News archive
June 2021
Junk food game helps people eat less and lose weight
Using a brain-training app helps people eat less junk food and lose weight, new research suggests.
University of Exeter to play a key role in new £20 million industrial decarbonisation centre
Researchers from the University of Exeter are involved with two projects as part of the new £20 million Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre (IDRIC).
Study pinpoints key causes of ocean circulation change
Researchers have identified the key factors that influence a vital pattern of ocean currents.
People who falsely believe they are able to identify false news are more likely to fall victim to it, study shows
People who falsely believe they are able to identify false news are more likely to fall victim to it, a new study shows.
Exeter consolidates position in influential global rankings
The University of Exeter has maintained its position amongst the leading universities both nationally and internationally, according to the latest influential global rankings.
Blue Abyss brings world’s biggest and deepest pool to Cornwall with £150m project
The world’s biggest and deepest pool for testing the latest underwater technology, helping advance subsea robotics and even training astronauts is being planned in Cornwall.
Marine-i supports innovative application of space data for renewable energy
Marine-i has agreed to support a pioneering new approach to using space data to support the development of renewable energy sites, such as floating offshore wind. This new system could help reduce the risks and costs associated with these developments.
Powerful political leaders gathered in the South West – a thousand years before the Cornish G7
The imminent G7 meeting in Cornwall is not the first time leaders have taken advantage of spectacular settings in the South West to boost their political fortunes.
Worms blast off into space for muscle loss mission
Thousands of tiny worms will be launched into space today (3 June) to help scientists to understand more about muscle loss and how to prevent it.
Significant decline in the number of people receiving life-enhancing cardiac rehabilitation during the pandemic
The number of people engaging with life-enhancing cardiac rehabilitation clinics has declined during the pandemic, according to a BMJ clinical update which makes the case for more home-based and virtual alternatives.
New findings show pigeons act selflessly when under threat
A new study of pigeons has revealed that they flock together in the presence of predators for the collective benefit, rather than for selfish interest.
Green Thinking podcasts bring new approach to climate questions
A new podcast series hosted by a University of Exeter academic explores issues linking climate challenge and society, in conversation with some of the UK’s leading researchers.
Substantial carbon dioxide emissions from northern peatlands drained for crop cultivation
A new study shows that substantial amounts of carbon dioxide were released during the last millennium because of crop cultivation on peatlands in the Northern Hemisphere.
Ancient chickens lived significantly longer than modern fowl because they were seen as sacred – not food – study shows
Ancient chickens lived significantly longer than their modern equivalents because they were seen as sacred – not food – archaeologists have found.
Robots with T-ray technology to spot and remove cancer tumours in £8 million project
New technology that will marry probes that can detect cancer tumours through the skin with high-precision robotic surgery is to be developed for use in hospital settings for the first time.
Exeter achieves global top 150 status in influential rankings
The University of Exeter has broken into the top 150 in the QS World University Rankings for the first time.
Exeter reinforces position in The Complete University Guide
The University of Exeter has been ranked 13th in the Complete University Guide 2022.
Kinder Exeter festival to get underway with message to ‘wake up to kindness, compassion and play’
Look out for ‘kindness ninjas’ roaming the streets of Exeter next week as part of a new festival that aims to create cities of compassion and playfulness.
Play the Lameness Game to help reduce antibiotic use in sheep farming
A new citizen science study is trying to understand how easy it is to spot lameness in sheep by using a simulation game - in order to help reduce the use of antibiotics in sheep farming and fight the global problem of antimicrobial resistance. Click here to take part.
Experiments show natural selection opposes sexual selection
Natural selection can reverse evolution that occurs through sexual selection and this can lead to better females, new research shows.
Defying body clock linked to depression and lower wellbeing
People whose sleep pattern goes against their natural body clock are more likely to have depression and lower levels of wellbeing, according to a largescale new study.
South West scores 65 out of 100 for ocean health
South West England has scored 65 out of 100 for ocean health, a new report reveals.
Tasks set in science lessons influence children’s writing development, study finds
Tasks set in science lessons are helping children to develop their mastery of grammar, research shows.
Research project receives €6M to boost greener consumer products in Europe using innovative biotechnology
A pioneering, pan-European research project, designed to boost greener industrial processes for more sustainable daily consumer products like cosmetics or foods, has been launched.
Brain connections mean some people lack visual imagery
New research has revealed that people with the ability to visualise vividly have a stronger connection between their visual network and the regions of the brain linked to decision-making. The study also sheds light on memory and personality differences between those with strong visual imagery and those who cannot hold a picture in their mind’s eye.
