Research – Blog about neuroblastoma research

Correlation is not Causation

Have you heard that ice cream consumption increases the number of shark attacks? Or that when Nicolas Cage appears in movies, the number of drowning cases goes up? Should we just ban ice cream and Nicolas Cage to avoid these tragedies… well, it is not as straightforward as that.

I discovered this topic of bizarre correlations during the first few weeks of the introduction to statistics module. They were quite fun to discuss, and we had a few laughs speculating how they were made in the first place. Here, I just wanted to share a couple of these bizarre correlations and touch upon broader implications.

*llustration by Eric Siegel via* *KGnuggets*.

Just because two variables move together on a graph does not mean one causes the other. Shark attacks are not caused by eating more ice cream; both are connected (sharks and ice cream), but a third variable can lead to an increase in the summertime, when people go to the beach for a swim. Similarly, Nicolas Cage movies tend to be released in the summer, when people are more likely to drown. This is an example of confounding variables, where two variables seem to be connected (sharks and ice cream), but there is a third variable that is influencing both behind the scenes (summertime). People tend to forget that correlation does not imply causation, leading to hilarious or even dangerous misinterpretations of data.

In research, the idea of confounding effects is not as straightforward. For example, the more a person eats, the more sodium they consume, but also eating a lot of calories often leads to obesity. Both obesity and high-sodium diets are believed to correlate with high blood pressure. So, then what is the primary cause in this case: obesity or high sodium intake?

Tools like LASSO or Elastic Net can help tease apart which variable is really doing the work, but the data only goes so far. It still takes a researcher to interpret what it means. So the next time a striking statistic makes you want to ban ice cream (or Nicolas Cage), it’s worth pausing to wonder what’s really going on behind the scenes.

Written by Dmytro Brykaylo

Reference:
Correlation vs. Causation. Association of Health Care Journalists.

Nick Cage Movies Vs. Drownings, and More Strange (but Spurious) Correlations | National Geographic.

Siegel, E. Why Ice Cream Is Linked to Shark Attacks – Correlation/Causation Smackdown. KDnuggets.

Importance of scientific illustration in the AI era

As I reflect on the work I have done leading up to my first publication since starting as a research assistant, I have thought deeply about what makes good scientific illustration, and more broadly, what makes good art. The purpose of scientific illustration is to visually synthesize research findings to aid in textual dissemination of scientific concepts. When first learning how to read a paper, I was taught to look through and try to understand each figure first. In my work process, I think about how people will look to my illustrations for clarity and understanding, as societally we translucently accept that knowledge can be and should be communicated beyond words.

There are two components that I believe make good scientific illustration. The first is understanding the language of the visual. Producing art requires integration of the subconscious into the conscious mind to communicate an idea effectively. This communication occurs in both the artist and the viewer, as the artist has to carefully consider how the viewer will both consciously and subconsciously derive meaning in an image from shape, line, form, and colour. Art that we consider ‘good’ will impact or emotionally resonate with the viewer in the way that the artist intended. Art that we consider ‘bad’ fails at communicating the meaning of its existence to the viewer.

Knowledge is what expands how we perceive beauty and what we perceive as beautiful. The second component required to create stunning visuals that effectively communicate scientific concepts and research findings to the viewers is that the artist must also have a deep understanding of the material researched. Famously, observation is the foundational principle in science and art, and curiosity is the driving factor of observation in both. Good scientific illustration must be produced by someone who intimately understands what they are drawing. Because of this, I believe that every good artist has the potential to also become a good scientist, and every good scientist has the potential to become a good artist.

AI is something I get asked about a lot as someone who does illustration as a part of my job. We live in a world where you can ask a large-language model to generate an image summarising a text, and it is usually a bad piece of art. But why are images produced by AI often bad art? The human brain processes information through words, but also sound, image, colour, smell, touch, form, and emotion. We translate our sensory experiences and imagination into written and spoken language to communicate with each other, but we don’t always think, feel, and process in written words. All parts of living in our bodies affect our thoughts, emotions, and views of the world, and therefore, affect what we consciously and subconsciously communicate in art. Much like how dogs could not distinguish seasons solely based on how they perceive the colour of the leaves, AI fails to produce good art because it can only produce an image from the limited language of the written word.

The argument I think that a lot of people make in regards to using AI specifically in scientific illustration is that it falls into technical illustration, and therefore is inherently emotionless art intended to communicate an idea simply; sounds perfect for a robot! However, observation, a process at the very core of science, involves a synthesis of all five senses. We then primarily translate those observations into written words. Scientific illustration aims to simplify and bridge the gaps of what is lost in the written word to enhance understanding of complex concepts to a sensorially integrated mind.

