Southampton researchers have launched a new collaboration to speed up progress in 3D cell modelling. The models they develop will be used to expand respiratory disease research. This could lead to new drugs and therapies being identified. SoCRATES is driven by experts from the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). It brings together scientists from the University of Southampton, other academic centres and industrial partners. They are exploring how new treatments for respiratory diseases can be developed in a shorter time frame, with higher success rates. Modelling human disease Cell and tissue models are grown from human cells. They are an essential tool for understanding, preventing and treating disease. These models have conventionally been grown in flat, two-dimensional layers. In contrast, cells in 3D environments can grow or interact with their surroundings in all three dimensions. This means they are more representative of the human body. Dr Mirella Spalluto and Professor Paul Elkington are colleagues in the NIHR Southampton BRC’s Respiratory and Allergy theme. They led the development of the new working group. SoCRATES is short for Southampton Cellular Research And Tissue Engineering Systems. Dr Spalluto said: “SoCRATES is like our headquarters where we bring our unique skills to the table. Together, we are trying to understand diseases armed with the latest tools and techniques. “But we're not just sticking to the old playbook. We're shaking things up with cool 3D models that mimic the real deal. This gives us a better shot at identifying new treatments for diseases with the maximum chance of success.” Pioneering research Researchers at Southampton General Hospital have access to clinical samples from patients. They can be used to create 3D cell models for a wide range of medical conditions. This includes Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) - a rare genetic disorder that affects several organs and gets worse over time. Dr Claire Jackson, who is part of the NIHR Southampton BRC, has developed a model to test the effects of drugs and infections. The techniques are also being used beyond lung disease, such as to understand infection, cancer and other important diseases. Discover more on the SoCRATES website.

Charities and partners across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are helping more local people take part in research. They marked successes from the partnership’s second year at a special event in Southampton city centre. It took place at Central Hall on Tuesday 26th March. Dr Karen Underwood from University Hospital Southampton (UHS) was a keynote speaker at the event. Raising Voices in Research is increasing uptake and diversity in research. A key goal is to determine how research can better involve a range of communities. Shaping research The project connects UHS with various local organisations. It is led by Action Hampshire. Other partners include NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, regional National Institute for Health & Care Research (NIHR) research partners and the University of Winchester. Dr Karen Underwood, Director of Research and Development at UHS, said: “We can all make a difference in the world. Each one of us has a unique voice and perspective to contribute. It is through our collective efforts that we can lead equitable and truly meaningful research. “We must make sure the research we do is the research that people need. This means engaging those who are seldom heard, underserved or experiencing the greatest health inequalities. “It is encouraging to see new relationships growing through this project and we are committed to building on this momentum together.” Voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations were also involved in the delivery of the project. They shared their communities’ views to help shape research. Nicky Judd from Action Hampshire said: “This project has once again shown what an effective bridge VCSE organisations are to help us hear from and work with diverse communities. The insights that experts by experience have shared is gold dust! “It’s exciting to see how much researchers learned through their interactions with these communities, and how they adapted their research methods as a result. Several communities told us this was the first time they have felt really heard.” Putting learning into practice The project launched in December 2022. In its first phase, a series of workshops took place to hear from local communities about what matters to them. It was then awarded an additional £150,000 in September 2023. This investment brought the project’s total funding to almost £250,000. Phase two has seen VCSE organisations work with researchers to embed recommendations from phase one into practice. Alongside this work, training is being co-designed between communities and the University of Winchester. This will help share the work of Raising Voices in Research further. The newly formed Hampshire & Isle of Wight Research Collaborative has met throughout both phases of the project. It brings together those active in research or engagement who have a common aim and desire to make sure diverse communities voices are heard. Working in partnership The partner organisations and their communities have co-developed a Local Plan for Research. It contains recommendations to help recruit patients in an inclusive and diverse way. Seven VCSE groups returned from phase one to take part. They are: Basingstoke Hindu Society Drop the Mask CIC Recapture Life Sight for Wight St Deny's Activity Group, Winchester GoLD, and Yellow Door They were joined by eight new organisations: Work Better Innovations Bridge to Unity Portsmouth City of Sanctuary Motiv8 South Breakout Youth Portsmouth Pride Yellow Brick Road Projects, and Step by Step Dr Matt Nisbet from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board said: “The NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight are incredibly pleased to support this piece of work. We see the impact of research in all our work. In my role as a GP, I see the direct impact of research daily. “I extend my sincere thanks for everyone who has taken part in this work and hope its reach continues beyond today.” The project’s findings will now be evaluated. They will then be shared with partners, communities and NHS England.

