News archive

September 2019

Impact of climate change on global banana yields revealed

Climate change could negatively impact banana cultivation in some of the world’s most important producing and exporting countries, a study has revealed.

Babies’ own genes influence when they are born

Large genetic study involving data from Exeter mothers and babies reveals new insights into pregnancy duration and the timing of delivery.

Iconic folk song "Widecombe Fair” didn’t originate from Devon village, new book reveals

The quest to discover the true origins behind one of the most quintessentially English folk songs has taken a new, surprise twist.

Major fungal research centre moves to Exeter

A top research centre focussed on tackling fungal diseases has relocated to the University of Exeter.

Rising research star receives prestigious ERC funding award

A rising research star at the University of Exeter has received a significant funding boost from the European Research Council (ERC), it has been announced.

Tickets available for free, family-friendly weekend event in Bude

A spectacular weekend of sound, light, music and art will bring together regional and international artists to explore the connection between coastal living and wellbeing.

Major new study tracing the history of psychiatry will show roots of today’s global mental health

A major new study of the history of psychiatry will show how efforts to create a “global standard” for mental health has left a lasting legacy on the treatment offered today.

European Research Council funding success for Exeter academics

Two researchers from the University of Exeter are celebrating after receiving a significant funding boost from the European Research Council (ERC).

Genetic factors influencing adult obesity take effect in early childhood

Body mass index (BMI) in infants, children and adults is influenced by different genetic factors that change as we age, according to a major new study.

The Argument for Sexual Selection in Bacteria

Sexual selection can sometimes explain phenomena that natural selection alone cannot, and some bacteria could also exhibit sexual selection, researchers at the University of Exeter argue.

Snack tax may be more effective than a sugary drink tax to tackle obesity

Research involving the University of Exeter Medical School finds that the effect of taxing high sugar snacks is double that seen for a similar price increase on sugar sweetened drinks.

University of Exeter and BMT partner up to enhance technical excellence

University of Exeter and BMT are celebrating the signing of a new collaboration agreement. 

When should NHS contact patients over faulty genes?

The NHS and health services worldwide need to develop policies on when patients should be “re-contacted” about faulty genes, as the current lack of guidance creates a dilemma for health services, experts have warned.

Genetics Society awards for two Exeter Academics

Two academics at the University of Exeter are set to receive prestigious awards from the Genetics Society.

Exeter retains top 150 global position in latest rankings

The University of Exeter has retained its place in the top 150 universities worldwide in the latest influential league table.

Powerful poetry project mapping national and cultural identity extends deadline to 31 October to chart Brexit emotions

An extraordinary project, which enables poetry writers to post their work on a beautiful historical and a modern-day digital map, has been charting the way people feel about identity and place in England and Wales since May 2019. 

New research warns incentives to plead guilty can undermine the right to a fair trial

New research suggests that the right to a fair trial can be undermined by benefits associated with pleading guilty, and that such benefits are putting pressure on vulnerable defendants to admit to crimes they did not commit.

The “pathobiome” – a new understanding of disease

Cefas and University of Exeter scientists have presented a novel concept describing the complex microbial interactions that lead to disease in plants, animals and humans.  

Young Researcher Award for diabetes and pregnancy specialist

An academic specialising in diabetes and pregnancy has been recognised with an international award.

Drama and impact of cricket captured by Kia Oval’s first Poet-in-Residence

The beauty and history of cricket – a game which has captivated the country this summer - will be captured in verse by the Kia Oval’s first Poet-in-Residence.

Pioneering University of Exeter research nominated for higher education “Oscars”

Two pioneering University of Exeter research projects which will help bring about major reforms to divorce law and improve lives for people with dementia in care homes have been nominated for prestigious awards.

New films bring forgotten lives of women in Franco’s Spain to life for a new generation

The lives of remarkable women whose impact on history was curtailed by Spain’s Franco dictatorship will be recreated for a new generation thanks to a major new historical project.

Physiologist wins prestigious sport medicine award

A University of Exeter professor has won a prestigious award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to sport medicine and the exercise sciences.

Survey launches to improve continence in children with disabilities

A survey for parents, carers, and health professionals has launched to assess how the NHS manages continence for children with disabilities or special educational needs.

Scanning the lens of the eye could predict type 2 diabetes and prediabetes

New research shows that specialist measuring of the lens in the eye can predict patients with type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) (also known as prediabetes, a condition that often leads to full blown type 2 diabetes).

