New research suggests boys who smoke in their early teens risk damaging the genes of their future children. Researchers from the University of Southampton and University of Bergen examined the long-term consequences of teenage smoking. The collaboration was supported by the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). They found boys who smoke at an early age may alter the DNA of their future children. These changes put them at greater risk of developing asthma, obesity and low lung function. Researchers say the study highlights the need for more action to tackle teenage vaping. Their findings are published in Clinical Epigenetics. Studying changes to DNA The researchers analysed data from 875 people aged 7-50. They looked at the participants’ epigenetics - how a person’s environment affects the way their genes work, for example by switching them ‘on’ or ‘off’. They also looked at the smoking behaviours of their fathers. The team found epigenetic changes at 19 sites mapped to 14 genes in the children of fathers who smoked before the age of 15. These changes are associated with asthma, obesity and wheezing. Prof Cecilie Svanes is a Professor at the Centre for International Health, University of Bergen. She said: “Previous research has shown that the health of future generations depends on the actions and decisions made by young people today. This is true long before they are parents – particularly for boys in early puberty.” She added: “It is really exciting that we have now been able to identify a mechanism that explains our observations in the cohorts.” “A critical window” The study suggests starting to smoke as a teenager is particularly dangerous. Dr Negusse Kitaba, Research Fellow at the University of Southampton and co-lead author, said: “Changes in epigenetic markers were most pronounced in children whose fathers started smoking during puberty. “Early puberty may represent a critical window of physiological changes in boys. This is when stem cells are being established which will make sperm for the rest of their lives.” The team also compared the paternal preconception smoking profiles with people who smoked themselves and those whose mothers smoked before conception. The University of Bergen’s Dr Gerd Toril Mørkve Knudsen, who was the co-lead author of this study, explained: “Interestingly, we found that 16 of the 19 markers associated with fathers’ teenage smoking had not previously been linked to maternal or personal smoking. “This suggests that these new biomarkers may be unique to children whose fathers have been exposed to smoking in early puberty.” Teenage vaping The number of young people smoking has fallen in the UK in recent years. However, the researchers are concerned about children taking up vaping. Prof John Holloway is a Professor of Allergy and Respiratory Genetics at the University of Southampton. He is also part of the Respiratory and Allergy theme at the NIHR Southampton BRC. He explained: “Some animal studies suggest that nicotine may be the substance in cigarette smoke that is driving epigenetic changes in offspring. “So, it’s deeply worrying that teenagers today, especially boys, are being exposed to very high levels of nicotine through vaping. He added: “The evidence from this study comes from people whose fathers smoked as teenagers in the 60s and 70s, when smoking tobacco was much more common. “We can’t be sure vaping will have similar effects across generations, but we shouldn’t wait to find out. We need to act now.” Working with young people The new findings have significant implications for public health. They suggest a failure to address harmful exposures in teenagers today could damage the respiratory health of future generations. This could also increase health inequalities for decades to come. Southampton’s LifeLab programme engages with young people to show how lifestyle choices at an early age can drastically their health and the health of their future children. They hope to empower young people to make healthier choices. The programme is a partnership between the University of Southampton, the NIHR Southampton BRC and University Hospital Southampton. Dr Kath Woods-Townsend, LifeLab Programme Manager said: “Parents, teachers and young people themselves have concerns about the impact of vaping. “We’re working with a youth panel to understand the role vaping plays in their lives and to co-create resources that will help inform young people about the risks.”

