In the News..

Scientists have discovered a new approach to growing mini-brains in the lab which gives them long enough lifespan to explore function and disease in cells.    The research team led by Dr Mihai Lomora, a scientist with CÚRAM - the Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices based at University of Galway, grew the small blobs of brain cells in a soft, biologically compatible material called a hydrogel and introduced cells that can form blood vessels.    The result was that the cerebral organoids grew larger with fewer cells dying in the centre, and they mimicked features of the protective blood-brain barrier, potentially making them more relevant lab models to study diseases such as stroke, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s Disease.   The findings have been published in the prestigious journal Advanced Science.   Dr Lomora, a lecturer in Biomaterial Chemistry, lead of the CerebroMachines Lab and member of the Institute for Health Discovery & Innovation, University of Galway, said: “Growing ‘mini-brains’ in the lab might sound like science fiction. But it’s not so far-fetched. Scientists around the world today grow small ‘cerebral organoids’ made of brain cells.   “When we started the project, we could see in the scientific literature that cerebral organoids growing in the lab tended to have a vasculature or blood vessels that were superficial only. That meant that the blood vessels didn’t penetrate in to reach the deeper cells in the organoid, then these cells became starved of oxygen and nutrients over time and they died off.”   The research project involved a multi-disciplinary team based in CÚRAM, University of Galway, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Trinity College Dublin and the University of Edinburgh.   The team took an approach to help overcome the issue of viability of an organoid – tiny clumps of tissue, only a few millimetres across and just about visible to the naked eye. One of the main problems with these collections of brain cells is that as they get bigger, a lack of blood supply means the inner core dies off.   In order to get enough oxygen and nutrients to all of the cells, researchers adapted an existing protocol, or recipe, for growing the cerebral organoids, experimenting with different environments and timings to optimise the ability of blood vessels to reach these deeper cells.    The more blood-vessel-friendly approach resulted in three times less cell death in the organoids, and the researchers saw evidence that the organoids contained characteristics of an important protective feature naturally found in the brain called the blood-brain barrier.   Dr Lomora added: “We were fascinated to see that the vasculature really was able to protrude towards the interior of the organoids, which actually was quite a big advancement. And we also saw that cells involved in forming some of those blood vessels came from the organoid itself.  It's at the edge of the state of the art for now.  “Obviously this is not the same as growing a brain in the lab, but it is a mini-model of how parts of the brain work, and we want it to be as physiologically relevant as possible. We believe that by increasing the vasculature we have taken steps to making the organoids more physiologically relevant.”   The organoids are now being used by researchers in the CÚRAM network to explore brain function and disease, including stroke.   The research paper is available at Advanced Science.   Ends     

A University of Galway academic has been appointed Chief Scientist of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.  Charles Spillane is Established Professor of Plant Science in the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences and Ryan Institute and leads the AgriBiosciences, Food Security and Climate Change research lab in the University.  Professor Spillane joins the Core Leadership team of the Food and Agriculture Organization - the inter-governmental specialised agency within the United Nations system which leads international efforts to defeat hunger and achieve food security for all.  It is the first time an Irish person has been appointed to such a high leadership position in the FAO since its foundation in 1945.  The mission of the FAO is focused on three goals: the eradication of hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition; the elimination of poverty and the driving forward of economic and social progress for all; and the sustainable management and utilisation of natural resources, including land, water, air, climate and genetic resources for the benefit of present and future generations.  Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine, Martin Heydon T.D., said: “The appointment of Professor Charles Spillane as Chief Scientist of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations is a significant achievement for Ireland, the University of Galway and for Professor Spillane personally. He brings deep expertise in agricultural bioscience, climate-resilient food systems and sustainability, built through decades of leading interdisciplinary research at the University of Galway. His appointment will further strengthen the FAO’s capacity to advance evidence-based innovation and partnerships for resilient, inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems worldwide.”  Professor David Burn, President of University of Galway, said: “We are delighted that Professor Spillane has been appointed to this position of exceptional public service with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. Professor Spillane’s appointment to this globally leading role is a testament to University of Galway’s rapidly growing reputation in agricultural research and education for food security and international development, that has been achieved over the past decade.”  Professor Charles Spillane, University of Galway, said: “I am deeply honoured to be appointed as Chief Scientist within the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. I am taking on this role with profound respect for the Organization’s remarkable history and enduring mandate to achieve food security for all, and to ensure that people everywhere have regular access to sufficient, nutritious food. The Food and Agriculture Organization is a key enabler of the world’s shared commitment to a simple but powerful idea, namely that that no person should go hungry, and that the pursuit of food security is inseparable from the pursuit of peace, prosperity, and dignity.”  The Food and Agriculture Organization is the United Nation’s lead agency for SDG2 (Sustainable Development Goal 2) - Zero Hunger and is the custodian agency responsible for 21 of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal indicators.  It was founded in 1945 in response to the multiple global food crises that followed World War II. It is governed by its 195 members, namely 194 Member States and the European Union, operating on a consensus-based one country, one vote system. Ireland is one of the Member States, where the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine leads the state’s engagement.  The FAO has an annual budget of over US$2billion, with more than 16,000 staff working across the headquarters in Rome, five regional offices and 130 country offices.  Read more information about the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations here: www.fao.org.Ends

University of Galway, in partnership with the HRB Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network, has announced the inaugural A.Menarini Pharmaceuticals Ireland Scholarship.  The successful student is Ruth Alejandra Huerta Sinesio, originally from Mexico City, who was awarded the scholarship for her outstanding achievements and commitment to advancing diabetes research and patient care.  The A.Menarini Pharmaceuticals Ireland Scholarship, supported by Galway University Foundation, provides full financial support for a student in the Master of Science in Clinical Research.  Ruth Alejandra Huerta Sinesio was selected from a highly competitive field of candidates, demonstrating a strong dedication to improving health outcomes through her work and experience. The award will enable her to pursue advanced training and to contribute to pioneering research activities, as well as strengthening her role within the Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network and broader diabetes community.  Professor Fidelma Dunne, Director of the HRB Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network and the Institute for Clinical Trials at University of Galway, said: “We are immensely proud of Ruth Alejandra and all she has accomplished to date in her career. Her passion, drive, and commitment embody exactly what this scholarship stands for. We are deeply grateful to A.Menarini for their generous support, which enables us to nurture the next generation of clinical researchers who will make a transformative difference in Ireland and far beyond. Their investment in education and research ultimately supports the lives of people living with diabetes.”  Ruth Alejandra Huerta Sinesio said: “This scholarship motivates me to keep striving for excellence. I’m grateful to A. Menarini for this award, which supports my professional growth and my mission to address a major public health challenge. It’s an honour to be supported by a community that believes in students’ ability to improve care for people with diabetes. I hope to turn my experience and motivation into lasting impact, honouring my loved ones and improving lives worldwide.”  As part of A.Menarini Pharmaceuticals Ireland support for students at University of Galway, the company will provide three further annual scholarships in the coming years to support students demonstrating academic excellence, leadership, community engagement, or financial need. The company has also pledged support for education and training within the HRB Diabetes Collaborative Clinical Trial Network, including professional development, multidisciplinary training and expanded Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) initiatives. The investment will strengthen Ireland’s capacity to deliver world-class clinical research and foster a new generation of leaders dedicated to improving diabetes care across the globe.  Ends