‘Science Squad’ will return to RTÉ One on Monday, October 27th showcasing more of the exciting and innovative scientific research that is currently underway in Ireland.
This will be the third series of the science-based show with the six episode season being produced by New Decade TV and Film Ltd, with Nuala Cunningham again serving as Series Producer. The show was edited by Fernando de Juan with graphics coming from Hugo Johnston and Niall Campion. The show was filmed in Ireland and Uganda with funding coming from RTE, Teagasc, RCSI, HEA and IRC, Enterprise Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland, EPA and Tyndall National Institute.
The show will be presented by Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, Kathriona Devereux and Jonathan McCrea with Aoibhinn travelling to Uganda to find out about an Irish-led water purification project which could save the lives of millions. Kathriona investigates a potentially lifesaving diagnosis for pregnant woman which is being pioneered in Cork, and Jonathan meets the scientists who are planning a one-way trip to Mars.
In the section of the show referred to as ‘Weird Science’, Fergus McAuliffe returns to teach the viewer about carnivorous Irish plants, magnetic flips, and tiny remnants of Cold War technology that continue to float in the skies above us even today.
Series Producer Nuala Cunningham said: We’re covering some fascinating stories this year and one of the highlights would have to be the trip to Uganda with Aoibhinn and Prof Kevin McGuigan from RCSI. The SODIS (solar disinfection) project which is being conducted there is amazing – turning dirty water into clean water purely through the power of the sun – its simply science saving lives! We spent time with the school children and their families who will benefit from the technology and it’s truly inspiring to see Irish scientists at the forefront of that. Closer to home we find out that Cork scientists have developed a predictive test for Pre-Eclampsia which could save the lives of hundreds of thousands of mothers and babies around the world, and I was absolutely blown away by the news that Galway researchers are now able to grow adult stem cells and re-programme them backwards to enable them to act like embryonic stem cells – it really is an exciting time for Irish science.
‘The Science Squad’ will air on RTÉ One from Monday, 27th October at 8.30pm.
