Consuming most calories at night may lead to pregnant women having higher blood sugar levels, a new study suggests. The results provide new insight into the importance of meal timing in pregnancy, and the effects of late-night eating. Higher blood sugar levels cross the placenta during pregnancy. This can cause the baby to put on more fat than is ideal. Prof Keith Godfrey from the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) was part of the study team. It also involved researchers from Singapore and Taiwan. Their analysis has been published in Clinical Nutrition. Eating at night During pregnancy, it is important to eat a healthy, balanced diet. Research shows that this can help give children the best possible start in life. The child is also likely to be healthier growing up. This international study examined predominant night-eating – when more than half of calories are eaten between 7pm and 7am – and how it affects blood sugar levels. The researchers studied data from 277 healthy pregnant women in Singapore. They all kept a food diary and wore a continuous glucose monitoring sensor so researchers could measure their blood sugar levels. During a follow-up visit the women had an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). This involved taking a standardised sugary drink “challenge” and having their blood sugar measured at intervals after this. Effects on blood sugar The analyses suggested that eating more calories at night than during the day may disrupt pregnant women’s blood sugar regulation. This process is important to keep the body in balance. Results showed that predominant night-eating was associated with higher blood sugar levels, when assessed with continuous monitoring, during fasting and one hour after the sugary drink challenge. It was not, however, linked with an increased risk of gestational diabetes. Prof Godfrey is a Professor of Epidemiology and Human Development at the University of Southampton and lead for Nutrition, Lifestyle and Metabolism in the NIHR Southampton BRC. He said: “Night-eating has become increasingly common but may disrupt an optimal supply of nutrients to the developing baby during pregnancy. “Our new findings suggest that this could have noticeable effects on the long-term health of the child. “Future studies should explore dietary interventions to reduce night-time calorie intake during pregnancy.”

Over 250,000 people have now taken part in clinical trials and studies in Southampton. The major milestone shows the scale of how research is changing lives and healthcare in the south. The figure has been reached for National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) studies at University Hospital Southampton (UHS). When counted together, the total would almost fill eight St Mary’s Stadiums. The achievement has been featured in a special report by BBC South Today, including a visit to the NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility. Advancing healthcare Research trials and studies are part of everyday work in the NHS. This includes experimental medicine trials, which look at the causes of disease, how treatments work and whether they are safe, and studies to test the effectiveness of new treatments. UHS is ranked in the top five trusts in England for participation in research studies over the last 20 years. The trust is investing over £15m in research and innovation over five years to drive the next generation of hospital services and develop future research leaders. The number of research staff has doubled over the last decade. Paul Grundy, Chief Medical Officer at UHS, said: “Evidence shows that hospitals engaged in research achieve better outcomes for patients, providing early access to new and emerging therapies to drive direct benefits on the quality of care provided. “I want to share my thanks to all the patients and volunteers from across the region who have contributed to research over the years at the hospital. You are advancing healthcare that will benefit future generations.” Research partnership Research has been an important pillar of UHS since it formed a partnership with the University of Southampton just over 50 years ago. Today this remains stronger than ever. The NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility (CRF) was first established in 2001 as one of the UK’s five millennium facilities. It is where many participants at the hospital come to take part in early-phase research. The NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) brings together experts from across UHS and the University to work together on five key research areas. In 2022, the NIHR invested a further £35m in these ground-breaking research areas and facilities. Our 250,000th participant Keith Goodin, 60, is the 250,000th participant to take part in research at UHS. When Keith first had chest pains, he thought it was indigestion or heart burn. Even when he went to see his doctor, they prescribed him indigestion tablets. But, when he kept getting the pains, he knew something was wrong. He’d had them three or four times when a research nurse asked if he’d like to take part in research. He said yes. Keith joined the TARGET-CTCA study, led by the University of Edinburgh. This uses a heart scan known as computed tomography coronary angiogram (CTCA) to look for unrecognised heart disease in patients who’ve come to hospital with chest pains, but had a heart attack ruled out. Usually tests for patients with a suspected heart attack include a blood test to measure troponin – a protein released into the bloodstream when the heart muscle is damaged. If this is negative, patients