Parul Sharma takes part in Pint of Science discussing 'When Cancer Breaks the Body Clock: Can Microbes Restore Appetite?'

24 Jun 2026

Parul Sharma a PhD student in the Department of Anatomy working with Dr Harriet Schellekens and Professor John F. Cryan, captivated the audience with her presentation at the recent Pint of Science event held in the Old Oak, Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork.

Parul shared her research work in her presentation entitled, “When Cancer Breaks the Body Clock: Can Microbes Restore Appetite?”, where she discussed how our body’s internal 24-hour clock influences appetite, metabolism, and overall health, and how these rhythms can become disrupted in cancer cachexia, a severe condition associated with weight and muscle loss. In her engaging presentation she described the emerging role of the gut microbiome and whether microbes could offer new possibilities for restoring these disrupted rhythms.

She then advised the audience of the steps that can be taken to maintain these rhythms intact by including fermented foods, prebiotics, and probiotics in their diet, also advising the habits that we should eliminate from daily life to prevent the circadian to breakdown, including time restricted eating, sleeping habits, late night light exposure etc. 

Pint of Science returned to Cork for three evenings of engaging talks that bring cutting-edge research out of the laboratory and into relaxed social settings. Across eleven events, scientists and researchers shared fascinating insights into topics ranging from brain health and human biology to climate, technology and the hidden science shaping our daily lives. Designed for curious minds of all backgrounds, the festival offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from the people behind the discoveries. Expect lively discussions, surprising facts, quiz, prizes to win, and an accessible introduction to the science happening right now in Cork and beyond. 

Links:

Pint of Science Festival 2026

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News item and photograph Bereniece Riedewald