News
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Litter problem at England’s protected coasts
Beaches in or near England’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have the same levels of litter as those in unprotected areas, new research shows.
Experts to develop new ways of monitoring and tackling extreme right-wing online forums
University of Exeter experts will develop new ways to better monitor activity on extreme right-wing online forums linked with terrorism as part of a major new research project.
University and health trusts collaborating to accelerate genomic testing
Academics and clinicians across Devon and Cornwall are collaborating and innovating to improve testing capacity for COVID-19.
Couples should work as a team and make plans for the future to ensure their relationship thrives during coronavirus lockdown, experts say
Couples trying to cope with the coronavirus lockdown should work as a team and make future plans to keep their relationship strong during the crisis, experts have said.
Pioneering project to unlock decision making process behind larval settlement on coral receives funding boost
A new research project, designed to unlock a greater understanding of one of the key factors that affects coral recovery, has received a significant funding boost.
Plant root hairs ‘unrecognized heroes’ that hold the soil together, research shows.
The tiny hairs found on plant roots play a pivotal role in helping reduce soil erosion, a new study has found.
Newly discovered letters shed new light on Thomas Hardy’s “genuine love match” second marriage
Newly discovered letters show Thomas Hardy’s second wife’s joy and happiness at her marriage, and her sadness and loneliness after his death.
‘Tequila’ powered biofuels could be used for transport fuel and hand sanitizer, research shows
The agave plant - which is used to make tequila – could be the key ingredient to unlocking a new way of producing environmentally-friendly transport fuel and hand sanitizer, new research has found.
Exeter researchers discover a novel chemistry to protect our crops from fungal disease
Pathogenic fungi pose a huge and growing threat to global food security.
Medical student inspired to write children’s book to explain coronavirus
A medicine student at the University of Exeter has created cute characters and a rhyming story to explain covid-19 to children.
Interactive product labels require new regulations, study warns
Artificial intelligence will be increasingly used on labels on food and other products in the future to make them interactive, and regulations should be reformed now so they take account of new innovations, a study warns.
Self-care for ministers and providing clear information for parishioners essential to help church communities experiencing trauma due to Coronavirus, new advice says
Ensuring ministers look after their physical and mental health and providing clear information for parishioners is key to helping church communities cope with the trauma of coronavirus, new advice says.
Jim Sibson of Babcock International Group Appointed as Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Exeter
The University of Exeter has appointed Jim Sibson as an Honorary Associate Professor.
Global study shows how marine species respond as oceans warm
A global analysis of over 300 marine species spanning more than 100 years, shows that mammals, plankton, fish, plants and seabirds have been changing in abundance as our climate warms.
Engineering Director of SC Group, Steve Austen, appointed Associate Honorary Professor
One of the UK’s foremost mechanical engineers, Steve Austen, has been appointed as an Associate Honorary Professor at the University of Exeter.
Rising research star at Exeter secures prestigious Biochemical Society award
A rising research star at the University of Exeter has received a prestigious national award, it has been announced.
Funding appeal launched for potential Covid-19 test
A funding appeal has been launched to help fast-track the development of a “pocket laboratory” that carries out quick, accurate and cost-effective blood tests that could revolutionise how health professionals track, trace and monitor the spread of the coronavirus Covid-19.
Exeter genomics scientists to battle spread of coronavirus
Scientists and clinicians in Exeter are part of a £20 million investment to unlock the secrets of COVID-19.
Film fans can explore Hollywood icon Vivien Leigh’s South West links thanks to major new study
She achieved global stardom thanks to iconic roles in Gone with the Wind and A Streetcar Named Desire. Now the public can explore how Vivien Leigh had strong links to the South West as well as Hollywood as part of a major new project.
Electric cars better for climate in 95% of the world
Fears that electric cars could actually increase carbon emissions are unfounded in almost all parts of the world, new research shows.
Exeter sea turtle expert on Forbes 30 Under 30 list
A University of Exeter researcher has been chosen for the Forbes “30 Under 30” list of innovators in science and heath across Europe.
