Home page news - University of Exeter

Genital shape key to male flies' sexual success

Having genitals of a certain shape and size gives male flies a major reproductive advantage, new research shows.

Exeter researcher receives prestigious Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB) Award

Dr Neeltje Boogert from the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall has won the 2021 ASAB Christopher Barnard Award for Outstanding Contributions by a New Investigator.

Guppies have varying levels of self-control

Just like humans trying to stick to New Year's resolutions, guppies have varying levels of self-control, a new study shows.

Changing resilience of oceans to climate change

Oxygen levels in the ancient oceans were surprisingly resilient to climate change, new research suggests.

Exeter researcher awarded "frontiers of knowledge" prize for science of climate change adaptation

A University of Exeter researcher is one of three winners of this year's BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award.

COVID-19: Mortality risk increases by 20 per cent when ICUs are full

Patients admitted to very full hospitals have an increased chance of dying which is equivalent to being up to 11 years older

Ancient DNA reveals secrets of Game of Thrones wolves

An extinct species of wolf made famous in the TV show Game of Thrones split off from others nearly six million years ago and are only a distant relative of today’s wolves, researchers have found.

Grey camouflage 'better than zebra stripes'

Dull, featureless camouflage provides better protection from predators than zebra stripes, according to a new study.

‘Fake News Law’ needed to protect the public against the spread of fake news, experts argue

There is an urgent need to regulate fake news, and even criminalising the deliberate creation and spread of false information should not be ruled out, legal experts have warned.

Discovery of thousands of pieces of fabric gives historians a rare glimpse into fashions of the past

The discovery of thousands of pieces of 18^th century fabric has given historians a rare glimpse into fashion hundreds of years ago.

Rotten Egg Gas Could Guard Against Alzheimer’s Disease

Typically characterised as poisonous, corrosive and smelling of rotten eggs, hydrogen sulfide’s reputation may soon get a facelift

Take 15 minutes to complete the Big Farming Survey

RABI has launched the largest ever survey of farming people in England and Wales, with a target of achieving 26,000 responses.

Stephen Fry announced as special guest for Exeter’s online ‘Creative Dialogues’ event

Stephen Fry, one of the UK’s best loved and most prodigious talents of the small and big screen, will give a fascinating insight into his influential and innovative work, during a special event at the University of Exeter.

Explore Spanish and South American history and culture in new virtual film festival

People can explore the history and culture of Spain and South America as part of a new virtual film festival.

BCG vaccine trial extends across Devon, in partnership with RD&E

A large global trial designed to test the theory that the widely used BCG vaccine might help protect against COVID-19 amongst healthcare staff and care home workers is expanding.

Positive ‘tipping points’ offer hope for climate

Positive “tipping points” could spark cascading changes that accelerate action on climate change, experts say.

University of Exeter KTP plays key role in the manufacturing process of the new Covid-19 vaccine

A Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between the University of Exeter and Smart Manufacturing LTD is playing a direct and key role in the production process of the new COVID-19 vacccine.

Ongoing sudden stratospheric warming could increase risk of snow over coming weeks

A pioneering new study helps shed light on the chances of extreme cold, and potentially snow in the UK in the next fortnight.

Poorer pupils most likely to be away from school at the end of 2020, researchers tracking coronavirus learning loss have found

Poorer pupils were most likely to be away from school at the end of 2020, experts analysing the learning loss caused by coronavirus have found.

Speeding up machine learning by means of light

Scientists have developed a pioneering new approach that will rapidly speed up machine learning – using light.

People back coronavirus restrictions but think autumn local lockdowns were mismanaged by the Government, survey shows

There is widespread public support for coronavirus restrictions, but most people believe local lockdowns this autumn were mismanaged by the Government, a new survey shows.

Big bumblebees learn locations of best flowers

Big bumblebees take time to learn the locations of the best flowers, new research shows.

Discovery of 66 new Roman Army sites shows more clues about some of the empire’s most infamous conflicts

The discovery of dozens of new Roman Army sites thanks to remote sensing technology has revealed more about one of the empire’s most infamous battles.

