations introduced within the past 12 months include the expansion of the Dream Space Ambassador and Dream Space LIVE programmes, the launch of the Dream Space Minecraft Teacher Academy, the relaunch of the Dream Space Digital Academy and the rollout of bespoke Dream Space events for people with disabilities. The continued expansion of Microsoft Dream Space builds on Microsoft's recent commitment to help 'Skill Up Ireland' by providing people of all ages, experiences and ambitions with the opportunity to develop their AI fluency and skills. James O'Connor, Microsoft Ireland Site Leader and Vice-President Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre, said: "As part of our commitment to Skill Up Ireland for the era of AI, we're incredibly proud to have engaged 300,000 young people from across this island in our Microsoft Dream Space experience. "With digital technology transforming our lives, work, and education, it's crucial that every student, regardless of socio-demographics, can engage in STEM learning as early as possible and prepare for our AI future. That's why 18 months ago, we committed an additional €3 million investment in our innovation and education hub, Microsoft Dream Space, over four years. "As a result, we've been able to significantly expand our Dream Space programming and introduce new innovations to broaden its reach and impact. The significant increases in STEM interest and confidence that we're seeing as a result, particularly among girls and students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, highlight the power of the programme. "Through the continued growth of Microsoft Dream Space, I'm confident that we can provide every student on the island of Ireland with the chance to engage in STEM and AI learning and empower the next generation of digital leaders." Speaking about her experience of the Dream Space Student Ambassador programme, Isobel Fay, a student from Our Lady of Mercy Convent School in Booterstown, said: "Since taking part in the Dream Space Ambassador programme, I've learned so much about new technologies like AI and how they can be used to solve different problems in society. All the training ...

Pacific grey whales have shrunk by 13% in two decades, according to a new study that sheds light on the impact of climate change on marine mammals, and scientists fear this could have a significant impact on whale health. Also, an extensive aerial survey in South Sudan has revealed an enormous migration of 6 million antelope – the largest migration of land mammals anywhere on Earth.We get the details from Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland in this week's Green Scene.All with thanks to AIB Ireland.

How mosquito release might help save endangered birds. Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland joined Anton to discuss on the week's Green Scene.All with thanks to AIB Ireland.

Legal Affairs Correspondent Orla O'Donnell on Philip Nolan's case over his dismissal from Science Foundation Ireland

CÚRAM, the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) research centre for medical devices based at the University of Galway, today launched an economic report that puts its value to the Irish economy at €756 million, building on 10 years of public investment. CÚRAM was established in 2015 with an initial commitment of Government investment of €64.8 million through Science Foundation Ireland. Economic impact analysis carried out by Mazars shows that investment in CÚRAM, to the end of 2023, has led to direct spending of €210 million in the Irish economy and the generation of a further €546 million in economic activity in Ireland - putting its economic value at €756 million and a more than 10-fold return on government funding. CÚRAM has helped to expand Ireland's attractiveness as a global hub for the medtech sector - one of only a handful of locations in the world - by establishing partnerships and by fully funding or co-funding collaborative projects with 47 innovative companies in the sector. Investment in CÚRAM has also supported a total of 2,547 jobs in the Irish economy. In addition, more than €80 million of EU grant funding has been committed to research projects at CÚRAM. Welcoming the report, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science,?Patrick O'Donovan, T.D., said: "I congratulate CÚRAM for its significant impact on the Irish economy and society. This report demonstrates the importance of the Government's policy of continuing to invest in research and innovation and supporting excellence and scale through the world-leading SFI Research Centre Network in areas of strategic national importance. "CÚRAM provides innovative solutions for industry and society, which enable better quality of life for patients. As our population ages, this is helping us to create a better tomorrow for all citizens." Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, President of the University of Galway, said: "I would like to congratulate CÚRAM as they mark ten impactful years of research. The centre epitomises what it means to be for the public good. The real value of CÚRAM remains its people, and its key strength lies in building collaborations and networks that generate impactful research." Dr Siobhan Roche, Director of Science for the Economy at Science Foundation Ireland, joined in the celebration of the Centre's success, said: "CÚRAM has a strong track record of generating high-quality research and training the next generation of medical device researchers. The Centre's deep commitment to education and public engagement is not only inspiring younger generations to pursue a career in STEM but is also promoting new approaches in the management of chronic illness. Amplifying its impact, CÚRAM has attracted over €225.7 million in additional investment from industry and EU sources, further highlighting the value of publicly funded research to the Irish taxpayer." CÚRAM Director, Professor Abhay Pandit, said: "Addressing chronic disease to support healthy aging is one of the most pressing public health and economic challenges of our time. Our research programme is developing solutions to help us all live well as we age, with conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes and neurological disorders." CÚRAM has a further three years of operation left in its current Government funding period to build even further on its impact. By connecting the patient voice with the combined expertise and technologies of Ireland's leading scientists, clinicians and engineers from 10 universities, alongside international industry partners, the Centre ensures that its research is shaped and guided by the invaluable perspectives of people with lived experience of chronic illness. Dr Eoghan Ó Faoláin, Director of Irish MedTech: "Ireland is one of the top employers of MedTech professionals in Europe, and it is in no small part due to our rich talent pool of third-level graduates and dynamic supports for upskilling. By fostering collaboration between higher e...