Tool developed to measure carbon footprint of a Cornish pasty
Nothing says Cornwall more than a Cornish pasty, but have you ever considered the environmental impact it is having?
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UK needs to go ‘full circle’ to reach Net Zero, says Dame Ellen MacArthur at circular economy programme launch
A fundamental shift in how we use resources is the future of business and crucial to reaching Net Zero by 2050, but will require collaboration on a vast scale, according to Dame Ellen MacArthur.
Exeter scientists receive the Water-Oscar award
A pan-European research team has won a prestigious award at a recent ceremony, dubbed the ‘Oscars of the water industry’, for their project that developed new solutions to aid the recovery from pandemics such as COVID-19.
Largescale brain epigenetics study provides new insights into dementia
The largest study of its kind has unveiled new insights into how genes are regulated in dementia, including discovering 84 new genes linked to the disease.
Borneo's women helping to replenish rainforests
A women’s community group is helping to rejuvenate previously deforested areas of Borneo peatlands, with training provided as part of a collaboration between the University of Exeter and Borneo Nature Foundation (BNF).
Research establishes safe water thresholds for antimicrobials, advancing the battle against resistance
Researchers have made progress towards a G7 commitment to establish safe standards for the release of antimicrobials into the environment, by developing a new framework that establishes safe thresholds.
New support for teachers to help pupils manage emotions and have their voices heard when parents separate
Experts have designed new lesson plans to help pupils manage the emotions they may feel when parents separate and ensure their voices are heard during this difficult time.
Star’s death will play a mean pinball with rhythmic planets
Four planets locked in a perfect rhythm around a nearby star are destined to be pinballed around their solar system when their sun eventually dies, according to a new study that peers into its future.
Testing of innovative mooring component holds promise for Floating Wind Technologies
The University of Exeter Offshore Renewable Energy Group and Intelligent Moorings Ltd have successfully completed the demonstration testing of an innovative hydraulic nonlinear mooring system.
'Manage tourism and nature to boost both,' report says
Tourism and the natural environment can be managed in ways that benefit both, new research reports suggest.
Exeter doctor to launch diabetes education programme in Denmark
A diabetes expert at the University of Exeter has been awarded a fellowship at the Danish Diabetes Academy to develop an education programme to help people with Type 1 diabetes to exercise safely.
Impact of COVID-19 on weddings reinforces need for marriage law reforms, experts say
Coronavirus disruption to weddings has highlighted the complexity and antiquity of marriage law and reinforced the need for reform, a new study shows.
Researchers want to hear from artists about their experiences – and the challenges – of organising outdoor performances
Artists are invited to share their innovations in outdoor performances as part of a major new research project.
Languages in a Global World Event 2021: Professor Janice Kay in conversation with Susannah Poulton
Government International Trade Adviser Susannah Poulton will discuss her career helping businesses sell and operate around the world at a University of Exeter event.
UK climate champion appointed Honorary Professor at University of Exeter Business School
The UK’s High-level Climate Champion for COP26, Nigel Topping, has received an Honorary Professorship from the University of Exeter Business School.
Exeter leaders recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours List
Two prominent members of the University of Exeter’s community of experts have been recognised in The Queen’s Birthday Honours List, announced on Saturday.
Exeter students embark on a relay walk for climate justice
Two students from the University of Exeter in Cornwall are taking part in a relay walk from St Ives to Glasgow, to campaign for climate justice.
Exeter in GW4's world-leading One Health approach to tackling antimicrobial resistance pandemic
The GW4 Alliance (Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter universities) formally launch their new ‘One Health’ antimicrobial resistance research consortium today.
Drone footage reveals social secrets of killer whales
Killer whales have complex social structures including close "friendships", according to a new study that used drones to film the animals.
Turtle's tale reveals dual fishing threat
The story of a turtle caught twice in fishing nets reveals a dual threat facing many ocean animals.
University of Exeter plays a leading role in latest UK Climate Change Risk Assessment
Action to improve the nation’s resilience is failing to keep pace with the impacts of a warming planet and increasing climate risks facing the UK.
Mystery behind the “Great Dimming” of the Betelgeuse star solved
The quest to discover what lay behind the “great dimming” of the aging star Betelgeuse, normally one of the brightest stars on the night sky, has taken a new, fascinating twist.
Seabird eggs contaminated with cocktail of plastic additives
Chemical additives used in plastic production have been found in herring gull eggs, new research shows.
Urgent need to reform image of farming to prevent “disastrous” labour shortages, report warns
There is an urgent need to change the image of farming in order to prevent “disastrous” agriculture labour shortages, a new report warns.