may be sent home without further tests. This study aims to see if patients with negative troponin should still be offered a CT scan of their heart to find out if they have heart disease. All patients with a negative troponin score will have checks at three months, one year and two years. The hope is that it will prevent the need for future hospital visits due to symptoms of a heart attack. Overall, about 3,170 are taking part in the study, with 112 patients recruited here in Southampton. “If this study proves CT scans for people with chest pain but negative troponin tests are cost effective and improve outcomes, we hope this will be incorporated into standard practice,” explains Sam Gough, a cardiology research nurse in the Coronary Research Group at UHS who is involved in the study. Keith’s experience As part of the study, Keith had a CT scan of his heart and blood taken. While he said the tablets he took for the CT scan made him feel sick, he was grateful to the staff who did it. “They were excellent,” he says. “They explained all the way through.” As a lorry driver for a furniture delivery company and an ex-soldier, Keith’s always lived an active lifestyle. He doesn’t drink alcohol, and says he’s never been the type to just sit and watch TV all day. Until five years ago he was part of a five-a-side football team, and used to be a cross country runner. During his working day he carries heavy furniture, and in his spare time enjoys fishing and walking. This meant it was a shock when he found out that he had coronary heart disease. “No one ever thinks it’s going to happens to them,” he reflects. “It shocked me.” He’s found it hard to come to terms with his diagnosis. Even so, he says it’s good that he now knows what the problem is, as he can do something about it. “I’m glad they’ve found it, because I can change my lifestyle,” he says. ““I feel better now, because I know what I’ve got to do.” Since then, he’s made a number of changes to his lifestyle. He’s greatly cut down on smoking, going from 15-20 cigarettes a day to vaping four to five times, and intends to cut back even further if he can. He’s also changed his diet, reducing the amount of fatty and sugary food he eats. He says if he met someone else in a similar situation, he would ‘100 percent’ recommend taking part in research, without hesitation. “If I hadn’t gone on the study, would I have got that scan?” he wonders. “I’m glad I did, because I knew there was something wrong with my body.”

A new preventive treatment to protect babies against a common virus reduced numbers needing hospital treatment by over 80% in an international trial. The antibody jab offers immediate protection against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). RSV is a leading cause of infant hospitalisation. It causes between 20 and 30 infant deaths per year in the UK. Results from the HARMONIE study, co-led by experts at University Hospital Southampton (UHS), University of Southampton, St George’s University Hospital, and in Primary Care, suggest the antibody jab could help ease winter pressures on the NHS. The study is a collaboration between Sanofi and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The new treatment is approved in the UK and is part of considerations for a national RSV immunisation programme. Data from the trial has already been used to roll out the jab in the USA and Spain this winter. Findings have been published today in the New England Journal of Medicine. What is RSV? RSV often causes only mild illnesses, like a cold. However, for some babies, it leads to more severe lung problems such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Most children will have caught it by the time they are two years old. It is included by some in a so-called ‘tripledemic’ alongside COVID-19 and flu. The UK’s RSV season typically starts in October, peaks in December and declines by March. The virus is responsible for around 33,000 NHS hospitalisations annually in children under five years old. Professor Saul Faust was a co-study leader at the University of Southampton. He is a Consultant Paediatrician at UHS, Director of the NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility (CRF) and NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) Wessex. He said: “These latest results show that this long-acting antibody is safe and could protect thousands of babies from hospitalisation when used in conditions similar to routine clinical practice. It is really important information for the UK to help decide on options for the future national RSV immunisation programme.” Dr Simon Drysdale, co-study leader and Consultant Paediatrician at St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, added: “RSV is a very contagious infection and every year our wards are full of babies with breathing and feeding problems. The thousands of winter hospital admissions are highly distressing for families and cause a huge winter burden on the NHS. This ground-breaking study shows the potential NHS impact and safety of a monoclonal antibody injection.” Dr Simon Royal, co-study leader, is a General Practitioner, NIHR National Specialty Lead for Primary Care and Honorary Assistant Professor at the University of Nottingham Medical School. He said: “This study has shown how primary care clinicians, hospital specialists and the whole UK NIHR system can work together in a new partnership with industry to deliver rapid data to support a critical NHS need.” European study The research included 8,058 babies up to the age of 12 months old who were in, or were approaching, their first RSV season. Families