News archive

September 2016

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.

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.

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.

Exeter professor awarded prestigious diabetes prize

A world-leading diabetes expert at the University of Exeter Medical School has won a top international Diabetes prize in recognition of his research and its worldwide impact on patient care.

Exeter maintains strong position in influential world ranking

The University of Exeter has maintained its strong position inside the top 200 universities worldwide, in the latest influential international league table.

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.

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.

Lifesaving medical student wins hero award

A medical student’s dedication and life-saving first aid skills have won him the St John’s Ambulance Volunteer of the Year award.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Exeter Provost appointed to prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) panel

Professor Janice Kay, Provost and Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, has been appointed to the high-level Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) panel.

World-renowned clinical epidemiologist to visit Exeter

A world-renowned expert in diagnostic test evaluation will come to Exeter in March as a Visiting International Academic Fellow at the University of Exeter Medical School.

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.

'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.

University of Exeter sports coaches full of pride for silver medal winning alumni Paralympian Crystal Lane

Eight years ago Crystal Lane spent endless hours at the University of Exeter training to become one of the world’s best Paralympic cyclists.

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.

Exeter extends China careers fair portfolio

Attendance has doubled at the successful Careers Fairs in Shanghai and Beijing, organised by the GW4 consortium of the Universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter.  

New guide to Devon’s top swear words and insults

Calling someone a nippy or ninnycock today might not cause much offence – but hundreds of years ago if you wanted to be rude these were among a rich choice of crude words available.

Exeter cements position amongst global top in influential global rankings

The University of Exeter has cemented its position as being amongst the top universities worldwide, in a respected global league table (released today).

Exeter secures ‘best of the South West’ position in Times Good University Guide

Exeter has been named the top university in the South West in the influential The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017.

University of Exeter to join elite BUCS Super Rugby League

The University of Exeter is set to play a pivotal role when a thrilling new era of student rugby competition kicks off this season.

Exeter graduate to play pivotal role in saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle

The humble hedgehog is to be given a helping hand in its fight for survival, thanks to a recent graduate from the University of Exeter.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Exeter scientists awarded prestigious Royal Society University Research Fellowships

Three outstanding early-career scientists from the University of Exeter have been bestowed with prestigious fellowships from the Royal Society.

Exeter expert urges scrutiny of genome editing

New methods of genome editing which could increase food production rates in farmed animals require urgent ethical scrutiny, according to a University of Exeter expert.

Future increase in plant photosynthesis revealed by seasonal carbon dioxide cycle

Doubling of the carbon dioxide concentration will cause global plant photosynthesis to increase by about one third, according to a paper published in the journal Nature

Ocean giants and pasty thieves… the next episode of NatureWatch is here

The elusive basking shark takes centre stage in the latest fascinating instalment of NatureWatch, released today.

Prestigious Space Weather symposium announced at University of Exeter

Some of the world’s leading experts will gather at the University of Exeter to take part in a prestigious event, designed to examine the future of pioneering space weather research.