Medical breakthroughs on Southampton's doorstep
From reducing hip fracture rates to improving the health of mothers and children across the south, the Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit (MRC LEU), University of Southampton, is responsible for groundbreaking health research that affects our everyday lives.
On Thursday 20 June scientists from the unit, that has helped thousands of people, will hold a special free event to talk about its research, both past and present.
The event is part of a wider national programme to mark the 100th anniversary of the Medical Research Council.
It will take place at the Turner Simms concert venue from 6.30pm and include talks from Professors Hugh Perry, David Barker and Cyrus Cooper. There will also be a Q&A session with other MRC LEU scientists.
The MRC LEU has been open for 30 years and made important medical discoveries that have helped shape healthcare delivered today. Examples include:
- A simple measurement of hand grip strength is now being used to identify older people at increased risk of poor health and frailty.
- Micronutrient supplements given to women in India before and during pregnancy improve the growth and development of their children.
- LifeLab, an educational initiative, is inspiring thousands of teenagers in and around Southampton to take greater responsibility for their health and become enthusiastic about science.
- Work in conjunction with SureStart Children's Centres has equipped Southampton's health and social care staff with skills to support lifestyle change in young families.
- LEU researchers identified a link between welding and an increased risk of lobar pneumonia. Welders are now offered vaccination to prevent this severe infection.
- Maternal vitamin D supplementation leads to a 5% gain in the bone density of children and will ultimately reduce fracture incidence by around 10%.
- Maintenance of day-to-day weight bearing physical activity through outdoor walking of 30 minutes each day will result in a 50% reduction in the risk of hip fracture.
- 4,000 hip fractures each year have been prevented by score cards devised through research from the MRC LEU.
Professor Cyrus Cooper, Director of MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, comments: "This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate a world leading contribution to medical science. The MRC has made enormous impact on optimising human health over its 100 years of endeavour. This celebration also provides us with an opportunity to look back at the major achievements using MRC funding here at the University of Southampton. We hope that people from Southampton and surrounding areas will take this opportunity to come and hear about the research that is happening on their doorstep."
People interested in coming to the event are being asked to register by calling the Turner Sims Box Office on 02380 595151.