Southampton researchers are investigating if a handheld device used to track astronauts’ muscle health could soon also benefit patients. The technology provides an easy-to-use way of measuring muscle health. It could help inform the treatment of patients with conditions like sarcopenia, Parkinson’s disease or stroke. Muscle loss in space The MyotonPRO is a smartphone-sized device which measures the properties of muscles. It works through a ‘tap and listen’ or 'Mechanical Dynamic Response' method. This involves applying a gentle mechanical impulse to the muscle and measuring how the tissue responds. This is used to estimate the muscle’s stiffness. Researchers used the device to monitor the muscle health of astronauts before, during and after a few months on the International Space Station (ISS). The international team on the Myotones project was led by Prof Dieter Blottner at Charité University in Berlin and researchers from the University of Southampton funded by a grant from the UK Space Agency were Prof Maria Stokes, Dr Martin Warner and Paul Muckelt. Microgravity conditions in spaceflight mean astronauts’ bodies aren’t subjected to the workload they are used to on Earth. This means their muscles don’t have to work very hard to perform tasks onboard the spacecraft. This puts astronauts at risk of muscle weakness and bone loss, with up to a 20 percent decrease in skeletal muscle mass over a month. To counteract this, astronauts onboard the ISS perform an exercise programme for around two hours a day, six or seven days a week. Until now, monitoring the effectiveness of this programme has only been possible with pre- and post-flight checks. This was due to a lack of appropriate equipment. Findings published in Nature Scientific Reports show the astronauts’ exercise regime was effective in preserving most muscle groups. However, crucial lower leg muscles showed signs of deterioration. Checking patients’ muscle health Paul Muckelt was the UK Research Fellow on the Myotones project and is a PhD student at the University of Southampton. He undertook a large proportion of the data collection for the research into astronauts’ muscle health. Now he’s looking at how Myoton technology can complement assessment of patients in hospitals and also understand mechanisms of dysfunction to develop treatments, as part of his role at the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). His work sits within the Centre's Perioperative and Critical Care theme, in a team led by Prof Peter Worsley. “Because it’s a relatively small, easy-to-use technology,” Paul explains, “it could be used by different healthcare professionals in a hospital to monitor patients at different stages of their treatment.” In particular, his new team are interested in whether the device could be used to check hospital patients for sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is a loss of muscle mass and strength associated with ageing. It is a common cause of frailty, fractures and falls in later life. People with sarcopenia take longer to recover from surgery. Extended periods of inactivity such as bed rest in hospital can also accelerate the condition. An objective test for sarcopenia could therefore help inform decisions around their treatment. The Southampton team have conducted several studies to ensure use of Myoton technology is accurate and reliable, including the protocol used for the astronaut study.  In collaboration with clinical physiotherapists and researchers in Ghana, the Southampton team have also published research in the Ghana Medical Journal. That study showed that it is possible to use the MyotonPRO to measure muscle stiffness reliably in people with Parkinson’s disease. ‘Revolutionise healthcare’ Studies of astronauts in space provide a useful model for what happens on Earth when muscles become weak due to ageing or not being used. This could be due to injury, joint diseases or neuromuscular disorders. The Southampton team is very well placed for translating their research directly from space to studying sarcopenia in the BRC. Prof Stokes and Dr Warner are also part of the Perioperative and Critical Care team at