News archive

August 2015

Exeter expertise helps shape a second BBC Radio 4 series on Asian migration

University of Exeter academic, Dr Florian Stadtler, has contributed further expertise to the BBC Radio 4 series Three Pounds in My Pocket.

Researchers call for Crediton residents to pool flood info

Crediton residents have so far provided a wealth of information about flooding vulnerabilities around the town.

Crop pests outwit climate change predictions en route to new destinations

Researchers highlight the dangers of relying on climate-based projections of future crop pest distributions.

Law student’s project aims to empower children in care

A first year University of Exeter Law student has founded a project focused on improving the prospects of children in care.

Exeter entrepreneurs on track for national success

A pioneering student entrepreneur support programme has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.

Targeting the early-teens for extra exercise could cut diabetes risk

A study has found that physical activity provides the greatest benefits to adolescent insulin resistance when the condition peaks at age 13, but provides no benefit to it at age 16.

Animal-eye view of the world revealed with new visual software

New camera technology that reveals the world through the eyes of animals has been developed by University of Exeter researchers. 

New partnership will help manage Cornwall’s environment

An exciting new partnership in Cornwall is hoping to use academic research to inform the management of the county’s world-class natural habitats.

Severe droughts could lead to widespread losses of butterflies by 2050

Widespread drought-sensitive butterfly population extinctions could occur in the UK as early as 2050 according to a new study.

Newly identified tadpole disease found across the globe

Scientists have found that a newly identified and highly infectious tadpole disease is found in a diverse range of frog populations across the world.

Here’s looking at you: research shows jackdaws can recognise individual human faces

Wild jackdaws recognise individual human faces and may be able to tell whether or not predators are looking directly at them.

Sediment dwelling creatures at risk from nanoparticles in common household products

Researchers from the University of Exeter highlight the risk that engineered nanoparticles released from masonry paint on exterior facades, and consumer products such as zinc oxide cream, could have on aquatic creatures.

Colour changing sand fleas flummox predatory birds

Sand fleas have a remarkable ability to change colour in order to match dramatically different backgrounds.

Humans responsible for demise of gigantic ancient mammals

Early humans were the dominant cause of the extinction of a variety of species of giant beasts, new research has revealed.

University of Exeter rises in influential global rankings

The University of Exeter has reinforced its position as one of the best universities in the world, according to the latest influential rankings.

Genomic testing triggers a diabetes diagnosis revolution

Over a 10 year period, the time that babies receive genetic testing after being diagnosed with diabetes has fallen from over four years to under two months.

Police and University join forces to harness research potential

A new research project will unite police and researchers to increase evidence-based knowledge, skills and problem solving approaches within policing.

Persist and shout: Male bluebirds alter their songs to be heard over increased acoustic noise levels

Birds ‘shout’ to be heard over the noise produced by man-made activity, new research has shown.

Female guppies become better swimmers to escape male sexual harassment

In the animal world, sexual reproduction can involve males attempting to entice or force females to mate with them, even if they are not initially interested.

Can’t count sheep? You could have aphantasia

If counting sheep is an abstract concept, or you are unable to visualise the faces of loved ones, you could have aphantasia – a newly defined condition to describe people who are born without a “mind’s eye”.

Fishermen discards could increase prevalence of turtle disease in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Fishermen in the Turks and Caicos Islands could be increasing the local prevalence of a disease that is affecting turtle populations worldwide, by selectively harvesting healthy creatures and throwing back infected animals.

Scientists in Cornwall turn to seaweeds in search for new drugs

Pioneering research in Cornwall is hoping to discover new ways of searching for antibiotics – from the seaweeds found along the county’s coastline.

Sea temperature changes linked to mystery North Pacific ecosystem shifts

Longer, less frequent climate fluctuations may be contributing to abrupt and unexplained ecosystem shifts in the North Pacific, according to a study by the University of Exeter.

Large parks key to city success

Cities should feature compact development alongside large, contiguous green spaces to maximise benefits of urban ecosystems to humans, research led by the University of Exeter has concluded.

Exeter Provost joins prestigious international panel

Professor Janice Kay, Provost of the University of Exeter, has accepted an invitation to join Pearson’s Expert Panel for its new WCQ (World Class Qualifications) group.