Medical student wins highly competitive scholarship to intern with top Medical Journal
A medical student has won a highly competitive scholarship to intern with BMJ, going through an intense selection process to achieve the funding.
“Blind over-reliance” on AI technology to manage international migration could lead to serious breaches of human rights, study warns
Over-reliance by countries on artificial intelligence to tackle international migration and manage future migration crisis could lead to serious breaches of human rights, a new study warns.
University of Exeter new partner in £2.8million ESRC investment in social science methods training
University of Exeter experts will help to train academics from throughout the UK in cutting-edge research methods as part of a major new national initiative.
Mysterious bone circles made from the remains of mammoths reveal clues about Ice Age
Mysterious bone circles made from the remains of dozens of mammoths have revealed clues about how ancient communities survived Europe’s ice age.
Exeter’s Ocean Technology Group selected to receive Scottish Government support for Floating Offshore Wind innovation
An engineering research team at the University of Exeter’s Offshore Renewable Energy Group will carry out research into innovative mooring systems for floating offshore wind energy applications.
Type 1 diabetes is not one but two distinct conditions, defined by diagnosis age
Children who are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes under the age of seven have a different form (or “endotype”) of the condition compared with those diagnosed aged 13 or above, new research has shown.
Ship noise hampers crab camouflage
Colour-changing crabs struggle to camouflage themselves when exposed to noise from ships, new research shows.
LGBTQ+ heritage of museum collections to be revealed and celebrated as part of major new project
LGBTQ+ heritage embedded in the rich collections at Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM) will be revealed and celebrated as part of a major new collaboration, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Older beetle parents ‘less flexible’
Older parents are less flexible when it comes to raising their offspring, according to a new study of beetles.
Low blood pressure linked to high mortality in older adults
International blood pressure guidelines may require review, according to new research that found a link between low blood pressure and higher mortality rates.
Scientists explore potential to manipulate genes to control invasive species
Scientists are manipulating genes that could solve environmental sustainability and conservation problems in Australian environments.
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Tropical forests’ carbon sink is already rapidly weakening
The ability of the world’s tropical forests to remove carbon from the atmosphere is decreasing, according to a study tracking 300,000 trees over 30 years, published today in Nature.
Facebook “prominent gateway” to untrustworthy websites during 2016 US presidential election, study shows
Facebook was the most prominent gateway to untrustworthy websites during the 2016 US Presidential election, a new study shows.
£73,000 funding to drive forward dementia diagnosis technology
A dementia diagnosis software system developed at the University of Exeter has received three grants totalling £73,000.
Jellyfish help understand the timing of egg production
Key protein has links to regulators of vertebrate feeding and reproduction
Students in 24-hour row to prep for Atlantic record bid and female athlete research project
Two Exeter doctors will row for 24 hours in the first phase of preparation for an epic 3,000 mile world record bid across the Atlantic.
Three new prestigious NIHR Senior Investigator awards for Exeter academics
Three health researchers at the University of Exeter have been recognised as among the most prominent and prestigious in the country to be funded by the Government health research arm, NIHR.
Ocean changes almost starved life of oxygen
Chemical changes in the oceans more than 800 million years ago almost destroyed the oxygen-rich atmosphere that paved the way for complex life on Earth, new research suggests.
Drug shows promise in reducing deadly brain swelling after stroke
Cases of potentially deadly brain damage as a result of stroke could be reduced after new research identified a pathway in the brain that causes swelling, and which responds to an innovative treatment.
Male-killing bugs hold key to butterflies’ curious colour changes
It is a spectacular butterfly breed with an intriguing back story – now scientists have revealed how male-killing bacteria are helping to create a dazzling hybrid of the African monarch.
Award winning anaesthesia innovation reduces cost and carbon footprint
An award winning innovation being used in theatres at the Royal Cornwall Hospital is saving money and helping to save the planet.
Activism and growth of small independent publishers leading to “profound change” for translated fiction, research shows
Activism, new networks and the growth of small independent presses is leading to profound change in the way translated fiction is published, a new study shows.
