International research team pinpoints high-risk areas to inform global scorpion sting prevention   An international team of scientists have identified how to pinpoint and predict hotspots for some of the most dangerous species of scorpion in the world. The researchers have established the key environmental conditions that determine where lethal, venomous arachnids thrive - findings that could help shine a light on flashpoints for scorpion stings in tropical regions across the globe. The team of scientists used field observations in Africa combined with computer modelling to predict where dangerous scorpion species are most likely to be found and what factors influence their distributions. Their analysis uncovered a striking pattern - soil type largely determines where most scorpions live, while temperature, both average and seasonal ranges, play a key role for some species. Crucially, not all scorpions behave alike. Some are adaptable and widespread, while several others showed extremely restricted predicted distributions, suggesting narrow habitat requirements and localised risk zones. The research was conducted by an international team from University of Galway, in partnership with University Ibn Zohr in Morocco. The findings of the study are published in Environmental Research Communications. It focuses on central Morocco, one of the most severe global hotspots for scorpion stings, and aims to guide prevention strategies, as well as the development of new diagnostic tools and antivenoms.             Dr Michel Dugon, Head of the Venom Systems Lab at University of Galway and senior author of the study, said: “The findings could save lives. By pinpointing where dangerous scorpions are most likely to appear, health authorities can target awareness campaigns, train frontline medical staff, and focus community prevention in high-risk areas, especially protecting children. The approach can be applied wherever scorpions pose a threat, from Brazil to the Middle East and India.” Scorpion stings are a hidden global public health crisis, particularly across tropical and subtropical regions. Every year, more than 2 million people are stung. While most stings cause pain and swelling, some species can deliver venom that leads to very severe illness and death, especially in children and older people. Globally, scorpion stings are estimated to claim the lives of more than 3,000 children annually. While antivenoms exist for a range of scorpion species, medical teams often struggle to identify which species is responsible, making timely, effective treatment difficult. To address this issue, the researchers used a computer-mapping tool called Maximum Entropy to predict where dangerous scorpions live and what environmental conditions they prefer. The analysis uncovered the striking patterns. Using globally available data on soil, temperature, and other habitat factors, the scientist demonstrates a way to pinpoint high-risk scorpion areas outside Morocco, including regions of the tropics where detailed species records are limited. The research was carried out by established and doctoral scientists from both universities, with support from University of Galway undergraduate students who travel to Morocco annually as part of their Bachelor of Science Zoology programme.             Dr Dugon added: “Overall, we know very little about the ecology of scorpions, their venom and the best way to treat scorpion stings. Our international collaborative efforts aim to develop new tools for the prevention, diagnostic and treatment of scorpion stings globally. This requires multidisciplinary teams including public health specialists, clinicians, zoologists and members of local communities.”                 Fouad Salhi, doctoral researcher at the University Ibn Zohr of Agadir and first author of the study, said: “This research shows how biodiversity data can inform public health policies. By combining long-term fieldwork with ecological modelling, we were able to identify where dangerous scorpions are most likely to occur. We aim to have real-world impact — supporting prevention strategies, improving medical preparedness, and ultimately contribute to the reduction of the burden of scorpion stings, both in Morocco and beyond.”             Dr Colin Lawton, Head of Zoology at University of Galway and co-author of the study, said: “University of Galway is gaining momentum as a centre of excellence in zoological research, addressing questions of global importance, from fish stock to mammal conservation and animal-borne disease mitigation. We are very proud to integrate our BSc Zoology students into our research activities and international partnerships.” The full study in Environmental Research Communications is available at https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/2515-7620/ae3fef. Ends

Spoonful of honey can delay corrosive process in children as researchers stress the importance of better awareness of risks   New research from University of Galway raises awareness of the devastating injuries that can be caused to young children by button battery ingestion.  The study is the first of its kind in Ireland and highlights that children between the ages of six months and six years are at particular risk.  The research revealed that almost nine out of 10 people surveyed were not aware that a spoonful of honey can help delay the corrosive damage caused if a child swallows one of these batteries.   The team also called out concerns around a lack of safety and awareness among the general public over the risks from ingestion as well as inconsistent packaging and safety warnings.  The study has been published in the peer reviewed international Journal of Laryngology & Otology. The full paper is available to read here.   Professor Ivan Keogh, Head of the Discipline of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology at the University of Galway and Consultant Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeon at Galway University Hospitals, said: “In Ireland, button battery ingestion occurs a number of times each year, and in otherwise healthy young children it can lead to devastating, long-term, and sometimes fatal consequences.  “Button battery ingestion is a time critical, life-threatening emergency, but a spoonful of honey can reduce damage until urgent removal under general anaesthetic by experienced consultants.”  Button batteries are cheap and shiny and attractive to young children. They are found in many common household items, such as toys and remote controls.   If swallowed, larger button batteries, especially those measuring approximately 2cm in diameter, can lodge in a child’s upper oesophagus/swallow passage. Within minutes of ingestion, the negative pole of the battery starts generating an electrical current that causes ongoing caustic/burn injury to the lining of the swallow passage.   If the ingestion is unwitnessed, symptoms can be non-specific and lead to a delayed diagnosis. Eventually batteries can erode through the oesophagus into the aorta, leading to catastrophic bleeding and death.  The research, led by Professor Ivan Keogh and supported by Dr Anmol Mahesh and Mr Khalid Majeed as part of a Health Research Board grant, involved a questionnaire-based survey of 561 adults to assess public awareness of this serious and often under-recognised childhood risk.  The study revealed:  - Despite 87 per cent of respondents reporting the use of button batteries in their homes, 65 per cent had not considered their safety, and 68 per cent felt that existing packaging warnings were inadequate.  - While 80 per cent were aware that button battery ingestion can be dangerous, 88 per cent were unaware that giving a spoonful of honey can help delay the corrosive damage caused by the battery.  - Awareness of a simple, potentially life-saving intervention was particularly low, with only 11.4 per cent of participants reporting knowledge of honey as an immediate home measure to slow injury following ingestion.     The research team highlighted the need to educate the public on the dangers of button batteries among consumers including parents, the general public, healthcare professionals and retailers, to prevent further devastating impacts to young children. It noted that prevention, awareness and the development of safer technologies is key.  There are also numerous reports of devastating life changing injuries and unfortunately deaths reported in the international press.  Removal of a swallowed button battery is a time critical emergency. Safe removal involves urgent endoscopy under general anaesthetic by experienced consultants.  While some manufacturers are investing in research to develop safer button battery technologies, significant risks to children remain.   According to the National Poison Data System in the USA, button battery ingestions have increased from 745 in 1985 to 3467 cases in 2019. In the US, Reese’s Law was introduced in 2022, which mandates federal safety requirements around button battery use, making their compartments safer and more difficult for children to open.  Professor Keogh added: “Challenges persist regarding the design and marketing of button batteries and public awareness of the risks associated with ingestion. Action is required to prevent further tragedies.”  Ends   

University of Galway has hosted the UN Special Rapporteur on the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment as part of an official country visit to Ireland. The visit of Special Rapporteur Astrid Puentes Riaño to the country focused on good practices and challenges in the implementation of human rights obligations relating to climate change and environmental protection. At University of Galway, academics in the Ryan Institute and Irish Centre for Human Rights shared expertise on issues related to rights associated with the environment and access to justice. The UN Special Rapporteur also took part in an open forum with civic and social organisations on issues linked to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, including FairSeas, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Love Leitrim, Galway City Community Network, GLAN (Global Legal Action Network), Easkey Britton, Corrib Beo and Swan Sanctuary. Deputy President and Registrar at University of Galway, Professor Becky Whay, said: “Hosting the UN Special Rapporteur Astrid Puentes Riaño has been an excellent opportunity for University of Galway to bring our research-based insights to bear on a significant assessment of our country’s progress and obligations towards the environment and climate justice.” UN Special Rapporteur on the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, Astrid Puentes Riaño said: “I am delighted to visit the University of Galway and to hear first-hand about the research and public policy engagement work of the Irish Centre for Human Rights and the Ryan Institute. Engagement with academia and civil society is important to my work, at a challenging time globally for human rights protection and the environment.” During the visit to Ireland, the UN Special Rapporteur is examining substantive elements of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment in the country, including air, the sustainable use of water, healthy food systems, healthy biodiversity and ecosystems, non-toxic environments and a safe climate. She is also examining procedural elements of the right, including access to information, public participation and access to justice and issues related to the protection of environmental human rights defenders. Ms Puentes Riaño said: “My visit to Ireland is part of the ongoing work of the United Nations Special Procedures, to promote human rights and a clean healthy environment. My final report will be presented to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, and published in all six UN languages. The work of the Irish Centre for Human Rights on climate justice and access to justice, and of the multidisciplinary Ryan Institute on the marine, environment and sustainability, is hugely important to recognising and strengthening the links between human rights and the environment.” The Special Rapporteur will present a public report on report on the Ireland visit to the United Nations Human Rights Council in March 2027. Ends