The NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) is improving people's health and resilience throughout life. This week, researchers and partners from across the region gathered at St Mary’s Stadium for the biggest BRC event of the year. Over 500 people signed up to hear how researchers are advancing experimental medicine from ‘Discovery to Impact’. The programme featured presentations from each BRC theme and valuable networking opportunities. For the first time, attendees could also explore technologies being pioneered in Southampton in a new ‘innovation cave’. The full video of presentations from the event will be made available in the coming days. Here are five key takeaways: Collaboration is key for research The first keynote speech of the day was delivered by Professor Marian Knight, NIHR Scientific Director for Research Infrastructure. She highlighted the important role of collaboration in research. Working together, Professor Knight said, can help ensure that promising research doesn’t fall through the gaps. She highlighted the huge scope for collaboration across NIHR infrastructure in Southampton. Professor Knight also emphasised the importance of aligning research with the government’s strategic priorities. This is one way NIHR infrastructure can demonstrate that they are helping to create an NHS fit for the future. Research is growing in the region One of the day’s highlights was discovering more about the NIHR Wessex Experimental Medicine Network (WEMN). It is an exciting collaboration between the NIHR Southampton BRC and Wessex Health Partners. Project Manager Ruth Challis explained how the network is promoting regional collaboration in experimental medicine. WEMN has provided seed funding for 22 projects since its launch. The audience heard from three of them: Dr Harjeet Singh Virk, Consultant Microbiologist and Infectious Diseases Specialist at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust Anna-Maria Holt, Senior Dietitian at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Dr Phil Hyde, an Intensive Care Consultant at University Hospital Southampton Click here  to find out more about WEMN. There is new hope for people with food allergies Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse shared how the tragic death of their daughter, Natasha, is beginning to change the world for people with food allergies. The inspirational campaigners have a close relationship with researchers in Southampton. They told of how grateful they are for the progress they’re making together. The Natasha Trial, led by the University of Southampton, is now running at nine hospitals across the UK. It uses daily doses of everyday food products, taken under medical supervision. If successful, the trial will provide evidence for this cost-effective treatment to be made available on the NHS. Nadim and Tanya also highlighted the importance of education and training in improving allergy care. The future is bright for Southampton research Ten early career researchers from across the university-hospital partnership were selected to showcase their work at the BRC Open Day. They all delivered fantastic presentations. The future of Southampton research is bright! Congratulations to the prize winners: 1st place – Dr Joseph Larvin 2nd place – Dr Jonathan Ong 3rd place – Ms Morgan Mason Dr Larvin was awarded the top prize for his presentation on a children’s surgery study. It investigated the long-term effects of anaesthesia. Resilience may be needed to pursue new ideas The final session of the day saw Professor Keith Godfrey share insights from his research journey. He leads the NIHR Southampton BRC’s Nutrition, Lifestyle and Metabolism theme. Professor Godfrey explained how studies like NiPPeR have shown that preconception - the time before pregnancy - is a ‘special opportunity’ for intervention. His work has shown that it can have lasting benefits for the child. These findings are now paving the way for national policies to support preparation for pregnancy and parenthood. Professor Godfrey reflected on the personal resilience needed to pursue new ideas. He also praised the BRC’s reverse mentoring scheme as a brilliant way to support early career researchers. Save the date The next BRC Open Day will take place on 5th May 2026. It will feature ‘Operation Ouch!’ presenter Chris Van Tulleken​ and Dr Esther Mukuka​, NIHR Director of Research Inclusion. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months.

