News archive

December 2012

Genes link growth in the womb with adult metabolism and disease

Researchers have identified four new genetic regions that influence birth weight, providing further evidence that genes as well as maternal nutrition are important for growth in the womb.

Industry and communities unite on energy security

An expert from the University of Exeter will join energy company executives and community leaders at the Eden Project on Thursday (6th Dec) to discuss how to secure the UK’s energy needs.

Research council selects Exeter academic to lead the way

University of Exeter historian Professor Andrew Thompson has been selected as one of the new Leadership Fellows for the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). 

Top conservation issues to look out for in 2013

A UK-led team of researchers has identified 15 issues that could affect the diversity of life on Earth in 2013.

Cognitive behavioural therapy proves effective at reducing depression in people who have not responded to antidepressants

Antidepressants are the most widely used treatment for people with moderate to severe depression.

Methane from waste could power homes thanks to £4 million research

The UK could gain an edge in the race to become the most efficient converters of waste into energy when a £4million research project comes to fruition.

Join an inspiring research community – over 100 University of Exeter PhD studentships available

Research is at the heart of the University of Exeter, and in order to develop the next generation of researchers, more than 100 fully funded PhD studentships are available this winter across the arts and humanities, social sciences, business, and sciences.

Group interaction among elderly is the key to significant health outcomes

The health benefits of 'water clubs' in care homes for the elderly, where residents gather together regularly to drink water, owe as least as much to the social nature of the activity as to the value of drinking water itself, an investigation by psychologists has shown.

Vaccination reduces the risk of unvaccinated badger cubs testing TB positive

New evidence from a four-year field study has shown that BCG vaccination reduces the risk of tuberculosis infection in unvaccinated badger cubs in vaccinated groups, as well as in badgers that received the vaccine.

Viruses cooperate or conquer to cause maximum destruction

Scientists have discovered new evidence about the evolution of viruses, in work that will change our understanding about the control of infectious diseases such as winter flu.

UK universities embrace the free, open, online future of higher education powered by The Open University

Students from the UK and around the world will have free access to some of the country’s top universities thanks to FutureLearn Ltd, an entirely new company being launched by The Open University (OU).

University of Exeter appoints Chief Operating Officer

The University of Exeter has appointed Dr Claire Baines as Chief Operating Officer. She will join the University on 1 March 2013.

Double win for water research projects

Two prestigious awards have been presented to projects in which University of Exeter scientists are helping to develop groundbreaking methods to monitor the success of restoration of the South West’s upland peatlands.

Slinky science inspires African school children

A University of Exeter physicist has inspired hundreds of African school children to engage with science during a whirlwind outreach tour to Malawi.

Kids go wild for Cornwall’s new science lab

Broadcaster and naturalist Nick Baker has opened a new state-of-the-art teaching laboratory in Cornwall, which will help encourage children to engage with science.

Pantomime's enduring appeal put through academic scrutiny

“Oh yes it is”: Pantomime season is gathering momentum in theatres around the country.

University Challenge appearance for Exeter graduates

Exeter alumni took the place of students on one of TV’s toughest quiz shows in a special series which was broadcast over Christmas. 

Birdsong bluster may dupe strange females, but it won’t fool partners

Male birds use their song to dupe females they have just met by pretending they are in excellent physical condition.

Badger sleeping habits could help target TB control

Sleeping away from the family home is linked to health risks for badgers, new research by the University of Exeter and the Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera) has revealed.

Medieval New Year resolutions both a blessing and a blaspheme

The custom of making resolutions for the New Year goes back to the Medieval period. As the year end approaches, a University of Exeter historian has shed light on how the future was predicted centuries ago.  

£1.5 million grant could help develop more robust water systems

A University of Exeter expert has been awarded a five-year fellowship grant for a green engineering research aimed at developing a new approach to water management in UK cities.

Medical historian shortlisted for prestigious history award

A book by a medical historian from the University of Exeter has been shortlisted for the Longman/History Today Book Prize 2013.  

Entrepreneurial students transfer skills to the people of Mithapur in India

Student members of the Exeter Enactus group (formerly SIFE), travelled to India with the hope of making a real difference to the lives of residents in Mithapur, a village in Gujurat.

Syria policy warning over weapons of mass destruction risk

Policy-makers have been warned that premature military action in Syria could lead to uncontrolled access to weapons of mass destruction and a prolonged, bitter insurgency following any intervention that resulted in the sudden collapse of the Syrian security forces.