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

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

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

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

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

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

This Clean Air Day, Dr Thomas Daniels talks about his recent appointment as our new BRC Sustainability Champion.

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

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

A new ‘universal’ coronavirus vaccine trialled at University Hospital Southampton (UHS) could protect against viruses yet to emerge. Experts say this could potentially save millions of lives and avoid costly lockdowns. The study took place at the NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility (CRF) and the NIHR Cambridge Clinical Research Facility. It was sponsored by UHS. Creating a 'super antigen' The vaccine was developed by a team at the University of Cambridge and spin-out

A new blood-based testing approach could help improve early diagnosis of tuberculosis. Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the world’s deadliest infections. Earlier diagnosis could reduce the risk of severe lung damage and limit the spread of the disease. Dr Hannah Schiff is leading research into whether protein signals in the blood can reveal TB before patients become seriously ill. Dr Schiff is a Senior Clinical Lecturer in Respiratory Medicine at the University of Southampton

Researchers are joining forces to understand why the current ‘one size fits all’ approach to osteoarthritis is not working. There are 10 million people living with osteoarthritis in the UK. Yet people experience the condition in different ways. The SOLVE consortium is bringing together researchers from across the UK, including Southampton, to ask why. Working collaboratively Osteoarthritis symptoms include pain, stiffness and swelling. They can have a huge impact on people’s