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Research Matters

Work in Progress: A Zoological Wonderland

 
 

Since the times of Aristotle people of science have tried to identify and explain the components of life. One field of this, zoology, developed as a result of chasing the proverbial rabbit down the rabbit-hole. Zoology contains five major fields of research; behaviour, anatomy, physiology, evolution and taxonomy.

The zoology department of NUI Galway has dug into these five major groups, employing far-sighted research teams in an effort to progress our understanding of nature.

Currently research at NUI Galway includes; the conservation of the Irish red squirrel, pine marten and European eel, elucidation of venom production in scorpions and centipedes, evolution and development in frogs, centipedes and jellyfish, and the evolution of HIV and the emergence and transmission of drug resistance.

We have expanded away from the traditional major fields and groups are involved in obtaining extracts from organisms such as barnacles and sponges. They are being analysed for potential applications such as underwater adhesives and biochemical compounds. Zoological research in the past has provided many interesting and insightful results, all kinds of wonderful ideas and applications have yet to be found down the rabbit-hole at NUI Galway.

Author: Paul McEvilly, Postgraduate Researchers, Zoology, Ryan Institute

 

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