Irish navigation gyroscope to guide new European space mission
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Irish Examiner
a day ago
- Irish Examiner
Shocks from Spanish earthquake felt in Mitchelstown Cave
The shockwaves from an earthquake off the south coast of Spain were felt inside Mitchelstown Cave, according to data from the Irish National Seismic Network (INSN). The magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck the Mediterranean Sea about 50km southeast of Spain on July 14. The impact of the quake and aftershocks were recorded at a number of seismic monitoring stations in Ireland. John English, the owner of Mitchelstown Cave, explained to the Irish Examiner the INSN records the north Atlantic area for shockwaves. He said: "If you look at the readings that we've picked up, there have been 30 earthquakes since 2022 — not counting ones around the country. We're picking up the tiniest little ones, there's loads of them coming in. 'They have stations in Wexford and one in Kerry. Mitchelstown is the quietest valley in between Wexford and Kerry." Mr English added the seismic monitor located in the cave had picked up shocks from the other side of the world. "There was an earthquake that was 20,000km away from us in New Zealand, and 20 minutes later it was picked up here. "The big one in Myanmar [a 7.7–7.9 earthquake struck the country in March], that was recorded 10 minutes later in the cave." The readings of the Spanish earthquake which were recorded at Irish seismology stations. Picture: INSN He explained if an earthquake happens, it moves the earth's crust "a fraction of a hair" and the vibration begins. 'If you walk past the tourist part of the cave, it'll pick up on the seismic stations!" Within six seconds of a seismic quake registering on the system, it is sent to Dublin to the INSN. Mr English added: "They [the quakes] can happen 200ft underground, that's giving a picture of Ireland's underground — there's probably earthquakes happening every day that we don't know." Read More Several spinach and mixed leaves products recalled following detection of listeria
Irish Independent
a day ago
- Irish Independent
Why llama cells could be crucial to treating schizophrenia
The serious brain disorder causes people to interpret reality abnormally, and affects approximately one in 50 Irish adults between the ages of 18 and 65. But the domesticated South American woolly animal might be able to help. French researchers said this week they had used llama antibodies, or proteins that help to protect the immune system, to design a tiny fragment of an antibody known as a 'nanobody' that will trigger a neurotransmitter in the brain involved in regulating neural activity. Neurotransmitters are chemical molecules that carry messages or signals from one nerve cell to the next target cell, according to the Cleveland Clinic. No llamas were harmed in the study and researchers can identify nanobodies in a petri dish. In the past, llama antibodies have also proven effective in fighting Covid and other 'Sars-like' viruses. When scientists at the Institute of Functional Genomics injected the molecule into the veins or the muscles, it was able to break the blood-brain barrier and effectively reach brain receptors. In mice… it is sufficient to treat most deficits of schizophrenia The barrier is a tightly locked layer of cells that defend your brain from harmful substances. Studying the impact of the nanobodies in two tests using mice, the researchers found that they corrected cognitive deficits that were observed. There was an improvement of cognitive function with just one shot, and a prolonged effect over one week. Clinical studies are now required to show that their findings could be a new avenue of treatment for schizophrenia. 'In humans obviously we don't know [yet], but in mice yes, it is sufficient to treat most deficits of schizophrenia,' molecular biologist Jean-Philippe Pin told Newsweek. He was a co-author of the research which was published in the journal Nature. Dr Pin said medications currently given to schizophrenic patients 'treat the symptoms well, but less the cognitive deficits'. The cause of the chronic condition remains unknown, but the World Health Organisation says it is thought that an interaction between genes and a range of environmental factors may be the reason. 'This research confirms the potential of nanobodies as a new therapeutic strategy for acting on the brain, with their use eventually being broadened to include the treatment of other neurological illnesses,' the institute said in a statement.
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Irish Independent
Irish professor appointed to UN panel on effects of nuclear war
An Irish professor is one of 21 scientists that have been appointed to a United Nations panel to report on the effects of a nuclear war. Dr Neil Rowan of the Technological University of the Shannon, who was recognised in the top 2pc of scientists in the world by Stanford University in 2023, has been appointed to the newly established panel. Register for free to read this story Register and create a profile to get access to our free stories. You'll also unlock more free stories each week.
