News archive
March 2021
Exeter Professor selected for EPSRC’s Strategic Advisory Network
One of the University of Exeter’s foremost experts in using Mathematics in Biomedicine and Healthcare has been selected to join a prestigious national advisory group.
Global warming poses threat to food chains
Rising temperatures could reduce the efficiency of food chains and threaten the survival of larger animals, new research shows.
Transmission risk of COVID-19 from sewage spills into rivers can now be quickly quantified
Scientists have identified that the COVID-19 virus could be transmitted through faecal contaminated river water.
Database of miscarriages of justice launched as part of new evidence-based justice initiative
A database showing miscarriages of justice that have occurred over the past 50 years has been launched as part of a new initiative aimed at using evidence from psychology and data science to improve the legal system.
Visiting water bodies worth £700bn to economies, study finds
Europeans spend more than £700 billion (€800bn) a year on recreational visits to water bodies – but perceived poor water quality costs almost £90 billion (€100bn) in lost visits, a new study has found
Rarest seal breeding site discovered
Scientists have discovered a previously unknown breeding site used by the world's rarest seal species.
Tenfold increase in CO2 emissions cuts needed to stem climate emergency
New research shows 64 countries cut their fossil CO2 emissions during 2016-2019, but the rate of reduction needs to increase tenfold to meet the Paris Agreement aims to tackle climate change.
First English translation of secret novel about hidden sexuality by one of Spain’s most-loved authors
A secret autobiographical novel by one of Spain’s most-loved authors inspired by her hidden sexuality has been translated into English for the first time.
Exeter subject success in influential league rankings
The University of Exeter’s subjects from across disciplines have been recognised as being amongst the very best in the world, according to the latest influential global league table.
Students’ fundraising efforts leads to Movember award
The University of Exeter is to receive an award for its students’ outstanding efforts in raising £200,000 for the recent Movember campaign.
Female gannets go the extra mile to feed chicks
Female gannets travel further than male gannets to find fish for their chicks in some years but not others, new research shows.
University of Exeter Law Society nominated for three prestigious awards
The University of Exeter’s Law Society has been nominated for three prestigious awards for work to create opportunities for students.
Exeter announces inaugural Director for City of Literature on World Book Day
The director appointed to drive forward Exeter’s City of Literature programme said she is excited about the opportunity to grow and promote the richness of Exeter’s literary arts talents.
Couples who married in alternative wedding ceremonies needed to help with new research project
Couples who chose to marry in an alternative wedding ceremony can take part in a major new research project which will shed light on the demand for non-legal marriage services in England and Wales.
Being highly educated not a curb to bigger families for religious women, study suggests
The trend for highly-educated women to have fewer children isn’t seen among those who are religious, new analysis suggests.
New research reveals story of Penguin’s work to bring Russian classics to English readers in the 20th century
New research reveals for the first time the personal efforts and innovations behind major efforts in the 20th century to publish classic Russian literature in accessible and affordable English translations.
Cognitive impairment research project to help improve lives by increasing contact with nature
New research project ENLIVEN will help older people living with cognitive impairment – including dementia – to be more active and independent and experience a better quality of life through increasing their contact with the natural environment.
Everyday sexism at petrol forecourt inspires new children’s book, published on International Women’s Day
A sexist encounter at a petrol station has inspired a new children’s book designed to encourage children to follow their dreams and challenge outdated gender expectations.
New arts/science collaboration launched at the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology
Fungi are unique. They are neither plants nor animals and are some of the world’s oldest living organisms. The various fungal species are diverse, with many unique properties: some innocuous, some useful, and some harmful.
University of Exeter Business School's pilot cohort of J.P. Morgan apprentices achieve spectacular results
The first cohort of degree apprentices studying at the University of Exeter Business School and employed by J.P. Morgan, a global leader in financial services, have achieved exceptional results in their end-point assessments.
Northcott Delves into the Past to Shape its Future
Exeter Northcott has announced a number of events to explore its archive and spark debate about emerging themes.
University of Exeter celebrates partnership with local college
The Children’s Health and Exercise Research Centre (CHERC), an internationally recognised paediatric research department at the University of Exeter, are celebrating seven years of collaboration with Exmouth Community College.