A new study will see if virtual sessions by trained volunteers can help older patients regain their strength after they return home. At least a third of older people are estimated to be at risk of ‘deconditioning’ due to inactivity while in hospital. This causes their muscles to weaken, making them frail and more at risk of falls. Exercising and eating healthily when they go home could help these patients get their strength back. Consultant Geriatrician Dr Stephen Lim is leading research at University Hospital Southampton to determine whether online support from trained hospital volunteers could help them do this. The study is part of the Perioperative and Critical Care theme at the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre. Preventing frailty People in the UK aged over 65 spend at least 10 hours each day sitting or lying down. This makes them the most inactive age group. A stay in hospital can reduce their physical activity even further, as people usually spend most of their time sitting or lying down in bed. While necessary for their recovery, this causes their muscles to weaken and can mean they leave hospital frail. “The hospital process itself can often contribute to a decline in the trajectory of the patient’s frailty,” explained Dr Lim. “We feel it is important to address that to prevent a further decline.” Training volunteers The Frail2Fit study is investigating whether our hospital volunteers can help these patients. The research team are training six volunteers to run virtual sessions for groups of up to 10 patients. Each session lasts 40-60 minutes. They start with 20–30 minutes of seated exercises using resistance bands, developed by an NHS physiotherapist. Then they discuss ways to eat a healthy diet. The study could therefore not only benefit patients, but also allow volunteers to develop new skills. “I think the novelty of the study is that we are upskilling hospital volunteers we already have to offer them something new,” Dr Lim says, “to gain skills leading exercise classes and talking to patients about nutrition.” Forming healthy habits The researchers aim to recruit around 30 people over the age of 65 who leave hospital frail. Participants attend virtual sessions three times a week in the first month, twice a week in the second month, and once a week in the third month. Those unfamiliar with the technology are given a tablet and instructed how to use it before they leave hospital. The hope is that, by tapering off the support, participants gradually form healthy habits that they will continue to follow afterwards. This could prevent them needing to return to the hospital in future. Raymond’s experience Raymond Jones, 85, was admitted to Southampton General Hospital with back pain and had surgery to remove gallstones that were blocking a duct in his gall bladder. After his operation, Samantha Meredith, a Research Fellow in Dr Lim’s group, asked if he would like to take part in a 12-week study. Since a previous operation on his knee five years ago, Raymond has been unable to drive and had to give up golf, which he used to do three times a week. He was therefore keen to maintain as much strength and independence as possible this time, and so agreed to take part. The hour-long online sessions started at 11am. He did them in a room upstairs in his own home. He says he enjoyed taking part, particularly as it was not only a chance to exercise but also to socialise. “I felt much better when I got up there with them, because there were about four or five of us at a time, and we’d all have a giggle,” says Raymond. “There was an old lady, she found it hard to walk. I said ‘Hold on, haven’t I seen you before? Weren’t you in the Southampton Marathon – you won it, didn’t you?’ And of course, everybody laughed.” In his last session, Raymond spoke to his instructor about problems he’d been having with his balance when he was walking. The instructor asked him to try a particular exercise for it. “It surprised me what happened,” he says. “I managed to get my balance.” Raymond has now finished taking part in the trial, but continues to stay active. He enjoys gardening, walks to the shop every day with a stick, goes on his exercise bike regularly, and continues to do the exercises he was taught during the sessions. “I’m doing everything they’re telling me to do, which I think is a good thing,” he says. Raymond recently became a great grandad. As we end the call, he says he’s off to go and meet his new great grandson.