In this week's Green Scene, Dr. Ruth Freeman, Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland, discusses more sustainable "whole-food" chocolate and how rare metals needed for green energy might be mined more cleanly using eggshells and seaweed.

More than 25,000 people attended the highly anticipated Cork Carnival of Science last weekend in Fitzgerald Park, which is worth an estimated €250,000 to the local economy. The theme for this year's event, which is supported by Cork City Council and Science Foundation Ireland, focused on the science of the natural world. This free family science festival was opened by An Tánaiste Michéal Martin and Lord Mayor Cllr Kieran McCarthy who were given a guided tour of the park and took time to meet scientists, researchers and families at Ireland's largest outdoor science engagement event. Over the 2 days of the Carnival of Science, the public revelled in the chance to explore, investigate, experiment, and discover the wonders of science on this STEMtastic day out which blended education with entertainment in equal measure. Here are some at a glance statistics from the 2024 Cork Carnival of Science Families got a unique chance to get up close with real science projects resulting in 10,000 maths puzzles solved, 1500 batteries made, 2000 DNA samples taken as researchers from leading institutes of education and industry hosted interactive stands and workshops. 200+ researchers and performers got involved in live science shows, walk about performances and interactive science activities. · 50 volunteers assisted with the running of the event · 26 seated live-shows over 2 days · 45 pop up science activities at stalls and stands along the main exploration routes · 12 local food trucks to keep people fuelled. · 9 drinking water stations to provide fresh drinking water and reduce single use plastics · 200+ bed nights directly involved with the event · An estimated economic boost of €250,000 to the city over the weekend Commenting on the success of the 2024 Cork Carnival of Science, Ellen Murphy Executive Scientist at Cork City Council said, "The goal with Cork Carnival of Science is to create a STEM wonderland, packed with fun and exciting ways to enjoy science and inspire a love of scientific endeavour in future generations. Cork City Council was delighted to be a driving force behind this free event as it gives families a wonderful way to make science education fun for children and fits well into our ongoing STEM promotion efforts and wider festival programme." She continued "Many visitors remarked that they attended both days and are already looking forward to next year's festival so that is proof that the Cork Carnival of Science formula works!" Cork City Council have been promoting and supporting STEM activities through the Lifetime Labs at the Old Cork Waterworks Experience for over 20 years. Cork Carnival of Science is different from all other science engagement events in that it takes real life scientists out of the lab and into the outdoors. Families get to make their own scientific discoveries and learn from researchers and science educators in a fun and interactive way. Cork City Council are very grateful to all who attended and got involved in making this year a huge success and to Science Foundation Ireland for their continued support. Cork Carnival of Science is a Cork City Council event, supported by Science Foundation Ireland with media partners The Irish Examiner and Cork's Red FM. For more see www.corkcity.ie/en/cork-carnival-of-science or follow @corkcitycouncilofficial on social media for updates. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter...