A new study is seeking to improve care and support for families experiencing the unexpected death of a child. Around 3,000 children die each year in England and Wales. 30 percent are infants and children whose deaths are unexpected and sudden. Experts from the University of Southampton (UoS) are highlighting an urgent need to improve practical and psychological support for families. They have written an editorial with Baroness Ilora Finlay, a member of the House of Lords. This has been published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) . The researchers are also launching a first of its kind study to develop recommendations to help affected families . Differences across the country The editorial points to a pressing need for evidence based approaches to support families. The researchers say the availability and quality of existing support varies substantially and unfairly. This is true of the support provided to both families and professional caregivers. “No family should be left to struggle alone after the sudden and traumatic death of their child”, said Dr Katherine Hunt. She is the lead author of the BMJ article. Dr Hunt added: “The way we care for families in the aftermath of these devastating losses is a litmus test of the compassion of our society. “Families need immediate care and support around the time of the death and beyond the initial period of death investigation. Care should be sensitive and integrated, with liaison between different services, such as emergency services, medical staff, child death review professionals and bereavement teams. Sadly, in most areas of the country this is currently lacking.” Advocating change The research team have been awarded £1.2m from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) for a project called ‘QUINTET’. The study is the first of its kind. Led by UoS, it involves the universities of Central Lancashire, Birmingham and Surrey. There are also charity partners. They are Shooting Star Children’s Hospice, Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice, 2Wish and SUDC UK. QUINTET will investigate what support is available for those experiencing sudden and unexpected death in infancy and childhood (SUDIC). The researchers will then make recommendations to improve support and care. SUDIC refers to deaths not expected within the 24 hour period before they occur. These could include such circumstances as unintended injury, suicide, sudden cardiac death, or death relating to a criminal act. They are all often shocking and tragic events, causing great trauma for those involved. Clear guidance and palliative care services exist for children who die of a life-limiting condition. This includes emotional and psychological support for their families. However, this is not automatically available in the case of sudden and unexpected child deaths. National research For the study, researchers will run a national survey of bereaved parents – the largest ever conducted in England. They will also speak to health professionals and other caregivers to map what is available now. This will help them recommend vital changes to significantly improve services in the future. Anne-Sophie Darlington, Professor of Child and Family Psychological Health at UoS, will co-lead the QUINTET study. She is part of the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre’s Perioperative and Critical Care theme. Prof Darlington said:   “Surprisingly little is understood about the very complex needs of families when they experience the deep trauma of the sudden death of a child. It is crucial that we gain evidence about their care needs and what helps them cope in the longer term. “These kinds of deaths are very traumatic for families and also deeply affect professionals involved, both of whom need support.” Dr Emily Cooper, project co-investigator from the University of Central Lancashire, said: “We tragically lost our son Alexander in 2021 and daughter Isabelle in 2024 suddenly and unexpectedly due to a genetic mitochondrial condition (PPA2 deficiency) which causes sudden cardiac death. “Upon meeting other bereaved families, we were shocked to discover just how inadequate and inconsistent the support is for those facing such a loss. The study will be transformational in helping families like ours receive the care they need. It will provide a much-needed framework for professionals who support us.” The three year QUINTET study will make recommendations to help affected families in 2027.

A mentoring scheme is helping more women from ethnic minority backgrounds become academic professors. The diversity of the UK’s population is not reflected in the academic medicine workforce. If it were, around 8.5% of academic professors in the UK would be women from ethnic minority groups. The actual figure stands at only 3.6%. Southampton researchers launched a national mentoring scheme to address this gap. It is called Academic Intersectionality Mentoring in Medical Schools (AIMMS Mentoring). A new study has evaluated the impact of the programme. The findings, published in PLOS ONE , highlight the important role of mentorship. AIMMS Mentoring is led by Southampton’s Professor Nisreen Alwan who co-authored the study. She is part of the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). Supporting positive development AIMMS Mentoring was established during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is led by the University of Southampton in partnership with universities across the UK and the Academy of Medical Sciences. The scheme was set up to support women from ethnic minority backgrounds in academic medicine and health sciences. Since 2024, it has been available to all UK medical schools. This is thanks to its adoption by the Medical Schools Council. The study was co-authored by Professor Alwan and Mirembe Woodrow. They worked with colleagues from partner institutions. Questionnaires were used to capture information from both mentors and mentees. Responses indicated that the scheme was helpful. It was seen to be effective at supporting career progression and fostering mentorship relationships. This is helping to create a more inclusive academic environment. Professor Alwan, Professor of Public Health at the University of Southampton, said: “We are delighted that the AIMMS Mentoring evaluation revealed that both participating mentors and mentees reported positive personal and professional development. “It is so important to support under-represented groups in academic medicine. Diversity in leadership is likely to reflect in wider societal benefits, particularly in relation to health inequalities.” ‘Going from strength to strength’ AIMMS Mentoring has been acknowledged as a “gold standard” activity in the Faculty of Medicine’s Athena Swan submission. The recognition is for its role in addressing structural barriers to leadership. The Athena Swan initiative is advancing gender equality in UK higher education. It has recently increased its focus on intersectionality. Mirembe Woodrow said: “AIMMS Mentoring’s uniqueness as a scheme available across all UK medical schools is a great strength. It helps women from similar backgrounds connect and find advice and support.  “Our evaluation informed further improvements to the programme. I can see AIMMS Mentoring going from strength to strength in the future.” Professor Lucy Green is Chair of the Faculty Athena Swan self-assessment committee. Professor Green said: “It is a beautiful idea which is clearly popular among the partner institutions. It is also effective in supporting career progression. “We already knew the power of mentoring and allies, but the national nature of this scheme expands the scope of support, shared learning and experience in a really effective way.” Looking ahead, AIMMS Mentoring plans to extend its support to postgraduate students. It will also add more intersectional groups. AIMMS Mentoring is looking for new mentors and mentees. More information is available here .

