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NIHR Biomedical Research Centre: Southampton
Latest news
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
3 days ago
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
True cost of undernutrition in UK to be revealed in new landmark study
Southampton researchers are part of a new collaboration that will assess the economic impact of undernutrition across the UK. The ambitious research programme aims to deliver the most comprehensive assessment of this in more than a decade. It will be delivered by a new collaboration between the University of Southampton (UoS), the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre: Southampton (BRC) and the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (BAPEN). What is undernutrition
Jul 29
Nutrition scientist wins prestigious Julie Wallace Award
Dr Helena Fisk has been named as this year’s Julie Wallace Award winner by the Nutrition Society. The prize recognises outstanding early career researchers who have demonstrated scientific excellence. Winners must have made significant contributions to the field of nutrition. Dr Fisk is a Lecturer in Nutritional Science at the University of Southampton. She is supported by the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). Obesity and inflammation Dr Fisk’s research focus
Jul 13
Cruise ship air pollution could make viral infections worse
Air pollution from cruise ships could be damaging the health of people living in port cities, new research shows. Southampton researchers found tiny particles in the air that could lead to inflammation and make people more vulnerable to viruses. The research has now been published in the journal Environment International. Studying the air at Southampton's port The researchers studied tiny dust particles, known as ultrafine particulate matter (PM), in the air within Southampt
Jul 10
Southampton launches research network to boost children's health
Researchers in Southampton are joining forces to improve the health of children and young people. The Child Health Research Network has been launched by the University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton (UHS) and Southampton Children’s Hospital (part of UHS). The network brings together local researchers, clinicians, engineers, scientists and implementation partners from across Southampton and the wider region. By combining their expertise, they aim to develop
Jun 30
Collaborative research in the spotlight to improve care for Armed Forces communities
A networking event at University Hospital Southampton explored new ways to improve the health and wellbeing of Armed Forces communities. Clinicians, researchers, innovation leads and military representatives gathered during Armed Forces Week. The event was hosted by the NIHR Wessex Experimental Medicine Network. Armed Forces community Wessex is home to one of the largest and most concentrated Armed Forces communities in the UK. Census and local authority data show veteran pop
Jun 26
Driving greener healthcare: Meet Thomas Daniels
This Clean Air Day, Dr Thomas Daniels talks about his recent appointment as our new BRC Sustainability Champion.
Jun 18
Personalised treatment trialled for aggressive asbestos-linked cancer
A new trial is investigating a personalised treatment for patients with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Mesothelioma is a cancer that forms in the lining of the lungs or abdomen. It is linked to exposure to dangerous asbestos fibres. Around 2,700 people are diagnosed with the disease each year. Outcomes and survival rates are poor. The SELECTmeso1 trial is investigating whether a targeted cancer treatment can improve outcomes for patients who have a particular genetic b
Jun 17
Southampton part of £50m effort to transform maternal health
Researchers across the UK are joining forces to develop a ‘national blueprint’ for care and support before and between pregnancies. Southampton researchers are part of a new £50 million programme from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The aim is to transform maternal health through pioneering research. Driving forward vital research Maternal health inequalities remain one of the most pressing challenges facing the NHS. In the UK, Black women continue
Jun 9
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