There are mere days to go until Ireland's largest outdoor science engagement event, Cork Carnival of Science, gets underway at Fitzgerald Park from June 8th to 9th. This unmissable FREE family science fun weekend is guaranteed to get a great 'reaction' with previous years proving the hypothesis that learning and fun really do go hand in hand! Supported by Cork City Council and Science Foundation Ireland and organised by Cork City Council's Lifetime Lab @ Old Cork Waterworks Experience, the Cork Carnival of Science is hugely impressive and a high quality 2 day celebration of all things Science, Technology Engineering, and Maths that will see Fitzgerald Park transformed into a pop up science super park this coming weekend! Organisers are calling on families to vote with their feet and head to Fitzgerald Park on Saturday or Sunday (or both!) where they will get to explore, investigate, experiment, and discover the wonders of science in a completely fun fuelled and interactive way…. and it's all free! Here are 5 things to know ahead of the Cork Carnival of Science! 1. Circus Tent Showstoppers! Over the 2 days, there will be as many as 26 live seated science shows in Circus Top and Stretch Tents throughout the scenic park. Topping the bill are, of course, the live science shows performed by stars of science education and entertainment who the kids will recognise from TV shows and YouTube. These seated shows draw large crowds and offer regular performances throughout the day, with no need to book in advance - just line up before the next performance! This year's headliners include Airforce' by Simply Science physicists Dr Stephen Davitt and Phil Smyth from RTÉ's Home School Hub, 'The Crazy Weather Show' by Science 2 Life's wonderfully dramatic Scientific Sue, 'Now that's what I call Science' by W5 from Belfast, 'Its Only Water' by Science Made Simple, 'Airheads' by Thunder Bolts & Lightning and 'The Circus Science Show' by Inspirational Science, so plenty there to blow your mind! 2. Putting Nature and the Environment under the Microscope! This year's theme will focus on climate and the natural world from a scientific point of view. Poppy from 'Bee-ology' will create a buzz with a circus science that juggles bee and insect stories and facts. A branch of the Irish Tree Network will take you on a remarkable journey through the world of plants, including their uses and benefits. The crew from the Marine Institute will float their Explorers Education Programme, encouraging greater understanding of the marine world and recruiting young people to become ocean champions! Cork's very own Lifetime Lab will be on hand to demonstrate the use of microscopes to get up and close with mini beasties from our rivers, and the Animal Roadshow will bring along their petting zoo featuring lizards, snakes, spiders, owls, frogs and more. 3. Eco-Friendliness Aiming to make the festival as sustainable and low-impact as possible, the organisers have taken a number of steps. These include providing free drinking water, so all you need to do is bring along a reusable bottle or keep a cup to quench your thirst! All the food stalls have been vetted for sustainable food practices and are all local operators, including Bo burgers and steaks, Bad Boys BBQ, Dinky Donuts, Sultan Delight, Munchies, Bubble Waffle House, O'Flynn's Gourmet Sausage Company, Glanmire Ices, Keith's Cones, Pizza base, Candy Rock Lane, The Crepe Man. There will be a cycle valet service available on the day to encourage people to cycle to the event, they can then park up their bikes securely at bike stands within the park at the Lord Mayor's Pavilion which will be supervised for the duration of the event. The festival has been reusing directional and branded signage since 2019 so that is certainly sustainability in practice! 4. Activities and Accessibility! Popular attractions on a gigantic scale will feature again this year, in the form of the Stardome Giant Inflatable Planetarium brought a...

How whales do so much to combat climate change, and we hear about the world's largest genome. All this to discuss in this weeks Green Scene with Dr. Ruth Freeman Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland.All with thanks to AIB Ireland.

Philip Nolan became a household name as one of the experts who led Ireland's response to the Covid pandemic. More recently though, his conduct as Director General of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) has propelled him back onto the frontpages. While his position at SFI has now been terminated by the Board, his role in the future of Research Ireland remains unclear. Kevin Doyle is joined by Fionnán Sheahan, Ireland Editor with the Irish Independent, to discuss what's going on at Science Foundation Ireland and explain why, despite Philip Nolan's departure, the story is far from over. Host: Kevin Doyle, Guest: Fionnán Sheahan See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Green Scene this week, we hear about new research on how companies might be pulling the wool over our eyes with greenwashing. Also studies which show the impact biodiversity loss might have on our health. All to discuss with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland.All with thanks to AIB Ireland.

