News archive

February 2015

You can be a coward or a fighter. Just pick one and stick with it, says study

When the chips are down, having a strong personality may be the difference between thriving and failing.

New interactive BBC documentary stars Exeter academic

A ground breaking interactive BBC documentary series exploring some of the biggest questions facing mankind about its past, present and future features expert commentary from University of Exeter religion scholar Professor Francesca Stavrakopoulou. 

Genomic differences between developing male and female brains in the womb

New research by scientists at the University of Exeter and King’s College London has made significant progress towards understanding the complex process of prenatal human brain development.

Alzheimer’s Society & University of Exeter join forces in fight against dementia

Alzheimer’s Society has announced the launch of a new dementia-focussed Doctoral Training Centre at the University of Exeter. The centre will support eight PhD students to investigate the effect of dementia on the brain’s neural networks.

Making the hidden history of Cornish migration count

Stories of emigration from Cornwall in 1851 overseas and to other parts of the UK are the first topic in the new series of research seminars led by the Institute of Cornish Studies (ICS), at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus on Saturday 14 February at 2pm in the Chapel Lecture Theatre.

Skeletons uncovered at Ipplepen reveals major Roman cemetery

15 ancient skeletons have been discovered on an archaeological dig in Ipplepen, a major Romano-British settlement in Devon and now the best preserved Roman cemetery.

Sunlight and vitamin D levels higher for coastal populations

People living close to the coast in England have higher vitamin D levels than inland dwellers, according to a new study published in the journal Environment International.

Mobile app holds key to success for Exeter students

A team of Exeter students have reached the final four of an international competition, designed to showcase technological innovation.

Unpublished works of Spanish feminist writers uncover Spain’s hidden past

Spain’s most famous children’s author Elena Fortún and companion Matilde Ras, a fellow feminist writer, are the subject of a new anthology which uncovers previously hidden diaries, a series of unpublished literature and evocative letters between the two whilst in exile.

Plain packaging reduces ‘cigarette-seeking’ response by almost a tenth, says study

Plain tobacco packaging may reduce the likelihood of smokers seeking to obtain cigarettes by almost 10% compared to branded packs, according to research from the Universities of Exeter and Bristol.

Critical green turtle habitats identified in Mediterranean

A new study led by the University of Exeter has identified two major foraging grounds of the Mediterranean green turtle 

Night skies brightest in human history

Artificial sky glow around the world has been quantified for the first time by researchers using a global network of sky quality monitors.

Study seeks to understand Amazonia's past to ensure its sustainable future

A new international project led by the University of Exeter will investigate the Amazon’s sustainable future by studying the way that ancient societies used and transformed the environment.

New research finds rivers can be a source of antibiotic resistance

 Rivers and streams could be a major source of antibiotic resistance in the environment.

#RU2Drunk breathalyser initiative reduced alcohol fuelled crime in Torquay

A scheme to breathalyse suspected drunks trying to get into pubs and clubs in Torquay has seen a 39 per cent drop in violent crime.

Online courts could increase access to justice and reduce costs by 2017

The future of civil law courts is likely to be online according to a new report. The study suggests that it will increase access to justice and streamline the court processes in England and Wales. 

Student scientists present research to Parliament

Budding scientists from the University of Exeter have showcased their innovative research at the Houses of Parliament, as part of a prestigious national event.

Satellite images reveal ocean acidification from space

Pioneering techniques that use satellites to monitor ocean acidification are set to revolutionise the way that marine biologists and climate scientists study the ocean. 

Wealth collides with debt in new theatrical production

Questions of power, wealth and politics are explored in a production which focuses on the global responses to and effects of austerity today. 

New game shuffles the pack of top female scientists

Do you know why Dorothy Hill or Rosalind Franklin are considered pioneers in their fields, or who left the greatest legacy -  Ada Lovelace or Marie Curie? The answers could be resolved in a new game, created by students at the University of Exeter.

Chinese New Year celebrations 2015

Chinese New Year is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays and 2015 will be the Year of the Goat. In China, it is known as the "Spring Festival" and marks the end of the winter season.

Algae aid corals in their fight against climate change

Corals may be better equipped to tolerate climate change than previously believed, according to research led by the University of Exeter.

Study seeks to understand variations in the rate of global warming

A new study has looked at slow-downs in the rate of global surface warming, despite ongoing increases in the emissions of greenhouse gases.

Tudor orchards and bloody rebellions in Devon

The popularity of Tudor history has reached new heights with the TV adaptation of Wolf Hall.

Seeking sanctuary:Refugee Week events

Encouraging people to take a positive look at asylum and celebrating the contributions of refugees in the UK forms the basis of Refugee Week.

Students’ innovative home security system scoops global technology prize

Exeter students have stormed to victory in an international competition, with their innovative app that allows users to lock and unlock doors with their mobile phone.

Join Dementia Research launched

A new nationwide online and telephone service that helps people in the South West of England to take part in dementia research studies is now live.

Weekend evolution: Bacteria ‘hotwire their genes’ to fix a faulty motor

Scientists have found how simple bacteria can restart their ‘outboard motor’ by hotwiring their own genes.