The Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre (APC) is a Science Foundation Ireland funded Centre for Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET), headquartered in University College Cork (UCC). Along with its foundation partners, Teagasc Moorepark and Alimentary Health Ltd., the APC conducts research in the area of gastrointestinal (GI) health, investigating the role of gut bacterial flora in health and disease and exploring strategies to manipulate these flora to treat, and ultimately, prevent GI disorders. As part of this programme the APC has become the world leader in Bifidobacterial genomics, successfully completing the sequencing of two strains. APC scientists have also discovered a new virulence factor for
Listeria
(a bacterium that causes food-poisoning) which confers enhanced persistence within the host intestine. This discovery may lead to new ways of combating the infection in the future. Scientists have also demonstrated the beneficial impact of a Cork probiotic strain (
Bifidobacter infantis
) on irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. The team has also demonstrated systemic anti-inflammatory effects of probiotics following paraenteral (rather than oral) administration, an observation that triggered considerable international comment.
The APC also has a very innovative Education and Outreach programme, whose main aim is to bring science to society. Many of our activities are aimed at young school children, especially those in 5th and 6th classes of primary level, for whom science has just been introduced to their curriculum for the first time. The APC has developed a website called Microbe Magic (
http://microbemagic.ucc.ie
) where visitors will find an interactive description of the GI tract, fascinating gut facts and information on GI disorders. The site also features GI Jake, a furry
bifidobacterium
(one million times larger than life), which teaches children all about the bacteria resident in the gut. GI Jake has really captured the imagination of young and old alike. Other educational characters include Luke O'Cyte, a T-cell from the human immune system, which helps fight infections. Both Jake and Luke star in the schools newsletter, Microbe Magic, which is sent to all schools in Cork twice a year.
The APC team has also developed an educational computer game, GutReaction, in which the player is an immune cell that travels through the gut and needs to harness the energy of the good bacteria (probiotics) in order to shoot the disease-causing bacteria and viruses, as well as intestinal cancers. As the play continues windows appear on the screen teaching about the gut and resident flora. GutBuster is another educational game, which people can download onto mobile phones, and again teaches about the gut. Both these games are available to download free from
http://microbemagic.ucc.ie
.
Other highlights of our schools' activities during the last year were the visits of over 50 APC scientists and clinicians to schools in Cork during Science Week. APC scientists presented a talk about the digestive sys-tem to over 3,000 schoolchildren aged 10-12, and performed simple experiments on digestion. The children were thrilled by the opportunity to meet real scientists and ask all sorts of interesting (and often bizarre) questions. The scientists in turn were delighted by the enthusiasm of the pupils.
Gut Reaction is the APC newsletter designed with industry and other research colleagues in mind. Scientists and clinicians from the APC also meet regularly with patient groups, to update them on the latest research developments and clinical trial results.
The APC also plays a role in stimulating discussion at industry level on how to help Ireland develop an expertise in the niche area of Foods for Positive Health. An APC organised "Food Forum � Developing a Niche for Ireland" saw government ministers and members of the regulatory boards, representatives from Irish and international food industries, scientists and clinicians, spend a productive day debating the best way for the food industry in Ireland to develop value-added products, a move away from the traditional commodity food products.
If you would like to be added to our mailing list for any of our publications, or would like a copy of our corporate DVD, please
e-mail
[email protected]
.
Contact: Dr. Sally Cudmore, General Manager,
Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, UCC;
e-mail:
[email protected]
; web:
http://apc.ucc.ie
and
http://microbemagic.ucc.ie
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