Ireland's largest outdoor science engagement event, Cork Carnival of Science, has announced a STEMtastic programme for this year's festival, which will pop up at Fitzgerald Park from 8th - 9th June. Supported by Cork City Council and Science Foundation Ireland and organised by Cork City Council's Lifetime Lab @ Old Cork Waterworks Experience, this hugely impressive and high quality 2 day STEM engagement event will see Fitzgerald Park transformed into a science super park for the weekend. Curious kids and fun-loving families are invited to explore, investigate, experiment, and discover the wonders of science, which will delve into climate and the natural world from a scientific point of view.this year. Almost 25,000 people attend each year and this year's budding scientists are invited to unlock nature's secrets and explore more than 45 different STEM based activities. There will be 26 live seated science shows in Circus Top and Stretch Tents, demonstrations throughout the scenic park, walkabout scientific performers, the animal roadshow, interactive stands, an active zone, microscopic wonders, lego mania, remote controlled robots, DNA investigations, and discoveries big and small along the way - all for free. Topping the bill are, of course, the live science shows performed by stars of the science education and entertainment realm. These seated shows draw large crowds and offer regular performances throughout the day. This year's headliners include Airforce' by Simply Science physicists Dr. Stephen Davitt and Phil Smyth from RTÉ's Home School Hub, 'The Crazy Weather Show' by Science 2 Life's wonderfully dramatic Scientific Sue, 'Now that's what I call Science' by W5 from Belfast 'Its Only Water' by Science Made Simple, 'Airheads' by Thunder Bolts & Lightning and 'The Circus Science Show' by Inspirational Science. New activities on the programme for 2024 include 'Bee-ology' a circus-science performance that juggles bee and insect stories and facts. There's also 'OurKidsCode' offering parents of primary school aged children taster coding club workshops which they hope will inspire a network of coding clubs around the country. UCC will be on hand to showcase their Free Hydro Cells research project which aims to create energy from sustainable materials. Also new on Discovery Drive will be the Curiosity Cube where kids can join the team from Merck and investigate the life cycle of a t-shirt in a fun and hands-on way. This year's theme will put nature under the microscope with a number of activities. The Irish Tree Network will take you on a remarkable journey through the world of plants where you will learn about plants as sources of oxygen, food, fuel and medicine, habitats, mitigators in climate change and importance in health and wellbeing. The Marine Institute will bring their Explorers Education Programme which aims to encourage greater understanding of the marine world and encourage more young people to become ocean champions in Ireland. Cork's very own Lifetime Lab will be on hand to demonstrate the use of microscopes to get up and close with mini beasties from our rivers and the Animal Roadshow will bring along their petting zoo featuring lizards, snakes, spiders, owls, frogs and more. Large scale favourites making a welcome return include the Stardome Giant Inflatable Planetarium from Blackrock Castle Observatory and the 40ft walkthrough inflatable model of the human digestive system from APC Microbiome Ireland, while the Active Zone will feature a host of 'science of sport' activities facilitated by Transport for Ireland, Cork City Sports Partnership, IRFU and FAI. Guiding you on your scientific adventure will be themed routes including 'Exploration Avenue', 'Innovation Way' and 'Discovery Drive' which will map out where rows of workshops and interactive experiences are located within the park. Here hands-on workshops will offer the chance to try out a broad variety of science-based tasks. Families wishing to make a da...

