Dr Siobhain O'Mahony among European researchers awarded nearly €7 million to develop AI-based diagnosis methods and innovative interventions for Endometriosis.

7 Oct 2024

Dr Siobhain O'Mahony is one of the researchers from eleven countries across Europe who were recently awarded nearly €7 million to develop AI-based diagnosis methods and innovative interventions for Endometriosis.

Dr O’Mahony leads the microbiome work packages of this five-year EU Horizon consortium grant involving twelve partners across Europe. 

Endometriosis is a chronic neuro-inflammatory, oestrogen-dependent pain condition affecting ~190 million women worldwide. It is defined by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. There is no known cure, its aetiology and natural history remain poorly understood, and existing treatments are often ineffective or associated with unacceptable side-effects.

Dr O'Mahony has shown in both animal and human studies that the gut microbiome is linked to both visceral and somatic pain. In the current programme Dr O'Mahony will investigate the potential link of the gut and reproductive microbiome in pain and fertility in endometriosis. Novel interventions to reduce stress and inflammation will be investigated during the programme as well as developing AI-based strategies to provide earlier diagnosis for endometriosis.

This interdisciplinary programme will change the way in which endometriosis is diagnosed and treated to enhance health for people suffering from this extremely debilitating condition.

Links: https://www.ucc.ie/en/news/2024/two-women-led-start-ups-at-ucc-secure-over-1-million-in-enterprise-ireland-funding.html

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News item and photograph Bereniece Riedewald.