Three medicines used to treat children who have severe asthma attacks will be compared in a national trial. Asthma is the most common long-term condition among children and young people. There are currently three treatment options in the UK for children who have a severe asthma attack. Findings from this trial will shed light on which treatment is most effective. It will inform clinical guidelines in the future. The EVITA trial has been awarded over £2.3 million from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). Southampton’s Professor Graham Roberts and Dr Katrina Cathie will lead the trial, together with Professor Damian Roland in Leicester. Childhood asthma Asthma affects around one in 11 children and young people in the UK. Many children and young people have severe asthma attacks that do not respond to inhaled reliever medication. This is called severe acute asthma. It can be life-threatening. Children who experience severe acute asthma will be admitted to hospital and given medication as an injection into a vein. They will receive one of three treatments: aminophylline, magnesium sulfate or salbutamol. Each one has different side effects. There is little evidence to show which treatment is most effective. There is also great variation across Europe in how they are used to treat children and young people. Dr Cathie, a consultant paediatrician and associate director of the NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility for paediatrics at University Hospital Southampton, said: “Paediatricians around the UK and abroad have highlighted this as a crucial area for research to improve how we are able to care for children with acute severe asthma. It is exciting that this study has been funded to finally answer this important question and find out which treatment is best for children.” Prof Roberts is Professor of Paediatric Allergy and Respiratory Medicine at the University of Southampton. He also co-leads the Respiratory and Allergy theme at the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre. Prof Roberts added: “We are working with colleagues from across the UK, as well as parents, young people and the Asthma and Lung UK charity, to develop a trial that will fit into the usual NHS clinical pathways. This means that EVITA will work well for patients, families and our NHS colleagues to provide results that are relevant to today’s busy emergency departments.” Investigating different treatment options The trial will take place over three years. Over 350 children and young people aged two to eighteen will take part. They will be recruited from twenty hospitals across the UK, including University Hospital Southampton and University Hospitals of Leicester. Children taking part in the trial will be randomly allocated to receive one of the three treatments. Researchers will monitor which children are getting better the quickest using a validated asthma severity score after two hours.   This is based on ratings made by doctors and nurses such as breathing rate. They will track how long patients stay in hospital and any potential side effects. Prof Roland is a Paediatric Emergency Medicine Consultant at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust. He said: “This study will be undertaken in a variety of hospitals in the UK, ensuring that different patient groups are represented. “We will also be doing a sub study looking at genetic responses to the treatments. This will help us determine if future approaches to treating asthma can be more personalised.” The research team will also collect data on the costs of treatment. This will help them determine which one delivers the best value for money. Delivering the trial The EVITA trial is expected to start in Summer 2025. It will be coordinated by the Centre for Trials Research at Cardiff University and the Liverpool Clinical Trials Centre. They are both UKCRC registered clinical trials units*. Dr Joanne Euden is a Research Fellow and EVITA Study lead at Cardiff University Centre for Trials Research. She said: “We’re delighted to be involved in this important study and to be working closely with Liverpool CTC to coordinate and deliver this vital research to help improve clinical care and outcomes for children and young people with severe acute asthma.” Professor Carrol Gamble, Director of the Liverpool Clinical Trials Centre, added: “This builds on our extensive experience in delivering paediatric studies using research without prior consent. It establishes an exciting collaboration to deliver a much-needed study that will bring benefits to children and young people with acute asthma.” The trial has been funded by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment Programme. It supports high quality research on the clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and broader impact of healthcare treatments and tests. Learn more about the EVITA trial on the study website: www.evita.org.uk . *The Centre for Trials Research at Cardiff University is funded through Welsh Government by Health and Care Research Wales