A groundbreaking development by researchers at Tyndall National Institute and Microelectronics Circuits Centre Ireland (MCCI), based at University College Cork (UCC), is set to transform surgical navigation. In a significant breakthrough, researchers have developed the first sensor-on-a-chip for magnetic tracking in surgery and other image-guided interventions. This development accelerates a move away from reliance on harmful radiation imaging (x-rays) towards a safer, more precise approach to navigating medical instruments within the body. Traditional image-guided interventions often use x-rays for navigation of instruments. However, a pioneering technology known as 'magnetic tracking' is revolutionising clinical practice by minimising the dependency on x-rays, while accelerating the use of surgical robotics and image-guidance. Magnetic tracking uses low-frequency magnetic fields, similar to everyday devices like electric motors and radios, to precisely detect the position of tiny sensors inside the patient. However, existing sensors are complex to manufacture, they are expensive, and are extremely delicate. Preliminary results published in the IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Circuits journal report tracking accuracy of less than a millimetre, making the new sensor the most accurate on-chip sensor to date for navigating instruments inside the body. Researchers were able to demonstrate the use of the chip for tracking instruments inside the lungs, an important application for effective targeting and treatment of diseases like lung cancer, which is the leading cause of global cancer incidence and mortality (source: ncbi.nlm.gov). The sensor is manufactured using standard silicon chip technology resulting in a simplified manufacturing process. Silicon chips are cost-effective at scale allowing the technology to be manufactured at a fraction of the cost of existing medical sensor technology. Silicon chips are also easily integrated with the latest flexible circuits, making assembly quick and reliable. Pádraig Cantillon-Murphy, Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Tyndall and UCC, who led the research team, said: "This represents the culmination of 10 years development of magnetic tracking technology at Tyndall and UCC. I'm immensely proud of the team's achievements over that time and we look forward to translating this technology to clinical applications where it can make a significant difference in patient outcomes." Marcus Kennedy, Professor of Medicine at Cork University Hospital and President of the Irish Thoracic Society who has been collaborating with Tyndall and UCC said: "Magnetic navigation has huge potential in helping with the diagnosis of diseases like lung cancer. Accurate and low-cost access to peripheral lung cancers via bronchoscopy provides a pathway towards not only safe and low-cost biopsy, but also endo-bronchial treatment of lung cancer without the need for invasive surgery. However, the high costs of robotic-assisted interventions and the cost per tracked instrument are prohibitive in most countries. This on-chip sensor could be a real game-changer for navigation in bronchoscopy and many other image-guided interventions." The breakthrough research was made possible through funding from the European Research Council, Science Foundation Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, and through the Microelectronics Circuit Centre Ireland (MCCI) at Tyndall. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reac...

How traffic noise may be impacting baby birds, and flies; the unsung heroes of pollination. All up for discussion on this week's 'Green Scene' with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland. All with thanks to AIB Ireland.

A significant minority of Irish people say they believe in conspiracy theories about a secret world government and scientists deceiving the public. So found new research carried out for the Electoral Commission. Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland spoke to Newstalk Breakfast to discuss further.

What has the impact of climate change been on Emperor Penguins? Dr Ruth Freeman, Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland tell us all and more on this week's 'Green Scene'.All with thanks to AIB Ireland.

Crystel Robbins Rynne, Chief Operating Officer at HR solutions provider HRLocker, outlines Ireland's journey toward gender equality in STEM and beyond. Highlighting success stories and addressing the ongoing challenges In recent years, Ireland has emerged as one of the world's leading technology hubs, with a reputation that continues to soar. Yet, if it is to achieve its aim of becoming Europe's STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) leader by 2026, Ireland, like many other parts of the world, has to improve the gender gap that sees women vastly underrepresented in STEM education and careers. According to recent research from the Department of Education, women only make up a quarter of those employed in STEM roles across Ireland. A figure that comes as no surprise considering just one in three EU STEM graduates is, as the European Commission reports, female. But it's not all doom and gloom - there are reasons to be optimistic. Female STEM role models in Ireland Women such as Abigail Ruth Freeman, Director of the Science Foundation Ireland, who has contributed to advancing scientific research and innovation in the country, and Fionola Cliffe, the Chief Operations Officer of Hooke Bio, are not just highly successful professionals, but they're also preeminent role models for young Irish women with aspirations of a career in STEM fields. Freeman, Cliffe and their peers epitomise the positive trend of increasing female participation in STEM in Ireland. This progress is not only encouraging but also inspiring, as it paves the way for more girls to follow in their footsteps. The visibility of Freeman and Cliffe, along with other Irish women in STEM, is crucial in empowering more women to pursue leadership roles in previously male-dominated industries. Another notable STEM role model, Sonya Geelon, the Chief Commercial Officer at Conferma Pay, champions the motto, 'If you see it, you can be it'. As a passionate advocate for nurturing young up-and-coming talent, Geelon embodies and endorses the progress that continues to be made and instilled in young girls and women. Ireland's low gender pay gap In addition to positive role models, we can be proud that, according to Eurostat, Ireland's gender pay gap is among the lowest in the European Union. Standing recently at 9.9 per cent, it is almost three percentage points below the regional average and has been falling since 2018. The gender pay gap doesn't represent illegal pay discrimination but is a measure of the difference between men's and women's average pay across an entire organisation. A high figure indicates a lower proportion of women in higher-paid leadership positions or more women at the lower end of the pay scale. A relatively low gender pay gap is definitely a positive step in the right direction. Whilst there is undoubtedly still a long way to go here to achieve full gender equality in the workplace, this is a reassuring sign for the future. Increasing levels of participation The rise of women and girls studying STEM subjects and entering STEM careers must also be acknowledged and celebrated. In their 2023 Survey of Female Students' Attitudes to STEM, I Wish, an Irish volunteer-led community committed to showcasing the power of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths to female secondary school students, reports a rise in the percentage of females studying a STEM discipline undergraduate programme from 29 per cent in 2014 to 36 per cent in 2022. The percentage of those studying ICTs rose from 15% to 23% over the same period. This is particularly heartening, considering the statistics cover the COVID-19 pandemic, when other industries slowed and saw less uptake. Other standout statistics include the percentage of female uptake of undergraduate courses in: Biology - 68 per cent Biochemistry - 65 per cent Food Processing - 64 per cent Environmental Sciences - 53% ICT - 51 per cent In response to the I Wish 2023 Survey, the team notes that over the past ten...