As we move through this era of global uncertainty, we must befriend the liminality of it all in an attempt to reconnect with and expand our uniquely human language of art. When you make art, you are accessing a new layer of thought. I believe that when you attempt to draw your research, no matter your perceived skill level, this process helps to enhance your understanding of the material. The purpose of scientific illustration is to visually synthesise research findings to aid in the textual dissemination of scientific concepts.

Written and illustrated by Vanessa Farkas

Hot off the Press!

We are over the moon with our work being recognised by the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy Molecular Therapy Family of Journals. The results are published in a Special Issue focused on the Advances in Paediatric Cancer Therapy. It is a true milestone in a challenge we undertook in collaboration with Prof Helen McCarthy at Queen’s University Belfast, with High-Risk, High-Gain funding from the Higher Education Authority North-South Research Programme. We did prove the HEA Ambition to highlight the huge potential of their initiative. Now, I can share the score for our application – it was 99/100*! Oh, my!!!! We are so happy that our idea was recognised back then. *I am still struggling to reach this threshold in other applications. 😉

Indeed, great research is teamwork, trust and collaboration – huge appreciation goes to Chayanika Saha, Federica Cottone, Eve O’Donoghue, Rabia Saleem, and Binyumeng Jiang. You are the Rising Stars!

Ellen receives her IACR/EACR Junior Scientist Award 2025

However, my extreme credit goes to Ellen King, PhD, who took on my ambitious challenge (go/no-go!), trusted me, went above and beyond, and turned her PhD project into this publication with passion and diligence. Just for context, it took us 12 months with 7 rejections to receive the quality approval mark for this publication. All this time, she was on top of the reviewing and publishing game after graduating with her PhD in 2024, developing her own immuno-oncology portfolio in London. Onwards and upwards Ellen King, PhD!

We are proud to collaborate with the family of John Foley CMC, FIMCA, MIET. – the true inspiration for not giving up! Their story of the neuroblastoma battle is heartbreaking and inspiring at the same time.
The Higher Education Authority funding helped us to secure follow-up funding from the Health Research Board (HRB) & the Conor Foley Neuroblastoma Cancer Research Foundation ( via HRCI – Health Research Charities Ireland) and Neuroblastoma UK. We appreciate their trust in our ambition and vision. THANK YOU!

My Experience at the Endo Ireland Conference 2026

Endometriosis—a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus—affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. The severity of the condition varies by individual, depending on the location and extent of tissue growth. As someone living with this condition, attending the Endo Ireland 2026 conference on March 28 in Dublin was a deeply personal and touching experience.

The conference was hosted by the Endometriosis Association of Ireland, an organisation run by volunteers dedicated to supporting and representing those impacted by the disease. The event featured a clinical panel where clinicians discussed current treatment options and their limitations. In a separate research panel, scientists shared their professional journeys and emphasised why more focus is needed in this historically underrepresented field.

The agenda also included personal stories from patients and expert talks covering essential topics such as mental health and nutrition. A representative from the National Women & Infants Health Programme (NWIHP) addressed current treatment limitations, listened to patient feedback, and highlighted a commitment to improving future care pathways. It was an amazing opportunity to connect with the patient community and share our journeys. I was also deeply inspired to meet researchers in the field and hear about their transitions from other research areas into endometriosis research.

Written by Anusha Ashokan

Our anti-cancer vaccine work at the International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy 2026

We presented at the International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy Meeting 2026 – an excellent opportunity to showcase your research and expand your network. Delighted for our team, we secured two oral presentations: an elevator pitch by Rabia Saleem and one by me.

Some of my highlights, on top of the top-notch science, are:
– The Welcome address was a Thing. A craic of Irish music and dancing. What a start! Felt very proud to be Irish. Thank you to ISCT, the International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy & Karen English for capturing Irish flavours so well.
– 1540 posters covering various areas of cell and gene therapy, Plenary sessions – short and sweet, an excellent showcase of many projects via Elevator Pitches (2 min each) or Oral presentations (10 min each). Active interactions at the poster session. Rabia Saleem poster attracted Cytotherapy Editor – well done!
– Creative exhibition stands and interactions. NO to plain pens and water bottles, YES to puzzles, LEGO toys, travel pillows, stress balls, and the highlight – make your own bear!

IACR 2026: Science, Communication, and Impact

I recently had the opportunity to attend and present my research at the Irish Association for Cancer Research Conference 2026 in Galway. This year was particularly special for me, as I was selected as one of six early-career researchers to take part in the Prof. Patrick G. Johnston Award for Excellence in Cancer Research Outreach.

This award recognises researchers who can communicate their work clearly to a public audience. Those selected are chosen based on their lay abstracts and take part in a patient communication workshop ahead of the conference. As part of this, I had the opportunity to work closely with patient advocates and cancer survivors, which was an incredibly valuable experience. It challenged me to think beyond science and focus on how to make my research meaningful, accessible, and relevant to the people it ultimately aims to help.