Innovative research in Southampton is using a 3D technique to take new steps towards tackling a global health problem.   Millie-Rose Doolan is a PhD student at the University of Southampton. She is leading the project to re-create liver disease in a dish.   The aim is to better understand and identify new ways of treating Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD).   Millie’s PhD is funded by the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). It is also funded by the NIHR Wessex Experimental Medicine Network, a joint initiative between the BRC and Wessex Health Partners. A global health problem MASLD is estimated to affect up to one in five people in the UK. Rates are increasing with rising levels of metabolic diseases such as obesity. Previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), it is now understood to be strongly influenced by metabolic diseases and dysfunction. It is associated with obesity, as well as conditions such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It is a chronic liver condition, with four stages. It starts with too much fat in the liver (steatosis).   This can cause inflammation, leading to the second stage, known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).   The third stage is scarring (fibrosis). Excessive scarring will affect normal liver function, causing cirrhosis, and can lead to liver failure. Scarring also increases the risk of liver cancer.   “Fatty liver disease is a global health problem – the latest figures suggest that up to 30% of the global adult population will be affected,” explains Millie.   “The underlying biology of MASLD progression is unclear, and not all patients progress at the same rate or develop severe disease. Some patients develop liver cancer, where surgery or chemotherapy is required. Other patients remain in the early disease stages, which can be reversible via lifestyle changes.” Creating 3D models from patient samples MASLD research is limited by a lack of experimental systems that replicate what happens in different humans. Some laboratory tests can mimic some aspects of MASLD progression. However, there are significant differences compared to what happens in a patient.   Millie is developing 3D organoids to replicate MASLD, using liver samples donated by patients. These are three dimensional tissue cultures. She is using them to study the disease.   Her research will generate the organoids from surplus patient-donated liver tissue. Patients will only contribute one sample each.   By creating 3D organoids from across the entire disease progression, she will develop a human-based system. This will reduce the need for experimental animal models.   Millie aims to use this system to investigate the drivers of MASLD progression. She will identify factors that help the tissue repair itself, and see how the organoids respond to possible treatments.   “Currently, high-risk patients cannot be identified, and treatment options are limited.” she says. "By creating 3D organoids using patient tissue, we can delve deeper into how the disease progresses and identify potential targets for treatment. “I’m proud to be carrying out this PhD, which will hopefully develop a better understanding of this disease to help patients in the future.”

Three Southampton researchers have been recognised at an international conference. Dr Elizabeth Curtis, Dr Leo Westbury and Dr Faidra Laskou have each won awards for musculoskeletal (MSK) research. Over 20 million people in the UK have MSK conditions. They are a leading cause of pain and disability. The researchers received their prizes at the 25th World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (WCO-IOF-ESCEO). It was held in Rome earlier this month. All three are based at the University of Southampton’s MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre. They are also part of the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre. Recognising excellence The WCO-IOF-ESCEO is the world’s largest forum for the presentation of clinical research and new advances in the field. It is jointly held by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) and the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases. This year’s event attracted around 4,500 delegates. A similar number joined online. Dr Curtis received the prestigious ESCEO-IOF-Pierre Meunier Young Scientist Award. She is an Associate Professor in Rheumatology.  This honour recognises her early-career achievements, as well as her potential as a future leader in MSK research. Dr Westbury is a Senior Statistical Epidemiologist at the MRC LEC. He received the ESCEO-Aging Clinical and Experimental Research Award. It is presented for the best article published in the journal over the past 12 months. Dr Laskou received a Young Investigator Award for research into MSK ageing. Strong Southampton presence Professor Nicholas Harvey (pictured left) co-chaired the opening ceremony in his role as IOF President. He also delivered a plenary presentation. Southampton researchers led several sessions at the event, which took place over four days. Dr Curtis and Dr Rebecca Moon focused on how parental health influences children’s bone health. Recent findings  suggest children whose mothers took extra vitamin D during pregnancy continue to have stronger bones at age seven. Dr Nicholas Fuggle chaired sessions on artificial intelligence in osteoporosis and patient management. Prof Kate Ward, Prof Elaine Dennison and Prof Harvey also presented findings from the MRC LEC. Prof Harvey, Director of the MRC LEC, said: “Many congratulations to Beth, Leo and Faidra for their achievements. It is fantastic to see the high quality of our research recognised at this world-leading congress.”

