Ireland has the highest rates of cystic fibrosis in the world. One in every 19 people carries the gene for the genetic condition that damages the lungs and other organs through repeated infections.Together with partners at Trinity College Dublin, two Notre Dame professors, Al Cerrone ‘09 and Rob Nerenberg, are considering new ways to treat the disease. Because cystic fibrosis patients often take antibiotics, resistance and toxicity are chronic fears. Finding ways to make the antibiotics
more effective, even reducing dosage amounts, could prevent side effects.The multidisciplinary team is looking at unusual combination treatments involving antibiotics and ultrasound, which have shown remarkable effectiveness.Learn more: https://go.nd.edu/7d31ab
More from Notre Dame Videos
- 5:0480 Years After Hiroshima and Nagasaki: Notre Dame Student ReflectionsIn August 2025, a group of Notre Dame students and faculty joined representatives from other U.S. Catholic universities in Japan as part of a "Pilgrimage of Peace" to mark the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
- 1:00Pilgrimage of Peace: Matthew Scherber ReflectionsIn August, Notre Dame junior Matthew Scherber visited Japan on the anniversary of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Here he reflects on the experience.
- 1:00Pilgrimage of Peace: Paul Lee's ReflectionsIn August, Notre Dame graduate student Paul Lee visited Japan on the anniversary of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Here he reflects on the experience.
- 0:54Pilgrimage of Peace: Maddie Colbert ReflectionsIn August, Notre Dame senior Maddie Colbert visited Japan on the anniversary of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Here she reflects on the experience.
- 2:01Fighting for Faster Virus DetectionNotre Dame researchers have developed an “electronic nose” that can sniff out bird flu before it spreads—helping farmers protect their flocks and livelihoods.Instead of slow, invasive lab tests, this new sensor detects airborne signs of disease in real time. Designed with farmers in mind, it comes in two easy formats: a barn-mounted monitor and a handheld device. Faster detection means fewer sick birds, safer food, and stronger farms.Learn more about Notre Dame research: https://go.nd.edu/fighting-for-faster-virus-detection
- 0:31Fighting to improve hurricane forecastsEvery second counts in a hurricane.Notre Dame researchers are using drones and ocean floats to uncover how storms gain strength—helping predict not just where a hurricane will strike, but how powerful it will be.Better forecasts. Smarter decisions.Learn more: https://go.nd.edu/fighting-to-improve-hurricane-forecasts