the BRC. Dr Warner, Associate Professor at the University of Southampton and co-senior author on the astronaut study paper, said: “This technology and the use of passive muscle stiffness as a muscle health indicator could be used by many health professionals during clinical assessments. Widespread uptake could revolutionise healthcare in neuro-musculoskeletal, critical care and geriatric medicine, rehabilitation and precision medicine.” Prof Stokes, Professor of Neuromusculoskeletal Rehabilitation at the University of Southampton, said: “As with any novel technology, however accurate it might be, it needs to be practical for using in a clinical environment. The fact that using the MyotonPRO device could fit into astronauts’ busy schedules is very promising for use with patients on wards or in outpatient clinics. It takes less than 30 seconds to get a recording and the results appear immediately on the screen of the device or can be downloaded to a computer.” Top image: NASA astronaut using the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) onboard the ISS (credit: NASA) Lower image: Paul Muckelt using the MyotonPRO device (credit: Institute for Life Sciences)

New research suggests a molecule naturally found in coffee and fenugreek could potentially help slow age-related muscle loss. Southampton researchers, working as part of an international collaboration, have shown trigonelline may help to prevent muscle wasting in older age. The consortium was led by Nestlé Research in Switzerland and the National University of Singapore’s Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS Medicine). The study results have been published in Nature Metabolism. Preventing age-related muscle loss Sarcopenia causes a loss of muscle mass and function in older age. As it progresses, it can cause people to become weak, frail and to lose their independence. This research builds on a previous collaborative study that described novel mechanisms of human sarcopenia. It involved researchers from the Universities of Southampton, Melbourne, Tehran, South Alabama, Toyama and Copenhagen. Mitochondria are the energy powerhouses in our cells. One important problem during sarcopenia is that the mitochondria produce less energy. At the same time, the amount of NAD+ in our cells declines. The researchers wanted to see if trigonelline could counteract these changes. Testing trigonelline Trigonelline is a molecule naturally found in coffee and the herb fenugreek. It can also be made by the body in small amounts from vitamin B3. The researchers discovered older people with sarcopenia had less trigonelline in their blood. They took muscle samples from people both with and without sarcopenia, and grew these in a laboratory. In both cases, adding trigonelline increased the amount of NAD+ in the muscle samples. Feeding trigonelline to worms and mice improved their mitochondrial activity. It also helped to maintain their muscle strength and prevent muscle wasting as they aged. Opening new research avenues Dr Vincenzo Sorrentino, Assistant Professor at NUS Medicine, said: “Our findings expand the current understanding of NAD+ metabolism with the discovery of trigonelline as a novel NAD+ precursor, and increase the potential of establishing interventions with NAD+ producing vitamins for both healthy longevity and age-associated diseases applications.” Jerome Feige, Head of the Physical Health department at Nestlé Research, said: “We were excited to discover, through collaborative research, that a natural molecule from food cross-talks with cellular hallmarks of ageing. The benefits of trigonelline on cellular metabolism and muscle health during ageing opens promising translational applications.” Prof Keith Godfrey at the University of Southampton was involved in the study.  He leads the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre's nutrition, lifestyle and metabolism theme. Prof Godfrey said: "This laboratory-based research has shown trigonelline has the potential to help maintain muscle health in older age. We now need to test this in clinical trials with people, to see if trigonelline can help prevent or treat sarcopenia.”