More than a third of the great apes living in Africa are under threat from the booming demand for minerals that are the critical to the creation of green energy technologies like electric cars. Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland brings us the details.All with thanks to AIB Ireland.

In this week's Green Scene. Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland will look at how trees might be responsible for a local cooling trend in the eastern US.All with thanks to AIB.

On this week's ''Green Scene' Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland discusses two recent studies. One about a new study identifying hidden chemicals in plastics, and another which links plastics to serious health issues.Green Scene is with thanks to AIB.

We challenge some paradigms about animals in today's 'Green Scene'. We ask if animals mourn their dead and are males always bigger? All to discuss with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland.All with thanks to AIB Ireland.

We find out why we get such a buzz from coffee and we discuss lab made palm oil in this weeks Green Scene with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland.Green Scene is with thanks to AIB Ireland.

Ever wondered why humans don't have tails? Well a new study suggests that it's because of a genetic parasite, Ruth Freeman Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland told us more this morning with Anton.All with thanks to AIB.

Students from Stanhope Street Primary School visited Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) to celebrate the launch of a landmark educational research project that will see every primary school in Ireland receive a free Digital Technology kit. EDTips - Enabling Digital Technology in Primary School will provide every primary school with free digital technology teaching resources and equipment to prepare for the introduction of the Primary Curriculum Framework during the 2025/2026 academic year. The project, led by CSinc (Computer Science Inclusive) at TU Dublin, has received funding from Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and is supported by the University's industry partners AWS In Communities and Workday. Running over two years, EDTips will train primary school teachers in a suite of age-appropriate and interactive educational tools, catering to the abilities of all pupils and encouraging them to become confident, creative, and critical users of digital technology. TU Dublin academics with research expertise in Computer Science education will develop comprehensive teaching materials and activities modelled on the Primary Curriculum Framework, while AWS In Communities will supply 3,000 free offline Digital Technology kits, enabling all schools, irrespective of technical infrastructure, geographical location or socio-economics, to fully engage pupils in the curriculum. EDTips is also supported by Workday, a leading provider of enterprise cloud applications for finance and human resources. Employing over 2,000 people in Ireland, Workday will provide critical resources to help deliver the programme, including software development, content, design and project management. Commenting Minister for Education Norma Foley T.D.,said. "EDTips will not only equip primary school teachers to deliver Digital Technology education but also has the transformative ability to spark the imaginations of young minds. This could set the pupils from Stanhope Street Primary School on a trajectory of educational discovery, potentially paving the way for a rewarding career in Ireland's tech sector." Welcoming the Stanhope Street Primary School pupils and their teachers to Grangegorman, TU Dublin's Vice President for Research and Innovation, Dr Brendan Jennings, said, "Empowering primary school teachers with resources such as EDTips not only enhances their ability to deliver quality STEM education, but also contributes to the overall development of their pupils. This early exposure to STEM concepts has the potential to set students on a path of educational discovery, helping them build a strong foundation for future academic and professional pursuits in digital technology." Welcoming the launch of EDTips, Dr Lisa Higgins, Head of Challenge Research, Education & Public Engagement at SFI, commented: "Science Foundation Ireland's Discover Programme is funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and is designed to create opportunities for broader participation and engagement of the public with STEM. SFI is delighted to support this significant STEM educational programme that builds awareness and confidence in teachers to effectively deliver digital technology in primary school classrooms using fun, hands-on learning." AWS Country Lead for Ireland, Neil Morris, said: "These new technology kits will enable teachers in every primary school in Ireland to learn and be curious with coding and empower them further with digital literacy tools ahead of the introduction of Digital Technology curriculum. At AWS Ireland, we are determined to play our part in fostering the next generation of Irish technology leaders and we will continue to look for opportunities to encourage young technology talent and supporting them in their journey through school and into further education." Welcoming the EDTips initiative, Victoria MacKechnie, Director of Corporate Affairs and Operations, Workday, said: "Skills are increasingly impor...

