# Research
Yesterday
2nd February 2023
Voices
Opinion: Music can unlock memories and evoke emotions for people with dementia
Music therapist Lisa Kelly looks at the discussion around the positive benefits of music for people with dementia.
Last week
22nd January 2023 - 28th January 2023
# glyphosate
One in four people in Ireland have low-level exposure to weed killer, research says
Glyphosate is currently being reevaluated for use in the EU with a final decision expected in July.
Last year
2022
# Universal basic income
Universal basic income could help low-paid workers but it may not target those most in need
The Economic and Social Research Institute has published a report detailing the pros and cons of UBI.
# Research
Fossil ‘overturns more than a century of knowledge about origin of modern birds’
Each of the roughly 11,000 species of birds on Earth today is classified into one of two groups, based on the arrangement of their palate bones.
# Study
One in every five low paid workers in Ireland is aged over 50, report finds
Of the 420,000 low paid workers in Ireland, approximately 80,000 individuals are aged over 50.
# Research
Eight glasses of water per day may be too much, scientists conclude
Researchers at the University of Aberdeen estimate humans only really need around 1.5 to 1.8 litres per day.
# marine research
New marine research vessel named after Tom Crean commissioned in Dingle
The RV Tom Crean will be at sea for 300 operational days each year.
Dogs can sniff out the scent of stress, new study from Belfast researchers suggests
Researchers say the skill could be useful when training service dogs and therapy dogs.
# good brews
Drinking two to three cups of coffee a day linked with longer lifespan, research suggests
When compared with avoiding coffee, it was also associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
# financial planning
Almost 1 in 4 people close to retirement age have no pension plan
38% of adults surveyed have no pension plan in place.
# Alcohol
Many Irish people are in denial about their drinking habits, new research finds
Two in three regular binge drinkers failed to recognise their consumption of alcohol was at an excessive level.
# Research
Inequalities in mortality rates across socio-economic and ethnic groups remain in Ireland
That’s according to research published today by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).
# Research
Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder 'may be detectable years before illnesses begin'
A new study led by UCD suggests the possibility of earlier intervention and even prevention of the illnesses.
# Go on Go On Go On
Tea associated with a lower risk of mortality, research suggests
Researchers said it did not matter if the person also drank coffee or added milk or sugar to their tea.
# nui galway
False Widow spiders up to 230 times more poisonous than native species, study finds
The research was conducted by scientists from the Ryan Institute in NUI Galway.
Voices
Opinion: The hyperfocus on our punters blinds people to the real issues sex workers face
A sex worker writes about her experiences and what needs to change, on foot of new research about sex work in Ireland.
# Research
Installing electric heat pumps in Irish homes could increase costs by up to 46%
The ESRI study found that retrofitting homes to a standard needed to support a heat pump was ‘by far’ the greatest driver of cost.
# Head first
Study launched into outdoor swimming as alternative to antidepressants
Ecotherapy – therapeutic intervention through nature – is known to boost people’s mood.
# cost of living crisis
Researchers call for action to address health inequalities in light of cost of living crisis
Health experts from three universities have said that the cost of living crisis, will disproportionately affect the health of the most vulnerable people in Ireland.
# native predators
Bringing native lynx and wolves back to Ireland could help curb damaging deer, research finds
Invasive species, such as sika deer, are “evolutionary naive” to native predators.
# Research
Frequent bad dreams and nightmares linked to Parkinson’s in new study
Experts think there is growing evidence that regular bad dreams could be an early warning sign for developing the condition.
# Survey
Irish businesses divided on going cashless within a decade
The counties most confident of this transition are Dublin (55%) and Galway (51%).
# long covid
Three quarters of long Covid patients consuming problematic levels of alcohol
Two new studies have found that complications arising from long Covid are primarily brain related – not heart and lung conditions, as previously thought.
# Cost of Living
Three in five people believe they will have to cut back on food spending over the coming year
Consumer pessimism is at its highest level for nine years.
# irish medical journal
Pensioner goes to A&E with memory loss after day-time sex with wife
The curious case appears in the latest edition of the Irish Medical Journal.
# Research
Taking painkillers in pregnancy 'more likely to lead to complications'
University of Aberdeen researchers looked at more than 151,000 pregnancies over a 30-year period.
# Research
Sea levels in Dublin Bay have risen at nearly double global rate since 1997, research shows
The research was led by the Hamilton Institute and ICARUS Climate Research Centre at Maynooth University.
# Cardiovascular Disease
Eating vegetables may not protect against heart disease, study suggests
The findings challenge previous research that suggests eating more vegetables is linked to a lower risk of heart attack, stroke and death.
# The Lancet
Depression a 'neglected global health crisis' despite impacting one in 20 people each year - study
The study, commissioned by The Lancet, found that depression remains poorly recognised and misunderstood despite being a common condition.
# Poll
Almost 2 in 5 people cutting back on essential heating and electricity due to cost concerns
37% of people have cut back on essential heating and electricity use.
# UK
Study claims reluctance to get Covid-19 vaccine may be linked to childhood trauma
The UK study found people who suffer in childhood are also least likely to trust NHS information.
# Research
Non-native conifer plantations likely to 'have a damaging impact' on red squirrel conservation
A new study found that native predators in native woodland are key for the species to survive in Ireland and Britain.
# Research
‘Trove of racial hatred’ exposed by investigation into online platforms
The director of the Centre for Analysis of the Radical Right said its findings “makes it seem that platforms just don’t care enough” to address online abuse.
All time
# education report
Apprenticeships and post-grad studies are on the rise according to a new education report
The number of teachers at primary and post-primary level went up from 61,942 in 2016 to 69,343 in 2020.
# covid vaccine
Scientists may have identified trigger behind rare AstraZeneca-linked blood clots
Additionally, the UK has approved a Covid drug treatment that makers say works against Omicron.
# Survey
Six in 10 people have reduced social contacts over the last week, new poll shows
44% of people said that they had cancelled plans for the pre-Christmas period within the last week.
# Research
Trials of new obesity drug found it can result in weight loss of two stone in six months
The trials took place in ten countries, including Ireland, and involved 706 participants.
# covid impact
One in five people worried they missed out on diagnosis or treatment due to Covid-19 pandemic
More than one-in-ten (11%) adults did not seek treatment despite feeling unwell during this period.
# Research
England and New Zealand women to wear impact-monitoring gumshields for November Tests
Leinster, Clermont and Benetton’s men’s teams are also trialling the gumshields as rugby attempts to learn more about its links to head injury.
# Suicide
Ireland's first national survey into suicide bereavement being launched today
The research aims to provide a national profile of the impact of suicide bereavement.