An innovative vaccine that doesn’t need to be refrigerated or frozen has entered its first clinical trial.   The Stablepharma tetanus-diphtheria vaccine (SPVX02) is completely stable at room temperature. It has been designed to greatly expand access worldwide. The vaccine development has now reached the stage where it is ready to be trialled through a UK government-backed programme.   The first-in-human trial is taking place in the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Southampton Clinical Research Facility. The facility is located at University Hospital Southampton.   Vaccine wastage Tetanus and diphtheria are serious infectious diseases. Vaccination helps protect against them. However, about half of all vaccines are wasted around the world each year. This is according to data from the World Health Organization. Access to vaccines is limited by the international, temperature-controlled supply chain (cold chain). This cold chain is complex and costly. It requires vast amounts of energy that lead to carbon emissions. It can also lead to significant vaccine wastage when the cold chain is compromised. Cutting-edge technology UK-based biotech company Stablepharma has developed a novel technology. They have had support from a UK government-backed programme. Stablepharma’s platform converts existing approved vaccines to fridge-free versions. These are ‘thermostable’. They can be stored for long periods of time at room temperature. SPVX02 is the lead candidate fridge-free tetanus and diphtheria vaccine. It is now being trialled solely through NIHR-funded infrastructure. The clinical trial is being led by Professor Saul Faust from the University of Southampton and Stablepharma Chief Development Officer Dr Karen O’Hanlon. Professor Faust is the Director of the NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility. He said: “It is fantastic to see cutting-edge UK science reach the milestone of a first clinical trial and to be able to give the opportunity for people living on the South Coast to take part.  “This research will be an important step toward exploring whether this innovation could eradicate vaccine wastage and move away from the need for the cold-chain.”  Dr O’Hanlon added:  “We are delighted to have received funding from a UK government scheme and support from NIHR for our first clinical trial. This is an important milestone towards launching the world’s first fridge-free tetanus-diphtheria vaccine. “We have also previously demonstrated that our technology can be manufactured under commercially scalable GMP conditions, enabling a scaling-up to millions of doses per year without the need for the global cold chain.” Expanding the reach of vaccines The phase I clinical trial is expected to complete in summer 2025. Results will be published by the end of the year. The research is being delivered within the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre. Early phase clinical trials are important first steps to testing treatments in people. They examine the safety, side effects, best dose and timing of new treatments.  Stablepharma hope the vaccine will be in use globally by 2027. The SPVX02 vaccine has been developed with support from Innovate UK. The agency is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “For years, vaccines have been held back by the need to be stored in a fridge – causing endless amounts of wastage and making it difficult to deliver them to remote communities. “But thanks to this government’s vision, and our investment through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), all that could be about to change. We are leading the charge by pushing through the world’s first trial for fridge free vaccines. “This could be a real game changer and lifesaver worldwide helping deliver vaccines to poorer nations, where they’re often needed the most. Firmly positioning the UK a pioneer life science, and a driver in global development.  “The Prime Minister is transforming our economy through our Plan for Change. Projects like this are vital in driving growth and firmly positioning the UK as a global leader in vaccine development and research.”  ‘Game-changing development’ Professor Lucy Chappell is NIHR Chief Executive and Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department for Health and Social Care. Professor Chappell said: “This clinical trial represents a crucial step in building the evidence for this game-changing development in vaccine delivery. The NIHR is proud to be supporting this work through its world-leading research infrastructure. It provides industry partners such as Stablepharma with the support necessary to deliver cutting edge research here in the UK that could lead to better health outcomes around the world.” Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, former Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, is a member of the Stablepharma Advisory Board. Professor Van-Tam said:  “If the shortcomings and complexities of the global cold chain in the distribution and storage of life-saving vaccines could be addressed through a proven fridge-free solution, such as the one being developed by Stablepharma, this would be revolutionary for the entire vaccine industry. It could also potentially lead to wider distribution and improved uptake in areas of the world where currently the stringency of the cold chain limits deployment and uptake.  “Fridge-free vaccines could, in the future, play a major role in delivering the WHO's ambitions for universal health coverage.” Backed by previous research Scientists at Stablepharma have previously demonstrated that the SPVX02 vaccine remains completely stable for at least 12 months at 30°C and 40°C (climate zone IVB). The batch in the current phase I study has a shelf life of 18 months. This has been agreed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. The team have also shown that SPVX02 can withstand temperature fluctuation. It remained stable and fully potent after three cycles of extreme fluctuation from -20℃ to +40℃. These studies highlight the robustness of Stablepharma’s technology platform, StablevaX™. They provide compelling evidence of its unique ability to thermostablise vaccines. Stablepharma was also recently awarded a €2.5 million grant. It is from the prestigious European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator programme. The company has identified up to 60 vaccines that could be suitable for StablevaX™ technology. Click here  for further details on how to take part in the new trial, or   contact CRFstudyteam@uhs.nhs.uk .

