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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

It was great to have this beautiful image brighten up September! 🔬 Delighted to see work from our lab, captured by Richie and Deirdre, featured in the Irish Society for Parasitology calendar. 🪱

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

This week our PhD students Eve O'Kelly & Louise Jones co-organised an Institute for Health Discovery & Innovation ECR Career Development Event, while Eve led a super-fun pub quiz for IHDI ECRs, raising funds for COPE Galway! 👏 Everyone had a great time & is already looking forward to the next one!🎉

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

All the way from the USA! 🇺🇸 Theodore (Teddy) Dros IV, a native New Yorker and science student at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, is our visiting student for this semester. Céad míle fáilte chuig ár saotharlann, Teddy O'Dros IV! 🇮🇪

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

🌱 As part of University of Galway SDG Week, Dr Grace Davey hosted the Green Labs Forum, sharing our journey from ‘Green Labs to Green Research’. With Jack O'Grady, Dr Richard Manton & Dr Claire Masterson, we explored Green Lab Certification, sustainability & greener research.♻️ @researchireland.ie

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

We are here! Fantastic day at the National Ploughing Championships!🚜🐄🐑 Come visit us and all of our parasites at Exhibition Stand 190, Block 4, Row 10! 🤗🪱🪱🪱 @researchireland.ie @uniofgalway.bsky.social

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

We’ve been very excited and busy getting ready for the National Ploughing Championships, taking place this week in Screggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly! 🚜 Come see us to chat about parasites at our stand on Wednesday, 16th of September: Exhibition Stand 190, Block 4, Row 10!🪱🐑🐄

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

John, Grace, Sheila & Richie attended the Disruptive Technologies Innovations Fund tour (DisrupTech) today in Galway: www.b2match.com/e/disruptech... Lots of excellent, informative talks. Thanks to Enterprise Ireland @entirl.bsky.social & all the speakers. Plenty to think about going forward now!!

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Congratulations to Sienna Stucke on this excellent systematic review of the disease-modifying and immunomodulatory potential of helminth-derived proteins in inflammatory disease.👏 Great collaboration with colleagues at the Galway Neuroscience Centre.🪱 www.cell.com/molecular-th...

cell.com

Healing helminths: The disease-modifying potential of helminth-derived proteins in animal models of inflammatory disease - a systematic review

This systematic review synthesised evidence from 65 studies examining >65 helminth-derived immunomodulatory proteins (HDIPs) across animal models of inflammatory disease. HDIPs consistently reduced di...

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

A fantastic week for parasitology at ICOPA XVI in Montréal! 🇨🇦🦠 We’re delighted to highlight A/Prof. Sheila Donnelly, who presented her invited talk “Uncovering the Role of Non-Coding RNAs During Fasciola hepatica Infection,” in the symposium “RNA Regulation During Parasitic Infection.”

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

Saying goodbye to our summer student, Felishia, who joined us from PSG College of Technology, India! She spent the summer gaining hands-on molecular biology experience, identifying heparin-binding proteins from Fasciola hepatica. We wish you every success in your future studies & career, Felishia!🍀

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

Always good to discuss parasites with students from Notre Dame, Indiana, who are taking the Molecular Veterinary and Medical Parasitology summer program organised by Notre Dame Kylemore (kylemore.nd.edu). Good luck guys and enjoy the rest of your stay!!

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Could parasites hold the key to treating Multiple Sclerosis?🪱🗝️ 🤔 Dr Sheila Donnelly shared her findings on the therapeutic potential of parasite-secreted peptides at the @aimsrn.bsky.social n.bsky.social symposium at @qubelfastofficial.bsky.social. Great to connect with the MS research community!

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

We had a great time at the Annual @isparasitology.bsky.social meeting at the @nmireland.bsky.social, Dublin, last week! Proud to see our PhD researcher Tadhg Kilbane present his work on thrombin inhibitors secreted by Schistosoma mansoni cercariae.👏👏🪱 Thank you to the ISP for a great meeting!

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

After his undergraduate degree at QUB, PhD at the University of Cambridge and a postdoctoral fellowship at UCD, we are lucky that our newest recruit Dr. James Rooney has brought all his know-how and expertise in biochemistry and molecular biology to Galway MPL. Welcome to the team, James!! 🎉 👏

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

We are very excited to see 'Parasite Tales' display at the Dead Zoo Lab tomorrow at the Irish Society for Parasitology Meeting! 🎉 This brilliant display features several parasite images from our very own lab members — what a fantastic opportunity to showcase our work to the public!🪱👏

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Reposted by Molecular Parasitology Laboratory

Irish Society for Parasitology @isparasitology.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Exciting news! 🎉 The Irish Society for Parasitology has partnered with the National Museum of Ireland on Parasite Tales — a new display in the Dead Zoo Lab uncovering the hidden world of parasites! Now open to the public! Read more here 👉: www.museum.ie/en-IE/Collec...