Researchers in Southampton will develop Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to improve the analysis and interpretation of newly discovered variations in people’s DNA. The project has been awarded £596,000 by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). It is titled ‘Artificial intelligence methods applied to genomic data for improved health’, or AGENDA. The funding was part of a new £13 million investment by the government into projects aiming to transform health using AI to assist and refine diagnostics and procedures. Professor Sarah Ennis, Professor of Genomics at the University of Southampton, will lead the project. It forms part of the Data, Health and Society theme at the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre. Investigating the genome The genome is the entire set of DNA found in our cells. This includes all our genes, but also covers additional instructions required for these genes to function properly. It’s a huge amount of data to analyse and interpret. The AGENDA project will use AI to investigate newly discovered variations in the genome and their potential impact on patients’ health. The team will develop AI algorithms and modelling approaches to analyse genomic data. They aim to develop approaches which map genomic data to biological pathways, and improve the computational modelling of proteins. They will also investigate whether machine learning can be used to predict outcomes for patients. Prof Ennis said: “This grant provides the opportunity to develop novel solutions for the analysis of genomic data. By incorporating an automated AI-based toolkit, we aim to maximise data usage, significantly speed up the return of molecular diagnoses, and identify biologically relevant targets for personalised therapies. “In the future, this will reduce hospital and treatment costs and provide digital systems, minimising the need for manual curation.” Experts from many different areas The team includes Sarah Ennis, Ellie Seaby, James Ashton and Guo Cheng from the Faculty of Medicine, Paul Skipp and Andy Shapanis from Biological Sciences, Jon Essex and Steven Turner from Chemistry and Jagmohan Chauhan from Electronics & Computer Science. This latest funding follows the recent announcement of £31m to the University of Southampton to lead the Responsible AI UK consortium. “Our diverse, interdisciplinary team highlights the ever-increasing value and importance of interdisciplinary science working on ‘big data’ to deliver better health,” said Prof Ennis. “The team will directly benefit from working alongside the growing cadre of expertise in AI-related research in Southampton, and is testament to our position at heart of AI health research in the UK.”

Southampton researchers have developed a digital tool to support nutrition focused assessments in children. Good nutrition is important for children’s growth and development. This can be difficult to assess during remote consultations. A team of international nutrition experts and dietitians in Southampton have developed a nutritional awareness tool to help this challenge. It is known as the Pediatric Remote Malnutrition Application (Pedi-R-MAPP). The app has been advanced with global partners, iterated in workshops and trialled with hundreds of patients at Southampton Children’s Hospital. Dr Luise Marino, a Clinical Academic Paediatric Dietitian at University Hospital Southampton (UHS), led the project. She is also part of the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre and the Southampton Academy of Research (SoAR) Research Leaders programme. The project included Southampton's Professor Mark Beattie, Professor Anne-Sophie Darlington and Dr James Ashton. The team published their latest work in the journal Clinical Nutrition. Digital transformation During the COVID-19 pandemic, most healthcare appointments began to take place via video call. Many dietitians felt unprepared for this transition. Almost half had no formal training in delivering remote consultations. Dr Marino said: “In March 2020, the British Dietetic Association developed guidance on remote consultations. However, it soon became clear that a digital tool would be easier for dietitians to use.” In response, a group of European experts devised the Remote Malnutrition Application (R-MAPP). This provided a structured approach for remote nutritional assessments for adults. The authors gave their permission for the tool to be adapted for use in children, which led a Southampton team to focus on Pedi-R-MAPP. They sought input from 20 nutrition experts around the world. They also conducted a survey which had almost 600 responses from nutrition professionals. International team This latest research developed Pedi-R-MAPP into a digital tool. The team used the IDEAS framework (Integrate, Design, Assess and Share) to gather feedback. A team of specialist paediatric dietitians reported a 98% agreement with the summary advice provided by the tool compared to their own clinical assessment. On average, it took less than two minutes to complete per consultation. Dr Marino said: “I hope this new tool can help provide a structured approach for healthcare professionals to complete nutrition assessments from anywhere in the world. It could help reduce variation in practice and identify children who may need more targeted nutrition support.” She added: “It could also provide helpful guidance on how often nutrition reviews are needed.” Pedi-R-MAPP is available to use here.