A groundbreaking UK research network has been launched to uncover how gut health influences the brain, immune system and mental well-being. The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) has awarded £4.5 million to the UK Gut-Immunology-Brain Axis Network+. The network could potentially lead to new treatments for conditions like anxiety, depression and dementia. It is led by Professor Jonathan Swann from the University of Southampton. Professor Swann is a theme lead for the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre. First of its kind in the UK A growing body of research suggests the gut, brain and immune system constantly communicate. This is known as the gut-immune-brain axis. The gut-immune-brain axis is known to play a critical role in mood, cognitive function, and chronic illness. However, researchers do not yet fully understand how. The network will bring together leading experts to find the missing biological links. It will lay the foundation for new evidence-based treatments and practical lifestyle recommendations. It will be the first in the UK to unite experts from across research disciplines to investigate how lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep, and stress influence the gut-immune-brain axis. The network includes researchers from the universities of Southampton and Cambridge, King’s College London and the Quadram Institute. It will run for four years. Targeting the gut for better brain health Mental health disorders affect one in four people in the UK, and dementia cases are rising. Targeting gut health could open up a whole new way to treat these conditions. A key aspect the network will focus on is the bacteria and other microorganisms naturally found in our gut, known as our gut ‘microbiota’. Recent studies suggest that changes to diet, such as increasing fibre intake or following a Mediterranean diet, can influence the gut microbiota. This has been shown to improve people’s mood and cognitive performance. The network will build on these findings to study the underlying biological mechanisms. This will help ensure future treatments and lifestyle recommendations are based on robust evidence. Tackling major health challenges The network will focus on tackling major health challenges, through: Mental health solutions:  Investigating whether probiotics, diet, and gut-targeted therapies could be effective treatments for anxiety and depression. Dementia and brain ageing:  Understanding how gut health influences neurodegeneration and whether simple lifestyle changes can help prevent Alzheimer’s. Chronic health conditions:  Exploring the gut’s role in immune function, inflammation, and diseases like diabetes and obesity. AI and big data:  Using advanced technology to analyse gut-brain interactions and accelerate discoveries. To drive progress in these areas, it will connect scientists, doctors, and industry partners to share knowledge and resources. This will help to speed up discoveries. Investigating our ‘second brain’ Researchers in the network aim to develop better research models, to make research findings more relevant to people. They plan to make testing easier, by finding practical and cost-effective ways to study the gut-brain connection. They also will use artificial intelligence (AI) to uncover key patterns in large datasets and identify potential treatments more efficiently. Professor Swann said: "The gut is often referred to as our second brain. There's growing evidence to suggest the health of our gut, and the microbes that inhabit it, can influence our mood and cognitive abilities. "The gut and brain are intimately connected. We already know that intestinal distress can lead to serious illnesses like anxiety, stress or depression. "This new network will bring together expertise from across the UK to help us dive deeper into these diverse connections. It will help us investigate untapped areas of research. These include the link between poor gut health and dementia in older age, and the microbial role in infant brain development.”   Please click here  for more information about the GIBA network and ways to take part.

New data highlights major gaps in access to specialist allergy services across the UK. Findings suggest the availability of immunotherapy varies in different parts of the country. It may also be less accessible to people living in deprived areas and those from ethnic minority backgrounds. The report was produced by the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology Registry for Immunotherapy (BRIT). It has been published in the journal Clinical & Experimental Allergy . BRIT is a national project that records immunotherapy treatment. It is led by Dr Mich Lajeunesse, a Consultant in Paediatric Allergy and Immunology at University Hospital Southampton (UHS). UHS has one of the largest allergy and immunology centres in the country. It is a World Allergy Organisation National Centre of Excellence. Treating severe allergies Immunotherapy involves being carefully exposed to an allergen over time. The body gradually becomes used to it and does not react so badly. It is used for severe venom allergy to bee and wasp stings, peanut allergy and severe forms of hay fever and airborne allergies. The treatment is less accessible in the UK than in many other European countries. Here, patients are typically only able to see specialists at hospital-based centres. BRIT collects data on both adults and children. It records information on access to treatment, safety and real-world effectiveness. The latest analysis looked at data from over 1,800 participants treated at 63 sites across the UK. Nearly half of them were children. Geographical disparities The results suggest people in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are less likely to access specialist allergy centres than those in England. The devolved nations have a combined population of 10.5 million, while the population of London is estimated at 7.5 million. Despite this, only 3.5% of patients recorded in this analysis came from Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. 31.5% were from Greater London, with a further 65% from other parts of England. The reasons for this include there being a higher number of allergists in England, with a particular concentration in the capital. In Scotland, access is further limited by the peanut oral immunotherapy Palforzia not being approved for use. Concerning inequalities The study also uncovered disparities linked to socioeconomic status and ethnicity. The most affluent participants were three times more likely to access immunotherapy care through the NHS compared to those from deprived backgrounds. White participants in this study were 1.74 times more likely to receive a direct referral to an allergy specialist for immunotherapy from primary care. Referral pathways for people from other ethnic groups were often more complex, leading to delays and reduced access to treatment. Dr Lajeunesse is supported by the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre. Last month, he also became an awardee in the UHS Research Leaders Programme. He said: “This is the largest and most comprehensive report on the use of allergen immunotherapy in the UK. “It highlights several concerning inequalities. These suggest access to specialist allergy treatment is far from equal. “We need to better understand the barriers that exist and develop targeted interventions to address them.”

