Read the 2015 edition of EXETER Magazine - now available to view online. For previous editions visit our archive.
How baby’s genes influence birth weight and later life disease
New research finds genetic differences that help to explain why some babies are born bigger or smaller than others.
Coastal wildlife more vulnerable to microplastics than expected
Coastal dwelling marine wildlife, including crabs, lobsters and shellfish, which play a crucial role in the food chain, are more vulnerable to harmful plastic pollution than previously expected.
Medical historians and social scientists helping to tackle the world’s most pressing public health problems
Researchers at the University of Exeter will work with the World Health Organization to tackle the world’s most pressing public health problems.
Consistency builds cohesion - the art of group success
New research finds that fish with consistent and predictable personalities are more successful in social groups and help to build tighter and more coordinated shoals.
Ocean fronts attract ocean wanderers – foraging gannets on the front line
Foraging seabirds use oceanic fronts as an efficient means to forage for food, according to an international study that could help safeguard the future of protected species.
'Green exercise’ in England benefits health to the tune of £2.2 billion a year
Physical activity in natural environments, or ‘green exercise’, is estimated to provide health benefits of £2.2 billion a year to the English adult population.
Campaigning footballer at men’s mental health event
Former professional footballer turned campaigner Clarke Carlisle met experts at an event held today to discuss how they can tackle male suicide and mental health problems.
More than one in ten UK species threatened with extinction, new study finds
Climate change, urban expansion and agricultural intensification blamed for risk to some of Britain’s best loved species
Magma build-up at active Japanese volcano poses threat to "Naples of the Eastern World", research shows
Pioneering new study could help provide early-warning system for volcanic eruptions worldwide.
Seek and you shall find – bees remain excellent searchers even when ill
Honeybees are hardwired to efficiently search the landscape enabling them to continue working for the greater good of their hives even when they are sick, according to new research.
Study suggests genes and environment interact to increase risk of obesity
New research presented at this year’s European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) meeting in Munich, Germany (12-16 September) shows that environmental and lifestyle factors have greatest effects on obesity in those who also carry the most obesity genes.
New drone technology will uncover secrets of Amazonian tribes
Experts hope to uncover the hidden secrets of ancient Amazon tribes and their effect on modern vegetation using revolutionary new drone technology.
Unprecedented atmospheric behaviour disrupts one of the earth’s most regular climate cycles
A team of scientists has discovered an unexpected disruption in one of the most repeatable atmospheric patterns.
Induced climate change ‘tug of war’ keeps scientists guessing on storm tracks
The effects of man-made climate change can hamper scientific projections of how key global weather patterns will act in the future, a new study has revealed.
Official launch of the #RU2Drunk breathalyser scheme in Weymouth
Suspected drunks trying to get into pubs and clubs in Weymouth could be breathalysed and refused entry from Friday 16 September.
African fishers undertake highly risky expeditions to make a living
Fishers in Central Africa often cover hundreds of miles in very basic boats without engines searching for food to feed their families and make a living, a new study shows.
Historical data hold secrets of one of UK’s favourite fish
UK fisheries survey logbooks from the 1930s to 1950s have been digitised for the first time, revealing how cod responded to changing temperatures in the last century.
New light on the complex nature of ‘hot Jupiter’ atmospheres
Fascinating new light could be shed on the complex atmospheres of planets which orbit stars outside our own solar system, thanks to pioneering new research.
Rotten egg gas could help protect diabetics from heart complications
A gas that was formerly known for its noxious qualities could help people with diabetes recover from heart and blood vessel complications.
Progress in refining the genetic causes of schizophrenia
An international study has made advances in understanding the ways in which genetic risk factors alter gene function in schizophrenia.
Exeter student tackles plight of child brides in Bangladesh
A student with close ties to Bangladesh has just returned from a research mission to raise awareness of the damaging culture of child marriage.
New laser to help Exeter scientists study brain changes in dementia
Dementia researchers have been awarded £91,500 to purchase a new laser to create a state-of-the-art microscope, transforming their ability to image the brain.
University of Exeter welcomes call for ban on microbeads in cosmetics
A University of Exeter academic has welcomed calls from MPs for a ban on the use of microbeads in cosmetics because of the marine pollution they are causing.
Biological invasions threaten biodiversity, economy and human livelihood in developing countries
Invasions from alien species threaten the economies and livelihoods of residents of some of the world’s poorest nations.
Scientists develop interactive game demonstrating impact of climate change on the Antarctic Ice Sheet
Scientists and games developers have joined forces to help communicate the impact of climate change on the Antarctic Ice Sheet.
Climate change alters the rules of sperm competition in the sea
The impact of climate change on global seawater conditions could change the rules of sperm competition for many important marine species.
Sea habits of migratory birds highlight conservation need in the Canary Current
Scientists have tracked the behaviour of seabirds migrating across the Atlantic to better understand how these animals use the marine environment.
University of Exeter reinforces position in influential world ranking
The University of Exeter has reinforced its position as one of the best universities in the world, according to the latest influential rankings.
Humble moss helped create our oxygen-rich atmosphere
The evolution of the first land plants including mosses may explain a long-standing mystery of how Earth’s atmosphere became enriched with oxygen.
