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School of Natural Sciences News

Red squirrel resilience: 20th June 2025

Ireland’s native red squirrels can detect and respond to the returning pine marten, boosting their chances of survival, according to a new study by Dr Emily Reilly and Dr Colin Lawton (School of Natural Sciences). The research helps explain the resilience of red squirrels compared to the sharp decline of invasive grey squirrels. More from RTÉ News, The Telegraph, Nuacht TG4 @18.10, Radio 1’s Drivetime @2.04.31 , BBC Radio 4 PM @54.45, BBC Radio Good Morning Ulster @ 51.47, Irish Independent and Agriland.ie.

Past Stories

Storm Éowyn:

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

Red squirrel:

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

Zombie Spiders:

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

Research Ally Award –Congratulations Miriam

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

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