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NIHR Biomedical Research Centre: Southampton
Latest news
First children’s study of nasal whooping cough vaccine reports positive results
A nasal vaccine that could help halt the spread of whooping cough has shown promising results in children and teenagers, according to a major international study. The trial was led by researchers from Southampton's NIHR Clinical Research Facility and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, working with ILiAD Biotechnologies and partners across the UK, Australia and Costa Rica. The findings, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, suggest the vaccine could help overcome some of
2 days ago
Screen time in early childhood linked to poorer academic performance, study finds
Children who spend more time viewing screens during early childhood tend to perform less well academically several years later, according to an international research study. The research followed more than 500 children in Singapore from the age of one to eight years. It then assessed their academic performance at age nine and working memory at age 10.5. The study is one of the longest-running of its kind. The findings come as international guidance continues to recommend limi
2 days ago
Southampton mum calls on pregnant women to join vaccine study after baby son’s fight for life
A Southampton mum whose baby survived a life-threatening infection is encouraging pregnant women to take part in a major vaccine study that could help protect future babies. When Leo Page was just three weeks old, he was rushed to University Hospital Southampton, where he was diagnosed with sepsis and meningitis caused by group B Streptococcus (GBS). Now, with Leo making encouraging progress at home, his mum Laura is endorsing the BEATRIX study, the first large-scale phase 3
2 days ago
Asthma and allergy centre celebrates 30 years of pioneering research
Researchers at the David Hide Asthma and Allergy Research Centre on the Isle of Wight are celebrating the 30th anniversary of its dedicated centre building. The centre has become a renowned home of pioneering research. Findings delivered in partnership through the NHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC): Southampton have transformed understanding, prevention and treatment of asthma, allergy and related conditions. Professor Graham Roberts and Professor Hasan Arshad are directors
3 days ago
NIHR20 Impact Prize recognises study for protecting millions of babies worldwide
An international study that was co-led by Southampton researchers has been awarded an NIHR20 Impact Prize. The national honour recognises how the HARMONIE trial has transformed protection against a common virus for babies around the world. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is one of the leading reasons babies are admitted to hospital. The study has helped change policy and clinical practice globally. More than 11 million children have now received the winter jab and the treat
Sep 25
Research comes to life at British Science Festival
Thousands of people took part in science workshops, talks and hands-on activities at the British Science Festival in Southampton. The five-day festival attracted more than 10,000 attendees and showcased research spanning health, technology, engineering and the environment. It was hosted by the University of Southampton and organised by the British Science Association. Researchers from the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC): Southampton were among those contributing to the
Sep 24
Southampton metabolic liver disease expert delivers prestigious lecture
Professor Chris Byrne has used a national stage to highlight growing evidence that a common metabolic liver disease can affect health far beyond the liver itself. He is one of only a handful of UK experts to give the keynote talk at HEART UK's annual conference in the past four decades. His lecture focused on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a common condition caused by excess fat building up in the liver. Increasingly, researchers are recogni
Sep 16
New £3m research programme to reduce medicine-related harm in older people
Southampton researchers will study whether genetic testing can help identify the safest and most effective medicines for older people taking several regular prescriptions. The PRIMO programme has been awarded around £3 million in funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). It will explore how genetic information could be used as part of routine medication reviews. The aim is to help doctors and pharmacists identify the safest and most effective me
Sep 16
Launching the South West NIHR BRC Alliance
This October, the NIHR Biomedical Research Centres in Bristol, Exeter and Southampton will come together for a one-day event showcasing innovation and high-impact research from across the South West. Industry to Impact: Launching the South West NIHR BRC Alliance will take place at Sandy Park, Exeter, on Tuesday 20th October. It will bring together colleagues from across the NHS, academia, industry and the NIHR to share examples of cutting-edge research and explore how discove
Sep 11
New mpox vaccine shows promising early results in first human trial
The first clinical trial of a new vaccine designed to protect against mpox has reported encouraging early results. The study tested an mRNA-based candidate vaccine called BNT166a in healthy adult volunteers. Researchers found that the vaccine was generally safe and well tolerated. Crucially, the vaccine also triggered a strong immune response, producing antibodies capable of recognising and fighting the virus. These responses were seen across all dose levels and in both peopl
Sep 3
World’s first trial of new Ebola vaccine launches in Southampton
University Hospital Southampton (UHS) has joined the first clinical trial of a Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine developed in response to the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Bundibugyo ebolavirus causes a severe illness that can be fatal in up to half of people who become infected. There are currently no approved vaccines specifically for this species of Ebola. This makes the development and testing of new vaccines an important global health priority. The vac
Sep 2
BRC blog: Improving anaesthetic care for children through research
By Dr Joseph Larvin As an anaesthetist, I look after people undergoing surgery every week. Many of the choices we make are informed by strong evidence, but in paediatric anaesthesia there are still important gaps in our knowledge. My research is focussed on how we care for children before, during and after surgery. As with most areas of research, paediatrics is often under-represented in perioperative care. This is due in part to the additional challenges that come with condu
Sep 2
Falling folic acid supplement uptake threatens progress on children's health, experts warn
Declining folic acid supplement use before pregnancy is undermining progress in preventing serious birth defects, say leading health experts. Recent national data for England shows fewer than one in five women are now taking folic acid before pregnancy. Southampton researchers warn that the trend could slow progress in reducing preventable birth defects and increase health inequalities unless action is taken. The experts are all part of the NIHR Inequalities Challenge: Matern
Aug 10
Research brings hope for intensive care survivors experiencing post-traumatic stress
Survivors of intensive care who experience post-traumatic stress could benefit from a specialist type of talking therapy, according to new research. Around 200,000 people survive a stay in intensive care in the UK each year. Around one in four of these patients experience significant symptoms of post-traumatic stress. If left untreated, these symptoms can last for years. The EMERALD study was delivered through the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC): Southampton. It assesse
Aug 10
Fridge-free vaccine shows promise for reaching millions more people worldwide
The world-first trial of a fridge-free tetanus-diphtheria vaccine has produced encouraging results. Around half of vaccines are wasted globally each year, according to the World Health Organization. Millions of vaccine doses are lost because of temperature changes during storage and transport. Fridge-free vaccines have the potential to transform vaccine delivery by reducing this dependence on refrigeration. This would improve access in more isolated communities. It would also
Aug 6
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