NUI Galway scientists show that smaller scorpion species pack the most potent venoms Researchers in NUI Galway have shown, for the first time, that smaller species of scorpions, with smaller pincers, have more potent venoms compared to larger species with robust claws. The scientists tested the theory from Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, which warned of the dangers of small scorpions, and that “when it comes to scorpions, the bigger the better”.  While this may have simply been a throwaway movie line from the adventurous archaeologist Indiana Jones, the research shows there is truth to it. The team of scientists at NUI Galway’s Ryan Institute put the quip to the test by analysing 36 species of scorpions to show that larger scorpions have less potent venoms and really are better in terms of avoiding a nasty sting. The results of the research have published in the international journal Toxins.  It shows the smallest scorpions in their analysis, like the Brazilian yellow scorpion, where over 100 times more potent than the largest species they studied, such as the rock scorpion.  The potency pattern was not just about body size, but also pincer size, with venoms found in species with the smallest pinchers, including the South African thick-tail scorpion, which is more than 10 times more potent compared to species with the largest and most robust pinchers, such as the Israeli gold scorpion. Dr Kevin Healy, Lecturer of Zoology at NUI Galway and senior author of the study, said: “Outside of entertaining movie trivia there are good evolutionary reason to expect the results and important medical implications for such patterns.”  The researchers highlighted that while scorpions use both their venomous sting and their pinchers to capture prey and for defence there is an evolutionary trade-off between these weapons. Energy used to make bigger pincers means less energy is available for its chemical arsenal. This results in larger scorpions which can use their physical size are less reliant on venoms, while smaller species have evolved more potent venoms. Dr Healy added: “When we look at the most potent, and dangerous, scorpion venoms we find they tend to be associated with species such as the deathstalker which are relatively small. In contrast, the biggest species such as rock scorpions have venoms that are likely to only cause slight pain.” Alannah Forde, an NUI Galway graduate student and lead author of the study, said: “Not only did we find that bigger is better – when it comes to people being stung - we also found that bigger pincers are better when it comes to assessing the danger level of a scorpion. While species such as large-clawed scorpion might be small to medium in size, they mainly rely on their large pincers instead of their relatively weak venom.” Scorpion stings are a global health problem with more than 1 million cases and thousands of deaths every year. Identifying the species involved with a sting is vital for treatment, hence general rules such as “bigger is better” are often used to help with treatment.  The team aim to test these evolutionary rules to what makes some species more potent to help develop better medical approaches to scorpion stings. Dr Michel Dugon, Head of the Venom System Lab at NUI Galway and a senior author of the study, said: “As scientists, our job is also to put popular wisdom to the test. Most victims hospitalised with severe symptoms following scorpion stings are children below the age of 15. Identifying the species responsible is essential to administer the correct treatment, and a simple rule such as ‘bigger is better’ is a first small step toward saving lives.” The full study in Toxins is available at https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6651/14/3/219 Ends

New IT solution will allow the integration, collection and standardisation of real-time pandemic data Open-source tool reflects a variety of data sources including Influenzanet, ECDC Atlas and Covid19-datahub Real-time updates will strengthen capacity among European public health agencies for rapid response to future health emergencies European pandemic preparedness and response project PANDEM-2 has launched the first version of ‘Pandem-source’, an IT solution that will support the work of pandemic managers by facilitating an efficient response to future pandemics across the European Union. These technologies are being created and produced by project partners and experts in the field including Epiconcept (France), UCLouvain (Belgium), Clarisoft (Romania), and NUI Galway (Ireland). Pandem-Source is open-source and designed to meet the specific needs of public health agencies, governments and international organisations such as the ECDC and WHO. It enables the integration of real-time pandemic-relevant data from international systems (ECDC, TESSy), laboratory systems, social media (Twitter) and participatory surveillance which is web-based reporting of symptoms by volunteer citizens (e.g. Influenzanet). The platform is open to the public and will particularly benefit those focused on systematically analysing and comparing various