News archive

January 2014

Research into fruit fly cells could lead to cancer insights

New research by scientists at the University of Exeter has shown that cells demonstrate remarkable flexibility and versatility when it comes to how they divide – a finding with potential links to the underlying causes of many cancers.

Green spaces deliver lasting mental health benefits

Green space in towns and cities could lead to significant and sustained improvements in mental health, finds a new study published in the journal of Environmental Science & Technology.

University of Exeter joins BBC Stargazing Live event

Budding astronomers will be given a unique opportunity to witness the remarkable atmospheric properties of exoplanets when the BBC's hugely popular programme Stargazing Live returns for a new series this week.

Scientists discover new causes of diabetes

Research by the University of Exeter Medical School has revealed two new genetic causes of neonatal diabetes.

Artificially cooling planet would cause climate chaos, new research shows

Plans to reverse the effects of global warming by mimicking big volcanic eruptions would have a catastrophic impact on some of the most fragile ecosystems on earth, new research has shown.

RU ready for Research Uncovered?

Research Uncovered is a lecture series which brings Exeter’s world-class research to students, staff and the local community, the first of which takes place on Monday 13 January 2014.

Cambodian villagers best placed to prevent illegal logging

A study into deforestation in Cambodia has found that forests are better protected when villagers are given the responsibility to manage them locally.

Antarctic’s Pine Island Glacier in ‘irreversible retreat’

An international team of scientists has shown that Pine Island Glacier, the largest single contributor to sea-level rise in Antarctica, has entered a period of irreversible, self-sustained retreat and is likely to increase its discharge into the ocean in comparison to the last decade.

NHS cancer risk threshold ‘too high’ for patients, research indicates

Patients have expressed an appetite for potential cancer symptoms to be checked out much sooner than current NHS thresholds guidelines suggest, new research has revealed.

Scandalous bodies and our relationship with food

Attitudes toward over-indulgence, obesity and body shape were being hotly debated and used for political purposes as early as the 19th century, a new book claims.

New approach to funding required for more effective collaborative research

A working culture and longer-term approach to funding that reflects the changing landscape of heritage science is essential for delivering impactful research, a team representing several of the UK’s foremost cultural and academic institutions has found.

Diabetes blood glucose targets are risk free, research shows

Diabetes research led by the University of Exeter Medical School has underlined the importance of people with diabetes achieving their blood sugar goals, to reduce the risk of complications.

Legacy gift of £280,000 will help advance dementia research

Dementia research at the University of Exeter Medical School has received a boost in the form of a legacy gift of £279,933 from the late Michael Harnell.

Enormous scale of Nile 'mega lake' revealed

The eastern Sahara Desert was once home to a 45,000 km2 freshwater lake similar in surface area to the largest in the world today.

Exeter scientist named in top 100

A psychologist who specialises in behaviour change has been named among the top 100 leading practising UK scientists, as drawn up by the Science Council.

University welcomes Wol Kolade to Winter Graduation

The University’s Winter Graduation ceremony will take place on 18 January 2014 and we are delighted to welcome Exeter alumnus Wol Kolade as our Honorary Graduate.

Bat’s sea crossing is first from UK to mainland Europe

A tiny bat found in the Netherlands is believed to provide the first direct evidence that British bats migrate over the sea between the UK and mainland Europe.

Global warming doubles risk of Extreme El Ninos, research shows

The risk of extreme versions of the El Niño weather phenomenon will double over the coming decades due to global warming, new research has shown.

Researchers say polar bears are victims in public war of words

Polar bears and Inuit communities have become victims in the public war of words on climate change and wildlife conservation, according to researchers from Britain and Canada.

Ethical prize for African Corporate Social Responsibility research

This year’s Hutton Prize for Excellence has been awarded to Omotoniola Adeeyo, who graduated from her undergraduate degree in Law in 2013.

Glaciers existed in Britain as late as Georgian era

Research led by a scientist from the University of Exeter has shown that Britain was home to small glaciers within the last few centuries – around 11,000 years later than previously thought.

Schizophrenia in the limelight: film-industry technology provides insights into social exclusion

The first 30 seconds of a social encounter is crucial for people with symptoms of schizophrenia for establishing contact with people, according to new research carried out at Queen Mary University of London and the University of Exeter Medical School.

Exeter historian shortlisted for new US military history prize

University of Exeter historian, Professor Richard Overy has been shortlisted for a new American military history prize for his book ‘The Bombing War: Europe, 1939-1945’.

Fungi are the rainforest 'diversity police'

A new study has revealed that fungi, often seen as pests, play a crucial role policing biodiversity in rainforests.

Sensitivity of carbon cycle to tropical temperature variations has doubled, research shows

The tropical carbon cycle has become twice as sensitive to temperature variations over the past 50 years, new research has revealed.

Seasonal awareness a traditional way of life

A celebration of the traditional connections between human lives, the seasons and the natural world form the basis of a new book by University of Exeter academic, Professor Nick Groom.

From Backbench to Lab Bench at the University of Exeter

Ben Bradshaw MP got a fascinating insight into science in his constituency when he visited the University of Exeter Medical School, as part of a unique ‘pairing’ scheme run by the Royal Society – the UK national academy of science.

Research into cutting-edge nanopaper to feature on BBC’s One Show

Innovative research by scientists at the University of Exeter into the properties of nanopaper will be explored on the BBC’s flagship magazine programme, the One Show.

Professor Stephen Eichhorn will feature on the popular show on Monday, January 27, discussing the cutting-edge variety of paper, which is made from cellulose nanofibres, and its potential uses in the modern world.

Astronomers research into exoplanets could hold key to riddle of Earth’s past

Pioneering research from University of Exeter scientists into the atmospheres of planets found beyond our own solar system could also help solve one of the greatest riddles of Earth’s past.

New site identified for £10m University Technical College

A new site has been identified for the £10m South Devon University Technical College, which will focus on the Engineering, Water and Environmental sectors, it has been announced.

Gong Xi Fa Cai – Greetings for Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year celebrations are getting underway for 2014, the Year of the Horse. In Chinese culture the zodiac sign of the Horse is a symbol of nobility, class, speed and perseverance.

New app to monitor Ménière’s Disease launched

A new mobile app has been launched this week to help researchers develop a better understanding of a rare condition affecting the inner ear.

Exeter climate change expert wins prestigious national science award

One of the University of Exeter’s foremost experts in climate change research has been honoured with a prestigious national science award.

£10 million boost for South West health research

A £10 million partnership in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset, which supports research with direct impact on patients' health and on improvements to the way in which NHS care is delivered, is to begin its next five year phase this month.