News archive

August 2013

Bacteria hold the clues to trade-offs in financial investments and evolution

Scientists have found that bacteria have the potential to teach valuable investment lessons.

Study links chemicals in our body with income

A new study published this week has found that the build-up of harmful chemicals in the body is affecting people of all social standings - not just those from economically deprived backgrounds as previously thought.

New Test to Predict Death Risk from C. difficile

Accurate, robust and simple method of identification has potential benefits to patients, hospitals and health services around the world.

Exeter Alumna sails to silver

University of Exeter alumna Hannah Diamond has taken silver, alongside team mate Ben Saxton, in the inaugural Narca 17 Class sailing World Championships.

£10 Million Boost to South West Health Research

A partnership that supports research in Devon and Cornwall with direct benefits to patients’ health and NHS care delivery has secured £10m in funding for the next five years.

Open Day for largest Roman village ever found in Devon

An opportunity to experience the unfolding excavations at the largest Roman village ever found in Devon was open to members of the public on Sunday 18 August, at the site near Ipplepen in South Devon.

PhD Award for Exeter Graduate

An Exeter graduate is to receive a prestigious PhD award as he embarks on research which aims to reduce the impact of some of humankind’s most devastating diseases.

Local community invited to consultation for new Exeter Maths School

The first consultation for the new Exeter Mathematics School (EMS) will be held on the 28 August at the University of Exeter.

Explore the wonders of our planet at free interactive event in Falmouth

After the huge success of last year, researchers from the University of Exeter's Cornwall Campus will be back sharing their passion for science at this year’s Science in the Square event.

Untold story of Churchill’s World War II speeches

Popular belief is that Churchill’s wartime speeches were received enthusiastically by almost the whole British population and that they were the decisive influence on the nation’s willingness to fight on against the Nazis.

Research trial into snoring brings new hope for sufferers

The solution to the age old problem of snoring has been right under our noses all along: if you want a decent night’s sleep then sing for it.

US depression treatment proved effective for UK

A US model of treating depression through a network of specialists could effectively be imported into the UK, new research has revealed.

Defra appoints academic to oversee flood risks in South West

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has appointed an academic from the Exeter University to Chair the South West Regional Flood and Coastal Committee (RFCC). 

Camborne School of Mines Trust donation

The Camborne School of Mines Trust has received a donation of US$1.3 million (equivalent to £860,000) from former student Tim Henderson.

Go on, volunteer – it could be good for you!

Volunteering may be good for your health, reveals a large systematic review and meta-analysis led by the University of Exeter Medical School.

University study uncovers the secret lives of UK garden snail

Researchers track nocturnal snail activity for the first time, using LED lights and time-lapse photography. Snails were tracked over 72 hours, with researchers measuring their speed, distance travelled and exploration habits.

Playing tag with sharks off the west coast of Scotland

Twenty-seven basking sharks have been tagged in the second year of a project to find out more about their life cycle.

Exeter academic wins Research in Literacy Education Award

A prestigious education prize has been awarded to an academic from the University of Exeter for a research paper on literacy practices for children with severe learning difficulties.

UK children less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD

New research suggests that children are far less likely to be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the UK than they are in the USA.

Cornish collection of Bards and all things Kernowek

Cornish sea words such as scoggan (mackerel’s head) or widdy-waddy which means to paddle in shallow water are a few of the phrases that form part of a new collection of material that reflect the Cornish identity.

Moss growth in Antarctica linked to climate change

Increases in temperature on the Antarctic Peninsula during the latter part of the 20th century were accompanied by an acceleration in moss growth, scientists have learned.

University of Exeter researchers identify wildlife refugia in Dartmoor National Park

Researchers from the University of Exeter are surveying Dartmoor to identity places that shelter wildlife from climate change.

International experts to explore new “wonderdrug” at conference

A gas associated with the smell of rotten of eggs is now being proven to have widespread health benefits.