Dundalk Institute of Technology signs memorandum of agreement with Japanese university
Both their departments studiescells and tissues of smooth muscle organs in the urogenital tract (bladder, urethra, reproductive tracts) and gastrointestinal system, with a view to understanding the physiology of how these organs work and how diseases such as urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction and motility disorders can be treated.
The MOA was signed in Nagoya City University in March and was followed by an invited seminar from Dr. Drumm to the Japanese research team on ongoing research underway at the DkIT. This was followed by a symposium organised by Professor Hashitani the following week in Makuhari, Japan, during which Dr. Drumm and Professor Hashitani presented recent findings from their research groups along with colleagues from Oxford University, UK and University of Fukui, Japan.
'This significant MOA represents a link between two of the most active smooth muscle physiology research groups in Europe and Asia,' Dr Drumm said. ' Our shared research interests make this a natural evolution of our collaborative efforts, and we seek to expand our activities further in the future. Together, DkIT and NCU seek to extend each institutes international reach, providing research opportunities and knowledge exchange of mutual benefit to DkIT and Nagoya City University.'
Professor Hikaru Hashitani of Nagoya City University said he was was delighted to welcome Dr Bernard Drumm to Nagoya City University Medical School. Following the establishment of a MOA between DKIT and our medical school during Dr Drumm's visit, I am sincerely looking forward to extending academic exchange between the two institutes.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Post
5 days ago
- Irish Post
Japanese pharmaceutical company Astellas to invest €129m in its Irish operations
JAPANESE pharmaceutical company Astellas has revealed it will invest €129m in its Irish operations over the next three years. The multi-site investments, focusing on development, sustainability and Research Development & Innovation (RD&I), aim to enhance Astellas' operations across the country. Lisa Murphy, General Manager of Astellas Pharma, said the investment is a testament to 'the great relationship that Astellas has with the local community and local officials'. Proposals One of Japan's largest life sciences companies and a leading developer and manufacturer of pharmaceutical products, Astellas has a heritage in Ireland spanning more than 35 years. The company currently employs in excess of 650 people across two facilities in Killorglin, Co. Kerry and Mulhuddart, Co. Dublin. The proposed investment, supported by IDA Ireland, reinforce Astellas' long-term commitment to Ireland as a strategic hub for its global manufacturing, research and development activities. The investment will see Astellas Killorglin implement several initiatives to significantly reduce energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. In Dublin, the company is embarking on a project to improve environmental sustainability through the installation of solar panels and heat pumps across multiple facilities. Meanwhile, a new Tralee facility due to be fully operational in 2028 will create 120 new jobs and will accelerate the expansion of Astellas' in-house production capabilities. Speaking about the proposals, Ms Murphy said: "We're delighted to see great progress across the various projects ongoing across the Astellas' operational footprint here in Ireland. "The continued investment by Astellas in Ireland will expand our capacity and capabilities for aseptic drug products, reinforce stable production for global supply, and accelerate the development and commercialisation of innovative antibody drugs and other new products." 'Key location' Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, recently met with members of the Astellas senior leadership team in Tokyo. Speaking from the city, he said: "This commitment by Astellas highlights Ireland's role in the global life sciences sector. "Our ongoing investment in education, infrastructure and innovation continues to create the optimum environment for companies to thrive. "Astellas' decision to grow its footprint in both Kerry and Dublin demonstrates the strength of Ireland's offering and our commitment to supporting enterprise development across all regions." Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland, said the news showed that Ireland continues to attract strategic investments from world-leading companies. "Astellas' long-standing presence here and its ongoing commitment to both Dublin and Kerry is a testament to the strength of our partnership and the value Ireland offers as a key location for innovation and growth," he added. See More: Astellas, Dublin, Kerry, Killorglin, Mulhuddart
RTÉ News
7 days ago
- RTÉ News
Is your cat loud or quiet? It could be in their genes
Analysis: Research suggests cats don't have a single temperament, but rather various traits that prove useful under different domestic conditions By Grace Carroll, Queen's University Belfast If you've ever shared your home with more than one cat, you'll know how different their personalities can be. One might chirp for food, purr loudly on your lap and greet visitors at the door. Another might prefer quiet observation from a distance. So why do some cats become chatty companions while others seem more reserved? A recent study led by wildlife researcher Yume Okamoto and their colleagues at Kyoto University suggests that part of the answer may lie in cat genes. From RTÉ Radio 1's Drivetime, the relationship between humans and cats Cat owners from across Japan were asked to complete a questionnaire about their cat (the Feline Behavioural Assessment and Research Questionnaire), and to take a cheek swab from their pet to provide a DNA sample. The survey included questions about a range of cat behaviour, including purring and vocalisations directed at people. The researchers in the recent Japanese study focused on the cats' androgen receptor (AR) gene, located on the X chromosome. This gene helps regulate the body's response to hormones such as testosterone and contains a section where a DNA sequence is repeated. AR is an essential part of vertebrate biology. The most ancient form of AR appeared in the common ancestor of all jawed vertebrates, over 450 million years ago. AR controls the formation of male reproductive organs, secondary sexual characteristics and reproductive behaviour. The number of these sequences alters how responsive the gene is. Shorter repeats make the receptor more sensitive to androgens. In other species, including humans and dogs, shorter