During the conference, I presented my research as part of this award session, delivering a lay presentation to an audience made up of scientists, patients, and members of the public.

My research focuses on developing 3D lung models to better understand cancer behaviour and explore new ways to target lung cancer using mRNA-based approaches. Being able to present this work in a way that resonated with a non-scientific audience was both challenging and rewarding.

Overall, the conference was an inspiring experience. It reinforced the importance of communication in cancer research and reminded me that behind every project are patients and families who are directly impacted by the work we do.

Until next time,

Written by Eve O’Donoghue

Student placements

Hi everyone!

My name is Maryam Almotawaa, and I’m a 4th-year pharmacy student.

I am working on research to identify a promising tumour-associated antigen for immunotherapy. I used the R2 platform to review datasets, including neuroblastoma and non-small cell lung cancer. I spent some time in the lab observing Lin and Eve working on a Western blot for GPC2, a promising neuroblastoma and non-small cell lung cancer antigen. I was involved in a small part of a Western blot experiment in which I washed the secondary antibody. Even though it wasn’t a big task, it made me realise that even small steps matter and can affect the final result.

Outside my academic life, I really enjoy spending quality time with my friends, whether that’s catching up over coffee or exploring new food spots around Dublin. I also value having time to unwind and recharge, especially after busy academic periods, as it helps me maintain a good balance between my studies and personal life.

*All vials contain specific solutions that help confirm protein expression adsorbed onto the PVDF membrane.*

Written by Maryam Almotawaa

Rabia Saleem: My Portuguese Journey

I’m in my third year of a PhD at RCSI and recently completed an RCSI-funded secondment. Reflecting on it, it has been one of my most enjoyable and valuable experiences so far. Coming back to Ireland after the secondment feels great. I’m feeling refreshed and eager to dive back into my work.

I spent my placement at the University of Lisbon’s Department of Pharmacy, working in Prof. Helena Florindo’s lab. Everyone was super welcoming, which made it easy to settle in and get started without any stress.

Most of my time in the lab was spent preparing biodegradable nanoparticles using a peptide from my project. I also got to run some ex vivo experiments and even joined in on in vivo work under supervision, a completely new and really exciting experience for me. The best part was seeing some promising results come through, which was really encouraging.

Outside the lab, Lisbon was just a lovely place to spend time. I picked up a little Portuguese, enjoyed the sunshine, and appreciated the relaxed pace.

Now that I’m back, I’m excited to finish up the last bits of my project and build on what I learned during the secondment. Overall, it was an amazing experience, both for my research and personally.

Written by Rabia Saleem, the IRC PhD student

My 1st Mac4Me Secondment – Nottingham 2026

It’s great to be back! Returning to the University of Nottingham for my secondment with PeptiMatrix feels like coming full circle since finishing my undergrad here.

Stepping into the lab felt instantly familiar. Because I already knew the layout, I could breeze through the initial induction and training and get straight into the exciting part: the science.

I have to say, the lab is so well-organised, and it’s packed with some impressive new kit. I’ve already spotted an automated cell culture system and a 3D printer, but the equipment I’m most excited about is the rheometer, which will be central to my project.

I also got hands-on right away, learning how to make peptide hydrogels and even how to encapsulate cells into them. It’s amazing to see the building blocks of tissue engineering coming together right before my eyes.

There are plenty more cool things planned for the coming weeks. I’ll be sure to keep you updated on the journey.

Written by Chunyu Yan, Mac4Me PhD student

Two New-Minted PhD in 2025!

What a year – two young and talented postgraduate students have been minted with a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in September and December of 2025. They are Dr Lin Ma and Dr Ronja Struck. Hard work and dedication are the cornerstones of this challenging but rewarding journey.

They sailed through scattered showers and sunny spells, gale winds and stormy snow with sunshine developing elsewhere, turning chilly under clear skies on some days with temperatures below/above zero. The full spectrum of emotions and hard work was spiced up by the uncertainty of COVID-19 restrictions. Well done to Ronja and Lin!

My greatest thanks to Lin’s examiners Prof Sue Burchill (University of Leeds, UK), Dr Joan Ní Gabhann-Dromgoole (RCSI, Ireland) and the independent chair Prof Kevin McGuigan (RCSI, Ireland)!!

My greatest thanks to Ronja’s examiners, Prof Martina Rauner (Dresden University, Germany), Prof Fabio Quondamatteo (RCSI, Ireland) and the independent chair Dr Inmar Schoen (RCSI, Ireland)!!

This work would not be possible without the generous support from the Irish Research Council (Research Ireland) and the Conor Foley Neuroblastoma Cancer Research Foundation to Ronja, and from the RCSI-Soochow University StAR International PhD Programme to Lin.