This third series of RTE’s The Science Squad concludes this evening on RTE One from 8.30pm. This final episode is the third in the series to feature research from RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland). The work of Professor Gerry McElvaney (Department of Medicine) and his team into chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) will be explored by the Science Squad.
Prof Gerry McElvaney talks to Jonathon McCrea in is lab on the final ‘Science Squad’ episode of the series
Episode 6 – Lung Health – Monday 1st December
Jonathon McCrea wraps up the third series of The Science Squad by meeting with RCSI’s Professor of Medicine, Professor Gerry McElvaney to talk about his team’s research into COPD. COPD is the term given to a collection of lung diseases including chronic bronchitis and emphysema and Ireland has the third highest death rate from lung disease in Europe. Prof McElvaney and his team have discovered that the high prevalence of COPD in this country could be linked to a genetic lung condition (Alpha-1) which affects 1 in 24 Irish people, 90% of which are undiagnosed. Jonathon also meets two people who were diagnosed with Alpha-1 to find out how the disease has impacted their lives.
Prof McElvaney examines a patient in the episode
Presented by Aoibhinn Ni Shuilleabhain, Kathriona Devereux and Jonathan McCrea, the Science Squad will investigate some of the most exciting and ground-breaking science projects currently underway in Ireland. RCSI will feature in three of the six episodes in the new series which will be aired on RTE One on Monday nights at 8.30pm. This is the third episode in the third series of this programme.
RCSI is a not-for-profit health sciences institute which focuses on education and research to drive positive change in all areas of human health worldwide. RCSI is headquartered in Dublin and is a recognised College of the National University of Ireland. In 2010, RCSI was granted independent degree awarding status by the State, which enables the College to award degrees alongside its traditional powers to award licentiates.