Southampton researchers are increasing understanding of muscle loss found in people living with obesity in older age.   They are partnering on a new project with the pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim. Previous Southampton research suggests obesity in later life may cause our muscles to age faster. It found that genes that help muscles use energy effectively were less active in people living with obesity. The new collaboration, partnered through Boehringer Ingelheim’s open innovation platform  opnMe , will identify the molecular pathways behind this decline. This could help unlock new treatments. The project is being driven by researchers from the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) and University of Southampton. Age-related muscle loss and obesity People can experience a loss of muscle mass and function in later life. This is called sarcopenia. As it progresses, people may become frail, lose their independence, and develop other health conditions. The number of older people living with obesity has risen dramatically in recent years. It has reached an unprecedented level. Obesity can lead to widespread changes in the muscle. This puts people at risk of so-called “sarcopenic obesity”. Sarcopenic obesity increases the negative effects of both sarcopenia and obesity. It can lead to a higher rate of decline in health and reduced quality of life. Around 2.7 million people in the UK are living with sarcopenia. This number is expected to rise as the number of older people increases, making it a major health problem. There are currently no effective treatments. Building on previous research There is limited knowledge of the molecular pathways behind the poor health of people with sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity. In the new collaboration, the research team will measure the expression of genes in individual cells. These will be taken from all the different cell types that make up muscle tissue. They will compare findings between older people with sarcopenic obesity, sarcopenia, and obesity with healthy individuals. This information will enable them to determine pathways and mechanisms underpinning the decline in muscle function. Opening new research avenues The NIHR Southampton BRC is pioneering new approaches to prevent weakening of muscles. This is part of its goal to help people stay healthy for longer. Professor Keith Godfrey from the University of Southampton is the lead researcher in the new collaboration. He leads the NIHR Southampton BRC’s Nutrition, Lifestyle and Metabolism theme. He said: "Sarcopenic obesity is becoming a major challenge for individuals and healthcare systems. Low muscle mass and function affects so many older people. It can be extremely debilitating, especially in those living with obesity. “We are delighted to be working in partnership with a research-driven company dedicated to the discovery, development, and manufacture of innovative health care products. Together, we are exploring new research avenues to address the unmet need for effective treatments.” Dr Emma Garratt is a Principal Research Fellow at the University of Southampton. She will lead the intricate laboratory work that underpins the research. Dr Garratt said: “This novel study will use advanced sequencing techniques to determine molecular changes. Identifying the differences in activity of key pathways within muscle cells will help us to develop targeted interventions. This could help people to remain active and healthy in later life.” Boehringer Ingelheim is an organisation with a focus on the research and development of treatments for cardiovascular, renal and metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes, obesity and liver diseases.

