In a bid to promote careers in science and medicine, particularly in the NHS, physiologists are compiling a snapshot survey of the general health of the nation's youth. The idea is that the project will help students understand how scientists use measurements, analysis and results to reach conclusions for diagnoses and treatment.

In collaboration with selected schools, the scientists will be measuring the body mass index, peak flow rates and resting and racing pulse rates of students aged between 14 and 16.

Students will be able to upload their data during Healthcare Science Week, which runs from 14-20 November, through specially-designed pages on the NHS Careers website.

Lung function in particular is being targeted in the snapshot survey because 17 November is also World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) day. The organisers hope that the survey will help draw attention to causes of and solutions to this disease.

Other events planned during the week include open department days in Healthcare Trusts all over England, a conference at Guys Hospital in London where medical scientists will showcase their research, and other activities for school aged kids, being organised by the National Blood Service. ®