Public concern on human health impact of plastic pollution
The impact of marine plastic pollution on human health tops a list of health-related concerns over marine threats in a large scale survey which could help shape policy over how best to protect our oceans.
A biological blueprint for tough colour.
The unique mechanical and optical properties found in the exoskeleton of a humble Asian beetle has the potential to offer a fascinating new insight into how to develop new, effective bio-inspired technologies.
Religious participation makes both old and young more likely to trust their neighbours and donate to charity, study shows
“Boomers” and “millennials” who go to church are more likely to trust their neighbours and donate to charity, according to a new study.
Imaging at the tip of a needle
Scientists have developed a new technique that could revolutionise medical imaging procedures using light.
Major discoveries about rock art across the world showcased at research symposium
Experts will showcase incredible discoveries about rock art around the globe at a symposium this week.
University of Exeter Business School is UK’s most improved in FT Master’s in Finance rankings
The University of Exeter Business School has made great progress in the Financial Times 2021 Master’s in Finance rankings, jumping eight places to break into the UK’s top 10 Business Schools.
Exeter Humanities Leads on New Activities in Venice
‘I’ve totally loved my time in Venice and I’m honestly jealous of everyone who will be going next year as I’ll miss it so much!’
‘Algorithms 22% more accurate at predicting welfare dependency’
Artificial intelligence is a fifth more accurate at predicting whether individuals are likely to become long-term recipients of benefits.
Childhood trauma can make people like morphine more
People who have experienced childhood trauma get a more pleasurable "high" from morphine, new research suggests.
Mongooses solve inequality problem
A fair society has evolved in banded mongooses because parents don’t know which pups are their own, new research shows.
New device refines scientists’ ability to sort and process human cells
An innovative new device which can examine and separate single cells on the basis of their response to stimuli could boost personalised medicine and advance our understanding of our own molecular mechanisms.
Bird migration takes plants in wrong direction to cope with climate change
Migratory birds carry most seeds in the wrong direction to help plants cope with climate change, new research shows.
Teachers want to encourage children to take a public stand against climate change
More than half of teachers in England are in favour of teaching children to take direct action against climate change and participate in related civil disobedience, according to a new survey.
Experts discover camp used by 10,000 Roman soldiers sent to conquer Northwest Iberia
Pioneering technology has helped experts find a lost camp built and used by thousands of Roman soldiers sent to conquer Northwest Iberia.
Cornish 'doughnut economy’ requires local action
Progress towards a fair and sustainable "doughnut economy" is happening at differing rates in different parts of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, according to a new report.
University spin-out reaches final of global competition
Neuronostics, an innovative spin-out company from the University of Exeter, is today (June 24th 2021) announced as one of four finalists for the Nature Spinoff Prize 2021.
Experts and filmmakers to discuss how historians can better inform period drama at virtual conference
Experts and filmmakers will discuss new directions in period drama, including how historical research can inform productions, at an event which will give unique glimpse into how stories from the past end up on screen.
Public opinion surveys on vaccine hesitancy can help predict where vaccine uptake is likely to be lower, study shows
Public opinion surveys could be used more widely to understand regional variation in vaccine hesitancy, experts have recommended.
COVID-19’s socio-economic fallout threatens global coffee industry
COVID-19’s socio-economic effects will likely cause another severe production crisis in the coffee industry, according to new research.
Calling local business owners! University of Exeter Business School offers free support through Peer Networks programme
The University of Exeter Business School is looking to recruit local businesses for the Peer Networks programme.
£3.7 million for Exeter to develop student wellbeing approach for higher education sector
New research by the University of Exeter and funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will evaluate and establish the best model to support student wellbeing across the university sector.
Meet Exeter’s bees, create GPS embroidery and explore the city’s maritime history at outdoor events
People can meet Exeter’s bees, create embroidery using GPS technology and explore the city’s maritime history at a series of innovative outdoor events this summer.
Cornish farmers could unlock 'natural capital' worth millions
Cornwall's farmers could unlock "natural capital" worth millions of pounds, a new report suggests.
Major new research project aims to address social mobility issues blighting young lives in the South West
A major new research project will seek to highlight and address the social mobility issues blighting young lives in the South West.
Experts issue “urgent call” for new international forum to help people displaced within their own country
Experts have issued an “urgent call” for a new international forum to help people who are displaced within their own country.
Jackdaws don't console traumatised mates
Male jackdaws don't stick around to console their mate after a traumatic experience, new research shows.