Doctors should change the way that they ask patients about self-harm and suicide, study recommends

Doctors can better help patients with mental health concerns by adopting a different questioning style around self-harm and suicide, experts have said.

Major changes to interpretation of the Human Rights Act needed to protect people during arrest and detention, research argues

Major changes to the way courts interpret the Human Rights Act are necessary so the legislation does more to protect people detained because of the expansion of police powers, a new study says.

Ivory Coast creates first Marine Protected Area

Ivory Coast has announced the creation of its first Marine Protected Area (MPA).

Difference in blood pressure between arms linked to greater death risk

A difference in blood pressure readings between arms is linked to greater risk of heart attack, stroke and death.

Legal reforms needed to protect people from “deepfake” and AI intellectual property theft, expert warns

Legal reforms are needed to protect people from their image being copied by “deepfake” or AI technology, an expert has warned.

Crops near Chernobyl still contaminated

Crops grown near Chernobyl are still contaminated due to the 1986 nuclear accident, new research shows.

Squirrels need good neighbours

Living beside familiar neighbours boosts a squirrel's chances of survival and successful breeding, new research shows.

Shark fishing bans partially effective

Bans on shark fishing are only partially effective in protecting sharks, new research suggests.

Physicists solve geometrical puzzle in electromagnetism

A team of scientists have solved the longstanding problem of how electrons move together as a group inside cylindrical nanoparticles.

Joint Centre of Excellence in Environmental Intelligence hosts inaugural event

The key challenges, priorities and solutions to some of the world’s most pressing environmental issues will be showcased at a special event this week.

Babbler bird falls into climate change trap

Animals can fall into an "ecological trap" by altering their behaviour in the “wrong direction” in response to climate change, researchers say.

Research dispels fears human stem cells contain cancer-causing mutations

Pioneering new research has made a pivotal breakthrough that dispel concerns that human stem cells could contain cancer-causing mutations.

Access to nature important for mental health during Covid lockdowns

People in European countries with the strictest COVID-19 lockdown policies were more likely to show symptoms of depression and anxiety, according to an international study investigating the impact of disconnecting from nature.

COVID lockdown causes record drop in CO2 emissions for 2020

The global COVID-19 lockdowns caused fossil carbon dioxide emissions to decline by an estimated 2.4 billion tonnes in 2020 – a record drop according to researchers at the University of East Anglia (UEA), University of Exeter and the Global Carbon Project.

Stargazers given once in-a-lifetime opportunity to see ‘Great Conjunction’ of Saturn and Jupiter

Budding astronomers will be given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness a truly special celestial event in the run-in to Christmas.

Leading researchers receive prestigious ERC funding awards

Two of the University of Exeter’s most respected researchers have received a significant funding boost from the European Research Council (ERC), it has been announced.

University of Exeter responds to climate crisis

The University of Exeter has created a comprehensive plan to cut carbon emissions and improve the environment on its campuses and beyond.

Funding awarded to help more people in Wales tackle rising cases of domestic abuse

Delivery drivers, neighbours and colleagues in virtual meetings could help tackle rising domestic abuse with the right training and support in a world changed by COVID-19.

Research develops new theoretical approach to manipulate light

The quest to discover pioneering new ways in which to manipulate how light travels through electromagnetic materials has taken a new, unusual twist.

Peatland preservation vital to climate

Preserving the world's peatlands – and the vast carbon stores they contain – is vital to limiting climate change, researchers say.

Innovative Renewable Energy project secures double award success

An innovative project involving the University of Exeter, which is seeking to develop the next generation of offshore renewable energy leads, secured two awards at a recent ceremony.

Professor Zhongdong Wang named 2021 IEEE Fellow

Professor Zhongdong Wang has been named a Fellow by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

University of Exeter historian’s work on epidemics honoured by the AHRC Medical Humanities Awards

Pioneering research by a University of Exeter historian on the impact and management of epidemics has been honoured at this year’s AHRC Medical Humanities Awards.

