News archive

December 2014

Research finds clue to why females live longer than males

Results could help researchers understand the mechanisms involved in ageing. 

Cornwall’s mysterious Bluefin tuna dissected at Penryn Campus

Researchers from the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus have completed their post-mortem of a Bluefin tuna.

Exhibition reveals how Victorian artists reawakened the Gothic in the South West

From the spires of Truro Cathedral, to the rose window of Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM), the South West boasts some of the finest medieval-style architecture in Britain – yet these landmarks were built in the 19th century.

You can hear the coral reefs dying

You can hear the sound of former bustling coral reefs dying due to the impact of human activity, according to new research from the Universities of Exeter and Essex

Macho stereotypes put off men as well as women

Some men are being driven away from macho occupations like surgery and the Royal Marines because they don’t feel that they are ‘man enough’, according to new research.

Professor Catherine Mitchell joins ECIU advisory board

The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) has welcomed Catherine Mitchell, Professor of Energy Policy at the University of Exeter, to its Advisory Board.

Birds conform to local 'traditions'

Birds learn new foraging techniques by observing others in their social network according to a study involving University of Exeter researchers. 

Diabetes award recognises international research impact

A professor who has contributed to significant advances in the understanding of the genetics of diabetes has been named as joint winner of an international prize.

Drugs in the environment affect plant growth

The drugs we release into the environment are likely to have a significant impact on plant growth, finds a new study led by the University of Exeter Medical School and Plymouth University.

£1.1 million boost to improve long-term weather and climate forecasting across Europe

The University of Exeter has received a £1.1 million grant to fund pioneering new research that will significantly improve crucial long-term weather forecasts across Europe.

Researchers to use algae to clean up mine water

A ground breaking research project aims to clean up water from a Cornish tin mine, using algae to harvest the precious heavy metals and produce biofuel.

What really helps women achieve a good work-life balance?

Professor Michelle Ryan delivers keynote at prestigious conference on what really helps women achieve a good work/life balance.

Study finds that correcting myths about the flu vaccine may not be effective in promoting immunisation

New research in the journal Vaccine concludes that correcting myths about vaccines may not be the most effective approach to promoting immunisation among vaccine sceptics.

Study finds early warning signals of abrupt climate change

A new study by researchers at the University of Exeter has found early warning signals of a reorganisation of the Atlantic oceans’ circulation which could have a profound impact on the global climate system.

Exploring the impact of TASERs in the UK

Social Scientists at the University of Exeter have called for a greater comparative analysis of the impact of TASERs used in law enforcement.  

University of Exeter receives £5 million investment for STEM subjects

The University of Exeter has today received a £5 million funding boost to create its next generation of world-class science facilities.

Study shows embryos can learn

Pond snails are able to sense chemicals released by their predators whilst they are still embryos in the egg and alter their behaviour accordingly, according to new research. 

University signs up to mental health anti-stigma pledge

The University of Exeter is joining a growing number of companies committing to end the stigma and discrimination against people with experience of mental health problems by signing a pledge with Time to Change, a programme run by the charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness.

Research could unlock revolutionary new procedure for epilepsy diagnosis

Pioneering new research by the University of Exeter could revolutionise global diagnostic procedures for one of the most common forms of epilepsy.

Energy efficient homes linked to asthma

The drive for energy efficient homes could increase asthma risks, according to new research.

Exeter students help Cornish dairy embrace renewables revolution

Exeter students are helping a family-run Cornish business reduce their carbon footprint by embracing the renewables revolution.

Training elderly in social media improves well-being and combats isolation

Training older people in the use of social media improves cognitive capacity, increases a sense of self-competence and could have a beneficial overall impact on mental health and well-being.

Study recommends GPs should be more open when referring patients for cancer investigations

GPs should consider a more overt discussion with patients when referring them for further investigation of symptoms which may indicate cancer, according to a paper published in the British Journal of General Practice.

Student conference helps area students learn about Higher Education opportunities

Year 12 students from across the South West gathered at the first-ever Exeter Progression Student Conference in order to expand their knowledge of, and explore opportunities in, Higher Education.

Mother plants teach seeds about seasons and give them a thicker coat when it's cold

New research from the University of Exeter and the John Innes Centre has found that 'mother' plants remember the seasons and use this memory to teach their seeds the time of year and tell them when they should germinate. 

Exeter scores high with Leverhulme Trust awards

Humanities and Social Sciences academics have been extremely successful in a recent announcement from the Leverhulme Trust, securing four Major Research Fellowships. 

Herd Mentality: Are we programmed to make bad decisions

A natural desire to be part of the ‘in crowd’ could damage our ability to make the right decisions, a new study has shown.

University of Exeter rising star of internationally excellent research

The University of Exeter has been ranked 16th nationally in the Research Excellence Framework (REF2014), taking account of the proportion of staff submitted.*

Functional Materials research gets £20 million boost

Researchers at the University of Exeter are involved in two new projects that will advance the UK’s manufacturing capability, develop new and exciting functional materials, and accelerate the translation of the science of functional materials through to application.

World-leading Medical research in UK top ten

Research at the University of Exeter Medical School has ranked in the UK top ten, for demonstrating world-leading impact on health and wellbeing across the globe.

Exeter archaeologist contributes to new Roman Britain TV programme

A new TV programme telling the story of what life was like for Romans and Britons 2000 years ago involves a unique journey across Britain by helicopter with commentary from a University of Exeter archaeologist. 

Attitudes to climate change depend on people’s sense of belonging to the planet

New research led by the University of Exeter has found that people who have a stronger sense of place at the global than the national level are more likely to accept that climate change is caused by human activities. 

South West wins national Genomics Medicine Centre

A ground-breaking genomic medicine project, which aims to establish England as a world leader in the fight against cancer and rare disease, will be led in the South West by the Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust (RD&E) working with other health trusts and universities.

The terrifying rise of the Gothic

To mark the 250th anniversary of the earliest Gothic novel, first published on Christmas Eve 1764 as a seasonal ghost story, a new edition of The Castle of Otranto introduced by a University of Exeter academic is now available.

Number one bestseller for Exeter archaeologist

A University of Exeter archaeologist’s book, about perishable material culture is the number one bestseller for 2014 Routledge titles across their Archaeology and Museum Studies fields. 

Student of the Year award for talented Georgie

A partnership between the University of Exeter and Exeter College has resulted in a top award for local student Georgie Rand

Look up to the trees to see a new sculpture on Campus

A fascinating and unusual new artwork has been added to the University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus, in the form of a sculpture wound around the branch of a tree and suspended in mid-air.

Exeter student's community project receives UN Gold Star award

A United Nations Gold Star Award for Environmental Impact has been awarded to a sustainability project that has improved the livelihoods of Kenyan farmers through the provision of trees and a communal water system. 

Disadvantaged men more likely to do ‘women’s work,’ reveals new study

New research has revealed that men who are disabled and from an ethnic minority are significantly more likely to do jobs traditionally associated with women.

New book reveals a hidden Britain

Where is Cornwall on the map of Britain? It may be down in the bottom corner if you’re talking road maps or OS sheets, but that’s not the only way of thinking about the position of the county, according to a new book by a University of Exeter academic.

Youngsters get an inspiring insight into Medical School

School children from Devon and Cornwall were given a hands-on insight into life as a medical student as part of a programme designed to encourage Westcountry youngsters to consider a career in medicine.