Researchers have taken a major step towards identifying millions of ‘silent spreaders’ of tuberculosis. A new study led by researchers from our NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) has identified a group of biological markers that are found in high levels among infectious patients. Scientists aim for the findings to pave the way for a simple test to speed up diagnosis. This could help stop the spread of the infection, which affects an estimated ten million people around the globe each year. The study was supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and the UK Medical Research Council. Findings have been published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation Insight. World’s most deadly infection Tuberculosis (TB) is the world's deadliest infectious disease. It kills more than one million people each year, according to the World Health Organisation. Researchers from our NIHR Southampton BRC collaborated with experts around the world on this new study. They carried out the most detailed analysis ever undertaken of blood markers for the bacterial infection. The team used a novel technique to identify a set of six proteins that are highly accurate in pinpointing TB. Lead author Dr Hannah Schiff, an NIHR Clinical Lecturer at the University of Southampton, said as many as three million cases were missed last year. Most of the undiagnosed cases were in developing countries. Dr Schiff added: “TB remains a global catastrophe. Our efforts to control the spread are hindered by inadequate testing, which is slow and reliant on specialist equipment and labs. “A third of people who get infected go undiagnosed and remain infectious. “In our study, we combined a new measurement technique with deep mathematical analysis to identify these six new markers of TB disease. “It could lead to a transformative alternative to diagnosing the condition – a simple test that detects proteins in the bloodstream whose levels differ between people with TB, healthy individuals, and those suffering from other respiratory illnesses.” Global research TB is spread when infectious people cough, sneeze or spit. While it mostly affects the lungs, it can devastate any part of the body. Cases in the UK increased to around 5,000 last year. They are expected to continue rising in 2024, according to the UK Health Security Agency. The study was undertaken with experts from the University of Cape Town in South Africa and Cayetano Heredia University in Peru. Academics leading the investigation studied proteins found in the blood of people with active TB in Africa and South America. They compared the biomarkers to those found in healthy people and patients with lung infections. They identified 118 proteins that differed significantly between the groups. The experts then narrowed these down to six proteins that can be used to distinguish contagious patients with TB from people in good health or with lung conditions. The research was published for World TB Day, on Sunday 24th March, which is held to raise awareness and to step up efforts to end the global tuberculosis pandemic. Study co-director Dr Diana Garay-Baquero, also from the University of Southampton, said the findings are a roadmap to developing a new TB test. This could be as simple as the lateral flows used during Covid. Dr Garay-Baquero added: “The new markers we discovered are truly exciting. The important work now is to develop these into tests that can be used for the millions of people who are transmitting TB without knowing it. “As the Covid-19 pandemic confirmed, we ignore highly infectious airborne diseases at our peril.”

Four Southampton professors have been recognised as outstanding research leaders by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). Professors Diana Baralle, Saul Faust, Nick Francis, and Robert Read have each been appointed as NIHR Senior Investigators. This prestigious honour underlines their status among the most prominent and prestigious researchers in the UK. The Southampton awardees are all driving new research at the University of Southampton. They are also part of the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). New appointments The NIHR has appointed 43 new Senior Investigators in 2024. This brings the College of NIHR Senior Investigators to 200 active members. Senior Investigators are leaders of patient and people-based research within the NIHR research community. Diana Baralle is a Professor of Genomic Medicine and Associate Dean (Research) in the Faculty of Medicine. She is also part of the Respiratory and Allergy theme at the NIHR Southampton BRC. Prof Baralle leads a research group that investigates the role of RNA and splicing in genetic disease, new methods for genetic diagnostic testing, and the causes of rare disease syndromes. She said: “I am absolutely delighted to be named NIHR senior investigator following on from being an NIHR research professor. I am pleased to continue being a champion and ambassador for the NIHR.” Nick Francis is a Professor