Newly discovered ancient villages laid out like a clock face are further proof of human impact on the Amazon

Ancient Amazonian villages laid out like a clock face have been discovered by experts, thanks to technology that allows them to see below the rainforest canopy.

Scientists predict 'optimal' stress levels

Scientists have created an evolutionary model to predict how animals should react in stressful situations.

Digital health passports should not be rolled out on a mass basis until COVID-19 vaccines are available to all, report warns

Digital health passports should not be introduced on a mass basis until coronavirus tests are available and affordable to everyone in the country, report warns

Incredible history of one of England’s last pierrot troupes on display for the first time

For decades they were one of the country’s last remaining pierrot troupes, bringing joy to people of all ages at seaside resorts with their singing, dancing and games.

'Message in a bottle' tracks plastic pollution

Electronic tags released in the Ganges river show plastic pollution can travel thousands of kilometres in just a few months.

The distress caused by the Coronavirus pandemic means parents should maintain the “vital tonic” of the Father Christmas myth for children this year, psychologist urges

Parents agonise about how to handle difficult questions about Father Christmas when children grow up, but the coronavirus pandemic means it could be damaging to be totally honest this year.

Plastic contaminants harm sea urchins

Plastics in the ocean can release chemicals that cause deformities in sea urchin larvae, new research shows.

Small and large birth weight linked to genetics of mother and baby – except in tiniest babies

Genetics of mother and baby contribute to most cases where babies are born very large or very small, according to new research

Newly discovered Amazon rock art show the rainforest’s earliest inhabitants living with giant Ice Age animals

Amazonian rock art newly discovered by researchers provides further proof the rainforest’s earliest inhabitants lived alongside now-extinct giant Ice Age animals.

Public can explore hundreds of new prehistoric, Roman and medieval archaeological sites identified through aerial reconnaissance

The public can explore hundreds of new prehistoric, Roman and medieval sites discovered in Romania by archaeologists using aerial reconnaissance.

Innovative virtual field trips secure award in ‘Oscars of Higher Education’

Inspirational and innovative software that provides virtual field trips to almost anywhere in the world, developed by academics at the University of Exeter, has won a prestigious national award.

Call for 'debt driving licence'

People borrowing money for the first time should only be given small amounts until they have proved their competence, a new study says.

The Exeter hip: 50 years of making healthcare better

An innovative hip stem developed in Exeter 50 years ago today has now been implanted in more than two million patients across the globe

Space worms experiment reveals gravity affects genes

Living at low gravity affects cells at the genetic level, according to a study of worms in space.

Exeter’s pioneering approach to sustainability secures prestigious Guardian award

Pivotal work conducted by staff and students to transform the University of Exeter’s approach to sustainability has won a prestigious Guardian University Award.

Waste fishing gear threatens Ganges wildlife

Waste fishing gear in the River Ganges poses a threat to wildlife including otters, turtles and dolphins, new research shows.

Pioneering Renewable Energy project shortlisted for prestigious award

A pioneering project involving the University of Exeter, which is seeking to develop the next generation of offshore renewable energy leads has been nominated for a prestigious award.

New guide on using drones for conservation

Drones are a powerful tool for conservation – but they should only be used after careful consideration and planning, according to a new report.

University of Exeter, Dorset Museum and Dorset History Centre mark pioneering research

Experts from the University of Exeter, Dorset Museum and Dorset History Centre have celebrated their pioneering research, including on the life and work of the novelist and poet Thomas Hardy.

Plant evolves to become less visible to humans

A plant used in traditional Chinese medicine has evolved to become less visible to humans, new research shows.

Exeter students raise more than £136,000 through Movember challenges

Students from the University of Exeter have raised more than £136,000 for charity through a series of hair-raising challenges and events.

Indonesian wildfires a 'fixable problem'

Indonesian wildfires that cause widespread air pollution and vast carbon emissions are a "fixable problem", according to the leader of a project set up to help tackle the issue.