Southampton’s Professor Cyrus Cooper has been recognised with the Royal Osteoporosis Society’s highest honour. The Linda Edwards Award recognises his outstanding achievements in the field of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis causes bones to weaken, making them fragile and more likely to break. It affects over three million people in the UK. Prof Cooper is driving new research as Professor of Rheumatology and Vice-Dean of Medicine at the University of Southampton. He is also part of the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre’s Nutrition, Lifestyle and Metabolism theme. World-leading research For over four decades, Prof Cooper has been at the forefront of pioneering research to improve bone health. This includes 20 years as Director of the MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre. He has published extensively on the causes and prevention of osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and sarcopenia. In 2015, he was awarded an OBE for services to medical research. Key research contributions include the discovery of an association between mothers not getting enough Vitamin D in pregnancy and their children having reduced bone mass. This was a ground-breaking development that had a major influence on public health policy. Pregnant women are now routinely advised to take vitamin D supplements. Highest level of recognition The award is bestowed by the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS). It will be presented to Prof Cooper at the ROS conference in September, where he will give a guest lecture. Prof Cooper said: “As a member of the ROS since 1987, it is a particular pleasure to receive this prestigious award. It is also wonderful to have participated in the journey through the Board, Scientific Chair, Chairman and Trustee. “I am indebted to all my colleagues and teams at the universities and foundations which have allowed me to continue this journey through 40 years of research, education and enterprise in osteoporosis.”

A new study in Southampton is exploring the effects of soluble fibre on the immune system. Fibre is essential for healthy digestion – with strong evidence that diets higher in fibre are associated with a lower risk of certain diseases, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes. This latest study will investigate if fibre supplements could boost immune health in older people. Researchers are recruiting around 70 participants aged over 60 in the Southampton area. The research is led by Professor Philip Calder from the University of Southampton and NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre. Increasing fibre intake Half of the study’s participants will take a soluble corn fibre supplement each day for 12 weeks. The other half will take a placebo supplement. They will all complete questionnaires about their diet and gut health. They will also be asked to provide blood, urine and poo samples. The research team will use this information to assess any improvements in immune function, inflammation and gut bacteria. Immune system explained The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues and organs. They work together to protect the body from infection and other diseases. As with most other parts of the body, the immune system becomes weaker with age. This results in reduced vaccination responses and an increased risk of infection. Research has shown that a person’s diet influences their immune system. Fibre helps to maintain “healthy” gut bacteria, which supports immune health. Taking part Participant visits will take place at the NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility at University Hospital Southampton. The study is open to people aged 60 and older. They must be in generally good health and living in the community. All participants will have their travel expenses covered. Please email E.Baker@soton.ac.uk or call 07584368983 to find out more.

Top European scientists, including Southampton’s Professor Janis Baird, say new policies on food could transform the way we eat. We assume that our choices about what to eat are entirely our own responsibility. Yet this is not entirely true - our choices are influenced by adverts and marketing, limited by the options we have available to us, and constrained by the money we can afford to spend. This is why a group of advisors, including Prof Baird at the University of Southampton, have told the European Commission that the transition to healthier, more sustainable diets cannot be left to consumers alone. Changing the ‘food environment’ Prof Baird, Professor of Public Health and Epidemiology at the MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, helped put forward the recommendations to advise the European Commission on how to transform Europe’s food consumption to become healthier and more sustainable. Her work forms part of the NIHR Southampton’s Biomedical Research Centre’s Nutrition, Lifestyle and Metabolism theme. She was the only representative from UK academia to take part in the distinguished advisory group. The EU has, to date, focused on providing consumers with more information. Yet experts agree that this is not enough, as people choose food based on many factors including social and family factors, food availability and pricing. To make sustainable, healthy food an easy and affordable choice, the advisors say policies must unburden the consumer and address the whole ‘food environment’. This refers to anywhere where food is bought, eaten and discussed including shops, homes, schools, workplaces and, increasingly, digital media. Prof Baird said: "Policies and interventions should focus on changing the food system to ensure that consumers are exposed to healthier food environments. Without this, people from disadvantaged backgrounds, who lack the social and financial resources to make healthy food choices, will continue to have poor diets and high levels of overweight and obesity. "Interventions that modify the food system, for example through placement of healthier foods in more prominent locations, have greater potential to improve food choice for all groups regardless of their socio-economic background. This has been a focus of our work here