of Primary Care Research. He is also part of the Microbiology, Immunology and Infection theme at the NIHR Southampton BRC. His research focuses on finding new solutions to reduce infectious disease and antimicrobial resistance. Prof Francis said: “The NIHR is the main funder of research to improve health and care in the UK. I have been lucky enough to have received NIHR funding for my programme of research on improving the management of infections in primary care. “I am therefore absolutely delighted to have been recognised as an NIHR Senior Investigator. I look forward to continuing to support and work with this important national institution.” Renewed awards Professor Rob Read is Chair of Infectious Diseases and leads the Microbiology, Immunology and Infection theme at the NIHR Southampton BRC, alongside Professor Saul Faust. They have been reappointed as NIHR Senior Investigators. Professor Read was first appointed in 2018 and said: “I am really pleased and honoured that my NIHR Senior Investigator Award has been renewed for a further three years. This has been made possible by the excellent and collaborative environment in which we all work.” Professor Faust received Senior Investigator recognition in 2020. He said: “I’m incredibly honoured to receive this prestigious award for a second term. It is important recognition for the amazing work going on in Southampton to improve people's health." The researchers join other NIHR Senior Investigators based in Southampton. They include professors Cathy Bowen, Jackie Bridges, Peter Griffiths, Mike Grocott, Andrew Lotery, Maria Stokes and Tom Wilkinson. Acting as ambassadors Successful applicants receive a discretionary award of £20,000 a year to fund activities that support their research. Funding is awarded for four-year appointments on the recommendation of an independent committee. Senior Investigators act as an ambassador for the NIHR in the wider system. As senior members of the NIHR Academy, they help develop the next generation of outstanding health and social care researchers.

Experts are calling for a population-wide strategy to reduce damaging childhood experiences. Southampton’s Professor Keith Godfrey has contributed to a new report published by a cross-party parliamentary group. The group informs policy decisions and public debate relating to childhood. It is chaired by MP Steve McCabe and Baroness Floella Benjamin. The latest report recommends ‘roads to recovery’ to curb adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). ‘Serious burden’ ACEs are stressful or traumatic experiences. They can have a huge impact on children and young people throughout the rest of their lives and even across generations. Professor Godfrey is a Professor of Epidemiology and Human Development at the University of Southampton. He is also a theme lead at the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre. He said: “ACEs have lasting impacts that impair a child’s ability to fulfil their potential. At a population level their consequences place a serious burden on the healthcare system, limit economic productivity and make a major contribution to disparities in society. “The cost of inaction is substantial. We can, and must, do better in preventing adverse child experiences and in mitigating the life course consequences.” Call to action The new report calls for number of new measures, including a national ACE strategy, enhanced data collection and research, and cross-sector collaboration. Steve McCabe MP said: “The fact that ACEs can blight the entire life courses of individual children and their families is something that is ignored and obscured by stigma and shame. The individual tragedy of ACEs transmits a legacy of misery that can devastate entire communities. “The roadmap laid out in our Report is a call to action – a promise of resilience and recovery that a UK Government can and will deliver to its future generations. ACEs are and must be a national public health issue.” National need The new report was prepared by a working group of over 30 experts across the country, including several people with lived experience. Lead author Helen Clark said: “This is the approach that unites economic and social justice because the UK works best when it can harness the abilities and talents of all of its citizens…now and in the future.” Viki Veale, Senior Lecturer in Early Years and Primary Education at St Mary’s University and Trustee at Tactyc, said: “Communities need a population–wide national strategy with a public health approach rather than targeted initiatives which stigmatise and deter those who are most in need of help. “ACEs have a ripple effect, contributing to ever higher levels of mental and physical illnesses, social disintegration and cycles of violence and substance abuse. It is about crafting a legacy of care and proactive protection for every child and family touched by the shadow of adverse experiences.” The report, titled Adverse Childhood Experiences: Roads to Recovery, is available to view here.