Sugar levy had no lasting negative impacts on the UK soft drinks industry
Leading UK soft drinks companies continued to experience positive growth in their share prices, despite widespread industry fears the tax would harm their businesses, researchers have found.
New national circular economy coordinators announced
First investment of a £30m initiative supporting the UK’s transition to a circular economy
Art created by people living with dementia displayed in Exeter
Banners created by people living with dementia who worked with a trio of well-known artists will be on display in Exeter until the end of March.
Seagulls favour food humans have handled
Seagulls favour food that has been handled by humans, new research shows.
World-leading plastics research team collect Queen’s Anniversary prize
Prince Charles has awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher Education to a team at the University of Exeter.
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Jet stream not getting ‘wavier’ despite Arctic warming
Rapid Arctic warming has not led to a “wavier” jet stream around the mid-latitudes in recent decades, pioneering new research has shown.
Nine new staff join Global Systems Institute
A University of Exeter research institute has been boosted by the arrival of nine new staff.
Male doctoral graduates more likely to have a full-time, permanent job than their female counterparts, study shows
Male doctoral graduates are more likely to get a permanent job compared to their female counterparts, a new study shows.
£152,000 grant to investigate brain processes linked to diabetes
A grant of £152,000 will allow researchers to investigate how manipulating specific brain cells can impact the body’s response to changes in blood sugar levels, which may help uncover the processes involved in diabetes.
Researchers to investigate impact of shame on doctors, medical students and patients as part of major new study
Patients, doctors and medical students will share their experiences of shame as part of a new project that aims to understand the impact that the emotion has on healthcare.
South American volcano shows potential signs of instability, research shows
One of South America’s most prominent volcanoes is producing early signals of potential instability, new research has shown.
Trial finds benefits to people and wildlife from beavers living wild in English countryside
A major five-year study into the impacts of beavers on the English countryside has concluded that the water-living mammals can bring measurable benefits to people and wildlife.
Stress in small children separated from their parents may alter genes
Experts in the emotional needs of small children say increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol in babies and small children who are separated from their parents could have a long-term genetic impact.
Sugar levels in UK soft drinks lowered following government levy
The government’s Soft Drinks Industry Levy has resulted in soft drinks manufacturers lowering sugar levels in their drinks
Build-up of brain proteins affects genes in Alzheimer’s disease
New research has shed fresh light on how the build-up of two proteins in the brain might affect the activity of genes involved in Alzheimer’s disease.
University of Exeter wins £4 million extension for health and housing project
The University of Exeter has announced that it has been awarded £4 million in further funding to continue with a project researching technology, health and housing in Cornwall.
Exeter in global initiative to use wearables to revolutionise dementia detection
The University of Exeter is part of a global initiative to revolutionise the early detection of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Testosterone levels affect risk of metabolic disease and cancers
Having genetically higher testosterone levels increases the risk of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes in women, while reducing the risk in men. Higher testosterone levels also increase the risks of breast and endometrial cancers in women, and prostate cancer in men.
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Power of older people could save villages
Older people could hold the key to revitalising rural communities, researchers say.
People power key to new wildlife havens
People power will be the driving force behind new wildlife havens in three Cornish towns.
Beach clean data could boost science
Beach cleans can provide vital information on plastic pollution, researchers say.
Ceremony marks handover of Exeter’s new VSimulators facility
Distinguished guests have gathered to participate in a special ceremony, to mark the handover of a new building that will house the University of Exeter’s pioneering VSimulators experimental facility.
Anxiety-suffering sons of the gentry suffered from emotional turmoil, letters show
Younger sons of the gentry faced so much emotional turmoil from having to make their own way in the world they suffered from anxiety, research shows.
£1.2 million USA grant to investigate psychosis in Alzheimer’s disease
Funding expected to total £1.2 million ($1,566,874) over four years from the USA’s National Institutes of Health (NIH) will help Exeter academics advance understanding about the underlying biological mechanisms leading to some people with Alzheimer’s disease developing psychosis.