Long-lived parents could mean a healthier heart into your seventies
The longer our parents lived, the longer we are likely to live ourselves, and the more likely we are to stay healthy in our sixties and seventies.
Exeter professor honoured for world-class fish research
A University of Exeter marine biologist has won a prestigious award for his world-class work in the field of fish ecology.
Experts to use drones to discover more about killer whales
Drones will be used to discover more about the social lives of killer whales and help conserve these amazing mammals, which are at risk of extinction.
World-leading dementia expert is new Medical School Pro-Vice-Chancellor
A globally-renowned dementia and ageing expert has been appointed as the new Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean of the University of Exeter Medical School.
Nature, not nurture, defines cricket social networks
The social lives of crickets are similar generation to generation, even though the insects can’t learn directly from their mum and dad.
Help test new online depression therapy
People feeling low or depressed are being offered the opportunity to take part in a study exploring the effectiveness of a simple new therapy online.
Retired holidaymakers asked to share their tourism stories
Retired holidaymakers are needed to take part in new research which aims to discover how giving up work has affected their tourism choices.
Ambulance call-out research leads to positive changes for ambulance service trust
Research investigating the reasons behind a rise in ambulance call-outs in the South West is already being used by a local ambulance service trust.
Expert on political crisis wins top psychology award
An expert on the psychology of political crisis is to receive this year’s Presidents’ Award for Distinguished Contributions to Psychological Knowledge from the British Psychological Society.
World’s largest behavioural ecology conference comes to Exeter
The University of Exeter will host global research leaders in the field of behavioural ecology on July 28 to August 3.
Did you experience drought of ‘76?
Researchers are urging people who experienced the 1976 drought to share their stories of how they coped during the most severe water shortage in living memory.
High chance that current atmospheric greenhouse concentrations commit to warmings greater than 1.5 °C
Current levels of atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations warm air temperatures overland by over 1.5°C.
Theresa May’s support highest among 'Bregretful' Conservatives
New Prime Minister Theresa May has expressed her commitment to Brexit, but she is liked most by Conservative voters who regret voting to leave, a new survey suggests.
World experts converge in Exeter to tackle structural vibration as ‘global challenge’
Experts in vibration serviceability of civil engineering structures from across the globe met at the University of Exeter.
Behavioural Activation as effective as CBT for depression, at lower cost
A simple and inexpensive therapy is equally as effective at treating depression as the “gold standard” of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Exercise can change brain structure and reduce dementia risk
Getting regular exercise can lower the risk of cognitive decline and can even change our brain structure.
Tiny microbe turns tropical butterfly into male killer, scientists discover
A scientist from the University of Exeter has helped to identify a male-killing microbe in a tropical butterfly called the African Queen.
Climate experts help communities cope with impact of the Indian Monsoon
Work by University of Exeter experts to predict the weather in India could help millions of people prepare for the devastating effects of the country’s summer monsoons.
Traumatic brain injury costs £15 billion a year in the UK, says new research
Traumatic brain injury costs a total of £15 billion nationally every year and puts young people at higher risk of poor mental health and offending.
Scavenger crows provide public service, research shows
Crows are performing a useful function and keeping our environment free from rotting carcasses, research carried out at the University of Exeter in Cornwall has discovered.
Acting together can reduce the risks climate change poses to the UK
The independent Committee on Climate Change today concludes that the impacts of climate change are already being felt in the UK, and urgent action is required to address climate-related risks.
Major study reveals steep decline in number of small family farms
A major new independent study commissioned by The Prince’s Countryside Fund into the future of small family farms across the UK, has revealed a steep decline in numbers since the beginning of the century.
Study recruits volunteers to trial ketamine as new treatment for alcoholism
A study aiming to evaluate the use of the drug ketamine as a treatment for severe alcohol disorder is currently recruiting volunteers.
New technique could revolutionise surgical treatment of epilepsy
Scientists at the University of Exeter have developed a pioneering new technique that could revolutionise the surgical treatment of epilepsy.
Ancient Brazilians occupied the same homes for centuries
Ancient inhabitants of the southern Brazilian highlands were no strangers to the types of home improvements we enjoy today, academics from the University of Exeter have found.
Experts listen in on noisy Falmouth seas
A long-term plan for managing noise in shallow parts of the ocean such as Falmouth Bay is needed to protect the environment, scientists have said.
Drought stalls tree growth and shuts down Amazon carbon sink
A recent drought completely shut down the Amazon Basin’s carbon sink, a ground-breaking study has found.
Further improvements to recruitment, retention and training of Army Reserve Forces needed
Improvements to the way that Army Reserve Forces are trained and supported are needed if recruitment targets are to be met.
Exeter researchers to hold free dementia information day
Scientists in Exeter are inviting the public to a free meeting on Wednesday 6 July to discuss current dementia research.
International award for excellence in health technology assessment research
Researchers at the Medical School have won a prestigious international award for outstanding research in health technology assessment.
Exeter teams shortlisted for Nursing Times Awards
Two Exeter teams have been shortlisted for the prestigious Nursing Times Awards.
Be wary of knotweed advice on the web, researchers warn
Gardeners turning to the internet for advice about Japanese knotweed are likely to find a wide range of potentially misleading advice.