Dr Helena Fisk has been honoured with The Nutrition Society STEM4Britain Award. The award recognises scientific excellence at an early career stage in nutritional science. She was presented the award in the Houses of Parliament at the annual STEM4Britain poster competition on Monday 4th March. Investigating omega-3 and obesity Dr Fisk’s research focuses on understanding associations between the immune system, inflammation and disease, particularly in relation to ageing and obesity. She is looking at the effects of consuming nutrients such as omega-3, probiotics and vitamin D in these areas of human health. Omega-3 is found in some nuts, seeds and fish. Dr Fisk is a Research Fellow at the University of Southampton. Her research forms part of the Nutrition, Lifestyle and Metabolism theme at our NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre. She received the award for her research on obesity and omega-3. The title of her poster was ‘Profiling the inflammatory status of adipose tissue and evaluating the actions of omega-3 fatty acids in obesity’. Sharing her research with MPs STEM4Britain highlights ground-breaking and frontier UK research to Members of both Houses of Parliament. The awards encourage dialogue and engagement between early-stage researchers and MPs. It also raises the profile of Britain’s early-stage research scientists and engineers. Hundreds of applicants were shortlisted to just 30 finalists within the biology and biomedical sciences theme. These finalists were invited to present at the event. Dr Fisk was selected for her award out of eight finalists presenting work in the field of nutrition. She said: “I am delighted to receive The Nutrition Society STEM4Britain Award 2024. I was honoured to share my research with Members of Parliament, academic researchers across a variety of themes, and industry professionals. “The event was an excellent showcase of ground-breaking research across a wide range of biology and biomedical themes. It was also an excellent opportunity to communicate the importance of my research to individuals outside of research and my field of interest. “With the event occurring on World Obesity Day and the day after Global Omega-3 Day, it was the perfect time to highlight the importance of my research, and what this means for public health within the UK and globally.” Image credit: The Nutrition Society Pictured left to right: Stephen Metcalfe MP, Chair of the Parliamentary and Scientific committee; Dr Helena Fisk, University of Southampton and NIHR Southampton BRC research fellow; Prof Wendy Hall, Honorary Programmes Officer for The Nutrition Society, King’s College London.

An exercise app for a common lung condition that was developed by Southampton researchers has been recommended for use in the UK. The myCOPD app is designed to help patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to manage their condition. It was created by a team led by Prof Tom Wilkinson at the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre. The app has now been recommended by the National Institute for Health and Social Care (NICE) for an exercise-based treatment, known as pulmonary rehabilitation. It is one of the first health apps to be endorsed by NICE in this way. Exercise as treatment Pulmonary rehabilitation, or pulmonary rehab for short, is an exercise programme for people with lung disease. It also helps give them a better understanding of how they can manage their condition. COPD affects more than a million people in England. It is estimated that a further two million remain undiagnosed. The progressive condition causes coughing, wheezing and breathing difficulties. Infections like a cold or the flu can cause ‘exacerbations’, where their condition worsens and can require hospital treatment. Of those who complete an in-person course of pulmonary rehab, 90 percent report being more active and having a better quality of life afterwards. They feel less tired and breathless when doing day-to-day activities, and can walk further. Research has found they also have fewer exacerbations, GP appointments and trips to A&E. Empowering patients The problem with in-person pulmonary rehab is that not many people turn up. Less than 13% of people invited attend. This could be because sessions are in working hours, mixed gender or too far away. The myCOPD app allows people with COPD to exercise at home at a time that suits them. It can be used anywhere with an internet connection, on a tablet, phone, computer or smart TV. They can also use it to keep a record of their medication and lung health, and get support to give up smoking. Patients can also choose to share these records with their doctor. The app is intended to support, rather than replace, their existing NHS care. It has grown in popularity over the last five years, with a particular increase seen after COVID-19 restrictions. “During the COVID-19 pandemic we became the leading provider of pulmonary rehab in the country,” says Prof Wilkinson, “because you couldn’t do it face-to-face, you could only do it through digital platforms.” Evidence-based apps The app, myCOPD, is the first of a series developed by my mhealth to help patients manage a variety of health conditions. These apps are already being used by over 120,000 patients, and around half of all NHS Trusts and Integrated Care Boards. The company, my mhealth, is a spin-out from the University of Southampton. Originally developed for UK patients, their apps are now also available in India, and the US. “These apps are not just things you might have on your phone,” explains Prof Wilkinson, Professor of Respiratory Medicine and Associate Dean for Enterprise at the University of Southampton. “We’ve treated them like medical devices. They’ve gone through MHRA and NHS approval processes, all the governance around medical technologies and a series of very formal clinical trials. This has led to NICE recommending myCOPD for pulmonary rehabilitation.” Developing the app further Prof Wilkinson is now working with Prof Michael Boniface to develop mySmartCOPD. This is taking the myCOPD app, and using it to build an early warning system. This will use artificial intelligence (AI) to alert healthcare providers if a patient with COPD needs additional treatment, for example during exacerbations. They are testing this in a clinical trial, to see if this early warning system can prevent the patient’s condition from getting worse and avoid the need for emergency care in hospital.