took part in the UK, France and Germany. The phase 3b trial compared nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody injection, with standard care. The randomised trial found: Hospitalisations for RSV-associated Lower Respiratory Tract Infections occurred in 0.3% (11) of the nirsevimab group. They were seen in 1.5% (60) of those receiving standard care. This equates to an efficacy of 83.2%. Very severe RSV-associated Lower Respiratory Tract Infections occurred in 0.1% (5) of the nirsevimab group. They were seen in 0.5% (19) of those receiving standard care. This equates to an efficacy of 75.7%. The frequency of adverse events was similar between the two groups, with 36.8% (1,479) in the nirsevimab group and 33.0% (1,326) with standard care. The vast majority were not severe or medically significant. Antibody approach Vaccines prompt the body to create antibodies against a target infection, but this can take weeks to happen. However, this injected antibody treatment works straight away to protect a baby against RSV. Nirsevimab has been shown in previous trials to protect across a whole RSV season from a single injection. The jab was approved for use in the UK by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in November 2022. This summer, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advised that a cost-effective RSV immunisation programme should be developed for both infants and older adults. Nirsevimab is one of the options being considered for RSV prevention next winter. Globally, RSV is estimated to affect 64 million people and cause 160,000 deaths every year. This July, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved nirsevimab for the prevention of RSV-related Lower Respiratory Tract Infections in a baby’s first RSV season, or for those under two years old who remain vulnerable to severe RSV disease. In Spain, the Andalucía, Galicia and Murcia regions are offering nirsevimab to all babies born during this RSV season and all those who were under six months of age at the start of the season. By March 2024, it is estimated that around 335,000 Spanish babies will be protected. Study design The trial had co-leaders from both Hospital and General Practice. This included Prof Faust and Dr Katrina Cathie from UHS and the University of Southampton, Dr Simon Drysdale from St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and St George’s, University of London and Dr Simon Royal, a GP at the University of Nottingham Health Service. All were integral to a trial leadership group in a streamlined working relationship between the company, NIHR CRN, NIHR Southampton CRF, NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre and study sites. This enabled a rapid study delivery last winter. The HARMONIE study is funded by Sanofi and AstraZeneca.

New research has a possible reason for why British people are more likely to develop hip arthritis than Chinese people. The results provide new insights into the most common type of arthritis in the UK, and who is most at risk of developing it in older age. The study was undertaken through a Wellcome Trust funded collaboration led by the University of Bristol. Southampton’s Prof Nicholas Harvey contributed to the research. It has been published in the journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. Stiff and painful joints Osteoarthritis is a condition that causes joints to become painful and stiff. The protective cartilage on the end of the bone breaks down, causing pain, swelling and problems moving the joint. Bony growths can develop, and the area can become swollen and red. Hip osteoarthritis is a significant cause of pain, disability, and societal cost in older individuals. Hip shape is an important risk factor for its development. White British people are more likely to develop the condition than Chinese. This study aimed to determine whether this was due to differences in hip shape. The researchers used a variety of X-ray-based methods. They compared the hips of over 39,000 White British people in the UK Biobank against almost 6,000 people in the Chinese Shanghai Changfeng cohort. The average age of participants was 63 years. Different hip shapes Hip osteoarthritis was considerably less common in the Chinese cohort, for both men and women. Only 2.2% of the women in the Chinese cohort developed the condition, compared to 13% in the British cohort. For men, 12% developed it in the Chinese cohort, whereas in the British cohort it was 25%. The researchers noted various differences in participants’ bone shapes in each cohort. Overall, participants in the Chinese cohort had a wider femoral head, the ‘ball’ of the thigh bone that fits into the hip socket. Yet the ‘neck’ of the thigh bone was narrower compared to the British cohort. They found more British men (6.3%) than Chinese men (16.5%) had cam morphology, a bony lump on the ball of the thigh bone, at the join with the socket. It is rarely seen in women. Prof Harvey is a Professor of Rheumatology and Clinical Epidemiology at the University of Southampton, and Director of the University’s MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre. He is part of the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre. “While it was previously known that White British people are more likely to get hip osteoarthritis than Chinese individuals, the reason for this has not been well understood,” he says. “Through this collaborative study across two international datasets, we have identified bone characteristics that may help to explain these ethnic differences in the development and progression of hip osteoarthritis.”