Discovery of rare Roman cattle bones sheds new light on ancient farming

The “incredibly rare” discovery of Roman cattle bones by archaeologists has shed new light on how ancient farmers butchered and sold meat.

Inter-microbial warfare may help overcome fungal infection

A new £2.7 million research programme will investigate whether a ‘nanoweapon’ could be deployed in the global battle against deadly fungal infections.

Voters expect much more from political parties who win decisive election victories

Voters expect much more from politicians when the media describes them as having won a decisive electoral victory, research shows.

Spotlight shines on “invisible” family carers though poignant public art display

A poignant public art display will shine the spotlight on the pivotal, yet often unseen, role played by family carers across both Devon and the wider UK.

Parental involvement plays key role in children’s academic attainment, research shows

New research has shown how parental engagement has a positive effect on a child’s academic attainment – regardless of age or socio-economic status.

Exeter receives substantial funding boost for business growth

The University of Exeter has received an £800,000 funding boost to create a vibrant and innovative ‘Enterprise Zone’, it has been announced.

Exeter retains position amongst UK’s best universities in influential rankings

Exeter has retained its position amongst the best universities in the UK, according to the latest influential rankings.

New study to explore the history of sexual violence in South Africa

A major new study will explore the history of sexual violence of South Africa, drawing on the voices of women.

Diving birds follow each other when fishing

Diving seabirds watch each other to work out when to dive, new research shows.

First nurses embark on pioneering new Exeter programme

The first intake of nurses today (Monday September 23) embark on a ground-breaking new pre-registration Masters programme at the University of Exeter.

Celebration of major new partnership between the University of Exeter and Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery

Experts from the University of Exeter and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery (RAMM) are celebrating the start of a major new partnership.

Devon's Net-Zero Task Force hits the ground running at its first meeting

The first step in Devon’s journey towards carbon neutrality was taken today when Devon’s Net-Zero Task Force met for the first time.

University of Exeter pledges to support the Armed Forces community by signing the Armed Forces Covenant

In recognition of the value that serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to the University, the University of Exeter has pledged their support to the Armed Forces community by signing the Armed Forces Covenant.

Wanted: five volunteers to join scientific research mission to Antarctica

The search is on for five passionate individuals to travel to Earth’s most remote continent and join Antarctic Scientist Kirstie Jones-Williams, from the University of Exeter, on a first-of-its-kind scientific research mission in December.

Jackdaws learn from each other about ‘dangerous’ humans

Jackdaws can learn from each other to identify “dangerous” humans, new research shows.

Alumni fund research into mitigating impacts of sport and leisure in the marine environment

Scientists know that light, litter and noise are all major stressors on marine life but we don’t yet have a full understanding of their combined and comparative effects on the environment. However this is set to change thanks to two Exeter alumni. 

Exeter climate expert plays pivotal role in stark IPCC report

A world-leading climate scientist from the University of Exeter has played a pivotal role in the latest Special Report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

Pupils given ‘out of this world’ virtual tour of exoplanets

Schoolchildren are being given an ‘out of this world’ opportunity to explore distant worlds discovered and studied by astronomers and climate scientists– all from the comfort of their classroom.

Celebrate the world’s languages and cultures at Exeter’s Translation Festival

The beauty of the thousands of languages around the globe will be marked at events across Exeter.

Basking sharks exhibit different diving behaviour depending on the season, a new study shows

Tracking the world’s second-largest shark species has revealed that it moves to different depths depending on the time of year.

New washing machine filter breaks down plastic microfibres

Plastic microfibres that come off clothes in washing machines can be degraded and dissolved by a new filter developed at the University of Exeter.

New calculator will help clinicians diagnose diabetes more accurately

A new calculator developed by the University of Exeter will help clinicians classify whether a patient has type 1 or type 2 diabetes, ensuring they get the best treatment and reducing complications.

Domestic violence and abuse: how NIHR research is helping families in the South West

Research shows that only half of children affected by domestic violence and abuse are known to social services and only 42 per cent receive support from a specialist abuse service.

Cornwall could lead circular economy transition

Cornwall could be at the cutting edge of a transition towards a “circular economy”.

World-leading stem cell researcher appointed new Director of Living Systems Institute

One of the world’s most influential and renowned stem cell researchers has been appointed as the new Director of the University of Exeter’s Living Systems Institute.

Leading dementia research charity funds vital equipment at the University of Exeter

Alzheimer’s Research UK has committed nearly £30,000 to support pioneering dementia research at the University of Exeter.