Young researchers took centre stage at a glittering film premiere and awards ceremony. The LifeLab celebration lit up the Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium on Friday. LifeLab is a unique research-based educational programme. It is a collaboration between the University of Southampton, NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre and University Hospital Southampton. The red-carpet event spotlighted a series of short videos created by young people for young people. Highlighting health LifeLab empowers children and young people to understand the science behind their health. This informs the choices they make for their own lives – for their health now, in the future and for their future families. The programme will celebrate its 10th anniversary this summer. It has welcomed more than 15,000 students through its doors at Southampton General Hospital. LifeLab’s Youth Panels employ teens aged between 14 and 17 to research the issues that matter most to them. The films premiered at the event are part of an initiative called the Young Researcher Training Programme. This was developed through a Pathways to Health Project. Lights, camera, action! The films were created by young people to empower others their age to lead their own research projects. The teenagers devised, scripted, acted in and directed the whole series. The short videos were filmed by local agency RCM. Each video introduces and explores important issues in the field of research. These include ethics, methods, and data analysis. The young people bring these topics to life with their own unique energy, fun and humour. LifeLab Programme Director, Dr Kath Woods-Townsend said: “This was a wonderful celebration of the work of the young people. “I am constantly amazed by the extraordinary young people we work with. They are the teenagers you walk past in the supermarket. The young people you see hanging out at the bus stop. The teens meeting in the park. The students you walk past in the school or college corridors. “They are all extraordinary and it’s up to all of us to work together, with them, to make sure their futures are as bright as possible.” Vaping resources The event also saw the launch of LifeLab’s vaping resources toolkit. This was co-created with the Youth Panel to help schools and youth organisations tackle the issue of vaping and its possible health impacts. LifeLab is making these resources available free of charge to organisations who feel they could benefit. An awards ceremony brought the evening to an end. The Star of the Night award was voted for by audience members. It was won by Vishaan Vohra, a student at Barton Peveril Sixth Form College. Vishaan said: “Stepping onto the red carpet at LifeLab’s Celebrate the Stars event was a surreal dream come true. I’m honoured to have clinched not just one, but two awards, for best drama queen moment and Star of the Night. “I’d like to thank the University of Southampton and LifeLab for the Young Researcher Training Programme and for recognising young talent and achievements.” The Young Researcher Training Programme has been funded by: LifeLab NIHR Research Support Service NIHR-funded EACH-B programme Southampton Institute for Arts and Humanities UKRI-funded Pathways to Health project Regional Innovation Fund and the Policy Fund, both from the University of Southampton Widening Participation and Social Mobility Directorate, University of Southampton

Southampton researchers have discovered that bacteria can pair up to fight off viruses together. The new study found that bacterial cells can combine their strengths to combat attacks from phage viruses. The understanding could help tackle antimicrobial resistance and lead to the development of new alternatives to antibiotics. Dr Franklin Nobrega from the University of Southampton led the study. He is part of the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). Findings have been published in the journal Cell Host & Microbe. Working together Phage viruses, or bacteriophages, could be thought of as ‘the good guys’ of the virus world. Spider-like in appearance, they kill harmful bacteria without affecting the good bacteria in our bodies. Knowing how bacteria respond to phages is important for understanding how these viruses can be used to fight infections in humans. Dr Nobrega, part of our BRC’s Microbiology, Immunology and Infection theme, said: “Just like how our immune system protects us from harmful germs, bacteria have their own set of defence systems which create a dynamic shield against viral threats. “Imagine if your white blood cells, antibodies, and killer T-cells all joined forces to fight off a virus together. This is exactly what is happening inside bacterial cells.” He added: “We used to think of bacterial