in Southampton." Changing the food system to improve population health Europe’s current food system has a major impact on the food environment and on population health Obesity and overweight affect around 60% of adults and 30% of children in Europe, with higher levels among people from more disadvantaged backgrounds. Improving the quality of our diets could therefore help both the planet and our health. The Science Advice for Policy by European Academies (SAPEA) working group reviewed the scientific evidence to inform the recommendations. To promote healthy and sustainable food choices, the advisors recommended a range of evidence-based measures: They suggested changing food prices to make healthy items more accessible to all. This could be done by taxing sugar and meat or lowering taxes on healthy and sustainable options. Products could also be priced according to their environmental impact. They also suggested making healthy and sustainable foods more available and visible, for example by displaying them in more prominent places. They recommended restricting the advertising of unhealthy or unsustainable food. They suggest regulation is needed to reduce the amount of unhealthy fat, sugar and salt food contains, or add plant-based alternatives. This would need to be mandatory, as voluntary initiatives have not worked. They say it will be critical to create an environment that allows all stakeholders to work towards the goal of healthy and sustainable food, following fair rules. Prof Eric Lambin, member of the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors to the European Commission, said: “In order for Europe to achieve its health and sustainability goals, the way we produce, distribute and consume food must change. This cannot be left entirely up to the consumer. We hope our scientific advice and evidence will be the base for that.”

Southampton researchers have found patients would like more support when sharing the results of their genetic test with at-risk relatives. New research by Dr Lisa Ballard, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Southampton, has revealed these patients may struggle to pass on what is often seen as bad news. Her work forms part of the Data, Health and Society theme within the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre. Bearer of bad news Genetic tests are offered to patients if their health condition could be caused by changes in their genes. A sample of blood, saliva or body tissue is sent to a genetic testing laboratory to be analysed. They are mainly used to diagnose rare and inherited health conditions, and some cancers. Yet when patients receive their results, they not only have to come to terms with these themselves. They are also expected to share them with any members of their close family who may also be at risk. “It’s a very hard thing to have to do,” Dr Ballard explains. “As a patient, you might have cancer yourself and have undergone genetic testing to find out the reason. You are coping with your diagnosis and your condition… and then you’ve got to go and tell your relatives.” Dr Ballard’s research has found many people struggle to do this. This may be because they are coping with their own diagnosis, they don’t feel like it’s a good time to share bad news, or they are worried about how their relative will react. “Being burdened with having to pass that information on, and wondering how your relative’s going to react,” she says. “It’s not the best news to have to tell someone.” Why do relatives need to know? When relatives are told about genetic test results, and how it might affect them, it can be empowering. They can choose to contact their doctor to get the information they need to decide whether to go ahead with genetic testing themselves. If they decide to go ahead with it and discover they do have an increased risk of a condition, they can then go for additional checks or reduce their risk through medication or surgery. Sometimes patients are not sure exactly what information they should share. This may lead to relatives not realising the importance of the information, therefore, not making an appointment to speak to their GP about what this information means for them. Others will decide certain relatives do not need to know, when actually they do. For example, if the change (variant) is in BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, which raises the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, they may not think it relevant to inform their male relatives. But these genetic changes put men at higher risk of other cancers, like prostate cancer, and can be passed on to their children. All this points towards a need for greater support for patients, to help ensure relatives find out all they need to know to be able to act. “Many patients would like to be the ones informing their relatives,” said Dr Ballard. “They don’t think an out of the blue call from a health professional is appropriate. But they would like support doing it.” Developing online support As part of her research, Dr Ballard reviewed support currently provided to help patients share their genetic test results with relatives. This was published in the European Journal of Human Genetics. She found that only one study provided an apparently effective intervention, however that intervention was in a small number of patients, so the effectiveness was not proven. None of the studies were based in the UK and none used online support. Based on this observation, she is now developing online tools to support patients with this difficult task. “My next step is to design a digital intervention that patients can be directed to,” said Dr Ballard. “It shouldn’t add to the health professional’s workload, and a patient can work through it in their own time.” She hopes this will provide patients with the support they need to inform their relatives. “It’s a unique situation, because we go through our healthcare having lots of test results, like blood tests, and they’re just about us and that’s easier to manage,” explains Dr Ballard. “But as soon as you enter into the world of genetics, a result may not just tell you something about yourself - it may tell you something about your relatives too.”