New research shows most pregnant women are not getting the nutrients they and their babies need from modern diets. An international study has shed new light on the health of expecting mothers from high-income countries. It found nine out of ten women lack vitamins needed for a healthy pregnancy. Experts warn this will likely worsen as more people turn to plant-based foods. Prof Keith Godfrey from the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) was one of the study’s lead authors. It also involved researchers from Singapore and New Zealand. Their findings are published in PLOS Medicine. Global research Vitamins and minerals are nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. Making sure you get the right nutrients is especially important during pregnancy. They are essential for babies’ growth and development. This study analysed the nutritional status of more than 1,700 women. It was led by researchers at the University of Southampton (UoS), University of Auckland (UoA), National University of Singapore and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research. Their analysis showed most were missing essential nutrients found in abundance in meat and dairy products. These included vitamins B12, B6 and D, folic acid and riboflavin. Widespread concern The researchers are concerned about the number of women with vitamin deficiencies. Prof Godfrey is a Professor of Epidemiology and Human Development at the University of Southampton. He also leads the Nutrition, Lifestyle and Metabolism theme in the NIHR Southampton BRC. He explained: “The push to reduce our dependence on meat and dairy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions is likely to further deplete expecting mothers of vital nutrients. This could have lasting effects on unborn children. “Our study shows that almost every woman trying to conceive had insufficient levels of one or more vitamin. This figure is only going to get worse as the world moves towards plant-based diets. “People think that nutrient deficiency only affects underdeveloped countries. But these results show it is also affecting the majority of women in high-income nations.” Lacking vital nutrients The NiPPeR study involved 1,729 women from the UK, New Zealand and Singapore. They were all aged between 18 and 38. The researchers looked at their nutritional status at conception. They then followed many of the women during later pregnancies. Results showed that nine out of ten women had marginal or low levels of folate, riboflavin, vitamins B12 and D around the time of conception. Many developed vitamin B6 deficiency in late pregnancy. The University of Auckland’s Prof Wayne Cutfield was a co-author of the study. He said expecting mothers should be given over-the-counter multivitamins to reduce nutrient deficiencies. Prof Cutfield added: “The wellbeing of a mother ahead of conceiving and during a pregnancy is very important. It has a direct influence on the health of the infant, their lifelong physical development and ability to learn.” This trial was the first to show that over-the-counter supplements can reduce vitamin insufficiencies during the preconception, pregnancy and lactational periods. Associate Professor Shiao-Yng Chan at the National University of Singapore said: “If we continue to move towards diets with less meat and dairy products, vitamin deficiencies will continue to grow. This will continue to be the case unless women start taking more supplements or receive advice about nutrient-rich foods.”