sources of pandemic-related data. Pandem-Source will feed into the upcoming ‘PANDEM-2 Dashboard’ where its components relating to situational awareness will be further developed through state-of-the-art visual analytics. Commenting on this major milestone for the project, Francisco Orchard, Head of Data Science at Epiconcept said: “We’re proud to announce the first release of "Pandem-Source". We hope that this tool will support the work of pandemic managers across Europe by connecting them to real-time information from traditional and non-traditional sources. The tool means officials involved in the response to public health emergencies will have case numbers, hospitalisations, deaths, vaccination uptake to name a few at their fingertips. In doing so, we hope it can play a role in coordinating data involved in one location. It is open-source, easy to install and customisable. We encourage users from the industry to install and test out its compatibility and variety of data-rich sources.” The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that our capacity to respond to pandemics was largely nation-based. Pandem-Source aims to play a role in a cross-border effort to create a system aimed at implementing a coordinated EU-wide response. Its flexibility will support the specific needs of pandemic managers across the EU by addressing the challenge of quick adaption and facilitating an efficient response to future pandemics as a result. However, the ultimate success of the system relies on a community effort across Europe.    Professor Máire Connolly of NUI Galway, PANDEM-2 Coordinator and expert in global health said: “I would like to acknowledge all partners involved in achieving this major milestone in the PANDEM-2 project. COVID-19 has affected every corner of society and had devastating health, economic and social impacts on countries worldwide. In the event of a future pandemic, we hope that the Pandem-Source tool will play a role in the conversations that public health experts and policymakers are having. Pandem-Source will provide them with the comprehensive, accurate, up-to-the-minute data  that they will need to make better decisions.” ‘Pandem-Source’ is available to download here, feedback is welcomed and can be sent to info@pandem-2.eu ENDS

NUI Galway and other universities to administer scholarships and support services to eligible students  The United Health Foundation, the philanthropic foundation of Optum Ireland’s parent company, UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), has announced a new scholarship program designed to grow the health care workforce in Ireland. The program is focused on underserved students seeking degrees in primary or specialised care, or emerging health care technologies. The Ireland Health Care Scholarship Program builds on the success of the pilot program started by Optum Ireland in 2018. “As a partner institution, NUI Galway has been involved in delivering the scholarship program since 2018,” said Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh, Deputy President and Registrar of NUI Galway. “The benefits of the program are clear. The program is widening access to students by alleviating financial pressure on the scholars and their families and through the provision of support services. There are currently 7 health care scholars from Donegal studying healthcare and innovative technology programs in NUI Galway. We are delighted to renew the partnership with Optum Ireland and the United Health Foundation in 2022.” According to the Irish College of General Practitioners, nearly 15% of the current general practitioners are expected to retire in the next five years. Due to the national shortage, the medical community has expressed urgency in recruiting and training additional medical practitioners. The scholarship program developed to address the shortage includes partnerships with the Royal College of Surgeons Dublin, Letterkenny Institute of Technology, Ulster University, National University of Ireland, Galway, and Queen’s University Belfast. “The United Health Foundation is committed to helping cultivate a modern, diverse health workforce in Ireland,” said Padraig Monaghan, Managing Director of Optum Ireland and UK. “We are honoured to continue this scholarship program with NUI Galway.” More than €350,000 will support 31 students across the five academic partners. All scholarship students will be paired with a mentor and will participate in community volunteer activities. The Ireland Health Care Scholarship Program for 2022-23 is open for applications, with application forms available on each of the partnering university websites. The deadline for applications is Friday, May 27, 2022. "This scholarship is of real benefit as I am able to study away from home and it has taken a lot of undue pressure away from myself and my family. Just knowing that I have that security over the next few years has been massive for me. I can focus on my studies and get the most out of my college experience,” said Halim Egberongbe, an Ireland Health Care scholar in his first year studying biotechnology at NUI Galway. Ends