Clinical research in Wessex is in good health and there are lots of new ways to take part, Professor Saul Faust has told BBC’s Politics South. The Southampton professor praised the public’s ongoing response to clinical trials while highlighting a growing network of research hubs in the region. Prof Faust is the Clinical Director of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network (CRN) Wessex. He is a professor at the University of Southampton and theme lead at the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre. The programme is available to view in full for one month on BBC iPlayer. The interview starts at 7 minutes and 15 seconds. ‘Public are really engaged’ Sunday’s broadcast considered the future of clinical research in the wake of COVID-19. Prof Faust explained there is a good pipeline of work stretching into the future. “The public are really engaged,” said Prof Faust, when questioned over the willingness of people to continue stepping up. “They are really willing to come forward and take part in trials, both in hospitals and out in the community.” “We’ve seen ongoing investment from some of the big pharmaceutical companies and SMEs to come to the UK and work with us to get their trials done,” he added. In the Wessex area, Prof Faust said, collaboration has been key. By bringing together universities, local authorities, the NHS and the new infrastructure of Wessex Health Partners - everyone involved in health and care research is working together as much as possible. However, he pointed out there is still more work to do, moving forward. “Clinical trials are really important to the health of the economy,” he explained. “Life sciences is one of the biggest sectors in the country. Successive governments have invested in life sciences and the NIHR and we now have a duty to work across sectors, public and industry, to make sure we’re able to explain what we need to do, and then involve the public in clinical trials.” Looking to the future When asked about the health of life sciences in the south of England, Prof Faust set out his ideas for future improvements. “We need to make trials easier for people to take part in, and easier for the NHS to do as part of routine care,” he said. “That involves training our entire workforce including those working in social care - how to do research as part of their daily jobs. And we need the public to keep coming forward.” The NIHR CRN in Wessex has a network of four research hubs up and running, which invite people from local communities to come and take part in clinical trials. These are based in Southampton, Bournemouth, Portsmouth and Weymouth. “We’ve been able to open research hubs in all these places, and our newest hub in Weymouth is right in the middle of one of the most socially and economically deprived coastal communities in the country,” said Prof Faust. “We’re open there and we need people to come forward to take part in all these trials.”

New equipment and technologies will increase health research across the region, following a major funding boost. Over £1.7m is being invested in Wessex by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The funding is part of £96 million awarded to NHS organisations across England. The new equipment and technology will help find new ways to prevent and treat diseases. University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHSFT) will receive around £900,000. Five other NHS Trusts will also receive a share, together with the South Central Ambulance Service. Improving research delivery This latest investment will support research within a new NIHR Wessex Experimental Medicine Network. The equipment it provides will improve access to cutting-edge clinical trials for patients. This includes vaccine trials across Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight. The 93 organisations awarded funding across the UK are all part of the NIHR’s wider infrastructure. This includes Biomedical Research Centres (BRCs) and Clinical Research Facilities (CRFs), as well as the NIHR’s Clinical Research Network. Dr Karen Underwood, Director of Research & Development at UHSFT, said: “We are delighted that Wessex has secured funding for new state-of-the-art equipment. “It will enable more people from across the region to take part in research supported by our NIHR-funded centres and facilities. “We look forward to working with regional partners to deliver on this great opportunity.” State-of-the-art equipment This funding call is the first of a series that will increase equipment and technology for research. In Southampton, the funding will pay for four new pieces of equipment. Three of these will boost the NIHR Southampton BRC’s ability to translate scientific discoveries into patient benefit. First, the Agilent Seahorse CF Pro Analyser will help researchers to measure cell function. The technology will be used in various fields such as ageing, cancer and critical care. The Scintigraphy workstation will align Southampton with other major centres engaged in liver surgery. This will mean more people can take part in vital clinical trials. A new DEXA scanner will enable measurement of bone health across the lifecourse. It will increase Southampton’s capacity to support long term follow-up BRC cohort studies. Southampton's Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC) will also get a new Ga-68 generator. This cutting-edge technology will enhance imaging capabilities for experimental cancer medicine research.