Exeter expert delivers talk to UN on ocean plastic pollution
A marine pollution expert from the University of Exeter has given a high level presentation at the United Nations headquarters.
Exeter physicist wins prestigious award for experimental research
A University of Exeter lecturer has been honoured with a medal and prize for his outstanding contribution to experimental Physics.
Physical activity boosts kids’ brain power and academic prowess
A consensus statement which includes a University of Exeter researcher says exercise boosts kids’ and young people’s brain power.
Crucial peatlands carbon-sink vulnerable to rising sea levels
Rising sea-levels linked to global warming could pose a significant threat to the effectiveness of the world’s peatland areas as carbon sinks.
Victims of flooding frustrated by Government support
Victims need clearer information on what they can expect in the aftermath of major flooding from the government and other authorities, new University of Exeter research shows.
Night-time light pollution causes Spring to come early
Human use of artificial light is causing Spring to come at least a week early in the UK.
South West celebrates 100,000 Genomes Project
Families affected by rare conditions or cancer across the South West are having their genomes sequenced as part of a national research bid.
Birds pushed to the edge by floods
A flock of cranes that ended up at the centre of a once-in-200-year flood has given researchers a rare insight into how wildlife copes with extreme weather.
In pheasant harems, bigger is not always better
Too many females in a wild pheasant harem harms the ability of the group to spot predators, experts from the University of Exeter have found.
Scientists uncover route for finding out what makes individuals nice or nasty
A University of Exeter scientist has helped develop an innovative mathematical model for exploring why some individuals evolve to be genetically programmed to be nice, while others stay nasty.
Better information needed to understand extreme weather
Scientists need more credible and relevant information to help communities become more resilient to extreme weather events such as floods.
GraphExeter illuminates bright new future for flexible lighting devices, study shows
Researchers from the University of Exeter have pioneered an innovative new technique to make flexible screens more effective and efficient.
Devon village had links with the Roman empire
A team of archaeologists, students and local volunteers have unearthed evidence of a Romano-British settlement in a rural Devon village.
Exeter researcher shortlisted for prominent ESRC prize
A University of Exeter geographer has been nominated for a prestigious national award that celebrates research that makes a difference to society.
Discovery of newborn exoplanet could help explain planetary evolution
A team of international researchers have discovered the youngest fully-formed exoplanet ever detected, orbiting a young star 500 light years from Earth.
University of Exeter researchers offer local clubs and societies £1,000 team challenge
Researchers at the University of Exeter are inviting groups of people from across Cornwall to take part in a fun experiment.
Major outbreak of pest moth spotted in Cornwall
Millions of moths that destroy vegetable crops have been spotted in Cornwall by a University of Exeter expert.
El Nino drives fastest annual increase on record of carbon dioxide
The rising concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide has passed a symbolic threshold early due to the fastest annual increase on record.
Carbon dioxide biggest player in thawing permafrost
Carbon dioxide emissions from dry and oxygen-rich environments are likely to play a much greater role in controlling future rates of climate change.
Camouflage influences life-and-death decisions that animals make
Nesting birds time their escape from an approaching predator depending on how well camouflaged their eggs and their own bodies are.
Risk-taking in birds is more contagious at certain times, research shows
Birds copy one another when trying new foods but will take more risks when doing so at different times of year.
Humans could learn something from pigeons to improve their efficiency
Humans could become better at switching between tasks if they behaved more like pigeons.
Last call for commuters to help steer traffic congestion project
Researchers at the University of Exeter who are working on an initiative to curb traffic congestion are issuing a final call for help from commuters.
Flamingo researcher wins top award
A zoo biologist from the University of Exeter has won a prestigious gold award for his research into flamingo friendships.
New cheap method of surveying landscapes can capture environmental change
Cheap cameras on drones can be used to measure environmental change which affects billions of people around the world, new research from the University of Exeter shows.
New research shows South West farmers concerned by Brexit
Farmers have expressed concern about the unknown implications of Britain leaving the European Union, according to a new survey by experts at the University of Exeter.
MPs want academic “match-making” service to help inform policy
MPs have expressed an overwhelming willingness to use a proposed new service to swiftly link them with academics in relevant areas
Roads “a serious threat” to rare bats
Roads present a serious threat to bat populations, indicating that protection policies are failing.
Genetic switch that turned moths black also colours butterflies
The same gene that enables tropical butterflies to mimic each other’s bright and colourful patterning also caused British moths to turn black.
New short stories and novel by Radclyffe Hall uncovered
Previously unpublished short stories and a novel by British author Radclyffe Hall have been discovered by a University of Exeter expert.
How to organise a cell: novel insight from a fungus
University of Exeter researchers have found novel insight into the ways cells organise themselves.
Stormlamp project to shine light on the impact of waves on lighthouses
Engineers have launched a new research project to examine the structural impact that waves have upon lighthouses.
Clay country poet suffered from congenital syphilis
Cornish ‘Poet of the Clay’ Jack Clemo became blind and deaf because of congenital syphilis inherited from his father, a new University of Exeter study has found.
Renewable Energy students visit space station to see biomass technology in action
Renewable Energy students from the University of Exeter’s Penryn campus will be visiting Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station this month.
City birds are less afraid of litter says Exeter researcher
Urban birds are less afraid of litter than their country cousins according to a new study co-authored by a University of Exeter academic.