This week Elon Musk announced his Neuralink company has implanted a wireless brain chip into a human for the first time.But how significant is this step and how exactly does a brain implant affect the mind?Joining Jonathan to discuss this is Dr. Manus Biggs, Associate Professor at the University of Galway and Investigator with Curám, the SFI research centre for medical devices. Also joining Jonathan for this week's installment of Newsround is Dr. Ruth Freeman from Science Foundation Ireland & Laura Healy, Sustainable Food Production Scientist.

Claire Gasque, physics graduate at the University of California, Berkeley, joins Jonathan to discuss the mysterious atmospheric phenomenon only known as STEVE.Also joining Jonathan for the Newsround is Dr Ruth Freeman from Science Foundation Ireland and Shane Bergin from UCD to look back on 2023's biggest science stories.Image by Elfiehall - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=58633661

If you've ever experimented with VR, you know it can trick your brain into thinking that what you see is real.But in the United States, they are taking this technology to a whole new level – a minuscule one. Scientists there have created miniature VR goggles for mice to wear, but why?Professor Daniel Dombeck, Department of Neurobiology, at Northwestern University, joins Jonathan to discuss.Also joining Jonathan for this week's Newsround is Lianne Shanley, PhD Researcher from the School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin & Dr. Ruth Freeman from Science Foundation Ireland.

When it comes to the end of humanity, there are numerous ways it might come to pass - be it a wayward asteroid, the eruption of a super volcano, the ever-growing presence of Artificial Intelligence in our lives, or the unseen spores of a killer fungus. But which one of these poses the greatest risk? This is the question posed by Jonathan in this very special episode of Futureproof which was recorded in front of a live audience at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre.Joining us to discuss is:Dr. Robert Ross, Senior Lecturer in the School of Computer Science at TU DublinProfessor Chris Bean, Senior Professor and Head of Geophysics at the Dublin Institute for Advanced StudiesProfessor Caitriona Jackman, Senior Professor of Space Physics at Dunsink ObservatoryJerry Clancy, PhD student at the School of Chemical Sciences in DCUDr. Shane Bergin, physicist and an assistant professor in science education at UCD's School of Education & Immunologist, Dr. Lara Dungan, also join Jonathan for this week's Newsround.With thanks to Science Foundation Ireland.

Why is your cat ginger or black? Often it comes down to a very small type of pigment that scientists in Cork have been examining to learn more about the colourisation of ancient animals. Joining Jonathan to discuss is Dr Tiffany Slater, Palaeobiologist at UCC who is interested in the preservation of ancient biomolecules.Also on the programme, did you know you can use light to detect specific cells in the body? Professor Stefan Andersson-Engles is the Head of Biophotonics and Deputy Director of IPIC based at the Tyndall National Institute and is also a Professor of Physics at University College Cork who has just been awarded a €5.3 million grant by Science Foundation Ireland to further investigate the application of light-based technologies. He joins Jonathan to discuss.

Now when it comes to elite sports, there are many attributes that set the best apart from the rest. Not only do you probably have to have won the genetic lottery in the physical stakes, but also the mentality to persevere and work tirelessly to get to the top of the pile.So, with all that setting them apart from those of us sitting on the couch, do some athletes perceive the world differently as well? David McGovern, Assistant Professor in the School of Psychology at Dublin City University has been conducting research looking to answer that very question, and joins Jonathan on this week's episode.Dr Ruth Freeman of Science Foundation Ireland and Phil Smyth, Physicist join Jonathan for the latest science stories in the news this week.