Southampton researchers are exploring how a father’s obesity may impact their children’s risk of dementia. The national study is funded by Alzheimer’s Research UK and led by Lancaster University. Professor Keith Godfrey from the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) is leading the Southampton team. Alzheimer’s research Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. It affects around 600,000 people in the UK today. Previous studies have found changes in the brain may be present up to 20 years before symptoms appear. Research shows lifestyle factors can increase a person’s chances of developing the disease. These include smoking, physical inactivity and drinking too much alcohol. Family-based risk The research team will analyse data on three generations of people who took part in the Framingham Heart Study - a long-term research project in the US to identify common factors that contribute to heart disease. They will compare participants’ memory, thinking skills and brain structure. This will help to determine if there is a difference between people with fathers who are obese, compared to those who are not. Researchers will also work with mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease to study changes in the brains of adult offspring. Informing prevention Results from this study could provide new strategies to reduce cases of Alzheimer’s disease in the future. 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: “Research has shown that a mother’s health and lifestyle choices before conception and during pregnancy have a profound impact on their children’s future health. “The importance of the father’s diet and lifestyle before conception is only now being recognised. Up to 40% of dementia cases can be linked to lifestyle factors, and recent evidence suggests that paternal obesity could be one of these factors. “We hope this project will provide key insight into whether paternal obesity increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. It could offer an opportunity for interventions to reduce the number of cases of this distressing disease.”

Southampton researchers will lead a major international project to help develop responsible and trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI). AI is having a growing influence on our society and experts say it will have a growing impact over the coming years. It has the potential to transform how healthcare is delivered. The new project, known as Responsible AI UK (RAI UK), will support research to develop AI that improves lives. The leadership team includes Professor Dame Wendy Hall from the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). Driving collaboration Prof Dame Hall is a Regius Professor of Computer Science at the University of Southampton (UoS) and lead for Data, Health and Society in the NIHR Southampton BRC. Her role in RAI UK will focus on international partnerships. She said: “AI will change the way we live and work for the better – but an interdisciplinary approach to regulation and safe AI is vital. “The UK can become the dominant force for responsible and trustworthy AI with this investment. “The work undertaken by the Responsible AI UK team and our partners will put the UK at the forefront of AI’s future for the good of humanity.” Developing trust RAI UK will fund multi-disciplinary research and work across academia, business, and the public sector. Prof Gopal Ramchurn, Professor of Artificial Intelligence at UoS, is RAI UK’s principal investigator. He said: “We don’t need to fear artificial intelligence. It won’t threaten humanity, but it has huge potential to influence how society operates in the future. “AI should not only be technically safe and accountable, but its impact on its users, their wellbeing and rights, and the wider society needs to be understood for people to trust it. “Our role in RAI UK will be to bring together experts from diverse disciplines and cultures from across the world to address the most pressing AI challenges in key sectors. We will help ensure that we all enjoy the productivity gains it promises to deliver." World-leading tech The funding boost is part of a series of investments in AI by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Technology Secretary Chloe Smith said: "Despite our size as a small island nation, the UK is a technology powerhouse. Last year, the UK became just the third country in the world to have a tech sector valued at $1 trillion. It is the biggest in Europe by some distance and behind only the US and China globally. "The technology landscape, though, is constantly evolving, and we need a tech ecosystem which can respond to those shifting sands, harness its opportunities, and address emerging challenges. The measures unveiled today will do exactly that.”