Family secrets of Powderham Castle revealed
University of Exeter experts are helping the Earl and Countess of Devon uncover fascinating new insights into the long history of their family by examining centuries-old documents at Powderham Castle.
Exeter engineering expert leads research to pioneer new type of gel for food and home care industries
A materials scientist from the University of Exeter has been awarded a substantial research grant to pioneer a new type of gel.
University of Exeter academic to advise US Government
A University of Exeter expert will advise the US Government and policy makers around the world on warfare after being appointed to a prestigious new role.
ISIS propaganda collected in real time
University of Exeter experts will collect large amounts of propaganda put on the internet by Islamic State terrorists in real time to understand how it radicalises people.
Exeter researchers to lead two major projects on past and future climate change
Scientists at the University of Exeter will be leading two major multi-million pound world-class research projects.
City’s most famous trees honoured in new book and map
The history of Exeter’s most important and loved trees will be uncovered as part of a new project to record the impact of huge cedars or blossoming hilltop hawthorns on the city.
Exercise helps you live longer, evidence shows
Exercise is associated with a longer life in patients with heart failure, according to research by the University of Exeter Medical School.
Stuart era brought to life for pupils
In the year of Queen Elizabeth’s ninetieth birthday, research by the universities of Exeter and Oxford reveals the dramatic paths to power taken by her predecessors in a far more turbulent period of British history.
Crucial interaction between fire and mankind explored in new research
A pioneering team of international researchers have devised a ‘manifesto for fire science’ to explore the pivotal relationship that exists between mankind and fire, on a global stage.
New £1M facility to reveal the secrets of marine microbial communities one member at a time
University of Exeter and Plymouth Marine Laboratory have unveiled a state of the art facility for the study of environmental microbes.
Too much sex causes genitals to change shape, beetle study shows
Sexual conflict between males and females can lead to changes in the shape of their genitals, according to research on burying beetles.
Pregnant mothers may shield unborn young from damage and risk their own mortality
Mammals can protect their unborn young from harmful chemicals in their blood even at the expense of their own survival odds.
University placed 35th globally in latest influential rankings
The University of Exeter has reinforced its position amongst the leading universities both nationally and internationally, according to the latest influential global rankings.
Citizen science game is “Big Brother for bugs”
A citizen science website game akin to “big brother for crickets” allows participants to take part in important hands-on research using insects.
For cells, some shapes are easier to swallow than others
Scientists have probed the process that allows cells to swallow up particles, finding that some shapes are easier to swallow than others.
Tiny ocean organism has big role in climate regulation
Scientists have discovered that a tiny, yet plentiful, ocean organism is playing an important role in the regulation of the Earth’s climate.
Survey aims to understand why South West GPs are leaving their jobs
A new research project sets out to understand why some GPs are leaving their jobs to take early retirement or career breaks.
Mysterious mounds created by earthworms
Mysterious spectacular mounds found in the earth in tropical wetlands in South America are created by earthworms, researchers have found.
Conservation laws need reshaping to protect sea turtles, research finds
Researchers call for socio-economic influences to be factored into future protection policies
Medical School researchers recognised among UK’s best
The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) has recognised another researcher at the University of Exeter Medical School.
PhD research celebrated at showcase
The diverse research projects undertaken by PhD students at the University of Exeter Medical School was celebrated at a dynamic showcase and networking event last week.
Pint of Science Exeter to take local science breakthroughs to city pubs
Experts from the University of Exeter and the Met Office will bring their research out of the laboratory and into city watering holes.
Exeter teams celebrate success at the British Medical Journal Awards
Two Exeter teams have been recognised for excellence in healthcare and research at the coveted British Medical Journal (BMJ) Awards in London on 5th May.
Exeter marine plastics expert to advise parliamentary select committee
A University of Exeter expert on marine pollution will be giving advice to a cross-party committee of MPs at the Palace of Westminster in London today (Monday).
Dementia researchers tell their story on BBC’s Horizon
Researchers from the University of Exeter will appear on BBC Two’s flagship science strand Horizon this week.
Researchers win major grant to lead Indian water management project
Three engineering experts from Exeter have been awarded £334,000 to participate in an international partnership project enhancing the management of water resources in South Asia.
Sonic net could save birds and aircraft, study suggests
Introducing a noise net around airfields that emits sound levels equivalent to those of a conversation in a busy restaurant could prevent collisions between birds and aircraft.
Exeter Engineering student wins top prize for wave energy research
A University of Exeter Renewable Energy doctoral student focusing on wave energy has claimed first prize and £1,200 at an international conference.
Ground-breaking images of nearby star give new insight into Sun’s infancy
Pioneering new research that has provided close-up pictures of a nearby star has given a fascinating insight into how the Sun may have behaved billions of years ago.
A new mobile phone app for grassroots mapping
Exeter academics have created an app which could help aid humanitarian rescue work in disaster-struck regions by using geographic data to map landscapes.
Air power now weapon of choice
Air power has become the weapon of choice for Western politicians because it causes maximum destruction with the minimum of commitment.
Taiwanese government should provide more support for solar panel industry
The Taiwanese government should provide subsidies for the solar panel industry to help it survive in that country, University of Exeter researchers have recommended.
