News archive

July 2017

A fifth of male fish in UK rivers now ‘trans-gender’ due to chemicals in human waste

Anti-depressants flushed down the loo reduce natural shyness in fish.

Physicists read Maxwell’s Demon’s mind

Pioneering research offers a fascinating view into the inner workings of the mind of ‘Maxwell’s Demon’, a famous thought experiment in physics.

Rising stars of research at Exeter receive MRC fellowships

Prestigious fellowships from the Medical Research Council (MRC) will help nurture the next generation of research excellence at the University of Exeter.

Bowel cancer diagnosis delayed by other illness

A new study revealed that additional serious long-term health conditions, such as heart disease, can push a bowel cancer diagnosis back by up to twenty six days.

Research could give insight into genetic basis of the human muscle disease, myopathy

Pioneering research using the tropical zebrafish could provide new insights into the genetic basis of myopathy, a type of human muscle disease.

Sharks could hold genetic secret to long life

Greenland sharks, the longest living vertebrate on earth, which are found off the coast of Britain, could hold the secret to long life, geneticists mapping their DNA have predicted.

Medical School launches Exeter Expert Series in Genomics

The University of Exeter Medical School will launch the first course in its Expert Series in Genomics this Autumn 2017.

Exeter students rub shoulders with international experts

University of Exeter students got the chance to trade ideas with a host of prestigious experts during the ever-evolving Grand Challenges programme last week.

Research reveals West Antarctic Ice Sheet loss over the last 11,000 years

Wind-driven incursions of warm water have forced the retreat of glaciers in West Antarctica over the last millennia, new research has revealed.

From pet to ‘perfect invader’ - the spread of lionfish

A predatory fish species thought to have reached new oceans after being released from aquariums is the “perfect invader”, an expert has said.

Research shortfall on common form of dementia highlighted

New research has highlighted the scarcity of evidence on the prognosis of dementia with Lewy bodies.

Child’s portions of fish and chips on menu as fish shrink

Sea-bass and sardines to replace cod because of climate change.

Interactive family events to give public fascinating insight into space weather

People of all ages will be given a fascinating insight into the future of pioneering space weather research, during a special series of interactive events, later this month.

Help tackle climate change in Exeter

Researchers will discuss how climate change could affect Exeter at an event on Thursday 13 July.

Research looks into whether sea spray is losing its sparkle

Pioneering new research has given a fresh insight into the crucial role that sea spray plays in climate change.

Experience sights of ancient Exeter using virtual reality

People can step back in time and experience what it would have been like to live among the crowded streets of Georgian Exeter thanks to virtual reality.

Football boosts bone development in boys

Playing football can improve bone development in adolescent boys, new research shows.

Exeter secures EPSRC grant to revolutionise wireless technologies

The University of Exeter has received a multi-million pound research grant to pioneer new techniques and materials to control and manipulate electromagnetic and acoustic energy.

Exeter shortlisted for Global Teaching Excellence Award

The University of Exeter is amongst a select group of institutions shortlisted for a major new global teaching award.

Squirrels have long memory for problem solving

Squirrels can remember problem-solving techniques for long periods and can apply them to new situations, researchers have discovered.

Exeter Chiefs Head Coach among this year’s honorary graduates from University of Exeter

Exeter Chiefs Head Coach Rob Baxter will be awarded an honorary degree from the University of Exeter after the rugby team’s stunning performance this season.

Clownfish males become fierce females if their ‘wife’ is eaten

Male clownfish, immortalised in the film Finding Nemo, change sex completely if their female mate is eaten or dies, research by marine biologists shows.

Alcohol boosts recall of earlier learning

Drinking alcohol improves memory for information learned before the drinking episode began, new research suggests.

One social hour a week in dementia care improves lives and saves money

Person-centred activities combined with just one hour a week of social interaction can improve quality of life in care homes.

Daily crosswords linked to sharper brain in later life

The more regularly people report doing word puzzles such as crosswords, the better their brain function in later life, a large-scale and robust online trial has found.

Dementia researchers gear up for epic cycle challenge

A group of dedicated and intrepid dementia researchers are gearing up to cycle 350 miles to raise £12,000 for Alzheimer’s Society

Green Flag Awards for University of Exeter campuses

The University of Exeter has won Green Flag Awards for its picturesque and eco-friendly campuses.

Scientists shed new light on the complex and intricate processes that help the body combat stress

Scientists have developed a pioneering new approach to reveal how the body releases hormones in order to combat stress.

People with dementia benefit from goal-oriented therapy

Personalised cognitive rehabilitation therapy can help people with early stage dementia significantly improve their abilities.

‘No solid evidence’ for biopesticide-diarrhoea link

A report commissioned by EU food regulators wrongly linked a highly effective biopesticide with diarrhoea in humans, an expert says.

One minute of running per day associated with better bone health in women

A single minute of exercise each day is linked to better bone health in women, new research shows. 

Sea temperature changes contributing to droughts

Fluctuations in sea surface temperature are a factor in causing persistent droughts, research suggests. 

Ancient fish trap gives new clues about history of erosion on Britain’s coastline

An ancient Saxon fishing trap exposed for the first time in centuries thanks to radical environmental change has provided new clues about the history of coastal erosion in Britain.

One in three cases of dementia could be prevented by targeting risk factors from childhood onwards

One in three cases of dementia could be potentially prevented if brain health is improved throughout life.

Supporting coastal communities in Southeast Asia

A group of UK researchers have been awarded funding to help support coastal communities in East and South East Asia that depend on healthy and diverse marine ecosystems.

Mother and daughter graduate at the same time – and both plan to become teachers

A mother of five who studied for a degree as a mature student despite not attending secondary school has graduated at the same time as her daughter.

New data experts graduate from the University of Exeter

The first of a new generation of social science students trained how to analyse vast amounts of data while completing degrees in politics or sociology have graduated from the University of Exeter.

Exeter graduates make elephant conservation film

Two University of Exeter graduates have visited Nigeria to make a film promoting conservation of elephants and their forest habitat.

Dementia researchers raise thousands for Alzheimer’s Society in epic bike challenge

Five researchers at the University of Exeter have pedalled from London to Paris, raising thousands of pounds for Alzheimer’s Society.

Exeter researcher wins prestigious diabetes research award

An Exeter researcher has just been awarded £362,337 from leading charity Diabetes UK to understand if certain genes can protect people from developing Type 2 diabetes.

Men were diagnosed as infertile in medieval times – and recipes drawn up to cure them, research shows

Men could be held responsible for the failure to produce children as far back as medieval times, a new study of medical and religious texts has shown.

From engineering to IT: 1,000 Exeter students become apprentices

University of Exeter apprentices have helped Exeter College celebrate sending its 1,000th apprentice to hundreds of employers around the city.

Moth larvae testing firm wins grant

A spinout company, which provides moth larvae for use in scientific testing – reducing the need for tests on mice and rats – has won a £100,000 grant.

Grown-up gannets find favourite fishing grounds

Like humans, some birds can spend years learning and exploring before developing more settled habits. 

Two new appointments made to University Council

Two of the UK’s leading authorities in the health and aerospace sectors have been appointed as independent members of the University of Exeter’s governing body.

Exeter students in Nairobi trip

Students are visiting Kenya as part of a week-long experience designed to help them develop their employability skills, cultural intelligence and widen their global networks.

How camouflaged birds decide where to blend in

Animals that rely on camouflage can choose the best places to conceal themselves based on their individual appearance, new research shows.

Can singing help overcome impact of strokes?

Researchers are seeking volunteers to help study the benefits of singing groups for people with a communication disorder associated with strokes.