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Maternal obesity is now an ‘urgent and growing threat’, experts warn
A new warning is calling for national action to reduce maternal obesity that affects one in four pregnancies. The report has been issued by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP). It signals that obesity in women and people of childbearing age is an urgent and growing public health concern in the UK. The new RCP View on Obesity and Maternal Health was developed by a group of leading health experts. These include Southampton’s Professor Keith Godfrey. Professor Godfrey is Co-C
Feb 4


Opening the doors: reflections from public contributors on joining a conference
by Danielle Schoenaker, Isla Davis and public contributors Michelle and Zaman Involving public contributors helps make sure studies are meaningful, relevant and grounded in lived experience. Public contributors can be invited to attend academic conferences. But what do they get out of these experiences? And how can researchers support them better? We work at the University of Southampton and NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre. Our research looks at how people can be
Jan 22


Study honoured for warnings on hospital readmissions among older people
An award-winning paper has warned that older people can feel unheard and unsupported as they leave hospital. Southampton researchers looked at why some older people end up back in the hospital within 30 days of being discharged. Their analysis suggests that listening to what matters most to older people can result in better care. The study brought together insights from a multi-disciplinary team. This included Dr Harnish Patel from the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research C
Jan 20


Global initiative to transform arthritis research and care
Big data and AI are being used to improve care for arthritis. Southampton researchers are part of a new international partnership, known as PROBE . This aims to revolutionise the way osteoarthritis is understood, diagnosed and treated. Professor Nicholas Harvey, Dr Leo Westbury and Dr Elizabeth Curtis are involved in the major new initiative. All three are researchers at Southampton’s MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre (LEC). They are also part of the NIHR Southampton Biomedi
Jan 6


‘Poignant’ award recognises outstanding contributions to medical research
Professor Keith Godfrey has been honoured with the 2025 David Barker Award. The David Barker Award recognises outstanding contributions to medical research. Each year it is presented to a long-serving consultant at University Hospital Southampton (UHS). In receiving the prize, Professor Godfrey praised his late mentor David Barker, who inspired his journey into research. Globally leading clinical academic Professor Godfrey is Professor of Epidemiology and Human Development at
Jan 5


Three-quarters of people not getting enough omega-3
Over three-quarters of people around the world are not eating the recommended intake of omega-3, new research shows. Southampton researchers have found 76 percent of people worldwide are not meeting recommended intakes of two omega-3s, EPA and DHA. The review was a collaboration between researchers at the University of Southampton, University of East Anglia and Holland & Barrett. It is the first global review of national and international omega-3 intake recommendations across
Dec 8, 2025


Weight loss pill aims to bridge gap in obesity treatments
An expanding pill trialled in Southampton could soon offer a new and affordable weight loss treatment. It follows a successful clinical trial at University Hospital Southampton (UHS). Participants in Southampton took part at the NIHR Clinical Research Facility at UHS. The treatment was developed by Oxford Medical Products (OMP). OMP partnered with the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) for the trial. They also partnered with the NIHR Bristol BRC, and the North
Oct 16, 2025


Muscle matters: Why your strength is key to lifelong health
Muscle health is about more than just fitness — it’s about staying well, active and independent throughout your life. Dr Mark Burton, a researcher at the University of Southampton, is working to help people understand how important muscle is for everyday health. He has recently completed a bridging fellowship at the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre. Now, he's set to start a fellowship funded by the Vivensa Foundation. What is sarcopenia? Dr Burton studies sarcopeni
Oct 10, 2025


Southampton professor shines light on ‘urgent global health issue’
Professor Nicholas Harvey is leading calls for urgent change to improve the treatment of osteoporosis around the world. He has led a...
Sep 12, 2025


Summer school inspires young people to pursue jobs in healthcare and research
Aspiring medics joined LifeLab’s summer school to gain hands-on experience and support their university applications. Dozens of young...
Sep 10, 2025


Southampton supports world's largest human imaging study
Image credit: UK Biobank/Dave Guttridge Bone health expertise in Southampton has underpinned one of the biggest health studies in the...
Aug 6, 2025


LifeLab Showcase celebrates a year of success
Young people, teachers, researchers and collaborators came to LifeLab for a vibrant evening of celebration. The 2025 Showcase event took...
Jul 16, 2025


World Health Organization spotlights Southampton research on health before pregnancy
A new report has highlighted the role of Southampton researchers and their partners in shaping the global conversation on preconception...
Jul 2, 2025


Minister meets Southampton experts helping children to lead healthier lives
Government minister Stephen Morgan has learned how Southampton researchers are improving children's long-term health prospects. The...
Jun 27, 2025


Researchers warn early development may be linked to rising youth anxiety
High rates of anxiety in children and young people may be rooted in the earliest stages of life, researchers have warned. The number of...
Jun 9, 2025


Fellowship success for future leader in ageing research
Dr Mark Burton has secured a prestigious fellowship to improve understanding of muscle loss in later life. The Vivensa Foundation...
Jun 4, 2025


‘Delving deeper’ into liver disease by re-creating it in a dish
Innovative research in Southampton is using a 3D technique to take new steps towards tackling a global health problem. Millie-Rose...
May 6, 2025


Trio of awards for bone health research
Three Southampton researchers have been recognised at an international conference. Dr Elizabeth Curtis, Dr Leo Westbury and Dr Faidra...
Apr 29, 2025


New collaboration launched to improve muscle health in people with obesity
Southampton researchers are increasing understanding of muscle loss found in people living with obesity in older age. They are...
Apr 24, 2025


Southampton to lead new UK network into links between gut and brain health
A groundbreaking UK research network has been launched to uncover how gut health influences the brain, immune system and mental...
Apr 24, 2025
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