University of Exeter expert advising on legal reforms to better protect people from abuse using intimate images
A University of Exeter expert is advising on legal reforms designed to better protect people from abuse using intimate images.
€4 million project uses cutting-edge technology to enhance the habitats of key fish species
A cross-Channel partnership will use innovative underwater acoustic tracking technology to identify the environmental conditions a range of important marine species need in order to thrive.
Variant B.1.1.7 of COVID-19 associated with a significantly higher mortality rate, research shows
The highly infectious variant of COVID-19 discovered in Kent, which swept across the UK last year before spreading worldwide, is between 30 and 100 per cent more deadly than previous strains, new analysis has shown.
Combining public health and environmental science to develop pollen forecasting
New research, which brings healthcare data together with ground-breaking ecological techniques, could set a roadmap for refining pollen forecasts in the future.
Fishers at risk in 'perfect storm'
Stormier weather will increasingly force fishers to choose between their safety and income, researchers say.
Exeter tops sustainability 'teach-in'
The University of Exeter has topped the 2021 list of universities pledging to include the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within teaching, learning and assessment.
University of Exeter spin-out SENISCA secures £1.3M investment for pioneering anti-ageing technology
SENISCA, a University of Exeter biotech spin-out company has been successful in securing £1.3M for the development of its ground-breaking anti-ageing technology.
Major new study shows ancient international trading routes between Exeter and Europe
Cutting-edge scientific techniques used to study ancient artefacts found in Exeter have revealed more about the ancient international trading routes between the city and Europe.
Centre-right MEPs less cohesive on votes about EU fundamental values during Fidesz era, study shows
Centre-right MEPs voted less cohesively on issues about EU fundamental values when Fidesz was a member of the EPP group, a new study shows.
Sustainable PPE for health workers championed by Exeter professor
Sustainability experts from the University of Exeter Business School are working across the NHS in a drive to replace single-use PPE with more environmentally-friendly alternatives.
Pioneering study gives new insight into formation of copper deposits
A groundbreaking study has given new insights into how copper deposit-forming fluids are transported naturally from their source deep underground towards the Earth’s surface.
New research will show how history can inform future memorials to coronavirus victims
New research will show how public remembrance of traumatic events of the 20th century can help those planning memorials to the victims of the coronavirus pandemic.
Social media companies urged to tackle misinformation with accuracy prompts
Reminding social media users about accuracy could reduce the sharing of misinformation online, a new study finds.
University of Exeter joins national cancer health data research hub
The University of Exeter has signed up as an associate partner to DATA-CAN: The Health Data Research Hub for Cancer.
Exeter alumnus to help restore natural ecosystems as part of pioneering internship
A University of Exeter graduate will help restore natural ecosystems as part of a “rewilding” internship.
Infant mortality rate higher among pregnant women exposed to natural disasters
The babies of young mothers exposed to natural disasters in the womb are more likely to die or be smaller at birth, as researchers warn the climate crisis increases the likelihood of extreme weather events.
Academics congratulate “brilliant first-class” Oscar-nominated alumna
Oscar-nominated University of Exeter alumna Vanessa Kirby was a “genuinely brilliant first-class student”, her lecturers have said.
Carbon uptake in regrowing Amazon forest threatened by climate and human disturbance
Large areas of forests regrowing in the Amazon to help reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are being limited by climate and human activity.
New findings about immune system reaction to malaria and sickle cell disease
Scientists have discovered in more detail than ever before how the human body’s immune system reacts to malaria and sickle cell disease.
Amphibians that produce fewer offspring have increased extinction risk
The risk of extinction among amphibians – the most endangered animals on the planet – increases for species that produce fewer babies per birth, new research shows.
Breakthrough in developing new diagnostic procedure for pulmonary aspergillosis
Scientists have developed a pioneering new procedure that will help diagnose a potentially lethal fungal lung disease with greater speed and accuracy, and with less distress to the patient.
University of Exeter wins prestigious grant to showcase the contribution of arts and humanities research through the Covid-19 pandemic
The University of Exeter has been awarded £200,000* by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) to take arts and humanities research beyond higher education to drive social change.