defence as a solo act, but it turns out it’s more like a buddy system. A ‘dynamic duo’ of defence systems merge their powers to mount a stronger response, potentially saving the cell from destruction.” Data analysis The researchers analysed existing datasets to find patterns of paired defence systems in the genomes (cell DNA instructions) of some 42,000 bacteria, including E. coli. They looked for pairs which occurred more often than would be expected by random chance. The scientists then took a selection of these and tested them in the lab for enhanced virus immunity. They also looked for ‘synergy’ - a defence effect in the bacteria which is more powerful than the sum of its parts. Further testing revealed for the first time how the partnerships between individual bacterial defences are based on one system using a function from another to improve its activity. Combined, they have a stronger effect than apart. A global threat The NIHR Southampton BRC is driving research to address the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This is where bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines, making infections much harder to treat. Resistance to treatments can occur naturally. However, the overuse of certain drugs and poor infection control are accelerating the problem. Phages offer a potential solution to overcoming AMR. Their ability to selectively target bacteria makes them a strong contender as an alternative to antibiotics. However, more research is needed before treatments can be widely used. Dr Nobrega said: “Phages are already in use as a last-resort treatment for antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. This is a practice known as phage therapy. “But by delving into how bacteria defend against these phages, we can supercharge our strategies to make them even more effective at wiping out bacterial cells. This offers a glimmer of hope in the battle to keep infections at bay.” The scientists say their research will complement efforts to develop phage therapy further. The funding for this study was from the Wessex Medical Trust and the National Institutes of Health, USA.

Southampton researchers have been highlighted for studying the energy needs of children with kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term condition where the kidneys do not work as well as they should. There is no cure for this condition that is common in adults but rare in children. It is now a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recent research led in Southampton explored practical ways to estimate energy needs in children with mild to moderate kidney damage. Findings published in the Journal of Renal Nutrition have now been selected an editor’s choice. Energy and nutritional needs The number of children with CKD and complexity in care is increasing. The cause of this is unclear, but previous research suggests it may be linked with rising childhood obesity rates. Energy balance is very important for the health and wellbeing of children with CKD and can delay disease progression. In this study, researchers measured the total energy expenditure and physical activity energy expenditure of 38 children. Half had received a diagnosis of stage 3 CKD. The other half did not have the disease. Results showed little difference between the groups. This suggests current practice to use requirements for health, that take into account under and over nutrition, is sufficient as a starting prescription to estimate the energy needs of most children with CKD. Special recognition The paper has been handpicked by editors for the January/February 2024 journal issue. It has a special section heading in the Table of Contents and has been granted a one-year open access to viewers. Caroline Anderson, lead paediatric renal clinical academic dietitian at University Hospital Southampton, led the study. She is driving further research in this area through the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre and Southampton Academy of Research. Caroline said: “Children with CKD can vary in nutritional state and respond to care in unexpected ways, and we do not know why. This research is one of only four papers studying the energy needs of children with CKD. “Nutrition is the cornerstone of care, where malnutrition and obesity are huge challenges for the child, their family and their healthcare team. It is essential to get the energy prescription right, not only to improve nutritional status but also to delay the need for dialysis and transplantation. “It is an honour to have this research recognised. Our aim for future research is to help children grow, live well for longer, delay the need for dialysis and transplant and better understand the unknown differences in nutritional state and response to care.”