Influence of sea-ice loss on Arctic warming is shaped by varying temperatures in the Pacific Ocean
The crucial role that sea-ice loss plays in rapid Arctic warming is regulated by variable climate patterns taking place in the Pacific Ocean, a pioneering new study has found.
£100,000 grants for two medical research leaders of the future
Two talented researchers from the University of Exeter have each been awarded £100k to further their work.
Researcher gives evidence on young adult offenders in wake of deaths
A neuropsychologist from the University of Exeter called for better treatment of young adults when giving evidence to an influential parliamentary inquiry yesterday.
Working with music groups to improve recovery for people with aphasia
Health researchers are working to bring together people who have communication problems caused by aphasia.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy helps prevent depression recurrence
The largest meta-analysis so far of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for recurrent depression has found that MBCT is an effective treatment option.
Commuters set to take front seat in new project to cut traffic congestion
Commuters are set to become the driving force behind a new initiative designed to help reduce traffic congestion in and around Exeter.
Researchers find significant greening on Earth
There has been an increase in leaves on plants and trees on the Earth equivalent in area to two times the continental USA, a new study shows.
Exeter researchers in celebrity-endorsed research to save swans
Researchers at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus are involved in a pioneering project to safeguard Europe’s smallest swan.
£3 million PhD scholarship funding scheme launched
The University has today launched the Diamond Jubilee Doctoral Scholarships Match Fund.
Families contribute to mental health information portal
For Julia Ogden, raising her beloved autistic son can be like bridging the gap to an alien world, one that can be difficult to navigate and interpret.
Exeter scientists call on public to look and listen out for cuckoos
Devon residents are being asked to record cuckoos seen or heard in the county as part of an ongoing conservation project.
£2m centre linking maths and medicine will transform healthcare
A pioneering new research centre will celebrate its official launch this month.
New trial aims to prevent type 1 diabetes
A clinical study evaluating a new hypothesis that an inexpensive drug with a simple treatment regimen can prevent type 1 diabetes has been launched in Dundee.
Mysteries of Shakespeare’s grave uncovered
A University of Exeter expert will describe his fascinating work to unlock the secrets of Shakespeare’s grave at an event held to mark 400 years since the playwright’s death.
Partnership between the University of Exeter and Peking University expands
A partnership between the University of Exeter and one of China’s most prestigious universities will see academics collaborate on new studies in the arts and languages.
New insights into how the brain adapts to stress
New research has found that genes in the brain that play a crucial role in behavioural adaptation to stressful challenges are controlled by epigenetic mechanisms.
Blood pressure difference linked to heart disease risk
Blood pressure differences between each arm can signal an increased risk of dying of heart disease, even in healthy people, a new large-scale study has found.
University of Exeter part of £13million mental health biomarker study
Researchers from the University of Exeter are involved in a major European £13.3 million funding initiative which aims to unpick the biological reasons underlying social withdrawal.
Improving the lives of coastal communities in Central Africa
University of Exeter experts will work to improve the livelihoods of coastal communities and conserve marine life in Central Africa.
New laboratories to preserve precious artefacts for the future
University of Exeter experts will be able to examine and preserve important historical objects thanks to a new £1.2m Digital Humanities research space.
Innovative Exeter research pioneers nanotechnology for gas sensing
Second year undergraduate students make key contribution to new type of device.
Divers and researchers help protect UK reef habitats
Divers and experts are calling for more action to protect biodiversity-rich UK rocky reefs for the future.
Mediterranean loggerhead turtles dying in waters off the Middle East and North Africa
Thousands of loggerhead turtles are killed annually in areas of Syria, Libya and Egypt and Tunisia where they travel to find food.
North Atlantic played pivotal role in last great climate tipping point, research shows
The North Atlantic Ocean played a key role in the last great tipping point in Earth’s climate system, pioneering new research has shown.
Transatlantic link to help protect the environment
University of Exeter experts will collaborate with colleagues in the USA to work to protect our environment.
Exeter mathematicians recognised as rising stars of research
Two rising research stars at the University of Exeter have been awarded prestigious fellowships from the Medical Research Council (MRC).
Student represents Medical School in Vienna
A University of Exeter Medical School student has presented his research at a prestigious event in Vienna.
Exeter-Eden garden exhibit opens
An exciting research initiative culminates at the Eden Project this week, with the opening of a new exhibit in the attraction’s outdoor gardens.
‘Ask the Experts’ about the EU referendum at the University of Exeter
Leading experts will be able to help people make an informed decision as they decide how to cast their vote in the UK’s referendum at an event in Exeter.
Green light stops sea turtle deaths
Illuminating fishing nets is a cost-effective means of dramatically reducing the number of sea turtles getting caught and dying unnecessarily.
Changes to environment helps protect young pheasants
Making changes to the early lives of young pheasants can help prevent them dying needlessly, University of Exeter researchers have found.
Personality traits can be revealed by movement, study shows
A pioneering new study has revealed how an individual’s movement can give a unique insight into their inherent personality traits.
Risk of multiple tipping points should be triggering urgent global action on climate change
To avoid multiple climate tipping points, policy makers need to act now to stop global CO2 emissions by 2050.