University of Exeter expert to join the Pensions for Purpose Paris Alignment Forum
A University of Exeter academic will participate in a new forum set up by experts to explore the role of pension funds, asset managers and thought leaders in helping firms to cut greenhouse gas and carbon emissions.
National Tutoring Programme will need to support ten times current numbers of pupils to reach all disadvantaged children, experts warn
The Government’s National Tutoring Programme to help children affected by pandemic school closures will need to reach at least ten times the current numbers of pupils being supported to help all disadvantaged young people, experts have warned.
Online tool measures community carbon footprint
Communities can measure their carbon footprint using a new online tool.
Exeter excellence in primary care research recognised through NIHR research school membership
Excellence in primary care research at the University of Exeter has been recognised, through membership of a National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) collaboration designed to strengthen parts of the NHS.
Exeter student wins writing competition
A third year English student at the University of Exeter has won a Young Writers Short Story award.
Lawyers used sheepskin as anti-fraud device for hundreds of years to stop fraudsters pulling the wool over people’s eyes, study shows
Medieval and early modern lawyers chose to write on sheepskin parchment because it helped prevent fraud, new analysis suggests.
University of Exeter joins Europe’s largest astronomy network
The University of Exeter is joining Europe’s largest, ground-based astronomy collaborative network, it has been announced.
European rules to protect consumers using digital services such as social media need “significant changes”, experts warn
European laws protecting consumers using digital services such as social media and search engines need “significant changes”, experts have warned.
Gray’s beaked whales 'resilient' to ecosystem changes
An elusive whale species in the Southern Ocean could be resilient to near-future ecosystem changes, according to a new study by the universities of Exeter and Copenhagen.
Natural Sciences students’ research published in prestigious journal
A collaborative research project by team of undergraduate students from the University of Exeter’s Natural Sciences department has been published in a prestigious academic journal.
Ocean's mammals at crucial crossroads
The ocean’s mammals are at a crucial crossroads – with some at risk of extinction and others showing signs of recovery, researchers say.
Exeter Telethon breaks records with fundraising
The University of Exeter’s spring telethon has raised a record £226,513, an increase of more than £60,000 over the past highest total.
Food safety could be transformed by sharing commercially sensitive information in ‘data trust framework’
Tracing contaminated food, incorrect labelling and food fraud are among the problems that could be tackled by 'data trust framework' technology, according to a new report.
Take care when measuring biodiversity or risk ‘misguiding policy’, experts warn
Greater care needs to be taken when measuring the success of public spending on biodiversity to avoid ‘misguiding policy and spending’, leading researchers have warned.
Neuronostics close oversubscribed seed funding round
Neuronostics, an award-winning SME, has successfully secured £300K for the ongoing development of its revolutionary clinical decision support systems.
Northcott to Stream a Made-for-Digital Production of Antigone
Exeter Northcott Theatre is creating a filmed production of a rarely-performed version of Antigone by Bertolt Brecht.
Changes in mouth bacteria after drinking beetroot juice may promote healthy ageing
Drinking beetroot juice promotes a mix of mouth bacteria associated with healthier blood vessels and brain function, according to a new study of people aged 70-80.
Friends and enemies 'make sense' for long-lived animals
It makes evolutionary sense for long-lived animals to have complex social relationships – such as friends and enemies – researchers say.
Exeter Medical School help deliver vaccine trial as part of rising to COVID-19 challenge
Students studying Medicine, Nursing and Medical Imaging at the University of Exeter have supported the NHS in a wide range of roles throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Political beliefs shape whether we notice social inequality, study finds
Those on the left of the political spectrum in the UK and US are more likely to notice social inequality, but only when it affects typically disadvantaged groups.
Scientists discover unique Cornish 'falgae'
Red algae that grow in Cornwall's Fal Estuary are genetically unique, new research shows.
Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) launches
The University of Exeter’s commitment to providing key benefits to business, society and the economy has been recognised in a comprehensive national assessment.
Mental health of police officers improved thanks to surfing programme’s ‘unique approach’
Surfing helps improve police officers’ wellbeing and mental health, according to research from the University of Exeter Business School.