Researchers from the Alpha One Foundation, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Harvard University have made a major breakthrough in identifying people who have an increased risk of developing COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) due to a combination of 1 copy of the Z Alpha-1 gene (known as MZ carriers) and exposure to cigarette smoke. 

250 individuals from 51 Irish families took part in the research study over 7 years which set out to determine the risk of COPD for people who carry one normal and abnormal Alpha-1 gene. This piece has featured in a variety of local and national newspapers (for example Irish Times, Irish Independent, and Irish Examiner), radio stations around the country, and was featured on a segment on TV3 news on February 11th 2014.