Growing research into a rare lung disease has been recognised in two prestigious honours. Dr Sophie Fletcher and her research fellows have won separate NIHR British Thoracic Society Clinical Research Network awards. They were presented with the prizes at the British Thoracic Society (BTS) Winter Meeting, which took place this month at the QEII Centre in London. Dr Fletcher is a Consultant Respiratory Physician at University Hospital Southampton and and part of the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre's Respiratory and Allergy theme. Her team’s research focuses on improving the understanding and treatment of interstitial lung disease (ILD). Double success NIHR BTS Clinical Research Network awards recognise outstanding achievements by respiratory researchers. There are four categories, suitable for researchers at different stages of their career. Dr Fletcher received a category A award. This is for a Principal Investigator (PI) or Chief Investigator who makes an outstanding contribution in the design, conduct and dissemination of NIHR portfolio studies. It also recognises their work to build research capacity. Over the last decade she has specialised in ILD research, representing Southampton nationally and internationally as a recognised leader in the field. She co-founded, and continues to lead, the Wessex ILD patient support group (WILD). Since 2012, she has supported six UK clinical fellows in ILD research. She has also provided opportunities for six international fellows, and founded a clinical international fellowship in ILD at UHS. In the last year, she has supervised four successful NIHR associate PIs. Her ILD team received an Excellence in Research award. This recognises research teams making an outstanding contribution to NIHR portfolio studies. The team includes Dr Fletcher, Emma Kinsella, Jennifer Naftel, Nicola Wood, Abigail Jones, Shauna Marshall and Andrew Proctor. Giving patients more options ILD is a group of rare diseases that cause fibrosis, or scarring, of the lungs. Patients experience shortness of breath that gets worse over time, to the point that they may need oxygen. The most common of these conditions is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. People diagnosed with this condition only have a life expectancy of 3-5 years from diagnosis. It has limited treatment options, and these can only be prescribed by a specialist centre. UHS is one of only around 23 specialist centres for the disease in the UK. Patients taking part in a clinical trial, however, can access to other novel antifibrotic drugs for free. Dr Fletcher says she explains it to her patients as the difference between having just the first page of a menu to choose from (drugs available on the NHS), and the full menu (with additional research options). “It’s morale boosting to get recognition for the work that we do,” says Dr Fletcher, “particularly as we work exclusively in interstitial lung disease, which is a rare disease that many people know little about.”

Southampton researchers have explored factors that influence older people’s physical activity. They worked with researchers at the University of Edinburgh to increase understanding of why older people tend to be less active. This could lead to improved interventions for healthy ageing. The analysis revealed the importance of understanding older people’s capability, opportunity and motivation to be active. Southampton’s Dr Stephen Lim was part of the study team. The results have been published in the journal Age and Ageing. Promoting physical activity Staying active as you age has important health benefits. This includes a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke. Physical activity can also improve wellbeing, reduce loneliness and support quality of life. Yet adults over the age of 65 spend an average of 10 hours each day sitting or lying down. This makes them the most inactive age group. The researchers analysed data from 25 studies that involved older people living in the community. They looked at their capability, opportunity and motivation to engage with physical activity. Results show all three are needed to help make physical activity part of older people’s lives. Factors influencing older people The team found that older people’s perception about their capability is influenced by the feeling of reduced strength and increased tiredness. They may also be less likely to do physical activity if they fear injury or falling. Opportunities for social interaction during physical activity was also shown to be important. The analyses suggested that motivation stems from the creation of habits, feelings of satisfaction and the prospect of health improvements. However, negative sensations such as pain can make older adults feel less motivated. The new findings could inform the direction of future intervention strategies. Dr Lim is a Consultant Geriatrician at University Hospital Southampton and a Principal Clinical Research Fellow at the University of Southampton. He is part of the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre and NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Wessex. He said: “Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health in older age. But our activity levels often decline as we age. “This study shows there are a wide range of factors that influence older people’s physical activity levels. Recognising these is key to helping them stay active and to lead healthier lives.”

