Author Archives: seanduke

About seanduke

Science Writer and Broadcaster

Eleven: Broadleaf Tree Plantations Increasing in Ireland

Posted on by
Reply

Ian Short, forestry research officer, describes plans to increase planting of broadleaf trees in Ireland.

Twenty-nine percent of the forest estate in Ireland is broadleaf (195,000 ha). The main broadleaf species present are birch, ash, alder, oak, beech and sycamore, predominantly planted within the last three decades and as single-species blocks.

Ian talks about the management of the oak stand at Teagasc Head Office, Oak Park and the threats of diseases and pests to tree health. Ian also talks about the Ash restructuring project and the benefits of planting forestry for farmers.

Can consciousness survive ‘death’? – what the science says

Posted on by
Reply

Scientific research into near death experiences suggests that consciousness can survive after ‘death’. (Credit: Philosophy Talk)

There is growing evidence that consciousness continues past the point at which medical science currently defines ‘death’ to have occured.

Listen below to a discussion of this subject broadcast on ‘Talk of the Town’ on Dundalk FM(4th December 2019)

Science making progress on diseases of ageing

Posted on by
Reply

Ageing is increasingly been seen by scientists as something that can be addressed as a biological problem, with signs that future generations will be able to live healthier  and for decades longer.

Scientists estimate that future generations can live to 100 years in good health (Credit: UCD)

Click below to hear discussion about how scientists are working to extend the human ‘healthspan’ with Marissa Devereux, stand in host of Talk of the Town on Dundalk FM (97.7) broadcast on 6th Nov. 2019.

 

UK Go it Alone on Fusion; DIY Smear Test; CAP Damaging Wildlife; 900AD Florida Village

Posted on by
Reply

The international ITER Fusion Reactor in France is under construction (Credit: ITER)

The ITER fusion reactor in France is under construction and due to start working in 2050, but the UK is planning to have its own fusion reactor operational by 2040.

A DIY smear test is showing promise in scientific tests and could be available in the UK in five years.

The Common Agricultural Policy has been linked with a decline in wildlife across the EU, and scientists are demanding that it be changed.

An ancient village, dating back to 900 AD – predating the arrival of Columbus by several hundred years – has been found by archaeologists in Florida.

For more listen below to the #CoolScientist slot on The Morning Show with Declan Meehan, on East Coast FM (broadcast 7-11-19)

 

Insect decline threatens human existence

Posted on by
Reply

The unheralded Dung Beetle is one of the vital insect species in Ireland who is under threat of extinction (Credit: John Finn)

A rapid, widespread decline of insect species, both in Ireland, and around the world may be taking place, according to recent worrying scientific reports.

Without insects, ecosystems would collapse and life on Earth would not be possible.

Listen below to my report on ‘Insectageddon’ and whether ordinary people can do anything to try and stop it.

Broadcast on RTE Radio 1 Drivetime 24th Oct. ’19

 

325-million year old amphibian fossil found in Co Clare; First meat grown in space; Lyme disease linked to ‘yuppie flu’; Reusable water bottles carry bacteria risk

Posted on by
Reply

Listen below to the Cool Scientist slot broadcast on The Morning Show with Declan Meehan on East Coast FM on 10th October ’19

Impression of what 325-million year old amphibian fossil found in Doolin Co Clare would have looked like in life (Credit: Dr Eamon Doyle)

Life on Mars will be found in two years; Infant formula bad for environment; Reading Vesuvius’s scrolls; Pay cuts damage brain

Posted on by
Reply

Listen below to Cool Scientist slot broadcast on The Morning Show with Declan Meehan on East Coast FM on 3rd October ’19

Mount Sharp on Mars, as pictured by the NASA Mars Curiosity rover (Credit: NASA)

How well prepared is Ireland for a chemical or biological attack?

Posted on by
Reply

Listen below to piece broadcast on Drivetime, RTE Radio 1, on 26th September ’19

A report from Casement Aerodome, Dublin, where the defence forces, using the very latest artificial intelligence, drone and robotics technology, simulated a terrorist attack on a rock concert.

The test of the ROCSAFE system – developed by NUI Galway and the Tyndall National Institute, is lead by NUIG’s Prof Michael Madden.

 

TSSG researchers at Waterford IT at forefront of nanomachine revolution

Posted on by
Reply

Listen below to piece broadcast on RTE Radio 1 Drivetime 27-06-19 on Ireland’s role in the exciting nanomachine revolution

Dr Sasitharan Balasubramaniam, pictured here below, is one of a group of researchers based at the TSSG at Waterford IT who are at the leading edge of the global nanomachine revolution in healthcare.