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Inspiring young people on World COPD Day

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects more than 250 million people worldwide and causes three million deaths each year. 

World COPD Day was held on the 20th November and Professor Wilkinson's group has been out to secondary schools to inspire young children about lung biology, as well as educate them about lung diseases such as COPD and the harmful effects of smoking. 

As part of this outreach, children got to see videos of beating cilia from cells purified from patient's lungs to try to understand disease mechanisms underlying COPD. This is part of Professor Wilkinson's work,which has been supported by NIHR Southampton BRC.

The team believes that engaging children through science will not only help motivate the next generation of scientists and doctors, but will be key in inspiring healthy lifestyle choices and ultimately preventing diseases like COPD.