News archive

December 2017

Medical School celebrates exceptional achievements of students and staff

Students and staff have been recognised for their outstanding achievements at the fourth University of Exeter Medical School’s annual Prizes and Awards ceremony.

Stunning ocelot picture wins photography prize

A researcher overcame termites, mice, flash floods and camera malfunctions to win a nature photography award.

Doctors could improve health by being aware of their patients’ shame

Doctors could improve patient’s health if they were more aware of the serious impact shame has on the body, research suggests.

EUWRFC debuts in Women’s Rugby Autumn Internationals

Current University of Exeter students, EUWRFC and Bristol Ladies team mates Caity Mattinson and Lagi Tuima made their senior England debuts last week against Canada in the autumn internationals.

New tool allows farmers to compare their environmental impacts

Farmers can now compare their business’s impact on the environment using a new tool designed to help them operate in a more sustainable and productive way.

Exeter reports to UN on antibiotic resistance in environment

Antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest health challenges of modern times – and now two world-leading academics have reported to the United Nations on how the problem can be spread through our natural environment.

Blood pressure declines 14 to 18 years before death

Blood pressure in the elderly gradually begins to decrease about 14 or so years before death, according to a new largescale study published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association Internal Medicine.

Scientist joins MP for week in Westminster

A top scientist is swapping labs for lobbies as he spends a week in Westminster.

Artist and students transform cardboard into stunning artwork

A local artist has worked with students from the University of Exeter Medical School to create a striking sculpture made from a humble everyday material: cardboard.

Estonia awards medal to Exeter professor

A University of Exeter professor has received a medal from the President of Estonia for his work on cyber security.

Exeter and Cranbrook to pilot new health drive

Exeter and the East Devon new town of Cranbrook are among 12 areas selected to work on a ground-breaking new approach to tackle inactivity in communities, Sport England has announced.

Tudor Royal Court brought to life thanks to Exeter historian

A University of Exeter expert has helped to bring the world of the Tudor court to life for television viewers around the world.

Call for engineers to help re-design and test software systems that improve water networks

Researchers are calling on engineers to help them re-design and test software systems that improve water networks.

Mine waste water student project secures gold in international competition

A team of Exeter students are celebrating after winning gold at a prestigious worldwide synthetic biology competition.

Parental lifespan genes could hold clue to longer life

A large-scale international study led by the University of Exeter Medical School has discovered new genes linked to parents’ lifespan – which could one day be targeted to help prolong human life.  

Exeter to award and host prestigious MRC Skills Development Fellowships

The Centres for Predictive Modelling in Healthcare and Biomedical Modelling and Analysis will partner with the MRC to award and host Skills Development Fellowships.

Tuna dissected by university scientists

A tuna accidentally caught off Devon has been dissected by scientists at the University of Exeter.

Prestigious Scholarships for Exeter golfers

The R&A (Royal & Ancient) have increased their support of golf at the University of Exeter by awarding Foundation Scholarships to nine leading student golfers.

Boost for green research at Exeter

Sustainable seafood and electric cars are among the eco-friendly industries that will be the focus of new research at the University of Exeter.

“Inspirational” activity leader wins community award for free exercise group

A community-minded sports officer at the University of Exeter has won an award for setting up a free fitness session in a city park.

Understanding ‘myths’ about sexual violence and domestic abuse key to prevention in Universities

Universities can play a key role in tackling stereotypical and prejudicial views around the causes of gender-based violence, a new study has suggested.

New training for clergy to help traumatised communities

Clergy who help communities devastated by horrific events are to receive new training.

Marine turtles dying after becoming entangled in plastic rubbish

Hundreds of marine turtles die every year after becoming entangled in rubbish in the oceans and on beaches,  including plastic ‘six pack’ holders and discarded fishing gear.  

Does the Father Christmas myth harm children?

When do children stop believing in Father Christmas? Did you feel distressed by the revelation that Santa isn’t real? Were you angry you were lied to, when you found out? Was Christmas different after that? Did the magic disappear?

New NHS app will help people spend less time waiting for health services

A new free app which shows how busy local NHS services are will help people to spend less time waiting for treatment.

Exeter marine biologist is star of the Blue Planet

Blue Planet II, which has captured the nation’s imagination and highlighted the beauty and plight of marine life around the world, starred the University of Exeter’s Steve Simpson, Associate Professor of Marine Biology & Global Change.

Experts explain the Science of Christmas

The Christmas dash is on: who’s faster - Santa or animals? Why are gifts exchanged at Christmas? How do you sort the naughty from the nice?

Grammar teaching leaves children confused, research shows

Children can be left confused and unable to write accurate sentences because of “uncertain” grammar teaching, experts have warned.  But confident teachers can enable students to use their grammar knowledge to help them craft and create their writing and positively support children’s development as writers.

Top judge and violinist to receive honorary degrees

A world-renowned violinist and a former head of the UK Supreme Court will receive honorary degrees from the University of Exeter on Saturday (16 December).

Human societies evolve along similar paths

Societies ranging from ancient Rome and the Inca empire to modern Britain and China have evolved along similar paths, a huge new study shows.

Some monkeys prone to isolation

Some individual animals are prone to social isolation, new research suggests.

Exeter students among most active community ‘volunteers’ in the world

Christmas may be a traditional time for giving, yet student volunteers from the University of Exeter give their time all year round.

University of Exeter joins visa pilot scheme

Exeter has been selected to take part in a Home Office pilot scheme that aims to streamline processes for international postgraduate students to study and work in the UK.

Are bones discovered under an Exeter street from the first turkey dinner in England?

Bones dug up from under an Exeter street may be the remains of the first ever turkey dinner in England, archaeologists believe.

Antibiotic resistance: ‘sleeping’ bacteria that can survive drug treatment identified

‘Sleeper cells’, which can survive doses of antibiotics and lie resting in a dormant state, may hold a key to understanding antibiotic resistance, research has found. 

Men more likely to try to dodge paying tax

Men are significantly more likely than women to try to evade paying tax, researchers have found.