repeats in the AR gene have been linked with increased aggression and extraversion. Among 280 spayed or neutered cats, those with the short AR gene variant purred more often. Males with the variant also scored higher for directed vocalisations such as meowing to be fed or let out. Females with the same genotype, however, were more aggressive towards strangers. Meanwhile, cats with the longer, less active version of the gene tended to be quieter. This variant was more common in pedigree breeds, which are typically bred for docility. Domestication is generally thought to have increased vocal behaviour in cats, so it may seem odd that the version of the gene linked to increased communication and assertiveness is the one also found in wild species such as lynx. But this study doesn't tell a straightforward narrative about how cat domestication selects for sociable traits. Instead, it points to a more complex picture. One where certain ancestral traits like aggression may still be useful, especially in high-stress or resource-scarce domestic environments. From RTÉ Radio 1's Ray D'Arcy Show, should all cats be indoor cats? Some animals spend a lot of time around humans because they are attracted by our resources rather than bred as companion animals or farmed. Urban gulls offer an interesting example of how close proximity to humans doesn't always make animals more docile. In cities, herring and lesser black-backed gulls (both often referred to as seagulls) have become bolder and more aggressive. Researchers at Liverpool John Moores University found that urban gulls were less fearful of humans and more prone to squabbling compared to their rural counterparts. In urban areas, where food is highly contested, being assertive gets results. Gulls are often vilified in the UK press during breeding season as urban villains, swooping down to snatch your lunch or chase pedestrians. This suggests that life alongside humans can sometimes favour more confrontational behaviour. From cats to gulls, life alongside humans doesn't always produce gentler animals The parallels with cats raise broader questions about how environment and genes shape behaviour. Okamoto and colleagues' findings may reflect a trade-off. Traits linked to the short AR variant, such as greater vocalisation or assertiveness, might offer advantages in gaining human attention in uncertain or competitive settings. But these same traits may also manifest as aggression, suggesting that domestication can produce a mix of desirable and challenging traits. It's worth bearing in mind that this kind of variation between individuals is fundamental to the evolution of species. Without variation in behaviour, species would struggle to adapt to changing environments. For cats, this means there may be no single ideal temperament, but rather a range of traits that prove useful under different domestic conditions. From cats to gulls, life alongside humans doesn't always produce gentler animals. Sometimes, a little pushiness pays off.
Irish Examiner
26-06-2025
- Irish Examiner
Donal Hickey: Plant passport check — don't bring plants and seeds home from abroad
Think of rhododendron, Japanese knotweed, and giant hogweed… just three of the many non-native plants brought into Ireland and which are now an environmental nuisance, to say the very least. All three, along with many others, are targets of ongoing eradication programmes which, in some cases, are battling against the odds. Like many invasive species, they grow prolifically and damage many of our native plants and the environment in general. Giant hogweed cordoned off ahead of treatment Such imported plants, as well as invasive, non-native animals, are described by the National Biodiversity Data Centre as the greatest threat to biodiversity worldwide after habitat destruction. Rhododendron at the Vee, County Tipperary. Picture: Dan Linehan Rhododendron, for example, takes over native woodland such as oak, and prevents the growth of young saplings, with severe impacts in places like Killarney National Park. Japanese knotweed can grow through concrete and damage buildings. Hogweed can cause burns and skin damage, and destabilise riverbanks. A plant passport is a document containsing vital information required for the trade of seeds, cuttings, plants, and trees between businesses in the EU And, with people travelling abroad more often and to far-flung, destinations, the risks of exotic, though unwelcome, plants being brought here grows. Ireland continues to participate in the #PlantHealth4Life campaign — a European project to raise awareness of the critical role plant health plays in protecting food, biodiversity, and the environment. It's all about encouraging people to become active plant health ambassadors. The 2025 campaign is supported by our Department of Agriculture, and celebrity garden designer, Diarmuid Gavin, is the plant goodwill ambassador for Ireland. The #PlantHealth4Life campaign urges travellers not to bring back any plants, flowers, seeds, fruits, or vegetables from outside the EU, as these items may harbour plant pests or diseases detrimental to native flora. Additionally, consumers are advised to buy plants and seeds online only if accompanied by a valid phytosanitary or plant health certificate. Picture: Maxwells Louise Byrne, our chief plant health officer, says everyone can contribute to protecting plant health. People should travel wisely and avoid bringing plants and seeds home from abroad. 'Practice responsible sourcing of plants with plant passports from reputable operators. Monitor plants in your garden and in the wider environment for pests and diseases. Empower the next generation by teaching children about the importance of plant health,' she adds. Travellers are asked not to bring back any plants, flowers, seeds, fruits, or vegetables from outside the EU, which may harbour plant pests or diseases detrimental to native flora. Additionally, consumers are advised to buy plants and seeds online only if accompanied by a valid plant health certificate. Good plant hygiene practices in home gardens and outdoors spaces also prevent the spread to neighbouring plants and natural habitats. Diarmuid Gavin says our gardens are frontline defences: 'Every seed we sow responsibly and every pest we spot early is a step toward protecting Ireland's natural environment. This campaign reminds us that plant health begins at home, and we all have a role to play.' Perhaps the greatest example of destruction which can be wrought by an imported plant is the blight that caused the Famine. The blight is believed to have been brought to Europe on potato shipments from the Americas. Read More Responsible gardening for peak plant health