New study to investigate impact of lobbying
Experts will investigate whether wealthy individuals and groups really do control political decisions as part of a new study.
‘Intelligent’ robotic boat piloted by Exeter researchers makes maiden voyage
Researchers from the University of Exeter will be launching a boat with its own intelligence off the Scottish coast this week to test their pioneering software design that could revolutionise data collection at sea.
Female animals look drab to avoid sexual harassment, study shows
A new explanation for why female animals are usually less colourful and decorated than their male counterparts has been suggested by scientists from the University of Exeter – it could be to avoid sexual harassment.
UK Government recognises world-leading strengths of GW4-led consortium
A GW4-led consortium of businesses and organisations from across South West England and South East Wales has been selected to take part in the first wave of the Department for Business.
Pregnant mother’s weight, glucose and blood pressure affect baby’s size
Being overweight or obese in pregnancy causes babies to be born larger, according to new research.
House of Commons showcase for University of Exeter dementia research
University of Exeter research which can help people living with early-stage dementia to manage their everyday lives and remain independent will be showcased by politicians at the House of Commons.
Unique images kept for future generations
Valuable and irreplaceable historic images will now be conserved in the UK thanks to a major European heritage project run at the University of Exeter.
Trainee surgeon completes University’s first MD research degree
A joint project between the University of Exeter Medical School and Physics department has awarded its first Doctor of Medicine (MD).
New study to tackle piracy issues caused by growing use of 3D printers
University of Exeter experts will work to develop a solution to the growing problem of piracy caused by the increasing use of 3D printers.
Exeter wins slice of £1.7 million to boost careers in Engineering
The University of Exeter has been awarded a slice of £1.7m Government funding to increase the supply of new engineers.
Global farming practices must change, say climate change researchers
Human activities such as farming have caused the world’s plants, animals and microbes to contribute to global warming, a major international study co- authored by a University of Exeter professor has found.
Self-harming youngsters put at risk by ‘cycle of shame’
Young people who self-harm only seek emergency hospital care as a last resort due to a deep sense of shame and unworthiness, a study at the University of Exeter has found.
Exeter astronomer gets best ever view of aging star
An astronomer from the University of Exeter has had the sharpest ever view of a dusty disc around an aging star 4,000 light years away which could signal a new generation of planets.
Real-life aliens extremely efficient at turning their hosts into new parasites
The way parasitoid wasps feed may be gruesome, but it is an extremely efficient way to exploit prey, University of Exeter research has found.
Short man or overweight woman? Your size could make you poorer
Scientists at the University of Exeter have found the most robust evidence yet that simply being a shorter man or a more overweight woman leads to lower chances in life, including a lower income.
University expertise key in “treasure” inquest
University of Exeter expertise has helped uncover the origins of treasure found by a metal detector on Devon farmland.
Cystic Fibrosis Trust announces £750,000 investment in Exeter-based research centre
A pioneering new strategic research centre, that will aid health professionals design exercise plans to improve the everyday lives of young people with cystic fibrosis, has been launched.
Exeter physicist takes research to Parliament
A University of Exeter researcher has been selected from thousands of competitors to present his research to MPs and expert judges at the House of Parliament, on Monday March 7.
'Global Conversation' takes key issue of protecting oceans to Hong Kong
The latest research on the importance of marine biodiversity to global issues will be shared by leading experts from the University of Exeter at a special event in Hong Kong.
Beetles assert dominance by being a lover not a fighter, new research shows
Beetles that demonstrate same-sex sexual behaviour may be asserting dominance over rival males without having to resort to fighting, a new study has shown.
The overlooked commotion of particle motion in the ocean
Most aquatic species sense sound via particle motion, yet few studies on underwater acoustic ecology have included measurements of particle motion.
Dementia: “illness” label can lower mood
People who perceive dementia symptoms as an illness feel more negative than those who see it as an inevitable part of getting older, a new study indicates.
Water engineering students present research to industry specialists
Water engineering students from the University of Exeter are participating in a special event designed to highlight some of their world-changing research projects.
Intense competition for reproduction results in violent mass evictions
Intense levels of reproductive competition trigger violent evictions of male and female banded mongooses from their family groups, University of Exeter researchers have found.
New research helps solve the riddle of the ocean carbon conundrum
About a quarter of the carbon dioxide we release each year into the atmosphere ends up in the ocean, but how it happens is still not fully understood.
£1.5 million to train tomorrow’s scientists and engineers
The Government is investing £1.5 million in the University of Exeter, to train the next generation of innovators in physical science subjects.
Plankton faeces could move plastic pollution to the ocean depths
Plastic waste could find its way deep into the ocean through the faeces of plankton, new research from the University of Exeter and Plymouth Marine Laboratory shows.
New vaccine could save thousands of lives
Work led by University of Exeter experts could help to protect thousands of people from an often fatal disease found in most tropical regions.
Lower limit for future climate emissions needed, research says
The world can emit even less greenhouse gases than previously estimated if global warming is to be kept under control, a new study co-authored by a University of Exeter mathematician has found.
South West MEP celebrates success of University of Exeter EU-funded projects
South West MEP Clare Moody has met pioneering University of Exeter experts who are helping to boost economic growth and create jobs in the region.