Fundraising campaign hits target one year early
£60 million raised to support students and research at Exeter
Research into ecosystem-based solutions to climate change receives philanthropic support
A project exploring how carbon capture and storage can help limit global warming to a 1.5°C temperature rise has received philanthropic funding from American organisation, One Earth.
$55,000 grant supports research into healthy oceans
A project to help more accurately measure the health of our oceans has been supported with a grant from the Simons Foundation.
Genetics professor in top 100 inspirational women in healthcare leadership
A University of Exeter genetics researcher has been recognised in the top 100 inspirational women in healthcare.
Climate scientist receives prestigious ERC funding award
One of the University of Exeter’s most talented climate researchers has received a significant funding boost from the European Research Council (ERC), it has been announced.
Zoo improvements should benefit all animals
Zoo improvements should benefit all animals and include a wide range of “enrichment” techniques, researchers say.
Tougher start could help captive-bred game birds
Tougher early lives could help captive-bred game birds develop survival skills for adulthood in the wild, new research suggests.
Shortness of breath and cough increase as first symptom of lung cancer
GPs are being urged to consider shortness of breath and cough as potential predictors of lung cancer, after a study found they were becoming more common as the first symptom in diagnosis.
Cutting road transport pollution could help plants grow
Cutting emissions of particular gases could improve conditions for plants, allowing them to grow faster and capture more carbon, new research suggests.
Turtle tracking reveals key feeding grounds
Loggerhead turtles feed in the same places year after year – meaning key locations should be protected, researchers say.
Autoimmunity may explain why an important immune system is absent in many bacteria
New findings from University of Exeter researchers reveal how bacterial immune systems can be harmful for their hosts and explain why they are not found in many bacteria.
Offering hope to Amish families affected by genetic disorders
A landmark translational research project called the Windows of Hope project, led by researchers from the University of Exeter, has defined more than 150 different genetic disorders in North American Anabaptist (Amish/Mennonite) communities.
New technique to study molecules and materials on quantum simulator discovered
A new technique to study the properties of molecules and materials on a quantum simulator has been discovered.
Perception of when its acceptable to sacrifice one person to save a larger group led by cultural differences, research shows
Cultural differences play a pivotal role in how people in different parts of the world perceive when it is acceptable to sacrifice one person to save a larger group, new research has shown.
Poor mental health “both cause and effect” of school exclusion
Children with mental health needs require urgent support from primary school onwards to avoid exclusion, which can be both cause and effect of poor mental health, new research concludes.
Arctic sea ice can’t ‘bounce back’
Arctic sea ice cannot “quickly bounce back” if climate change causes it to melt, new research suggests.
Medicine co-director in top 100 inspirational women in healthcare leadership
A cancer researcher who heads up the medicine programme has been recognised in the top 100 inspirational women in healthcare.
Strongly ‘handed’ squirrels less good at learning
Squirrels that strongly favour their left or right side are less good at learning, new research suggests.
Reconnecting with nature key for sustainability
People who live in more built up areas and spend less free-time in nature are also less likely to take actions that benefit the environment, such as recycling, buying eco-friendly products, and environmental volunteering.
Exeter researcher finalist in Blavatnik Awards
A University of Exeter researcher has won recognition in the 2020 Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists in the UK.
Exeter-based tech company named in global top 10 VR experiences of 2019
A virtual reality simulation developed near Exeter has made a global list of top 10 VR experiences for 2019.
Climate change increases the risk of wildfires confirms new review
Human-induced climate change promotes the conditions on which wildfires depend, increasing their likelihood - according to a review of research on global climate change and wildfire risk published today.
Atlantic circulation collapse could cut British crop farming
Crop production in Britain will fall dramatically if climate change causes the collapse of a vital pattern of ocean currents, new research suggests.
Plant life expanding in the Everest region
Plant life is expanding in the area around Mount Everest, and across the Himalayan region, new research shows.
Highlighting women’s achievements makes them want to be the boss, research shows
Highlighting female achievements in the workplace makes capable women significantly more likely to want to be the boss, a study shows.