One minute with Diane Purcell Meyerink - Seaweed for Life
Dr. Diane Purcell Meyerink, a Marie Sklodowska Curie Fellow based at Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, discusses how seaweeds can provide an alternative source of protein. To hear the full story, come along to our 60 Minute Science event on 15th November.
Find out more about the event and register here
Our Global population is predicted to grow to 9.7 billion by 2050, leading to a need for much more food. So, finding alternative sources of protein and other foods will be essential. Luckily for us, Seaweeds are a sustainable, rich source of useful nutrients. In Ireland they have a very long history of use as food, in animal feed and in medicines. We’re extremely fortunate that one species of seaweed covers over half our coastline. This is a brown kelp seaweed, called Oarweed, or in Irish, Coirleach. It is one of the top ten species that supplies the global seaweed industry, and it’s literally growing on our doorstep.
With my colleagues, I’ve been investigating the use of this kelp as a source of health-promoting dietary supplements. It might even help to prevent high blood pressure. This is only one of the many possible uses that we’re investigating. I’d like to show people the many ways seaweeds are useful to us, how important they are, and where we as individuals can help them survive in our changing climate.
Teagasc invites you to join us for an unmissable series of virtual and in-person events for Science Week 2022 as part of ‘The Festival of Farming and Food’ November 13-20, 2022.
The festival is an educational, inspiring and fun week, packed full of amazing science activities, experiences, talks and exhibitions, for children and grown-ups alike.
We’d love to hear from you. Be part of The Festival of Farming and Food journey on Social Media:
@Teagasc @ScienceWeek #FestFarmFood #ScienceWeek