Exeter student wins £1000 prize for pioneering plastics research project
A University of Exeter student has won a top £1,000 research award for her pioneering work into plankton and plastic.
Archaeology project will uncover Exeter’s hidden secrets
Secrets from Exeter’s past will be fully uncovered for the first time as part of a major archaeology project.
Exeter experts receive €700,000 grant to study the future security of water, food and energy provision
Researchers from the University of Exeter are leading a pioneering international research project to deliver new guidance for governments to safeguard long-term provision of crucial natural resources.
New Satellite Applications Catapult Centre of Excellence for region
The University of Exeter will be better able to support business growth thanks to a new partnership with the UK Space Agency.
More hands-on training for doctors required if policy changes
Research into views on whether doctors should be fully registered to practise on graduation has highlighted scope for improvements in the medical education training system.
Exeter leads €5 million research project to find essential new mineral deposits
University of Exeter scientists will lead a ground-breaking collaborative research project to discover new deposits of essential raw materials.
Deception and trickery are rife in natural world, scientist says in new book
A University of Exeter academic is the author of a new book that describes how animals and plants use ingenuity and cunning to exploit and mislead one another in order to survive and reproduce.
New inquiry into the cost, value and quality of teacher education and medical education
A major new inquiry run by academics at the University of Exeter could inform Government policy about the education of thousands of new teachers and doctors in England.
Gene could help identify psychosis risk in cannabis users
Researchers have identified a gene which can be used to predict how susceptible a young person is to the mind-altering effects of smoking cannabis.
New funding to develop cutting edge medical research ideas
The University of Exeter has received a slice of £23.2 million in Government funding for cutting-edge medical research to ensure academics can work with industry and that their research transforms medical care.
Scientists - Think more broadly to predict wildlife climate change survival
Scientists studying whether species can adapt to climate change should not simply focus on how far they can move, says a conservation biologist at the University of Exeter.
Exeter Expert outlines global water engineering research success
New technology developed by University of Exeter academics to detect water leaks has helped more than seven million people, according to a water expert.
Catastrophic failure of South American ice age dam changed Pacific Ocean circulation and climate
Research could help scientists understand potential effects of melting ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica.
Exeter’s world-leading climate change research showcased in prestigious science event
University of Exeter research into the impact of climate change will be featured at a prestigious science event in the USA, held this week.
Mathematician awarded £300,000 to study movement of wildebeest, reindeer and salmon
A University of Exeter mathematician has been awarded more than £300,000 ($450,000) to study collective behaviour and decision-making patterns in animals in the wild.
Childhood diabetes discoveries could lead to new treatments
Children who are diagnosed with diabetes before the age of seven develop a more aggressive form of the disease than that seen in teenagers, new research has revealed.
Motorboat noise gives predators a deadly advantage
The rate that fish are captured by predators can double when boats are motoring nearby, according to pioneering work led by a University of Exeter marine biologist.
Bee virus spread manmade and emanates from Europe
The spread of a disease that is decimating global bee populations is manmade, and driven by European honeybee populations, new research has concluded.
Computer models deliver stroke care boost to South West
People who have had a stroke in Devon are receiving faster and more effective treatment thanks to research that has used the latest advances in computer simulation.
Stress in fish from noise may be short-lived, new research shows
Two commercially important fish species can rapidly recover from stress attributed to short-term exposure to man-made underwater noise pollution, new research has shown.
Extreme weather threatens Britain’s coastline
Britain’s rocky coastline is being reshaped and eroded by the increasingly common extreme weather, University of Exeter researchers have found.
New research to protect cities now and in the future
New work by University of Exeter experts will enable better management of urban services affected by climate change-related hazards.
World is embracing clean energy, says University of Exeter professor
Renewable, energy efficient and flexible electricity sources are being adopted by policy makers and investors across the globe and this is sign of optimism in the battle against climate change.
Competition between mothers starts in the womb, new study suggests
Female mammals, including humans, may try to outcompete one another by producing bigger babies, ground-breaking research conducted by scientists at the University of Exeter has suggested.
'Global Conversation' takes key issue of climate change to London
The latest research on the impact of climate change on global issues including security, flooding, migration and risk of conflict will be shared by leading Exeter experts at a special event in London.
New technique to find copper deposits
A University of Exeter geologist has developed a new and relatively inexpensive way to establish whether certain types of magmatic rocks are more likely to contain valuable metal deposits.
Camouflage really does reduce the chances of being eaten
A ground-breaking study has confirmed the long held assumption that camouflage protects animals from the clutches of predators.
Climate change may have had a huge impact on ancient South American civilisations
Climate change may have brought huge disruption to ancient South American societies before Europeans arrived in 1492, University of Exeter academics have discovered.
Cornwall’s researchers lead €6m investigation into ‘Blue Health’
A new €6 million research project launches this month, aiming to shed light on how coasts and rivers affect the health of populations across Europe.
Exeter researcher awarded 1000th Leverhulme Fellowship
A leading behavioural ecologist from the University of Exeter has become the 1,000th researcher to receive a national fellowship for her pioneering research contributions in the field of social evolution and animal behaviour.
Exeter expert named in top 25 leaders in worldwide water industry
An engineering expert from the University of Exeter has been named among the top 25 industry leaders worldwide.