Bacteria and 3D printers could help restore coral reefs

A team of University of Exeter students are using genetically engineered bacteria to produce a material that could help repair degraded coral reefs.

New anthology of powerful pieces about the climate crisis from writers and scientists

Writers from around the world and climate scientists have penned powerful and thought-provoking pieces about the climate crisis for a new anthology.

Pioneering health research at the University of Exeter to continue thanks to renewed Wellcome funding

Pioneering University of Exeter work on worldwide health challenges will continue thanks to renewed funding for a unique research centre.

Reform of UK company takeover rules would boost productivity and investment, Parliamentarians told

Reforms to company takeover rules could boost UK productivity, increase investment opportunities and limit inefficient management, politicians have been told.

Exeter experts recognised as being among world’s most influential scientists

Leading academics from the University of Exeter have been recognised as being amongst the world’s most influential researchers, according to a prestigious new ranking.

University alliance urges G20 leaders to prioritise net zero

A coalition of leading climate research universities is calling on world leaders to prioritise net zero carbon emissions.

Teaching and complex tools 'evolved together'

The human ability to teach and our use of complex tools may have evolved together, according to new research.

Pacific project will build a circular economy to target plastic pollution

Scientists aim to tackle plastic pollution in the Galapagos Islands and wider Eastern Pacific in a major project based on cooperation with local researchers and communities.

New app allows people to explore some of Europe’s most historic cities from their own homes

People can step back in time to Renaissance Italy or Elizabethan England as part of a new app which allows people to take exciting tours of some of Europe’s most historic cities from their own homes.

Migrating animals 'live fast and die young'

Animals that migrate "live fast and die young", new research shows.

Tropical peatland conservation could protect humans from new diseases

Conservation of tropical peatlands could reduce the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the likelihood of new diseases jumping from animals to humans, researchers say.

Study reveals physical demands of two-hour marathon

Elite runners need a specific combination of physiological abilities to have any chance of running a sub-two-hour marathon, new research shows.

Experts urge new campaign to stop acrimonious family court battles during relationship breakdowns

A permanent change in cultural attitudes is needed to steer separating parents away from acrimonious legal proceedings during family breakdowns, experts have said.

Academics in favour of universities refusing funding from nations connected to human rights concerns, survey shows

Academics are in favour of universities refusing funding from foreign organisations and individuals or nations linked with human rights concerns, a new survey of over 1,500 social scientists based in UK universities shows.

Community action and a higher profile in schools key to growth of Cornish language

Community activism and a higher profile in schools will be essential for the numbers speaking Cornish to increase, an expert in the language has said.

University of Exeter and Medicines Discovery Catapult combine to industrialise academic medicines research

Today (November 12^th 2020) the University of Exeter and Medicines Discovery Catapult (MDC) announce their strategic partnership to accelerate medicines Research & Development (R&D), creating value for the sector and enhancing translational skills.

Evolution favours new diseases of 'intermediate' severity

New epidemic diseases have an evolutionary advantage if they are of "intermediate" severity, research shows.

Pioneering new Circular Economy Centre in Technology Metals announced

The University of Exeter will lead a pioneering new research centre, designed to revolutionize how crucial metals are extracted, used and reused in clean and digital technologies across the UK.

Puzzled otters learn from each other

Asian short-clawed otters learn from each other when solving puzzles to get food, a new study shows.

A few kilograms weight loss nearly halves the risk of diabetes, large scale research study finds

Providing support to help people with prediabetes make small changes to their lifestyle, diet and physical activity can almost halve the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

New technique could revolutionise accuracy and ease detection of biomechanical alterations of cells and tissues

Scientists have developed an optical elastography technique that could revolutionise the accuracy and ease to which health professionals can detect biomechanical alterations of cells and tissues.

Alumni honour former Vice-Chancellor with permanent scholarship fund

A new scholarship scheme set-up in honour of former Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Steve Smith, targeting applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds, will support six students to attend the University of Exeter each year.