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Reposted by Molecular Parasitology Laboratory

Irish Society for Parasitology @isparasitology.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Céad míle fáilte! 👋 The Irish Society for Parasitology is now on Bluesky! We're here to share research and news, celebrate achievements, and connect the Irish parasitology community. Everyone welcome - follow us to stay connected! 🪱 #IrishParasitology #Parasitology #ISP

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Last week, we had a fantastic time at the 4th Pathogen Biology Ireland Conference 2026. Our group showcased ongoing research during the parasitology session, highlighted by Dr. Sheila Donnelly’s keynote talk on host–parasite interactions. Thanks to the organisers for a great day of science and BBQ.

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Last week, our PhD researcher Louise Jones attended the Peptide Therapeutics Forum 2026 at the University of Basel, hosted by the Swiss Chemical Society. She enjoyed learning about advances in peptide therapeutics and aims to apply these insights to her PhD research on parasite-derived peptides.

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Goodbye, May! 👋 We're turning the page on another stunning image from the Irish Society for Parasitology (ISP) calendar, captured by our PhD researcher @aistevit.bsky.social 📸 But June brings something even more exciting - just 10 days to go until the Annual ISP Meeting! 🎉 See you soon in Dublin! 🤗

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

From starving parasites to burgers in the sunshine ☀️ At today’s Zoology Colloquium, our PhD candidate Eve O'Kelly presented her fascinating research investigating how blocking molecular feeding mechanisms could starve parasites to death🪱 Followed, of course, by a well-earned post-colloquium BBQ🍔

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

At today's annual Zoology Colloquium, our Research Ireland funded PhD candidate Saoirse presented a first look at transcriptomic results investigating Fasciola hepatica and the cellular immune response generated by vaccination and infection 🔎💉 @researchireland.ie @uniofgalway.bsky.social

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

Molecular Parasitology reaches across the globe!🌎 Big welcome to our new international summer student Felishia Enciletta who has come all the way from PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India, where she is studying Biotechnology.

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Great Talk Eve! 👏 Presenting her work on blood-feeding Vampire Parasites at the 'Pint of Science' in Massimo pub, Galway. How do you combat vampire parasites? 🩸 🪱 With a cross?✝️ A garlic?🧄 Constant daylight?☀️ No - you starve them to death by blocking their molecular mechanism of feeding!!!

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

¡Ole! ¡Ole! ¡Ole! A big 'bienvenida' to our new postdoctoral recruit from Gran Canaria, Dr. Tara Pérez Hernández. We are looking forward to learning about ruminant vaccines & immunology from our second Spanish member (with Jesús López) and improving our Español. "Céad míle fáilte romhat"

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Great meeting Dr. Dmitrii V. Kalinin this morning following his recent move to SBCS. Lots of overlapping research interests identified - looking forward to future collaborations. Best of luck setting up your new lab at @uniofgalway.bsky.social!

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

Recognised for his outstanding contribution to the UoG CSE and Molecular Parasitology, our Research Fellow Richie Lalor received the 2026 Innovation Award presented by the University of Galway Innovation Office 🏆👏 Congratulations, Richie, on this fantastic achievement!👏🎉 @researchireland.ie

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

Fantastic to attend the @uniofgalway.bsky.social College of Science and Engineering Research & Innovation Day 2026 and showcase our research. ✨ Our PhD student Tadhg’s poster presentation hit the jackpot by winning the Best Poster Prize 🏆👏 Well done, Tadhg! 🎉 @researchireland.ie

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Refuelling between inspiring talks at the @uniofgalway.bsky.social College of Science and Engineering Research & Innovation Day 2026 🍽️✨ So many exciting ideas and impressive research shared today 🙌

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Kicking off the College of Science and Engineering Research & Innovation Day 2026 with a fascinating talk by Prof Sheila Donnelly on exploiting the immune regulatory mechanisms of helminths to design a new class of precision therapeutics. What a way to start this exciting day!👏

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

🎉 Congrats to Sienna Stucke from all in MPL for winning third place in the Threesis Grand Finale 2026! 🎊 Awarded for her brilliant 3-min, 3-slide talk on Healing Helminths: Investigating Parasitic Proteins for Neuroinflammatory & Neurogenerative Diseases - supervisor Prof. Eilís Dowd. Well done! 👏