Study of violent decolonisation may provide lessons about insurgency today
A new study which examines the causes and consequences of anti-colonial violence following the Second World War may offer insights into current conflicts today in the Middle East and elsewhere.
University of Exeter research to help the teaching of foreign languages
Hundreds of students around the world will be surveyed as part of a University of Exeter study which could help to improve the teaching of foreign languages.
Exeter expert participates in pairing scheme to foster links between science and policy
A University of Exeter academic will spend three days shadowing Labour MEP Clare Moody in Brussels this week as part of a scheme to foster links between scientists and European policy makers.
£5500 gift to fund female mining student
A University of Exeter professor has presented a £5,500 cheque to the chair of the Camborne School of Mines (CSM) Trust to fund a new female scholarship in mining engineering.
Lizards camouflage themselves by choosing rocks that best match the colour of their backs
New research shows wild Aegean wall lizards found on Greek islands choose to sit on rocks that better match their individual colouring.
Crowd-funding launched to research and protect Dartmoor wildlife
A new crowd-funding initiative has been launched by a University of Exeter PhD researcher in a bid to secure backing to help expand their bird conservation research.
Tagging project confirms Sea of the Hebrides importance to basking sharks
A pioneering three-year project to learn some of the secrets of Scotland’s basking sharks by using satellite tag technology has shown an area off the west coast to be truly important for these giant fish.
Land management could help wildlife beat the challenges brought by climate change
The harmful effects of climate change on wildlife habitats can been counteracted by localised land management, a new research paper has suggested.
Easier diagnosis for fungal infection of the lungs
New clinical imaging method may enable doctors to tackle one of the main killers of patients with weakened immune systems sooner and more effectively.
Promiscuity could reduce benefits of successful mating, research shows
Mating with a large number of partners may not be as good an indicator of success as it appears, new research has shown.
People with dementia gain from learning self-management skills
People with early-stage dementia benefit when they are empowered to manage their own condition, a study led by researchers at the University of Exeter has found.
The Dennis and Mireille Gillings Foundation donates £1 million for cutting-edge medical research
The University of Exeter Medical School has received a £1 million donation from The Dennis and Mireille Gillings Foundation.
Exeter City FC is accumulating a significant heritage collection thanks to University of Exeter research
The legacy and impact of more than a hundred years of Exeter City FC will be showcased at home ground St James Park thanks to the work of University of Exeter academics.
New study gives squirrels plenty of food for thought
The age-old adage that ‘practice makes perfect’ has been found to illustrate how the humble grey squirrel solves problems in the search for food.
Collaboration to improve child mental health
A University of Exeter Medical School Professor is involved in a project to bring together specialists to find solutions to improve mental health services for school children across the country.
Beat the January blues with food, say Exeter researchers
If you are prone to the January blues after an over-indulgent festive season, you could help researchers at the University of Exeter discover whether healthy eating can ward off depression.
Exeter study offers free online depression therapy
In January, the most depressing month of the year, researchers are urging people to take up free therapy courses in a bid to help them find a definitive answer to what works best in online treatment for depression.
Media coverage focusing on slim majority of the Conservative Party influences voter perceptions
Voters who read media reports highlighting the slim Parliamentary majority of the Conservative Party are less likely to believe Prime Minister David Cameron can have an impact on their lives.
Mothers’ comments linked to eating disorders in Asian young adults
Study to look at the influence of Asian parents on their young adult child’s body dissatisfaction levels and disordered eating in Singapore.
Migrant values adapt over just one generation
Migrants’ thinking styles and social values rapidly shift over a single generation to become more similar to those of the wider society they have moved into, new research has indicated.
Pioneering study to help adults delay frailty and live independently for longer
A major study, involving researchers from the University of Exeter, has launched aiming to help older people stay fitter and live independently for longer.
Research indicates most accurate picture yet of how the Amazon will respond to climate change
Research indicates most accurate picture yet of how the Amazon will respond to climate change.
Dementia: new insights into causes of loss of orientation
New research has revealed how disease-associated changes in two interlinked networks within the brain may play a key role in the development of the symptoms of dementia.
Exeter scientist secures prestigious award
A University of Exeter scientist has been honoured by the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) for his ground-breaking research.
Small males have more sex appeal, new research shows
Female burying beetles are more attracted to small partners because they are less likely to get into fights, a study by researchers at the University of Exeter has found.
Updated app will boost Ménière’s research
Research into Ménière’s Disease is getting a big boost this week, with the release of a newly updated tool to record and analyse symptoms.
£2M grant to reduce major aquaculture diseases
The University of Exeter and the Centre for the Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas) are leading on a £1.97M BBSRC-Newton Fund project.
People face subconscious urges to over-eat at this time of year
People have evolved to have subconscious urges to over-eat, and limited ability to avoid becoming obese, especially in winter, a University of Exeter study has found.
Exeter Professor tops TEDx YouTube Channel playlist
A talk given by the University of Exeter’s Professor Michelle Ryan for the 2015 TEDxExeter talk series has been viewed nearly 70,000 times in the past six months, and tops a recent international compilation of TEDx talks on the way we work.
A far from perfect host
Biologists at the universities of Exeter and York have published new research which shows that an ancient symbiosis is founded entirely on exploitation, not mutual benefit.