Animal groups consider multiple factors before fighting

Groups of animals consider multiple factors before deciding whether to fight rivals, researchers say.

New research identifies ‘triple trouble’ for mangrove coasts

Some of the world’s most valuable ecosystems are facing a "triple threat" to their long-term durability and survival, new research shows.

Female mongooses start battles for chance to mate

Female banded mongooses lead their groups into fights then try to mate with enemy males in the chaos of battle, new research shows.

Slow-living animal species could be disease ‘reservoirs’

Animals that live slowly – breeding less rapidly and living longer – could be "reservoirs" of diseases that could jump to new species including humans, new research suggests.

Water engineering expert launches new £10 million European water systems project

A University of Exeter academic is set to receive a share of £10 million pounds of funding for a six-year European research project, looking at designing the next generation of intelligent urban drinking water systems.

Widespread public support for job guarantees and exam reform, survey shows

There is strong public support for job guarantees and reforms to exams in 2021 to help young people affected by the coronavirus pandemic, a new survey shows.

'Remarkable' project wins Newton Prize award

A "remarkable" project that aims to bring safe and reliable energy to informal settlements in South Africa has won the Chair's Prize in the 2020 Newton Fund awards.

Sea-level rise will have complex consequences

Rising sea levels will affect coasts and human societies in complex and unpredictable ways, according to a new study that examined 12,000 years in which a large island became a cluster of smaller ones.

New scheme to boost Devon’s recovery and cut carbon emissions

The University of Exeter will play a pivotal part in a new project, which will use Artificial Intelligence to boost Devon’s economic recovery and help the environment.

Artificial night lighting has widespread impacts on nature

Artificial night-time lighting has a diverse range of effects across the natural world and should be limited where possible, researchers say.

University of Exeter experts lead major research project into farmer wellbeing

University of Exeter experts are leading a major new study to better understand the mental and physical wellbeing issues facing agricultural workers.

Warming of 2°C would release billions of tonnes of soil carbon

Global warming of 2°C would lead to about 230 billion tonnes of carbon being released from the world's soil, new research suggests.

New time-traveling drama podcast takes listeners on a moving and inspiring journey through transgender history

A new podcast takes listeners on a moving and inspiring journey through the ages as they time-travel to explore transgender history.

Malaria parasites adapt to survive the dry season, research shows

The main parasite that causes malaria can alter its gene expression to survive undetected in the human blood stream, new research has shown.

Innovative Exeter student-led projects secure double award success

Two innovative student-led projects, to create a washing machine filter that breaks down plastic microfibres and bring sustainable biofuel to remote communities in Africa, have secured a double success in a prestigious national competition.

Majority of people would pay to watch online theatre again – even when venues are open, research shows

The majority of people who have experienced digital theatre would now pay to watch online shows, even when venues are open, a new study shows.

Leading climate scientist wins prestigious award

A world-leading climate scientist from the University of Exeter has received a prestigious award in recognition of his pioneering and innovative research.

Secrets of 'smasher shrimp' property ladder revealed

Mantis shrimps carefully survey burrows before trying to evict rivals, new research shows.

Mountain gorillas are good neighbours – up to a point

Mountain gorilla groups are friendly to familiar neighbours – provided they stay out of "core" parts of their territory – new research shows.

One in 10 young people lost their job during covid-19 pandemic, new survey shows

More than one in 10 people aged 16 to 25 have lost their job, and just under six in 10 have seen their earnings fall since the coronavirus pandemic began, new research shows.

Rare posters showing glamorous stars of cinema’s golden age return to Britain

Rare posters showing the glamorous stars of cinema’s Golden Age have returned to Britain, thanks to a donation by one of the world’s foremost movie memorabilia collectors.

Online church services prove popular with rural congregations during pandemic, new study shows

Online church services have proved popular with rural communities during the pandemic, a new study shows.

New project to find Europe’s green technology metals

A new four-year project ‘GREENPEG’ has received a grant of €8.3 million from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme to develop new techniques to explore for pegmatite rocks containing lithium and other green technology metals.