Dr Helena Fisk has been honoured with The British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) Drummond Early Career Scientist Award. The prize recognises early career nutrition scientists who show great potential to be future leaders in the field. Dr Fisk was presented the award earlier this month at the British Nutrition Foundation Annual Conference. Investigating diet, inflammation and the immune system Dr Fisk’s research focuses on understanding associations between the immune system, inflammation and disease, particularly in relation to obesity and ageing. Her research further focusses on the effects of consuming nutrients such as omega 3, probiotics and vitamin D in these areas of human health. 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. Dr Fisk said: “I am delighted to receive the 2023 BNF Drummond Early Career Scientist Award and am honoured to be recognised alongside so many talented and dedicated early career nutrition scientists. "I aspire to continue to advance the understanding of inflammation in obesity and metabolic diseases, and explore targeted nutritional strategies with the aim to reduce the risk of developing associated diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. "One strategy that I’m particularly interested in is modulation of inflammatory signalling by lipids which is an area of rapidly growing interest and importance in human health.” Advancing nutrition research The BNF is a public-facing charity. It exists to give people, educators and organisations access to reliable information on nutrition. It aims to advance the study of and research into nutrition for the public benefit. This year’s conference, held in central London, had the theme of ‘A Fragile Food System and Increasing Inequality’. The award is made possible through the BNF’s management of the Drummond Memorial Fund. This was established in memory of the work and contribution of Sir Jack Drummond. It is open to MSc and PhD students studying human nutrition, as well as those within three years of being awarded a PhD. Applicants are judged on their contributions to nutrition science, the scientific merit and clarity of communication of their abstract, as well as their potential to become future leaders in the field. As part of their application, they are asked to submit a 300 word abstract that describes an emerging area of human nutrition science. As this year’s winner, Dr Fisk will turn her abstract into a mini-review paper in the theme of inflammatory lipid signalling for publication in the official journal of the British Nutrition Foundation, Nutrition Bulletin. Upon acceptance of the paper, she will receive a year’s online subscription, plus a £500 honorarium.

New research shows young children with a family history of autism spectrum disorder have a different mix of bacteria living in their intestines. An autistic person’s brain works differently to most people. This can mean they find it hard to communicate and interact with others and may struggle to understand how people think or feel. Young children with an older sibling who is autistic are at least 20% more likely to be diagnosed with autism themselves. New research shows these children have different bacteria residing in their gut in the first few months of life compared to those without an autistic sibling. Over the last two decades, there has been increasing evidence that these intestinal microorganisms can produce chemicals that influence the way the brain develops. This has consequences for emotional behaviour and brain function. These 'microbial metabolites' contribute to a communication network called the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Prof Jonathan Swann, from the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, jointly led the study. The results, published in Translational Psychiatry, could improve our understanding of how the brains of autistic children develop differently, highlighting potential targets for future treatments. Investigating how autism develops Autism is considered to be influenced by various factors, but it’s thought a major contributor is the bacteria living within a child’s gut. Trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, are estimated to live in our intestines. This community is collectively known as the gut microbiota. It starts to develop from birth, rapidly maturing across the first few years of life. During this period it plays a key role in health and development. It contributes to digestion, metabolism, immune maturation and brain development. The researchers investigated how the gut microbiome might influence brain development in autistic children. They followed infants from five months of life, before any behavioural differences can be identified, to three years in age. They compared the gut microbiota of 16 children with an autistic sibling, who are more likely to be autistic themselves, to that of 19 children who did not have an autistic sibling. All children lived in and around Stockholm, and were part of the ongoing long-term Early Autism Sweden (EASE) project. The researchers investigated how their microbiome changed over time. They did this by analysing the children’s faecal samples at the ages of five months, 10 months, 14 months, two years and three years. They assessed the children’s development at five months, using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) test, and again at three years. They also