News archive

June 2019

Psychologists target root cause of soil erosion

Psychologists might hold the key to reducing soil erosion that wrecks pasture land belonging to the Maasai tribe in Tanzania.

New partnership to educating next generation of offshore renewable energy leaders

The University of Exeter is a key member of a new international partnership initiative designed to boost multilateral education partnerships to pioneer new developments addressing global challenges.

 

Rapid retreat of Arctic coastline revealed in images from the air

Extreme erosion of Arctic coastlines in a changing climate – up to a metre a day – has been revealed with drone surveys.

Exeter graduates donate over 75,000 hours to help Devon and Cornwall students thrive

To mark volunteers week (1-7 June), the University of Exeter is delighted to announce that since 2012 Exeter alumni have donated over 75,000 hours to the ‘Making the Exceptional Happen’ Campaign.

Exeter scientist wins world’s biggest science communication competition

A University of Exeter scientist has won FameLab International, a global competition to find the best new science communicators.

Exeter secures top 10 status in Guardian league table

The University of Exeter has been ranked as one of the top 10 UK universities in the UK in the influential Guardian University Guide 2020.

Exeter climate scientist appointed MBE

A leading climate scientist has been appointed MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Worm study sparks hope for slowing muscle decline

Muscle decline caused by ageing and certain diseases could be dramatically slowed by stopping a chain reaction that damages cells, new research shows.

OBE for scientist demonstrating devastating impact of plastic pollution

OBE for scientist demonstrating devastating impact of plastic pollution

Leading social mobility expert awarded OBE

Britain’s first Professor of Social Mobility has been awarded OBE for his work helping schools and universities to improve the prospects of disadvantaged young people

CBE for expert working to transform schools and children’s mental health services

An expert working to improve the mental health of children has been awarded CBE for her role in helping to transform health services and schools in the UK.

New toolkit to provide guidance on international cyber law

International lawyers and cyber experts have worked together to give new guidance on how countries may respond to malicious cyber operations such as computer hacking aimed at interfering with foreign elections.

Site of biggest ever meteorite collision in the UK discovered

The quest to discover the exact location of where the biggest meteorite hit the British Isles -around 1.2 billion years ago – has taken a new twist.

Students tackle some of the world’s Grand Challenges

Climate change, global security and mental health issues are some of the huge global challenges being tackled by University of Exeter students this week.

Team England surfs up for Medical School project manager

Team England have come calling for Doctor Claire Eatock from the University of Exeter Medical School to represent her country in the World Surf Kayak Championships.

Climate change benefits for giant petrels

Giant petrels will be “temporary” winners from the effects of climate change in the Antarctic region – but males and females will benefit in very different ways, a new study shows.

Video GP surgeries could curb need for face-to-face visits

Patients consulting their doctor by video link could reduce the need for GP visits but it is not suitable for everyone, a pilot study has found.

Consortium awarded extra funding to create £9million offshore renewables hub

A national consortium, including the University of Exeter, has been awarded additional funding to cement the UK’s position as a global leader in offshore renewable energy (ORE) innovation and research.

University of Exeter strengthens global partnerships in Canada

In early June 2019, the Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Steve Smith and the global partnerships team visited Canada to continue to strengthen Exeter’s links with universities around the world.

Armed conflict risks could be heightened by future climate impacts, study shows

Climate change could heighten the risk of future outbreaks of armed conflict and civil war, a study has said.

Rare map found in an attic gives extraordinary glimpse into life in the 18th century

A rare map found in an attic gives an extraordinary glimpse into 18th century life in Exeter before radical changes to the landscape and industry transformed the city.

Two hours a week is key dose of nature for health and wellbeing

Spending at least two hours a week in nature may be a crucial threshold for promoting health and wellbeing, according to a new large-scale study.

Migratory hoverflies ‘key’ as many insects decline

Migratory hoverflies are “key” to pollination and controlling crop pests amid the decline of many other insect species, new research shows.

Honeybee mite raises bumblebee virus risk

A mite that spreads a dangerous virus among honeybees also plays an indirect role in infecting wild bumblebees, new research shows.

From radical past to city’s lungs – past, present and future of urban commons explored

Experts are leading a major new project to explore the past, present and future of the public green spaces at the heart of our towns and cities.

“Power shift” needed to improve gender balance in energy research, report says

Women still face significant barriers in forging successful and influential careers in UK energy research, a new high-level report has revealed.

Climate change had significant impact on Amazon communities before arrival of Europeans, study shows

Climate change had a significant impact on people living in the Amazon rainforest before the arrival of Europeans and the loss of many indigenous groups, a new study shows.

Pioneering app transforms way people experience the history of Florence

The incredible history of Renaissance Florence can be explored through the eyes of characters who lived in the city hundreds of years ago thanks to a pioneering new app.

University of Exeter to host primary care conference

Latest research in general practice in frontline care will be showcased in the 48th annual Society for Academic Primary Care (SAPC) Conference arrives at the University of Exeter.

£6 million award to expand diabetes research excellence at Exeter

A £6 million Government award will enable Exeter’s globally-renowned diabetes research to expand to the next level, enabling even more benefit to patient care.

GPs should not use inflammatory marker tests to rule out serious conditions, finds study

Blood tests that detect inflammation, known as inflammatory marker tests, are not sensitive enough to rule out serious underlying conditions.

Exeter remains in top 200 in QS World University Rankings

The University of Exeter has retained its position inside the top 200 universities worldwide, according to the latest influential international league table.

Free interactive public event at Exeter’s Living Systems Institute

People of all ages will be given a fascinating insight into some of the pioneering research taking place at the University of Exeter’s Living Systems Institute at a special public event.

Plate tectonics may have driven “Cambrian Explosion”, study shows

The quest to discover what drove one of the most important evolutionary events in the history of life on Earth has taken a new, fascinating twist.

Online brain game helps you eat less meat

If you want to live a healthier life and help save the planet then the science points to eating less meat. 

Beauty and power of summer solstice at Stonehenge celebrated in new poem

The beauty and power of the summer solstice at Stonehenge has been celebrated in a new poem by a leading writer as part of a unique project to stimulate literary creativity around the country.

Colour change and behaviour enable multi-coloured chameleon prawns to survive

Chameleon prawns change colour to camouflage themselves as the seaweed around them changes seasonally, new research shows.

Skin bacteria could save frogs from virus

Bacteria living on the skin of frogs could save them from a deadly virus, new research suggests.

Penryn students make waves at international solar-powered boat competition

A team of intrepid students from the University of Exeter has been making waves at a special, pan-European eco-racing competition.

Crop pests more widespread than previously known

Insects and diseases that damage crops are probably present in many places thought to be free of them, new research shows.

Significant UK air quality improvements over past 40 years cut death rates

Policies to improve air quality in the UK over the past 40 years have led to significant reductions in pollution and associated mortality rates, a new study has found.

Health Data Research UK to fund Exeter Masters programme in health data science

A newly funded Masters programme at the University of Exeter will equip health professionals with the skills to use big data in the NHS.

High quality genomics Masters now available online

Health professionals across the world can now register for the first certified online-only genomics programme in which students do not need to visit the university.

Volcanoes, nanoparticles and wireless chargers: women in science showcase research in town centre

The public is invited to see women in science present their research in Princesshay on Saturday June 29.

Roman road and possible mine discovered during Cornish archaeological excavations

Archaeologists have discovered a Roman road and possible ancient mine during excavations in Cornwall as they work to discover more about the history of the county.