Pollinator tracking and decoding obesity: News from the College

Here’s a batch of fresh news and announcements from across Imperial.

From research into DNA changes that may affect obesity, to citizen science tools for monitoring pollinators, here is some quick-read news from across the College.

Decoding obesity

Researchers from Imperial have identified over 800 DNA switches that are changed in people with extreme obesity. These switches, known as epigenetic switches, are reversible and could hold the key to developing more effective treatments either for obesity or its harmful health consequences. By comparing the fat cells of people with extreme obesity to those with normal body weight, the study found these epigenetic switches altered the activity of more than 500 genes, including genes with key roles in obesity and diabetes.

Using cutting-edge computational techniques and CRISPR technology in fat cells, the researchers confirmed that a large fraction of these DNA switches directly contribute to obesity or conditions caused by obesity. The findings offer a significant step forward in understanding and addressing obesity at a genetic level, potentially revolutionising personalised treatments for this global health challenge.

Read the full paper in Nature Communications. 

Tools for schools

Researchers from Imperial College London and schools in the UK and Italy have co-developed a set of citizen science tools for school pupils to monitor pollinators including butterflies, bumblebees and beetles.

The project – X-POLLI:NATION – saw students and teachers in the UK and Italy share insights so that researchers could adapt citizen science tasks to suit a younger audience.

This empowered students to be able to collect vital data about pollinators, including their feeding preferences, with the help of field guides and forms developed for a younger audience.

Dr Poppy Lakeman Fraser, Senior Project Coordinator in the Centre for Environmental Policy, said: “There is a lack of information in the curriculum and opportunities for young people to contribute at a local level to global UN targets, so it is incredibly important for projects like this to be embedded into the curriculum, both across the UK and internationally. This can empower the next generation of scientists to take action and address global challenges in an engaging and impactful way.

“This tool ensures no one is left behind as it can be developed to suit students of all abilities, skillsets and ages. The next steps would be to see this implemented nationwide.”

Read the full paper in Citizen Science: Theory and Practice.

Support for researchers

Imperial has been awarded £8.7 million over 5 years to host one of eight hubs for a new, national NIHR Research Support Service (RSS). From 1 October 2023, the scheme will provide researchers nationwide with free access to advice and cutting-edge methodological expertise to support them to design and deliver clinical and applied health and care research.

The London NIHR RSS will be directed by Professor Victoria Cornelius, from Imperial's School of Public Health, along with Professor Greta Rait from UCL's Priment Clinical Trials Unit, and in collaboration with Queen Mary University London and King’s College London.

The new hub will provide guidance and expert advice to researchers working in clinical trials and health and social care research, and NIHR RSS staff will develop and promote advanced research methods for the community.

Professor Cornelius said: “It is an honour to be part of an initiative that will support health and social care researchers to design and deliver high-quality studies. This funding will enable us to facilitate the translation of better research methods into practice - from which everyone benefits.”

Main image credit: Poppy Lakeman Fraser.

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