checked for signs of autism at age three, using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition (ADOS-2). Different patterns At five months, they found differences in the bacteria of the children's stools with an elevated likelihood of autism compared to those with a low likelihood. Children with an elevated likelihood had less bifidobacteria and more clostridia. Feeding practices (breast, formula, mixed feeding) were similar for all infants, so dietary variation did not influence the results. The researchers measured the metabolites present in the stool samples. They found gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) peaked in children without a family history of autism at five months, before progressively declining with age. GABA is a key neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger, with an important role in neurodevelopment. Intriguingly, children with an autistic sibling did not have such a peak. Instead, they had consistently low levels of GABA in their stools across the first three years of life. Laboratory work showed bifidobacteria were able to produce GABA, while clostridia consumed it. This suggests it was the bacteria that were driving the differences in the amount of GABA present in the infant gut. There were no behavioural differences between the two groups at five months of age. But by three years, the children with autistic siblings had significantly lower MSEL and ADOS-2 scores. None of the children were diagnosed with autism during the study. However, this was to be expected, as most children in Sweden are diagnosed after the age of five. Prof Swann, Professor of Biomolecular Medicine at the University of Southampton, said: “These are extremely interesting results, which reveal important new insights into how the intestinal microbiota of children develop and produce neuromodulatory signals and how these vary between infants with different familial histories of autism.” “The first three years of a child’s life are a critical period for both brain development and the acquisition and maturation of their gut microbiota. This work demonstrates how the two processes are intricately linked, and further highlights how we evolved in the presence of our gut microbiota.” “The microbiota is an attractive target because it is both accessible and amenable to dietary modulation. Work is now underway to explore how we can leverage the microbiota to promote favourable development of the brain. This includes the use of bifidogenic prebiotics and bifidobacteria-containing probiotics.”

Southampton researchers have been celebrated by the British Medical Association (BMA) Foundation. Dr Anna Freeman and Dr Ahilanandan Dushianthan from the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) have won research grants from the BMA Foundation. They were two of four successes for researchers at the University of Southampton. They received their awards at BMA House in London last week. Treating difficult asthma Dr Anna Freeman received the James Trust grant for research into asthma. Her team are working with patients to develop a lifestyle intervention for difficult asthma. This could help address multimorbidity. Dr Freeman is an Associate Professor and Anniversary Fellow at the University of Southampton. She is also part of the NIHR Southampton BRC’s Respiratory and Allergy theme. She said: “I am delighted to receive this award from the BMA James Trust. “The funding will support the delivery of a pilot study of a community based, multimodal intervention to tackle multimorbidity in difficult asthma. This is something which patients and clinicians both agree is necessary.” Previous work by Dr Freeman and her team has shown that treatable traits can predict future exacerbation risk. These traits include obesity, anxiety and depression, breathing pattern disorders and inactivity. Their project, known as LIBERTY, will address this through a combined 24-week intervention. Participants will receive exercise training, breathing retraining, and dietary and behaviour change support. Insights into long Covid The J Moulton grant was awarded to Dr Ahilanandan Dushianthan. He is a Consultant in General Intensive Care at University Hospital Southampton. He is also part of our BRC’s Perioperative and Critical Care theme. This funding will support Dr Dushianthan’s work into long Covid. He is investigating if symptoms could be related to reduced mitochondrial capacity following severe infection. Dr Dushianthan said: “I am extremely pleased to have secured the J Moulton grant for long Covid research. “Although most people with COVID-19 recover quickly, some experience lasting symptoms. “We need to understand why this happens to find new ways of diagnosing and treating long Covid.” Southampton success Southampton has four winners in 17 categories. The other award recipients are Prof Rami Salib and Daniel Michalik from the University of Southampton. They received the Vera Down grant for research into neurological disorders. Their work aims to aims to show that markers specific to Alzheimer’s disease can be detected in the nose. This could enable early diagnosis and monitoring. Prof Stephen Holgate, Clinical Professor of Immunopharmacology at UoS, was also at the event. He delivered the keynote speech. Image courtesy: BMA Foundation for Medical Research. Dr Ahilanandan Dushianthan (second left) and Dr Anna Freeman (third right) are honoured at BMA House in London.