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

Passing on skills in the MPL! PhD student Eve is training our newest team member, David, in immunolocalisation techniques on fixed liver fluke parasites, soon to be imaged using the confocal microscope.🪱 Dave is already coming into focus - great job! 🔬🔍👏 @researchireland.ie @uniofgalway.bsky.social

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

Doing our part for greener lab practices by recycling our plastic tip boxes thanks to Cruinn Diagnostics🌱 Perfect timing as Natalia returns from her research placement at @qubelfastofficial.bsky.social! Something tells us these boxes won’t stay empty for long as she puts her new skills into action!💚

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

A big welcome to our newest MPL member, David Greaney - cell biologist, an Annaghdown farmer, a GAA fan, and now all fluked up and ready to go! 👏👏🪱

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

Congratulations to @aistevit.bsky.social once again!! - this time for her @researchireland.ie Government of Ireland postgraduate award to study the application of 3D spheroid cultures for parasite growth in vitro (www.researchireland.ie/news/governm...). 🥳👏🪱

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Like mother, like son 🧪 It was such a pleasure having Grace’s son Conor visit our lab today! A future parasitologist in the making… even if he doesn’t quite know it yet! 😉🔬

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

✨ Tadhg Kilbane enthralled the Microbiology Society with his research on the Serpins (serine protease inhibitors) of the tropical parasite Schistosoma mansoni and their potential as vaccine targets and biotherapeutics!!🪱💉 Well done Tadhg - we can't wait for further up-dates! 👏 @researchireland.ie

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

☘️ Even @aistevit.bsky.social pet worms go green on St. Patrick's Day! ☘️ A very happy St. Patrick's Day from everyone at the MPL! 🪱💚 This festive fun is made possible thanks to funding from @researchireland.ie! @uniofgalway.bsky.social

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 07/03/2026

A Prof’s work is never done! JohnD teaching the MSc module in Vaccines (Director of the MSc: Dr. Sheila Donnelly). Great to teach such enthusiastic students!! @uniofgalway.bsky.social

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Our PhD candidates Saoirse (pictured) and Tadhg teaching first-year medicine students the basics in their Biochemistry practicals 👩‍🔬 This week they were running gels to diagnose sickle cell anaemia 🩸🧬 Interesting fact: the sickle cell trait also provides protection against malaria 🦟

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

Great Lab meeting today - so many exciting things happening so stay tuned for future publications! 🤗 @uniofgalway.bsky.social @researchireland.ie

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 16/02/2026

✨Fáilte mhór roimh ár mbainisteoir cláir nua! A big welcome to our new Programme Manager, Dr. Grace Davey! Welcome to our parasite world! 👏👏 @researchireland.ie @uniofgalway.bsky.social

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 16/02/2026

Today Prof Dalton gave an overview of our recent parasite research to final year Microbiology students - let's hope this inspires them to pursue a career in Parasitology!! 🪱🦠🔬 @uniofgalway.bsky.social @researchireland.ie

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

Yesterday at the inaugural TSD Symposium in Galway, Prof Dalton presented how we use microscopy, immunology and -omics to combat parasitic worms of humans and livestock worldwide. Many thanks to TSD for the collaboration and service, and to @researchireland.ie for their support and funding.

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 22/01/2026

No January blues in our lab! ✨ 🧪 Our @researchireland.ie -funded PhD student Saoirse Ellis is hard at work applying -omics to study immune responses to liver fluke infections in sheep 🐑 🪱 🧬 With some great behind-the-scenes support from Novogene Europe helping move this project forward 🙌

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

✨Exciting news!✨ Our PhD student Natalia will be spending four months on a research placement in Dr Yvonne Dombrowski’s lab at the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University Belfast. During her stay, Natalia will be learning advanced techniques in immunoneurochemistry.🧠

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

🎉 New year, new beginnings in the MPL Lab! We’re excited to welcome our new PhD student, Louise, who will be working on Schistosoma-derived peptides and their potential as treatments for inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis.🪱 Welcome aboard, Louise! 🥳 @uniofgalway.bsky.social @researchireland.ie

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 20/12/2025

Nollaig Shona daoibh go léir (Happy Xmas to everyone) from the MPL in Galway! 🎄☃️❄️

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 16/12/2025

Wrapping up a busy and productive year at MPL with our final lab meeting and a yummy festive Christmas lunch 🎄🎉 Huge thanks to all MPL members, funders, and colleagues around the world for a fantastic year - we're excited for the cool science the new year will bring! 🪱💉🧪🧬 @researchireland.ie

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

Congratulations to Natalia on graduating with a BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology & Biopharmaceutical Science from Atlantic Technological University, Galway 🎓🔬 We’re proud to celebrate her achievement and excited that she’s now pursuing her PhD in our lab - best of luck in this next chapter! 👏 🙌 🍀

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