Dr Joseph Larvin receiving his prize. Image courtesy of the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia. An anaesthetic trainee at University Hospital Southampton has taken his research to the international stage. Dr Joseph Larvin has been recognised by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for his research into the effects of anaesthesia on children. The AAP is the largest professional association of paediatricians in the United States. Dr Larvin, a former NIHR Academic Clinical Fellow, has been honoured with second prize for the John J. Downes Resident Research Award. As a result, he delivered a presentation on his NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowship research at an international meeting in Orlando, Florida. Dr Larvin’s research is part of the Perioperative and Critical Care theme at the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre. Investigating long-term effects of anaesthesia There remain unknowns regarding the long-term impacts that anaesthetic drugs may have on children, particularly those under the age of three, and those having long, and/or repeated procedures. Alongside his training in clinical anaesthesia, Dr Larvin conducted a research project over 2 years to investigate this further. The EPIVA study compared two common methods for the maintenance of general anaesthesia – inhalation of anaesthetic gas, and administration of anaesthetic drugs through an intravenous (IV) line. The study was conducted in 16 children, all under the age of three, who were having urology surgery. Half of the children received the inhalational anaesthetic; the other half received the intravenous anaesthetic. Comparing the effects Dr Larvin took blood samples before and after surgery, in both groups, in order to look for changes that could indicate potential long-term effects of anaesthesia.  He looked at markers of cell processes involved in cell stress, inflammation and the immune system. Children in the IV group had more significant changes in their white blood cell numbers, a key part of the immune system. Those who received anaesthetic gas, on the other hand, had more significant changes in inflammation and cell stress markers. He also looked for changes in signals on DNA, a process called epigenetics, which can switch genes on, off, up, or down. Analysis of these results is ongoing. Dr Larvin said: “I am delighted to win this award, and it was a brilliant experience to be able to present my work in front of so many experts in this field. “Further research is still certainly needed - I hope this study will help guide the development of future trials that will ultimately better inform decisions around which type of anaesthesia we give these children.”

A new research collaboration has launched to improve surgical care and patient safety in the NHS. Perioperative care supports patients before, during and immediately after major surgery. Southampton researchers are world-leaders in the field. It is one of the focuses of a new NIHR Translational Research Collaboration in Surgery and Perioperative Care (SPOC TRC) announced this week. The national network is hosted by the NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). It brings together experts from across the country. Professor Mike Grocott, Director of the NIHR Southampton BRC, is the collaboration’s Deputy Chair. Collaborative research Translational Research Collaborations (TRCs) are collaborative groups of experts from across the UK. They are formed via Biomedical Research Centres. Translational research focuses on testing the safety and impact of innovations. It also involves examination of how new procedures lead to patient benefit. This type of research is currently limited in surgical and perioperative care. This is due to the complexities of interventions. They have many steps and often use various devices. The oversight of innovation in this field is also different from that required to develop new drugs. This complexity makes research more challenging, and problems have occurred in recent decades. One example is vaginal mesh surgery, which was used in pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence. In 2018, the UK government and NHS implemented a pause on vaginal mesh surgery. This followed safety concerns. ‘Huge opportunity’ The new NIHR TRC aims to improve patient safety and drive innovative approaches to care. It will make innovation more patient-centred. The collaboration will also develop capacity and expertise in the field of surgery and perioperative care research. It will do this by: Creating a network of surgeons, researchers and clinicians who can work together to undertake early phase, translational studies in this field Training the next generation of clinician innovators in research skills Addressing health inequalities by understanding the inclusivity in early phase studies and considering how to improve these to ensure they reflect the diversity of our population Managing demand, ensuring patients on waiting lists will benefit from interventions Prof Grocott, Professor of Anaesthesia and Critical Care Medicine at the University of Southampton, said: “The launch of the SPOC-TRC is a huge opportunity to improve the care of NHS patients through experimental medicine in surgery and perioperative care. This is a significant step-change that will drive and support national collaborations to achieve this goal.” Prof Jane M Blazeby, Professor of Surgery and Chair of NIHR SPOC TRC, said: “By working together, we hope to speed up innovation. This will particularly benefit patients with rare conditions, such as rare cancers. It will also help to raise awareness and begin the long-needed process of transforming how innovation in surgery and perioperative care occurs.” Southampton’s leading role The SPOC TRC will carry out research through three workstreams. One of these will focus on Innovation in Perioperative Care. It will be led by researchers from the NIHR Southampton BRC’s Perioperative and Critical Care (PCC) theme. Professor Denny Levett, PCC theme lead at the NIHR Southampton BRC, said: “We are delighted to be part of the new Surgery and Perioperative Care TRC. This is a fantastic opportunity to build on world-class perioperative care research in Southampton by partnering with BRCs around the UK.” Professor Marian Knight, Scientific Director for NIHR Infrastructure, added: “Driving innovation in surgery and perioperative care through collaboration across NIHR infrastructure, with industry and with patients, will enhance patient outcomes and ground surgical procedures in evidence-based research. The new TRC will bring together experts across disciplines. It is poised to make a significant contribution to the advancement of surgical care and patient safety in the NHS.”