Omega-3 fatty acids are sometimes known as ‘healthy fats’. They cannot be made by the body and must be obtained through food, such as fatty fish. However, fish and seafood sources of omega-3 are not sustainable and can have a harmful environmental impact. New research in our NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) is shedding light on alternative sources of omega-3. Dr Ella Baker explains how she is making advances through a one-year BRC Postdoctoral Bridging Fellowship. How did you become interested in research? I have wanted to be a ‘scientist’ for as long as I can remember. From a young age, I was always interested in understanding how things work. Biochemistry appealed to me as it investigates chemical processes that happen in living things. I was excited by the prospect of working in this field, as it opens numerous avenues for exploration and discovery. My research focuses on the metabolism, functionality, and underlying mechanisms of action of plant-derived fatty acids. I completed a PhD in Nutritional Biochemistry in 2018 under the supervision of Prof Philip Calder. My PhD focused on the anti-inflammatory effects of plant-derived fatty acids compared to fish-derived fatty acids. This got me interested in the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of action of plant fatty acids. My aim is to find sustainable alternatives to marine-derived sources. What is the healthcare challenge that you are seeking to address? I have been awarded a BRC bridging fellowship and have funding from the Wessex Innovation Fund to develop a technique that can help us understand how different fatty acids affect the way cells work. I plan to compare fatty acids from fish and from plants to see if they behave the same way. I also have funding from the i-NutriLife Diet and Health Innovation Hub for further research into plant oils. Omega-3 is important for your body and brain. Research has shown that it has many long-term health benefits. The most active omega-3 fats are called EPA and DHA. EPA and DHA are mainly found in seafood, especially fatty fish like salmon and sardines. The UK Government recommends that people should eat more fish to get enough EPA and DHA. However, fish stocks are declining fast - and many people do not like eating fish. This means that we need alternative options to address this public health challenge. What do you hope to achieve in your research at the BRC? The goal of the proposed research that I will conduct during my BRC Fellowship is to develop methodologies to understand how fatty acids from plants act on cells to have anti-inflammatory effects. This understanding will provide the evidence needed to support future human research into sustainable alternatives to omega-3s. This will be the focus of my future fellowship applications. My career goal is to become an independent researcher in the field of plant fatty acid research. How would you sum up your fellowship in three words? Opportunity, support and exciting. What's it like being an early career researcher in Southampton? Being an early career researcher at the University of Southampton has helped me develop my research skills and expertise. It is brilliant to work in such a friendly and encouraging environment. The university provides scientific excellence alongside state-of-the-art facilities. This has enabled me to establish interdisciplinary research and set me on a path to independence. What advice would you give other early career researchers? I would emphasise the importance of determination and commitment. Don’t be discouraged by rejection, as it’s common for people to apply for several funding opportunities before they are successful. Keep going - and use each setback to help you achieve your goals!

The United Nations have appointed Dame Wendy Hall to their new high-level advisory body on artificial intelligence (AI). Dame Wendy is a Regius Professor of Computer Science from the University of Southampton and Director of its Web Science Institute. She leads the Data, Health and Society theme at the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre. Dame Wendy was named the first UK artificial intelligence skills champion in 2018. International governance of AI She was selected from more than 1,800 nominees across 128 countries. She joins 31 experts from across the world. They will undertake analysis and give recommendations for the international governance of AI. Dame Wendy said: “I feel very privileged to have been appointed by the United Nations to be on this new AI advisory body. “As new AI technologies and capabilities emerge, it is so important that we harness them for good, while ensuring they don’t evolve in ways that would be harmful to society. "It is very exciting to be part of the global discussions on the best way to manage this.” Insights from her work Her role in the UN advisory body will see Dame Wendy work with experts from government, private sector and civil society. She will provide insights from the breadth of her research at Southampton. This includes the £31 million Responsible AI UK programme, known as RAI UK. This programme intends to fuel Britain’s ambitions to be a science and technology superpower. The new UN advisory body will start this month, working together for a year. It will submit its recommendations in late 2024. Read more about Dame Wendy’s pioneering work in computer science and AI in Southampton at damewendydbe.com. Image credit: University of Southampton